Golf Bags:

A proper golf bag allows you to carry all your golf equipment such as your golf clubs, golf tees, golf markers, a golf umbrella or golf towel. Many even have a cooler pocket. This piece of golf equipment doesn't necessarily have direct effects on your golf game but it does have an influence on your comfort and fatigue level.

There are two factors to consider when choosing one of the types of golf bags available today:

The Golf Equipment: the golf clubs and golf accessories that you will put into the golf bag

Transporting the Golf Bag:

• Carrying Bag
• Cart Bag
• Caddie
• Golf cart

Types of golf bags:

• Staff Golf Bag or Tour Golf Bags. They are readily equipped with enough storage space for 14 standard golf clubs and have room for other golf accessories which are necessary during play. As Golf Professionals they always have caddies and utilize this type of golf bag. High-quality staff golf bags are generally made of premium materials, like leather and are therefore relatively expensive.
  
  
• Golf Carry Bags. If you prefer to walk and carry your golf bag then it would make sense to choose this lighter golf bag with kickstands, plenty of pockets and, most important, full-length golf club dividers. This type of golf bag is rather smaller and may vary in different forms and sizes. They are designed purposely to limit the number of golf clubs, other small accessories as well as number of golf balls. There are also special carry bags for designed junior golfers.
  
  
• Golf Travel Bag. Most golf travel bags are manufactured out of lighter materials like plastic, and nylon as well as other materials. Essentially the golf travel bag is a golf carry bag with the added bonus of expansion as needed. Many have straps, while others have stands.
  
  
• Cart Golf Bags. Commonly made of light materials, the cart golf bag is relatively smaller than the tour golf bags though it is bulkier. As the name suggests, these golf bags are designed for use with golf carts. There is less storage in a cart bag.

Golf Carts

Golf carts are not allowed on the greens, but can take you from one hole to the other. They still lessen the burden of having to walk under the hot sun. Golfers usually use a golf cart to improve their overall experience on the golf course. Golf equipment manufactures are offering many options in golf carts to golfers today. Current products are lighter, easier to assemble and disassemble, and more maneuverability than previous designs. Most importantly they are offering ease in accessing your golf clubs.

Golf carts are made in two styles: pull carts and push carts.

• Pull carts are either entry-level steel or aluminum and have two wheels. The pull cart's two wheel design is not easily maneuvered.
  
  
• Push carts design creates less traction and friction which makes them easier to move. Golf equipment manufactures are offering many options that increase performance, ease of collapsing and compact storage. These are generally a mid to high price range.

Golf Training Aids:

It has been said that “practice makes perfect.” That’s not totally true. Practice with the perfect tools or aids will build the correct feel, and that correct feel will allow you to improve your golf game. This improvement does not need to take place on the practice range or on the golf course. Most of this practice can be accomplished in the comfort of your own home or in your backyard. The best way to choose your training aids is to assess your game performance in the following categories.

Putting: The aids in this category are designed to help the golfer improve their alignment, stroke, consistency and overall putting performance. Putting usually counts for the highest overall percentage of strokes in a player’s game. These aids are small and portable while making an immediate impact on your golf game.

Putting Carpets: These items are designed to simulate putting green speed conditions and have a putting cup sunken in them. Some of these items also allow for the addition of break, to change the conditions of the practice session. Different versions are available in varying lengths and can also be purchased in attachable sections to allow for and overall room-sized putting surface.

Putting Arc: This is an arc shaped device that is approximately the desire length of a quality putting stroke. This putting aid can be used on the putting carpet, a rug or the actual putting green. This arc enables the player to properly align to their target, stroke a golf ball to the target with the putter head following the arc and therefore reinforcing the feel of a proper length and shaped putting stroke.

Putting Mirror: This is a simple lexan mirror is placed under the golf ball and below the player’s stance. This mirror reflects the player’s eye alignment over the golf ball and shoulder alignment parallel to the golf ball. The necessity of this aid is that a proper set up and stance position leads to better putting, and improvement is the desired function of any practice aid.

Putting Cup Reducers: These are plastic inserts that go into the golf hole. In placing these in the hole, the hole becomes smaller and refines the golfer’s ability to make the golf ball go into the center of the hole. When the insert is reduced, the perceived size of the actual hole is greatly increased.

Full Swing- In large part, golf training aids in this category are designed with a specific swing flaw in mind. The items that are listed below take a more widespread approach to improving the golf swing. They can be used by golfers at all ability level to improve their overall swinging performance.

