The Highs: Really grips your foot; provides extra cushioning where needed; no more confusing your left from your right sock ;-)

 The Lows: Price unfazed by The Great Recession, potential Greece default, or anything else

 The Verdict: The best golf socks I’ve ever worn

You may have never seen them before, but FootJoy launched its line of “TechSof” socks back in 2008.  From the FootJoy website:

The TechSof sock from FootJoy features an anatomically-shaped footbed for enhanced cushioning in targeted areas of high impact and is designed to provide support, conform to and cradle the foot for better stability.

Breathable mesh inserts are strategically positioned to increase ventilation, while DriLex moisture control technology is designed to provide comfort and quick-drying.

I’d never seen TechSof socks in a pro shop or golf store, but stumbled across them in The Golf Warehouse catalog; intrigued, I bought a few pair. Let me skip to the punchline: eight months later, these are the only golf socks I wear now, and no, they aren’t going to lower your handicap. They are, however, ridiculously comfortable and supportive, and seem to offer a modest benefit in terms of moisture wicking.

Regardless of where you buy them, the socks come in an elaborate retail package that touts their features and benefits. Each pair of the sport version sells for around $12 a pair; they’re $9.99 at The Golf Warehouse, though.  I’ve also seen the Tour Crew (calf length: MSRP $14) for $9.99 at Golf Galaxy, so look around if you’re interested.

As your feet are mirror images of one another, the socks are shaped to fit each.  (See below.) Here’s a suggestion: don’t remove your golf shoes in front of your buddies while wearing these, or the resulting abuse might last for years. Just put them on the correct feet, enjoy the comfort and support, and keep your little secret to yourself.

I’ve been too afraid to investigate what happens if you switch them up and wear the socks on the wrong feet; doing so would undoubtedly rip a hole in the time-space continuum, or something infinitely worse; don’t do it.

FootJoy TechSof socks come in three sizes:  “Tour Crew” (calf height); “Tour Sport” (shown here); and “Tour Low Cut” (below), in several colors. MSRP for the Tour Crew is $14; the other models, $12. As mentioned earlier, if you search, you can find them for ~$10.

It’s not as though you’ll turn your game around by switching to these socks. That said, they’re dramatically more supportive and comfortable than garden variety golf or other athletic socks.  There’s no reason, by the way, that you couldn’t wear the Tour Crew (calf length) sock to work, or use any of the TechSof socks for other athletic pursuits.

If you’d like to learn more about TechSof socks, visit the FootJoy site here:  FootJoy TechSof socks.

I have no connection to FootJoy, Golf Galaxy, or The Golf Warehouse.

In another week or so, I’ll be heading off to south Florida for for 9 rounds of golf in 7 days with a bunch of guys from around the country.  Other than lugging my sticks with me (which is a big caveat, I suppose), this is a perfect opportunity for one bag travel.  All I need are two or three pair of golf shorts, a pair of jeans, and about a dozen golf shirts…  and of course, tons of golf socks, underwear, and a few tee shirts.  Wind shirts, my rain suit, and golf shoes will ride along in my golf travel bag.  I’ll be basically out of pocket as far as work is concerned, but can check emails in the evening with my BlackBerry or loaner iPad.   So:  no need for multiple bags, and no need to check a bag.  Perfect!

Given the fact that the mean temperature in January here in The Middle of Nowhere was approximately 1°F, I am a bit anxious for this trip.  I’ve begun thinking about packing, and went as far as getting my Sub-0-G out already.  This will definitely be wheelie time, as I don’t want to risk messing up my back with an over the shoulder bag.  (Yes, I am getting old, er, older.  I’ve reached the point where I get mildly apoplectic whenever the subject of The Jersey Shore comes up, but that’s another post. My father was right.)

I haven’t played golf since Thanksgiving weekend, when we spent a few days in Palm Desert.  Honestly, I’ve been patient with the subsequent lack of “golfage,” and have even somewhat enjoyed having a bit of a break, but as this trip nears, I can taste it.   I can’t wait to be on the first tee.  I ended last year on an absolute tear, breaking 70 for the first time ever, and (warning:  big mistake) my expectations are high.  This is usually the kiss of death, so we’ll see…

I’ll bring along a camera, and if I have a chance I may post a few “on the road” shots during the trip.  I’ll be around for a bit yet, so expect a post or two next week.

