Other than the essentials (golf clubs, golf bag and balls) here are some suggested haves and have-nots for the upcoming 2016 golf season.
MUST HAVES
- Pitch-mark repairer and ball marker:
This essential tool comes down to courtesy and game play on the greens. If you’re nailing greens from 150 yards out, you’re also imposing significant ball marks on the green and it’s incumbent upon you to fix them. So grab a repair tool before you head out for each round. Many shops have nice magnetic ones that include a convenient hat clip and a ball marker.
- A nice-fitting glove:
They’re cheap enough that you don’t have to try and save money on this accessory which will make your round much more comfortable. A good glove will improve your grip and therefore your accuracy, as well. Ultimately, your choice in glove comes down to personal comfort, but pick the best one and make sure it breathes.
- Folding pushcart:
A folding pushcart will save you from having to pay fees at the golf course. With more people living in condos and townhouses, these carts fold nicely into a cube, making them easy to store. But the best reason to get a pushcart is that it encourages you to get exercise by walking the course, when you have the option to take a power cart. Also, if it doesn’t come with a beverage holder, you can always buy an attachable one.
- Novelty head covers:
These are rare outlets of personality on the traditionally dapper golf course. They’re great conversation starters, so be bold and go for the Tazmanian Devil head cover!
- GolfLogix mobile app:
This is advertised as the best free golf app for your mobile phone and its features are too long to list. This is a great way to analyze courses in a convenient way, before playing a round. The app provides local deals for green fees, tracks scores, and serves as a GPS device for nearly every golf course in North America. The only downside is that it will drain your phone’s battery and it could be cumbersome to use on the course.
MAYBES
- GPS device:
Santa just got me a GPS golf device last Christmas, for the 2016 golf season and I’m excited to use it. I don’t know if it’s worth the few hundreds of dollars when a mobile phone app can do much of the same. However, they are more convenient than a phone and handy as they fit in your pocket. You can also go with a GPS watch. Either way, it seems like more people are using GPS technology to make the best shot possible, so don’t get left behind, if you can afford it.
- Indoor putting green:
This may not fly with your spouse in the living room, but any chance you can get to practise your short game is a good chance. However, I’m not sure these practice devices can really translate to better putting all that much. They do, however, give you a good feel for your putter, especially if you’re transitioning to a new one.
- Practice net and mat:
These are great to take to a local park or your backyard. A good net will cost you under $200 so you need to balance the pros and cons of a net compared to going to the driving range. On the one hand, they’re convenient; on the other hand, they won’t show your distance and accuracy. You need to make sure you play off a mat if you’re in a public space.
MUST-NOT HAVES
- Ball retrievers:
There is nothing more ridiculous than ball retrievers. If you lose a ball in the water, so be it, and maybe it’s time to start buying used balls when you reach water hazards. Furthermore, ball retrievers slow the pace of play. If you must retrieve balls, do so when there’s no one playing behind you. Better yet, roll up the pants and get your feet wet to get that ball back. Now that’s real golf!
- Fitness watches:
Leave the fitness watch at home. You basically know how far you’ve walked on a golf course, so why bother?
- Bad attitude:
Did you hear? The 2016 golf season is not accepting bad attitudes. More than any other trinket you can buy, a positive attitude and good mental health on the golf course is your best weapon!