Golf Training Gloves and Grips: The training golf glove is portable and easy to use. This aid will reinforce the proper hand positions throughout the golf swing. Some of the golf gloves work to strengthen the wrist position at the top of the swing while others have a loop that goes around the grip and anchors the golf club in the correct grip position. The training grip is installed on the golf club itself. This grip provides continuous feel and feedback as to where the proper grip position is located. This is a very simple tool that provides a very repeatable feel and result.

The Impact Golf Ball: This is a two color foam golf ball that is placed between the forearms at address. This golf ball is designed to promote the proper forearm position and rotation throughout the golf swing. If the golfer is able to maintain the golf ball position, the golf swing is working properly. This training aid can be used for chipping, pitching and the full swing. It can also be used with other full swing training devices.

Dual Hinged Swing Trainer: The most popular version of this item is made by Medicus. This golf club “breaks” if the golf club is taken away too fast or on the wrong path. The golf club will “break” later in the swing if the golf club moves off the swing plane and will also “break” if the transition at the top of the golf swing is too quick. This tool supports a proper golf swing and provides immediate and decisive feedback.

The Golf Impact Bag: This is a striking bag that is loaded with towels to provide weight and resistance to the swinging golf club. There is a target to strike on the face of the bag. Striking the impact bag will force the golf club to be in the correct position and simulate the feeling of impact with a golf ball and the ground.

Strength and Flexibility: The items in this category do not directly train the golf swing. These items train the golfer and the golfer’s body and the golfer’s core strength. By improving the golfer, you can improve what the golfer can do with the golf club.

Weighted Golf Club: A weighted golf club is designed to be swung in the full range of motion to simulate the golfer’s swing. This golf club, swung at a slow speed, forces the muscles to react to the resistance and therefore builds strength. The second result of this club is that swinging in slow motion allows the golfer to study and rehearse their golf swing and to be more diligent with their overall positions.

Balance Discs: These are inflatable rubber pillows that the golfer stands on and makes full swinging motions with, or without hitting the golf ball. The use of these discs improves the overall balance of the golf swing and continued use stabilizes the body position by strengthening the golfer’s abdominal muscles.

Elastic Bands: These golf training aids are elastic bands or tubes used for stretching and strengthening the overall core motion of the body. They can be attached to the wall or anchored with the golfer’s foot. The more stable and strong the core of the body, the more stable and consistent the golf swing will perform.

Medicine Ball: This is a heavily weighted ball (2-20lbs.) that you can swing in a variety of exercise motions. This item will build on the idea of strength and flexibility for the body, therefore strength and flexibility for the swing.

General Necessity- These are items that every golfer needs to improve their golf game and to maintain that improved level of performance.

Golf Hitting Net: This practice golf net can be set up inside or outside. It has supports that keep it stable and a target for proper aim. With this golf net the player can swing, remain loose, or work on their swing without having to set aside time to visit the practice range.

Golf Hitting Mat: This golf mat is designed to give the player a “golf course like” surface to hit the golf ball from while using a hitting net. This golf mat is not only designed to protect the floor or the lawn, but to protect the golfer and the golf club. These mats come in different thicknesses and grass types to simulate differing golf course conditions.

Golf Chipping Nets: This is a small portable golf net that can be placed out in the yard. With this golf net, the golfer can work on their chipping stroke, target alignment, and distance control.

Practice Golf Balls: There are many choices of practice golf balls. There is solid plastic, waffle golf balls, foam golf balls and birdie golf balls. All of these are constructed to fly a limited distance. The foam golf balls also provide additional protection against potential breakage of windows. These golf balls are also designed to sound like true golf balls. You can’t play or practice without the right golf ball, so look at your practice location when you make your golf ball selection.

Shag Bag or Tube: These items are designed to store and pick up your golf balls during and after the practice session.

Choosing your practice aid should be based on an evaluation of your golf game. If you purchase an aid that improves something that is already your strength, you are actually wasting valuable practice time. Know what you need and work with that training aid to most efficiently practice and improve your golf game.

Golf Accessories

Think the only things that make you a better golfer are golf clubs and golf balls? Well, think again. There is a lot more to the game of golf and it can all fit right in your golf bag. Every golf bag should contain the following items to ensure you are prepared for whatever the day throws at you: golf tees, golf ball markers, golf pencils, golf divot tool, sunscreen, lip balm, water and some cash. The following is small list of essentials that tend to be forgotten but really have an impact on our game.