Golf is hard enough without having to play in heavy, sweat-soaked clothing when the hot weather hits.  Our high temperatures have been in the mid 80′s to low 90′s recently, and it’s been humid as well.  Going out to play in a pair of heavy shorts and a 100% cotton shirt is deadly…  as well as not helpful to your game.

With this in mind, I’ve recently been searching for the lightest weight, coolest-feeling golf clothes available.  Thus far I’ve come up with a couple of winners…

Most of my golf shorts are fairly traditional – 100% cotton Adidas, Nike and Dockers shorts.  They’re nice enough, but when the heat and the humidity are turned up, everything starts feeling heavy.  Regular readers know that in the past I’ve looked to backpackers and hikers for lightweight packing strategies, and so I naturally turned to CAMPMOR, the camping and recreational equipment online/bricks and mortar retailer.

Scanning the men’s shorts section, I came across a pair of Royal Robbins “Backcountry” shorts.  Available in a couple of colors including khaki, they’re made with Supplex^® nylon that dries quickly, resists water, stains and wrinkles.  Best of all?  They weigh a mere 9.3 oz and feel as though they weigh half that.  The inseam is 8″, so they’re a reasonable, just above the knee length as well.

For a comparison, I weighed a pair of 100% cotton Nike shorts and they weighed 11.4 oz.  I should mention that the Royal Robbins shorts include a nylon web belt with a quick release buckle.  The elastic in those shorts also add to their sense of comfort.  Love ‘em!  Price: $34.99

As far as shirts go, there are many options when it comes to lightweight, high-tech shirts.  I have a number of 100% poly or poly blend golf shirts, and they are all considerably lighter than 100% cotton shirts.  The absolute lightest shirt I’ve found thus far is from Eddie Bauer, of all places!  Simply called the Short Sleeve Half-Zip Polo, it’s made with a blend of polyester and Cocona polyester; moisture wicking, fast drying, odor resistant and offering UV protection as well, this shirt weighs a mere 6.3 oz.

My only misgiving about this shirt is that it’s zippered, and the placket is a contrasting color to the shirt; in my view it’s got a bit of a metrosexual vibe to it.  But I don’t feel strongly enough about it to not wear it!!  (On the darker colors, the contrast between the shirt and placket colors is less pronounced.)  This shirt is currently on sale for $19.99

Also worth mentioning are the Izod FX Series golf shirts; the one I have weighs 6.6 oz. and is a good looking, super lightweight shirt.  It too is 100% polyester.  There’s an Under Armour golf shirt in my closet as well, 100% poly, and it clocks in at 9.1 oz.

I’m open to other suggestions…  please comment if you’ve discovered any terrific hot weather gear!

The Fine Print:  I have no connection to any of the companies mentioned in this post.

One of the wonderful aspects of golf is that we always have a goal, and are always trying to improve. If you’re a 20 handicap, you want to be a 15; a 15, you aspire to be a 12; a 12, you want to be a single digit handicap, and so on. Given this basic fact and the intensity with which we experience the game, it’s somewhat surprising to witness the utterly haphazard way in which many amateur players approach the game and their attempts to play better.

Many amateur players don’t warm up properly, employ poor course management, are aggressive when they should be conservative (and chicken out when they should be aggressive,) and put far too much emphasis on equipment than study and instruction.

It needn’t be that way. Every player – whether a 22 or a 12 or a 5 – can improve.

What follows are 15 tips and methods that have been proven by teaching professionals, amateur players, and yes, PGA Tour Pros – and which can dramatically improve your game IF you’re willing to invest a little time, effort and thought in your game…

