Before considering what the contents of our golf bag should include, it is actually worth noting that there is a wide choice of golf bags themselves available. To a large degree your golf bag preference is dependent on your budget as well as what you want from your golf bag. There are some golf bags that are designed for fashion, some for their usefulness and practicality and some that combine both of those features.

To ask the age old question - does size matter? Many golfers consider this to be an important factor. So, fortunately there are large bags, larger bags and bags so big that they’d keep everything I would need for a long weekend holiday in one of the side pockets! What do people often say - everything but the kitchen sink, I think it is. Quite possibly you are a golf beginner. If that is the case, choosing a suitable golf bag is one of the numerous aspects of the game you will need to add to your list of “to do’s”. This task along with many other golfing matters can seem quite daunting for the golf “newbie”. Don’t worry though, you can find many great tips and information at [1] Golf Beginners Guide. 

Anyway, back to your golf bag. Regardless of any fashion considerations for the time being, generally speaking you will need a bag that will be sufficiently large enough to hold your clubs, extra balls, your glove, tees, car keys, extra pencils, ball markers, a ball retriever,
sun tan lotion, a windbreaker and an umbrella.

It is also worth bearing in mind that it would be a good idea to have a packet of tissues, a sticky plaster or two, and if you play courses wherever insects are a problem, a can of bug repellent spray will also be most welcome. Warm climate or not I would most definitely include a bottle of water (or another preferred drink - no, not alcohol!!)

A small packet of baby wipes will come in very handy as well. When they are in your bag they will be warmed by the heat, therefore if you were to sweat or if you were to be covered in sand after a visit to a bunker for instance, then a nice warm wipe can be extremely satisfying. To cool from the heat, a golfing buddy I know carried a small, battery operated fan with him. Quite a good idea as it happens but remember, they can be fairly noisy and distracting so do not use it when your partner is about to take a shot. The fan is not a bad idea but not an essential for the [2] golfing beginner.

A golfing friend of mine also happens to be allergic to bees, hornets and wasps, so Epipen is a vital addition to his bag. He is also hypoglycemic so he carries Lifesavers, which have to be replaced several times throughout the year because they tend to melt.

One item that does not necessarily need to be in your golf bag is your mobile phone. Nevertheless, if you believe that it is necessary for you to have it while playing, then at least show some consideration for your golfing colleagues and have the ringer on silent. If it so happens that you have to use it, then consider your fellow golfers who may be preparing to take a swing or an important put. Be courteous and show respect for your golf playing partners!!

If you were to include these items in your golf bag then you should be covered for most eventualities, like a minor crisis (such as a blister or small cut), or even a relatively major nuisance like a downpour of rain. Being organised and prepared makes the game a great deal more fun.

You may think of other things that are essential to you (for example you may suffer from hay fever and as a result your medication is vital) so take note of the above items as a guideline. You shouldn’t go over the top as, after all, you will still have to carry the bag so you do not want it to be too heavy. You do not want to expend all you energy on lugging your heavy bag round. Whatever you choose to keep in your bag always look after the items as well as you would look after your other [3] golf equipment.