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 great extent your golf bag choice is driven by how much your budget is as well as what it is you actually 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. If you are just starting out in golf then choosing the appropriate golf bag is one of many things you need to consider carefully. Choosing the right golf bag, as well as having to contend with all the other golf matters you will need to learn, can be quite intimidating for the newbie golfer. Don't worry though, you can find many great tips and information at 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,
sunscreen, a windbreaker and a large 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. In any type of weather it is well worth considering taking a bottle of water with you (or any other drink of your choice - alcohol excluded of course!!)!!)
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 combat the heat, one golfer I know used to carry one of those small, battery operated fans. 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 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 hypoglycaemic as well so he carries Lifesavers, which need to be replaced numerous times during the year because they are inclined to melt.
One item that does not necessarily need to be in your golf bag is your mobile phone. If you feel it is essential for you to carry it, then turn the ringer to silent as a courtesy to other players. 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. Show consideration to your fellow golfers!!
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. If your organisation and preparation is well taken care of, the game of golf becomes so much more enjoyable.
These suggestions are not exhaustive. You may have some items that are important for you (for instance you may need to take certain types of medication), so consider these ideas as a guide only. 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 golf equipment.