1. Warm up by first chipping & pitching the ball. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend a couple of PGA Tour events and one LPGA event, and have watched a number of pros warm up on the range – including Tiger, Ernie Els, Mickelson, Annika, and others. I’ve never seen a Tour Pro walk up to the range, pull his (or her) driver out of the bag and begin banging away. Every pro I’ve watched has begun with a short iron – a wedge, 9 iron, or 8 iron – and started his warmup with quarter or half swings – essentially pitching the ball with short swings. There’s an old adage to the effect that if you can’t pitch the ball, you won’t be able to hit it with a full swing. When you go to the range, follow the pros’ approach and slowly warm up, taking half swings. Concentrate on making good contact, feeling the clubhead rotate through impact and the follow-through. Develop an easy rhythm and don’t force your swing. Be smooth and fluid, concentrating NOT on how far the ball goes, but on making solid contact. When you’ve hit 8 or 10 good pitches, begin lengthening your backswing, gradually working up to a full swing. When you’ve hit several solid short irons, move up to a 7 iron – starting with a couple of half swings, then full swings. Move through your bag in this manner, eventually working your way up to full swings with a long iron and your woods. You have 3 goals in your pre-round warmup at the range: warm up your muscles; get into a smooth, unhurried rhythm; make solid contact with the ball. Having done that, head off to the first tee (or better yet, the practice green) with confidence.
2. Practice the important stuff. Let’s say you’re a 15 handicap, and your average score is 85. Furthermore, let’s assume you average 30 putts per round and hit 8 greens in regulation. As a result, you’re chipping or pitching the ball onto 10 greens, as you missed them. 30 putts divided by 85 strokes equals 36%. 10 chips/pitches divided by 85 strokes equals 12%. Adding the two, 48% of your game is around or on the green. Taking the point a bit further, let’s assume you hit a short iron (8, 9, PW, SW, LW) onto 10 greens from the fairway. 10 divided by 85 equals 12%. What does this analysis tell you? ~60% your game is (guessing at your yardage) 140 yards and in. If you want to score better, the answer is fairly obvious: develop your short iron skills, learn how to chip effectively, and practice putting. It may be fun to go to the range and hit your driver 40 times, banging away till you have blisters, but in an average round the most you’re going to hit your driver is 14 times. And frankly, if you’re a 15, it should be fewer than that. You ought to be hitting a fairway wood or utility club off the tee on shorter par 4′s… so maybe you hit your driver 10 times or so in a round. Compare that to how often you use your putter or your wedges; put your time into practicing with those clubs and it’ll reward you very quickly. Practice with your wedges and short irons on the range, and on the course. Practice putting at least once a week – spend 15-20 minutes rolling the ball, doing speed drills and shorter putts (more on this later.)
3. Develop a solid pre-shot routine. The next time you watch a PGA or LPGA tournament on TV, pay special attention to the pre-shot routine of one or two players. I’ll bet you a sleeve of Pro V-1′s that each goes through the exact same routine on each shot, and it doesn’t vary by more than a second or two from shot to shot. Watch Jim Furyk putt – he starts his routine, addresses the ball, – and then backs off – every time. It may look goofy, but it’s his routine. If you haven’t already, you need to develop your pre-shot routine, and you need to follow it on every shot (your routine on putts will differ a bit, but the principle is exactly the same.) Over time your routine will become your comfort zone, your refuge – it’ll settle you down, help you block out distractions and get you into that necessary mental groove before executing each shot.
4. Play away from the big number. A week or two ago I was playing with an older member of our club who’s a low 20′s handicap. We were on a par 5 and he lay 3, about 150 yards from the pin; as I watched, he pulled a 3 wood from his bag. On his best day he can perhaps hit that club 160 yards – without a lot of control over direction. This particular green is guarded by 2 large greenside bunkers, and the rough around the green is thick and tough – it’s very difficult to chip and pitch out of. I stopped him (he appreciates any help I can offer; otherwise I wouldn’t intrude) and suggested he lay up to a point in the fairway about 60 yards from the pin. Doing so required a fairly easy iron shot, and I knew he’d be much more comfortable with that shot. He laid up, pitched onto the green, and actually made the putt for a bogey. Doing so took the big number out of play – if he’d gotten into one of the bunkers or got into the rough around the green, he easily could have walked away with an 8 or 9. There’s no shame in playing away from hazards if you’re an average golfer – especially if the alternative is a double or triple bogey. Avoiding blow-up holes is one of the surest ways to lower your handicap if you’re a high handicapper. As you develop your game and skills then – and only then – you can be a bit more aggressive!
