Essential golf accessories

Updated September 28, 2026. Researched equipment guide; not a hands-on product test. Our editorial approach.

The most useful golf accessories solve small problems before they interrupt a round: a slippery grip, a dirty clubface, uncertain yardage or a bag that gets soaked. Start with those needs and add specialized equipment only when you know how you will use it.

Build the everyday kit first

For a typical round, pack a familiar ball model, tees, a well-fitting glove, a towel, a club brush, a ball marker and a pitch-mark repair tool. Add water and the weather protection your round calls for. Keep frequently used items in the same pocket so you can find them without emptying the bag.

Before buying anything, check what you already own. A clean towel and a dry spare glove may make more difference to your next round than another electronic device.

Distance tools: laser, GPS or both?

A laser is useful when you want a distance to a visible target. A GPS watch, handheld or phone app is useful for an overview of the hole and front, middle and back green distances. Their usefulness depends on the particular device, course coverage and conditions; neither removes the need to choose a sensible target.

• Laser checklist: Can you read the display, hold it comfortably and distinguish the flag from objects behind it? Check battery type, weather protection and case access.
• GPS checklist: Check coverage for your regular courses, battery life, map-update arrangements and any recurring fees. Make sure the display is readable outdoors.
• Before competition: Check the event’s equipment rules and permitted features. Do not assume every mode on a distance device is allowed.

Choose the simplest setup you will use consistently. If your current distance information is adequate, there is no need to replace it just to add features.

Gloves: fit and a dry backup

Try a glove with your hand around a grip. Look for a close fit without loose material across the palm or uncomfortable tension at the fingertips. Leather, synthetic and mixed-material options differ in feel and care requirements; fit matters more than the label.

Carry a spare in a dry pocket and rotate out a damp glove. In persistently wet conditions, consider a pair designed for rain. Let gloves dry after the round rather than leaving them crumpled in the bag.

Balls and tees: make your setup repeatable

Choose a ball by testing the shots you actually play, including chips, pitches, approach shots and putts. Compare feel, flight, stopping behavior and cost. Swing speed alone is an incomplete way to choose a ball, and a premium model is poor value if its cost makes you reluctant to play your normal game.

Carry enough balls for your usual round, mark them clearly, and keep tee height consistent with the driver setup you practice. You do not need an elaborate tee system to build a repeatable routine.

Towels and brushes: easy access wins

Keep one section of a towel available for cleaning clubs and another dry for hands or grips. Use a brush appropriate for the club’s finish and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Remove dirt from the face and grooves between shots when practical.

Check that the towel attachment is secure and does not drag on the ground when you carry or roll the bag. After a muddy round, clean and dry the kit before storing it.

Rain gear for Northwest rounds

For changeable Pacific Northwest weather, prioritize a jacket you can swing in, a bag rain cover and a way to keep spare gloves and valuables dry. Try outerwear over the layers you normally wear. Check sleeve movement, pocket access, hood fit and the care instructions.

An umbrella is useful only if it works with how you get around the course. Walkers should consider weight and how it attaches to a push cart; riders should check where it can be stored. Pack for the forecast rather than carrying every option all season.

Small tools that belong in the pocket

A flat ball marker and a comfortable pitch-mark repair tool cover two routine needs on the green. Follow the course’s guidance for repairing pitch marks and replacing or filling divots. Keep these items accessible so looking after the course becomes part of your normal routine.

What deserves your next upgrade?

After your next three rounds, note anything that repeatedly annoyed you or went unused. Replace a worn glove, unreliable distance device or leaking rain layer before adding a novelty accessory. For any higher-cost purchase, check fit, storage, maintenance, warranty and return terms.

For future hands-on accessory reviews, our focus will be practical: ease of use during a round, wet-weather handling, durability over time and whether the item justifies its space in the bag. This guide is a planning checklist, not a claim that we have tested every product category.

Choosing a distance tool? Read our laser rangefinder vs. GPS comparison for a practical decision checklist.