Golf Sunglasses are a necessary piece of safety equipment. The best golf sunglasses not only protect your eyes from the sun’s glare and its harmful rays but also keep dust and grime out of your eyes. Look for glasses that block both UVA and UVB; the higher the nanometer rating, the better. Technologically advanced brands can come with lightweight polycarbonate frames with special attachments to loop the glasses around your ears to keep glasses from falling. Lens color is something to consider. Darker colored lenses, maybe even mirrored or polarized are best for sunny days. Overcast, days can still be glary and harsh for your eyes; an amber lens would be perfect. A pair with interchangeable lenses, allowing you the ability to change the lenses as you need, would be ideal!

Golf Towel is necessary not only to keep your hands dry & clean but golf ball, too!

Golf Umbrella is a critical piece of golf equipment today. It will not only offer protection from the rain but also from the sun. Look for a nylon golf umbrella with a fiberglass shaft and ribs. This makes the golf umbrella not only lightweight but strong. A double canopy construction will help prevent the golf umbrella from turning inside out. Some companies put a windproof spring mechanism to help prevent this from happening also. A rubber covered, slip-resistant handle is another great feature to look for in a golf umbrella. There are golf umbrellas that offer a UVA and UVB –ray protection for those who want protection from the sun also.

Permanent Marking Pens should be in your golf bag to make an identifying mark on your golf balls. Being able to identify your golf ball is an official rule and is often an overlooked responsibility.

First-Aid Kit in your golf bag will help ensure a comfortable day. A great round is quickly ruined by a headache or backache, bee sting or the occasional blister. Keeping a small, well stock (pain relievers, bandages, gauze and disinfectant, antihistamine) will benefit everyone.

Golf Tees are a necessity for every golfer. The golf ball needs to be struck correctly by the driver. Therefore, the correct golf tee height should completely take advantage of the “hot zone.” This is located just above the sweet spot of the clubface (approximately at 2/3 of the golf ball's height when set on the golf tee). The “hot zone” is then completely dependent on the height of the driver. The proper golf tee height will allow the sweet spot of the driver to connect at the center of the golf ball while keeping the bottom of the driver off of the ground. All of this will assist in sustaining maximum swing speed at the moment of impact and through the golf swing. If extra yards are what you are after, purchase the longest golf tees allowable to maximize the power capabilities of your driver.

Golf Brush is used to ensure the face of your golf club is as clean as possible. If you play with debris-filled grooves, you are seriously limiting your ability to produce on approaches, pitches and chips. The golf ball needs to “climb” by grabbing the face of the golf club, and that takes adequately clean, deep grooves. Utilizing the golf brush will make certain your club is ready for play.

Golf Headcovers envelop the head of your golf club to protect it from unwanted scratches and dents. Dents can cause your drive to go from ok to bad. A depression in the golf club head can affect the flight of the golf ball. Furthermore, when a golf club breaks, the most common break is in the shaft just above the clubhead, making it even more important to protect this critical area on the shaft. Make sure you have a long enough headcover to protect those delicate and high-priced graphite shafts. Headcovers do provide the opportunity to convey our personalities through color, laughter and fun.

Golf Gloves are essential in assisting in the grip of the golf club through your golf swing. They add comfort and protection for the hand that secures the golf club. Golf gloves made from genuine Cabretta leather provide a softer feel, while those made from synthetics are more durable and moisture resist. For enhanced performance some golf equipment manufactures are combining Cabretta leather and synthetic material. You may also want to consider golf gloves designed for stormy conditions, such as winter or rain. There are even specialty golf gloves for those who suffer from arthritis. It is important to note that a golf glove should be replaced when worn or torn. Golf gloves also help in preventing blisters while practicing.

Golf Shoes

The proper pair of golf shoes makes a huge difference in not only how comfortable you are, but also how powerful a golf swing you can make. Considering that the average golfer walks approximate 4 miles a round, and spends about 4 hours on their feet investing in a good pair of golf shoes is essential.

Storage: Your golf shoes are a serious piece of golf equipment. Have your golf shoes cleaned and polished regularly, faithfully utilize shoe trees and store them in a cool, dry location; preferably a shoe bag. As with all golf equipment, quality golf shoes will last for several seasons if cared for properly.

Fit is critical to your overall comfort and ultimately the outcome of your golf game.

• Measure both feet for length and width.
• Choose the size that fits the larger foot should you get different measurements. This is not unusual.
• Be sure that you have one-half inch of space from the end of your big toe to the tip of the golf shoe.
• The golf shoes should bend at the same juncture as the foot.