5. Work on the most important shot in golf. This point is an extension of #2, and if you were paying attention, you’ve probably guessed that I’m not going to talk about your driver. The importance of sinking putts cannot be overemphasized. If you don’t devote very much time to practice, at the very least – and I am assuming if you’ve read this far you’re a golfer who wants to improve and is willing to spend at least some time practicing – practice putting 3 and 4 foot putts. If you’re able to reliably make putts of this length it will accomplish 2 very important things: a) you’ll lower your scores, and b) you’ll be able to be a bit more aggressive on longer putts as you’ll be confident that if you miss you’ll make the comebacker. There are many resources available on putting – Dave Pelz’ Putt Like The Pros is a good resource; you may also want to check out this brief article at golftipsmag.com Ultimately, however, there’s no substitute for having a pro check your mechanics and practicing, practicing, practicing. Rolling a few putts before a round does not qualify – spend 15-20 minutes per week rolling putts from 3-4 feet – and keep a few basics in mind: stay stable, don’t peek, and roll the ball hard enough to get it about 12-14″ past the cup. (According to Pelz, 17″ is the magic number; for the average golfer, 12-14″ will work just fine – certainly better than trying to lag every putt!!)
6. Play with better players. Sometimes this is easier said than done, but the principle is valid: play with better players than yourself. Playing with better players will encourage you to play (and therefore, practice) better, and afford you opportunities to learn from them. If you’re a 10 and you’re playing with a few 20′s, it’s not going to help you improve. Having said this, your friends are your friends, and if they’re hacks but great people, you may not have a lot of options (at least you’re blessed with some good friends.) Another option is to enter a few tournaments to see how your game responds to tournament pressure – plus you may meet some other players.
7. Commit to the shot and then just do it. One of the paradoxes I’ve noticed in golf is that most amateurs play too aggressively off the tee and quit on critical short shots. When faced with difficult chips or tough putts or a pitch over a big bunker, they often “chicken out” rather than aggressively executing the shot. One of the absolutes in golf is that you must fully commit to each shot, focusing on what you need to do and not thinking about outcomes. (The only exception is match play, which is an entirely different subject.) When you begin to think about your expectations or the outcome of a certain shot or putt should you miss, you have doomed yourself. Determine what you need to do, think it through, commit to the shot, and then having “programmed” in what you need to do, simply do it – without regard to outcomes. Which leads to my next tip…
8. One shot at a time. Perhaps you’ve heard this expression before. The essential point here is that you must play each shot in the present – not thinking about what comes next, not thinking about your score, and certainly not thinking about what happened in your last round, on the last hole, or with the last swing. Play and enjoy each shot in the present – think through your lie, the wind, your target, and so on – utilize your pre-shot routine to give yourself some “mental space” – and then execute the shot. Here’s a brief article from Raymond Floyd on this very point. This can be difficult to do; the best suggestion I can make is to simply train yourself to let your expectations and the past go: when you find your thoughts wandering to your score, the next hole, the last shot, – get your mind back on your next shot and what you need to do. Banish all other thoughts from your mind – they aren’t going to help you – determine what you need to do and then execute the shot and enjoy it.
9. Develop a safety shot. I’ve written quite a bit here about the short game and how essential it is; there’s no doubt that the short game is a huge factor in every round. Having said this, it’s also true that many disasters (and therefore, big numbers on your card) happen from the tee. As you develop as a golfer you’ll need to develop a reliable “safety shot.” A safety shot is a shot you know you can execute when the wheels start coming off. It may be dropping down to a favorite utility club, or aiming at the left rough, weakening your grip and hitting a cut – what it is doesn’t matter, as long as you have a shot you KNOW you can execute when you or your game is in trouble. If you’re leaking oil when you’re finishing your round – or when you come to a critical hole – a safety shot will enable you to get through it unscathed – or at least without carding an ugly number.
