Owning the right gear is essential for excelling in any sport, and golf is no exception. The right clubs, bags, and balls can significantly enhance your performance, keeping you organised and focused on the game. However, every golfer has their own style of playing as well as different needs and preferences. That said, choosing the right gear is a highly personal journey
Golf Bag
Golf bags are an important part of the golfing experience. They’re the ones that hold all of your gear and should be spacious and comfortable to carry around. There are several types of bags you can choose from. If you have a lot of equipment and like to go around the course with a cart, you should invest in a cart bag. These are large bags that can fit a lot of your golfing gear.
They’re also very simple to use. You simply place the spacious and practical golf bag on cart and start rolling around. These bags often have a rubberised bottom or are lined with some other grippy material so they don’t slide. Some of them even have a slot for a car strap. This way you can add extra stability and make sure everything stays in place. They’re also not so heavy, with a weight of around 2.5-3kg.
Tour bags are an option as well. They’re the heaviest, around 4.5kg and are meant for professionals but beginners can find them practical as well. They have plenty of storage space, and extra features and come in elegant designs. Inside you can fit the clubs, ball, towels, drinks, your rain jacket and much more.
Stand bags are perfect for golfers who don’t have a lot of equipment and don’t mind walking around the course. To keep them upright, manufacturers added retractable legs that can stand on any terrain. These are pretty lightweight bags that won’t weigh more than 3kg. To make the gear easily accessible, they have an angled opening with a lid.
You can also invest in a travel bag if you’re on the move a lot. These bags are specifically designed to keep your gear safe and protected during transport. They’ll prevent dents, scratches and other damage to the clubs and balls. There’s also the pencil bag which is the smallest of them all. It’s lightweight and has a minimalist design. It weighs around 1.5kg and comes with handles so you can carry it around with ease.
Golf Clubs
The golf clubs you own can make a big difference in your performance and success. There are 4 types of clubs you can use.
1. Woods: Ideal for long-distance shots, traditionally crafted from wood but now often made from lightweight metals.
2. Irons: Perfect for precision shots and used frequently on the green.
3. Wedges: Designed for short-range, high-accuracy shots.
4. Putters: Used for putting on the green, available in various styles and sizes to suit different techniques.
Choose a club with a wider clubface and a shorter shaft if you’re new to trying out golf. You’ll have a better chance of hitting the ball and improving your golfing skills.
The shaft is an essential element that affects the club’s feel in your hands. Shaft flexibility, or “flex,” comes in three different forms: standard, stiff, and very stiff. This is an element that can be made of steel or graphite. If you want something lighter and with more swing speed, you should buy a club with a graphite shaft. The steel ones will feel stiffer in your hands.
If you have the chance, always try the clubs or the balls you’re buying. Test them out to see if they’re the ones for you. The majority of gold stores have indoor green spaces where you can test them out. The clubs aren’t a one-size-fits-all thing. They’re a very specific thing that should fit you perfectly. Don’t rush, take your time and decide what’s best for you.
Golf Balls
Not all beginners are familiar with the different types of golf balls and their purposes. You don’t simply buy the balls, put them in the bag, get the golf bag on the cart and start your golfing journey. The balls are made of 3 main components. The core is compressed and moulded rubber and it’s the part that is responsible for the ball’s speed, accuracy and launch power.
Around the core are usually layers of plastic or rubber to keep the ball moisture-free. The final layer is the cover with the dimples. They’re there to improve the ball’s aerodynamics and reduce its drag. Distance balls are for long shots because they have increased speed. Control balls are for more accuracy and control. Soft balls are good for precision and control. It’s all about personal preference. You might have to try all of them until you find the ones you like working with.
Buggie
Buggies are a very practical piece of gear. There are two types of buggies, push and pull and electric. The push and pull ones are manual. The pull ones have 2 wheels and the push ones have three. Push buggies are more popular because they’re easier to control. Some of them even have brakes and larger wheels for a smooth ride on more surfaces and can handle all sorts of bags including golf trolley bags.
Electric trolleys run on batteries. You can use a speed dial or a remote control to operate them. They’re a bit more expensive but are an investment worth making because they’re easier to move. They will save you energy, which makes them ideal if you’re playing on a hilly course. Additionally, they include some fantastic features like shot measures, phone holders, and GPS locators.
Accessories
Having the right accessories can also help you improve your game. Golf gloves are a must for every golfer. They can be made of leather or synthetic. Choose the material depending on the weather you’re playing in. Tees are optional gear. They’re usually used when starting a hole on the tee box. They elevate the ball and make the hit much easier.
Just like any other sport, you’ll need towels as well. Choose something that has high absorbency and dries quickly. When it comes to size it’s a personal preference, but you should be able to carry it around the course easily. Make sure the towel has some sort of loop you can use to hang it and have easy access to it.