Leather Waterproofing is something you should consider because they are simply more comfortable in wet conditions. A leather upper is the better choice for breathability and comfort.

Synthetic is a good choice for the budget conscious.

Style is, as with any other footwear, a personal choice. Fit should, however always be the deciding factor. Golf equipment manufacturers are offering a variety of options to today golfers.

Cleats are as durable as ever, and the designs vary as much as the golf shoe selection, with different sizes, shapes and performance features. They do wear out, and long before it’s time to purchase a new pair of golf shoes. To preserve proper footing during your swing for utmost stability, the avid golfer should change their spikes every 3 months. Soft spikes are now standard. These spikes do not puncture the ground like the old hard metal ones. Soft spike provide more surface and stability to hold the sole of the shoe steady. The shoe is therefore lighter, more comfortable.

Golf Apparel

Golf Apparel is just like any other piece of golf equipment; it is specifically designed for comfort and performance. Technology has also invaded your favorite designers. Specialty fabrics and features allow you to execute your game despite weather conditions, in utmost comfort.

Special Features:
Fleeced Lined Collar will make golf jackets more comfortable, warm and dry as they are generally designed to wick away moisture. Cuffs are typically simple elastic. Higher end garments have adjustable cuffs to allow for a better fit.

Wind Flaps: "Wind Flaps", "Storm Flaps", "Covered Zippers", are all terms used to mean that the front zipper is covered with fabric. They can be inside the golf jacket, or out. They prevent air and water from blowing through the teeth of the golf jackets front zipper.

Storage: If you need to pack & carry your rain jacket with you for a surprise rain, or long trip or tour, then it will be very important to find a golf jacket that can fold up small and be stored in a pocket or pack that can be carried with you on the bike. How small a jacket can be folded will depend on the fabric in the garment as well as the amount and type of reflective tape & piping and zippers and vents in the jacket.

Venting allows air to come into a garment. High end garments feature a mesh panel or other method perhaps Velcro, to avoid flapping in the wind and rain seepage. Lower end products are designed to let air in, but can not be opened or closed nor keep out water.

Breathability: The movement of water or water vapor from one side of the fabric to the other, caused by capillary action, wicking, chemical, or electrostatic action. Also known as moisture transport.

Specialty Fabrics

WATER PROOF, WATER-REPELLENT OR WATER-RESISTANT
“Waterproof”, “water-repellent and/or "water-resistant" are fabrics used in golf outerwear with similar and yet very different reactions to water. In all probability all top layers are treated with a durable water-resistant (DWR) laminate that prevents the absorption of water by the fabric. This treatment is temporary so it is important to follow the care instructions for proper cleaning procedures and whether dry-cleaning permitted. Following is an in-depth look at the differences.

Water-Resistant is a degree by which water is able to penetrate a fabric. Not to be confused with water-repellent. However, the terms are often used interchangeably. fabrics shed water due to the weave or treatment to the fabric. These garments are typically only treated on the top layer. Water resistant fabrics are great in a mist or drizzle. It is not meant to be "rain gear" and will leave you soaked in a rain storm.

Water-Repellent is a term applied to fabrics that have been treated with a finish which causes them to shed water, but is still air-permeable. Treatments can include wax coatings, resins, silicones, and fluorine derivatives. Such treatments do not close the pours of the fabric, while waterproof finishes do. Fabrics are tightly woven and/or treated with a finish that causes water to form small beads on top of instead of going through the fabric. With washing or improper care, this finish may wear off or come off in dry-cleaning.

Water-Proof is a term applied to fabrics whose pores have been closed, and therefore, will not allow water or air to pass through them. Fabric is an exceptionally woven non-porous material, (typically fine polyester/nylon blend, rubber, plastic) and/or treated with a product that prevents water to penetrate, but allows the fabric to “breath”. The pores are large enough for perspiration to escape, but too small for a liquid to come through. To be truly "waterproof", the garment must be made from fabric treated before it is cut and sewn as well as sealing the seams with waterproofing compound or seam-taping. This is done to prevent rain from seeping in through the small punctures created from the sewing needles and thread during manufacturing. A waterproof garment is generally covered on the inside of the fabric to increase the effectiveness of the product. This chemical treatment forces water to “bead up and roll off.” These garments are your best option for staying dry. It is helpful to note the correlation between the rating and resistance to penetration; the higher the better.

NOTE: It is vital to properly clean these fabrics regularly to maintain the performance of the garment. The laminate coatings do not work when fabric pores become blocked by perspiration and outside elements. Be sure to read the care label before laundering. Fabric softener and dry-cleaning may alter the effectiveness of the coating.