10. Buy equipment that’s suited to your game. If you’re a high handicapper, buy super game improvement irons and a forgiving driver. If you’re a mid handicapper, I’d still recommend game improvement irons, and I’d suggest you give some consideration to not carrying an iron longer than a 5 iron. This game is tough enough – take advantage of technology and all it offers. I’m a 6-7 handicap (current index is 6.5) and my 5, 6, and 7 irons are classified as “super game improvement” clubs, and I couldn’t be happier. My 8, 9, PW, and gap wedge are “player’s” clubs, as are my sand and lob wedges. My 3 and 4 irons are hybirds. (October, 2011 update:  my index is now 4.9;  I currently play a mixed set of Mizuno irons: 5-6-7 irons are MP53′s, and my 8-9-PW are MP63′s. Same principle applies.) I see no point in making the game any more difficult by trying to hit a 3 iron blade – what’s the point? Find some other endeavor where you can be a purist – here our focus is on playing as well as we can and lowering our handicaps.
11. Have a game plan and stick to it. This is especially critical as you approach tournament play, but the principle is just as valid when it comes to playing with your girlfriends or buddies on the weekend. Develop a plan well before your round as to how you’ll approach each hole, and then stick to that plan. That short par 4 with the narrow, sloping fairway and fairway bunkers 240 yards off the tee? Hit your 3 iron hybrid and put yourself on the fairway for your approach shot. That par 3 over water that eats your lunch when the pin is back – at the narrower part of the green? Hit a shorter, more comfortable iron to the front (fat part) of the green. Having a well thought out plan will settle your mind and let you concentrate on executing your plan, rather than improvising something on the spot. When you’re making your mind up on the tee, doubt enters your mind, and with doubt comes much greater potential for poor execution and mistakes. Plan your round and then stick with your plan.
12. Play the critical holes backward – especially par 5′s. Of course I’m not suggesting you literally play from green to tee – what I’d like you to do is to examine each long (or simply tough) par 4 and par 5 from the green, looking back at the tee. When you’re in the fairway on these holes, turn around and look back at the tee as well. Where is the fairway widest? What are the best lines to take from the tee? On par 5′s, where’s the safest point to land your 2nd shot? On our course we have a par 4 that when viewed from the back tees, it appears that the center of the fairway is straight toward a large pine tree in the distance. When you stand at that tree and look back at the tee however, it’s obvious that the actual center of the fairway is about 30 yards left of the “apparent” center… and there’s a water hazard on the right. Looking at par 5′s and long or tricky par 4′s from the fairway and green back toward the tee will afford you fresh insight into the best approach to playing these holes. Here’s a link to a brief article on this subject by Ernie Els. Try it the next time you’re on the course!
13. Develop one or two simple swing thoughts. I’m not a proponent of complicated swing thoughts. The ideal state when you initiate a swing is one of relaxation, focus, and commitment. We all, however, sometimes find odd thoughts or (swing) memories entering our minds as we prepare for shots. A simple swing thought or two can – in conjunction with your pre-shot routine – help you get into the proper frame of mind and avoid mistakes. My swing thoughts are very simple – something like “Slow-Stable-Smooth.” This is just a way for me to remind myself to be slow on my takeaway, to not sway laterally during the backswing (“stable”,) and to initiate the downswing smoothly. I’ll let these thoughts run through my mind as I take a couple of smooth practice swings and then step up to the ball. If I feel as though my backswing has been getting a little long, I might might think “Slow-Short-Smooth.” As we develop as golfers we begin to understand what our mistakes are – perhaps you get a bit quick from the top and pull your shots under pressure; in that case, you might consider something like “Slow at the top and drop” – be slow and smooth as you transition to your downswing, and just drop your hands from the top of the backswing. A good swing thought is simple and helps you avoid your common mistakes – especially under pressure.
14. Visualize the shot. We are all familiar with the concept of visualization. In golf, try to imagine the flight and shape of the shot; “see” it landing on the green or fairway. The same concept applies to putting. All top athletes visualize their performances, running through a mental “movie” of the performance before executing it. One of the most striking examples I’ve ever seen of visualization was by Olympic champion high jumper Dwight Stones. Before each jump Stones would close his eyes and visualize the jump, his head nodding slightly as he imagined each stride in his approach. Here’s a link to a brief article on this subject by LPGA Pro Lisa Ann Horst.
15. Take a lesson lessons. I have high handicapper friends who think nothing of spending $300 or $400 on new drivers, but never invest in lessons. Newsflash: if your swing is faulty, the latest technology is not going to fix it. Talk to golfers in your area and find out who the best teaching professional is, and then take some lessons. We can’t see ourselves swing, and it’s really difficult if not impossible for the average golfer to figure out what she’s doing wrong, let alone how to fix it. A good pro will keep it simple, give you a few things to work on, and will build your confidence. Spend your money on a real game improvement secret – lessons with a talented teacher!

