7 Must-Have Golf Accessories Every Golfer Actually Uses
When it comes to golf, it’s the little accessories that matter. Sure, the driver gets the applause and the putter wins the bag, but the small gadgets in your bag are the real unsung heroes of the game.
Rolling up to the course, chances are the cart already has some basics waiting for you: tees, a towel, maybe even a GPS. The thing is... just because it’s provided to you, doesn’t mean it’s the best option for your game.
Think of them like gas station coffee. Yeah, it'll do the job, but it’s not really what you want.
These items, though, are the seven must-have golf tools for your bag that will make a bigger difference than the newest driver. Rated from 1: nice-to-have to 5: absolutely essential.
Rangefinder or GPS
Rating: 4
Okay, yes, a lot of carts come with built-in GPS, now. They don’t, however, always account for slopes, exact pin positions, or hazards you can’t see. Then there are the rare courses that are walking only. A personal rangefinder still gives you the most precise numbers, and that accuracy means confidence when it’s time to let it rip.
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Golf Glove
Rating: 5
Nothing fancy here, just necessary. Gloves prevent slips, keep your grip consistent, and save you from blisters and unnecessary post-round pain. The pro tip? Carry a spare. Gloves wear and tear faster than most players expect and course pro shops are not where you want to overpay for a backup.
Golf Towel
Rating: 5
Courses almost always clip a thin, single-sided towel to your cart. It works in a pinch, but it’s not the best tool for keeping grooves and balls truly clean. A proper golf towel makes a difference every hole, making it one of the most underrated golf bag essentials, keeping your grooves clean and your shots consistent. Some players lean on upgraded versions because they are built for the job and can replace other items like a golf brush. Think of it as the difference between wiping down your car with a napkin versus a microfiber cloth. They both get the job done, but one makes you shrug, the other makes you grin.
Golf Tees
Rating: 3
Another given. Yes, the starter hut or cart will typically have a cup of freebies. But let’s be real: they’re often brittle from exposure, short, and inconsistent. If you care about your setup, bring your own in different lengths… your driver and your 5-iron will thank you.
Divot Repair Tool
Rating: 4
This is the one tool that is less about your game and more about respecting the game. We all know that golf is a game of centimeters and it doesn’t take much for a clear line to veer. Repairing ball marks keeps greens playable. Carrying your own tool means you’re never hunting for a tee or improvising with a wedge. Bonus is that most of the repair tools also double as ball markers. Small, simple, and one of those golf accessories every player should carry.
Extra Golf Balls
Rating: 5
For most players, losing balls isn’t a question of if, it’s when. Keeping a stash of extra golf balls is like having spare lives in a video game. In fact, sticking with that same brand and model you normally play helps keep your round consistent. Switching between random brands changes spin, feel, and distance more than people realize. That’s why extra balls are one of the most practical golf gifts, every player needs them, every round.
Golf Shoes
Rating: 5
Look, you can play in sneakers, if you want.
The pros know golf shoes give you the traction you need on uneven lies and wet grass. Plus, modern golf shoes are lightweight and built for long rounds on foot. When your shoes are comfortable and your footing is solid, you stay balanced, avoid slips, and make cleaner swings.
Golf courses may stock your cart with a few basics, but relying on those is like downing gas station coffee before a long drive. You’ll regret it halfway through the round and the good golfers know better. A proper glove, a reliable towel, and your own stash of balls and tees are the details that keep your game consistent.