Last Updated on July 20, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
When was the last time you gave your golf bag a good cleanout? When I head out to play golf, I’m more interested in how I play and what I plan on doing on the course than what is in my bag. However, it does help to clean the bag out every once in a while, lighten it up, and make sure it’s just the essentials. If you have time this weekend to get it done, here are the things to eliminate when you clean out your golf bag.
Old Golf Gloves
Guess what?
Those shriveled-up old golf gloves that almost feel like they could crack need to go. Once you let your golf gloves get wet (and don’t dry them properly), they are done.
They’ll sit on the bottom of your golf bag and never perform like they once did.
All Those Ball Markers
Do you even use a ball marker half the time?
Probably not.
There is just no reason to have 32 of these on the bottom of your bag. Get rid of these and save the good ones that you like. Anything magnetic or that works with a repair tool is usually good to keep around.
Old Scorecards
Scorecards aren’t even necessary anymore. So many tools allow you to score online with ease. You can then just post the round right after you play.
If you have a sentimental golf card, you have been hanging onto, that’s one thing.
However, all the other ones in the bottom of the bag can go.
Unused Training Aids
Training aids are like clothes. If you haven’t worn (or used) them in a year, it’s time for them to go. Bring them home, sell them, actually use them, or simply toss them.
Most training aids have a short lifespan; golfers use them a few times and move on.
If that’s you, clear them out of the bag.
Old Club Headcovers
If you’ve replaced your driver but you still have the old Titlesit 913 series headcover in the bottom of the bag, feel free to let it go. Chances are you will never need it and even though you are carrying this one around as a backup it’s not worth the extra weight.
Expired Sunscreen
Sunscreen for golfers is so important. However, expired bottles of sunscreen are not effective.
Check your sunscreen expiration dates at the start of every season.
Replace them and use them!
Over-the-Hill Golf Balls
I’m all for using golf balls for more than one round. In fact, I even play with golf balls (that I like) if I find them on the course after someone else has lost them. However, I do not play a golf ball if it’s scuffed, cut, or discolored.
The tests have been done; we know these don’t fly as far or perform.
Put them away! Use them in the yard for practice.
Clubs You Never Use
Let’s face it: that 2-iron in your bag? It’s done.
Play with 14 clubs that you actually use, or play with 11 or 12 clubs that you use.
Don’t put 14 clubs in the bag, but only use 10 of them; it’s a waste! Clean out your golf bag and make room for equipment that will help lower your scores.
Shattered Tees
I know you think you are being environmentally friendly by trying to use the tiny pieces of tees that you broke during your last round. Here’s the problem: One day, you are going to stick your hand into the bottom of the bag and stab yourself with one of these broken tees.
Take it from my personal experience!
I only put full tees back in the bag. I’ll use broken tees throughout my round on par 3s or, when appropriate, with a fairway wood off the tee. However, unless a tee is in great shape, it doesn’t go back in the bag.
Your Old Rangefinder
It’s time to let go. I know the thing cost $399 when it first came out, and now you can get better technology for $150. Things have changed, and just like clubs, if your rangefinder is 5 to 7 years old, it’s probably time to let it go. There are some great alternatives out there for really fair prices.
Be honest, how many of these 10 things are you going to have to clean out your golf bag?
