Stocking my bag with curated accessories is a passion (some call it an obsession). The next cool item is always on my radar, but here’s what I’m digging—and toting—right now.
1. SUN SENSE
Spray sunscreens often contain chemicals that can damage grass. One eco-safe option is Australian Gold Botanical sunscreen ($13.50). Another must-have is a non-greasy sunscreen designed specifically to protect your face, like this one from Neutrogena ($10.50).
2. H2O
Looking for a lightweight, spill-proof water bottle? I love this model from the folks at Brimma, primarily because it has a handle that allows me to clip it to my bag for easy access. $18
3. BOTTOMS UP
The Stitch 6-oz. flask features a customizable leather jacket that lets you tipple in style. $198
4. LINE ‘EM UP
Pro golfers rely on alignment sticks during practice, so why shouldn’t you? These hickory Bubba Whips sticks will let you train with old-school panache. $69
5. HEAD GAMES
If you do nothing else when you buy a new club, make sure to chuck the headcover that comes with it. Colorful, stylish headcovers—like these from Seamus Golf—are a small price to pay for the sense of satisfaction that comes with a major bag makeover. Driver cover, $65; wood cover, $55; hybrid cover, $55
6. WIND ADVISORY
Designed by a golf-obsessed meteorologist, the Weatherman Umbrella is built to withstand heavy gusts. But it’s the little details (like a mesh pocket under the umbrella’s canopy to keep your gloves dry) that make us love it even more. $59-95
7. MUSIC APPRECIATION
I’ve tried many speakers over the years, but this Puma Soundchuck Mini is easily my favorite. Made specifically for golfers, it’s durable, it quickly connects to my phone and clips to my bag, the battery lasts for at least two rounds, and it plays music loud enough for me to enjoy without bothering my neighbors. $80
8. THE FIX IS IN
I’m usually a tee-as-a-divot-repair-tool kind of golfer, but these handcrafted hickory Claret Dreamer diggers are too cool to pass up. Interested? E-mail their designer, Tim Alpaugh, at claretdreamer@gmail.com. $35
9. HOOK ‘EM UP
Towels keep falling off your bag? Grab a model with a center-cut hole, like this light microfiber G-Towel. $14
10. LET IT RAIN
Backing out of a tee time because you aren’t prepared for inclement weather is the opposite of stylish. The FootJoy RainGrip Glove—which features a synthetic suede palm and knit fingers—gives you one less excuse. $25
11. GLASS WITH CLASS
Tired of geeky golf shades? Companies like Maui Jim offer golf-specific technology (think slip-resistant frames and polarized lenses) in a fashion-first package. Maui Jim Tail Slide, $249
12. THE ESSENTIALS
Purchases from G/FORE and Seamus Golf include packets of fun tees that really round out a head-to-toe stylish look.
13. SEE IT FIRST
A quick, easy-to-use range finder will always be in style. Bushnell’s PRO XE, the brand’s latest model, measures yardages up to 450 yards and offers slope adjustments. $590
14. COLOR SCHEME
Companies now offer Tour-level golf balls with fresh colors and helpful patterns. Why would you ever use an all-white option again? Titleist ProV1 Yellow, $52; Callaway ERC Soft, $40
15. LESS IS MORE
Unless a company is paying you to carry their bag, opting for the least-branded one—like the Jones Players Series #003, a single-strap, stand-less carry bag with all the pockets and space you’ll ever need—will always be your most stylish bet. $165
16. COLOR POPS
Nothing livens up your outfit or your golf bag quicker than a snazzy-colored golf glove. Several brands now offer them, but G/FORE initiated their revival with a masterful take on a wide array of colors. $35-40
17. SNACK ATTACK
Five-hour rounds call for a snack with long-lasting energy. FBomb’s carb-free nut butter ($2.50), Lara Bar’s all-natural goodness ($1.25), and RXBAR’s minimal-ingredient protein bites ($1.70) all fit the bill.
18. GET ORGANIZED
Fumbling through your bag to find a tee or ball marker is just bad form. Companies like Seamus Golf offer stylish zippered pouches that keep your small items in one tidy spot. $55
19. TAKE COVER
The one club you should always protect is your putter, and you might as well go all in while doing so. Companies like G/FORE can help you get there. $95