To summarize:

• Warm up by chipping and pitching, gradually working up to full swings
• Practice from ~100 yards and in – those shots represent 60-70% of your strokes!
• Develop a pre-shot routine and use it without fail
• Play away from trouble – lay up when it makes sense & helps you avoid the big number
• Practice the most important shot in golf – the 3 to 4 foot putt!
• To improve, try to play with better players
• Fully commit to your shots and then just execute!
• Play one shot at a time – stay in the present
• Develop a safety shot that you can rely upon when the wheels start coming off
• Swallow your pride and buy equipment that’s suited to your ability level
• Have a game plan for your round and follow it – it’ll help you avoid indecision & improvisation
• “Play” the par 5′s and tough par 4′s “backward” to better understand them
• Develop one or two simple swing thoughts to help you avoid your common faults
• Visualize your shots, focusing on your target
• Take lessons from a qualified PGA Professional!

That’s it – follow these tips and you will lower your handicap!

If you’d like to comment, I’d love to hear from you. And if you’re not a Practical Hacks subscriber, please click on the orange RSS button at the top of the RH column. Thanks for visiting, and hit ‘em straight!

kc 7/6/08

Photo by Rick

This is the counterpart to my post “11 essential things you need to carry in your briefcase / daily bag.”

If you’re a reasonably serious golfer, you definitely should review the following list. Over the years I’ve added ten items to my golf bag that every golfer should consider carrying. All of these items are readily available, so adding them to your bag should be really easy.

First, a word or two about what I won’t be talking about: the really obvious stuff – balls, tees, ball markers, a Sharpie, divot repair tool, and the like – I assume you have the basics in your bag.

Additionally, a rain suit isn’t on the list. I will assume you have some rain gear in your trunk and that you put it in your bag if rain is threatening. (By the way, even if you use it only once or twice a year, a good quality Gore Tex rain suit is a wonderful thing! If you can afford one, buy it. It’ll last a long time and there’s nothing that can compare.)

That said, on to the list, which contains at least one item I will wager 99% of you DON’T carry and which should absolutely be in your bag – in fact, the better a golfer you are , – the more important this item is.

1. Medical kit. This needn’t be elaborate, but you should take a ziploc bag and at a minimum put the following into it: bandaids (the flexible fabric type, not plastic; they work MUCH better) ibuprofen, chapstick, white adhesive tape, and sunblock.

If you see a little bottle of sunscreen that has a cheap carabiner on it so you can hang it on the side of your bag, I’d recommend against it. Eventually it’ll open on its own and you’ll end up with a golf bag which is really well protected from sunburn. And which smells really nice.

This is my med kit below – it contains the items listed above (except the adhesive tape – I’m out of it at the moment) plus some antiseptic wipes, “sting relief” pads, and another item I’ll mention later as it’s significant enough to be mentioned on its own.

2. Cell phone. Let me say right away that it drives me a little nuts to hear someone’s cell phone ring while we’re playing. I am NOT suggesting you leave an audible ringer on when your cell phone is with you on the course; put it on vibrate.

I suggest you bring it with you for two reasons:

a) A medical emergency. If someone in your group has a heart attack or is otherwise incapacitated and needs help quickly, you can call 911 without hesitation. Being able to call for help right away could literally save someone’s life.

b) On a less serious note, if you’re playing in a tournament and have a rules dispute or question, call the pro shop and speak with the head pro. I DO carry the USGA rules book with me. But under tournament pressure, finding the right rule and interpreting it can sometimes be difficult – and time consuming. I suggest you call the PGA pro and if he / she can’t clarify the rule over the phone, he or she will come out and rule on the spot. Most professionals have heard the questions specific to his/her course many times and can give you a ruling in a matter of moments over the phone.

3. Snacks. If you start bonking or simply feel your concentration is flagging during a round, it’s very handy to have some healthy snacks with you. Bring along Clif bars, granola bars, those little raisin boxes, or perhaps some jerky. You want to get some carbohydrate in you as soon as you can. Avoid super sugary snacks like candy bars – you’ll just crash later on. And bring water with you – obviously, you always want to stay hydrated.

4. Extra gloves. Instead of wearing your golf gloves to the point where they have holes in them, buy a replacement and put the used glove in a ziploc bag while it still has a little life left in it. I always have at least 4-5 extra gloves in a bag, should it start drizzling or raining lightly when we’re playing. A soggy glove gets old fast, and prevents you from properly gripping the club. The black object on the left hand side of the photo is a pair of rain gloves, by the way. They’re made of the same type of material as used for wet suits, and it seems the wetter they get, the better they grip.

5. Microfiber towels: I said I wasn’t going to talk about rain gear, but this and the last item mentioned are related to moisture. I always have a couple of relatively inexpensive waffle weave microfiber towels in my bag, also in a ziploc bag. They’ll absorb a lot of moisture should it start drizzling, and of course can always be used to wipe away perspiration, clean gear, or provide a dry spot for your grips should you lay your clubs down on damp or dewy ground. The ones pictured below were inexpensive, at Wally World:

6. Extra socks: Throw an extra pair of socks in your bag. If your feet are perspiring or your Dry Joys aren’t living up to their name, a fresh pair of socks at the turn will make you feel much better! They weigh practically nothing, and you’ll really appreciate them when you use them.

7. Toilet paper: OK, I know this sounds a little weird, but here’s the explanation: if you have an allergic attack, your nose starts running due to cold temps or you actually have a head cold, or you need some tissues for some other reason, having a quarter or 1/3 roll of TP in your bag is REALLY handy. Next time you see a roll of TP in the house that’s down to about 25-33%, replace it and throw the (now small) roll in a Ziploc bag (no, I don’t own stock in the company) and put it in your bag. Next time you’re on the course and get into a sneezing fit or have a runny nose, you’ll thank me.

I mentioned this item to my wife (a golfer) and she screwed up her face and said: “…uh, tissues, maybe.” Whichever you prefer.

8. Business Cards: throw a few in one of those small uh, er, zippable bags. You never know who you’ll meet on a golf course, and networking is a good thing.

9. This one is a bit specific, but if it applies to you, please take heed: Extra contact lenses. If you are a lens wearer, put an extra pair and a small bottle of solution in your med kit. Should you lose a lens during a tournament, trying to play one-eyed will surely ruin your day.

Finally, the one essential item I’d bet many of you don’t carry but which is indispensable:

10. The next time you are in your pro shop or a golf store:

a) Go over to the shoe display

b) Find a pair of shoe laces

c) Buy them

d) Put them in your bag.

If ever, mid round, you decide to re-tighten your shoe laces and one of them breaks, you are screwed. If you’re playing in a tournament, doubly so. Break a lace and the best you can do is try to cobble something together with the remnants. Your shoe won’t feel right, and it’ll mess with your mind. Kiss your round goodbye.

Buy an appropriate pair that will work in your shoes, and put them in your bag. It’s tremendous insurance, cheap, and weighs nothing.

A few other thoughts…

I haven’t mentioned pen knifes, multi-tools, and the like. If you need a knife on the golf course, you might want to take a hard look at your playing partners. :-) In the last 10 years I’ve never needed a knife or screwdriver, etc. on the course. I wouldn’t bother.

One thing I wholeheartedly recommend for any good golfer is a rangefinder. the Bushnell Medalist is a great unit – it uses the “pinseeker” technology used in the Yardage Pro 1500 model, is good out to 1,000 yards (exactly how far do you hit the ball, anyway?? – who needs a unit that works to 1500 yards?) and can be picked up on eBay for fairly reasonable prices. And they’re tournament legal – check with the Pro before using, however; local rules may prohibit them.

If you’re a walker, throw a couple of extra scorecards from your home course in your bag. That way if you forget to get one from the pro shop or starter, you’ll have one on hand.

That’s it. Please share your ideas by commenting.

If you like what you see here, please subscribe to LifeApps by clicking on the orange RSS button at the top of the right hand column, or subscribe by email with the link below the RSS button. And if you like this post, please share it! Thanks!!