TYPES OF WATERPROOF FABRICS:

• PVC also referred to as "Poly Vinyl’s" do not ‘breath” nor do they “wick” moisture from the body.
• Coated Fabrics & Laminated Fabrics have an outer layer to increase durability with a covering to prevent the absorption of water. The “lamination” on the outer layer of the fabric has tiny pours, which allow the fabric to “breath”. The pours are tiny enough to avoid penetration of the outer layer, but large enough to allow perspiration to escape.
  

TYPES OF FABRIC TREATMENTS
As mentioned some fabrics require additional processes to insure they are in fact waterproof. Many are coated with a laminate. Seams and needle & thread holes an unavoidable affect of the manufacturing process will leak. Sealing the final garment seams is necessary to avoid leakage. Following are processes used to correct this side effect of manufacturing:

• CRITICAL SEAM-SEAL is a process of only sealing the main areas that are susceptible to water sealed with tape. Mainly meaning shoulders and front seams, this is a less expensive way to get a great jacket that will shed most of the elements!
• SEAM-SEALED is a detailed process, often completed by hand where a special waterproof tape or method is used to prevent leaks. “Full seam-sealing” is complete when all stitching is covered by tape.
• DWR COATINGS are applied to fabric to repel water causing rain to form droplets or beads and roll off instead of penetrating the fabric. DWR’s effectiveness will wear with time and washing.

SUN PROTECTIVE FABRICS: SPF VS UPF

Several factors are essential for proper protection from the sun. Covering the skin is just not enough. The tightness of the weave, weight, type of fiber, even the color of the fabric are factors in complete protection. When shopping for clothing meant to protect you from the sun it is best to select garments that have been chemically treated with UV absorbers. This process assists in the penetration of both UVB and UVA rays by absorning the UV radiation. Essentially it is a sun-block for your clothing. Manufacturers are designing sun protective garments to cover as much skin as possible, utilizing fabrics with tight weaves andappropriate colors that provide the best possible protection.
Sun Protection Factor(SPF) the measurement used for UVB radiation (the time it takes to damage (redden) exposed skin), is a term with which most are familiar.It is most commonly used for sunscreens and other sun-protective products.

Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is like the sun protective factor (SPF) used in sunscreen and in many specialty fabrics today; both UPF and SPF quantify defensiveness against sunburn. UPF, however not only measures UVB radiation but also UVA radiation blocked as well as the amount of UV radiation absorbed by the skin as a result of penetrating the fabric. A rating of 50 allows only 1/50th of UV to break through the fabric. This means only 2 percent of the UV rays will get through the fabric, resulting in the decrease of exposured skin to UV radiation.

Sun protective clothing is typically intended for warm, humid temperatures, therefore to promote breathability many manufactures have designed garments with “ventilated weaves”and moisture wicking fabics. In order to offer a greater selection, chemical sun blocks have been added to lightweight fabrics. These chemical treatments continue to be effective even after many launderings, activity, water and perspiration as they must undergo the process below to boast their Sun Protective status!

UPF value is based on a scale from 15 to 50+. It measures the amount of protection the fabric will supply from UV rays. The higher the UPF, the more protections from UV rays.

Three categories of UPF protection include:
® “Good UV Protection” 15 to 24
® “Very Good UV Protection” 25 to 39
® “Excellent UV Protection” 40 to 50

Garments claiming UPF rated must be prepared and tested in the following ways:

1. Undergo 40 simulated launderings
2. Be exposed to 100 fading units of simulated sunlight (equivalent to 2 years light exposure)
3. And, if intended for swim wear, exposure to chlorinated water
   

It is a good idea to wear hats that provide protection. Hats with a three inches or wider brim will shade your eyes, ears, and neck. There are many fashion forward yet practical styles available that allow for air circulation and offer protection as well as comfort.

GETTING THE PROPER FIT IN CLOTHING
Sizing can vary significantly from one golf equipment manufacturer to another. Utilizing the measuring guidelines below will assist you in selecting the proper size.

MEASUREMENTS FOR MEN & BOYS

Neck: Placing two fingers between your neck and the tape measure, measure around the base of the neck and around Adam's apple. You may also find a collared shirt that fits you well. Lay the collar flat, and measure from button to button hole.

Arm/Sleeve: Place your hand just below your hip start the tape measure at the center of the back of your neck (spin) across the top of your shoulder, down to the elbow, and then down to the wrist.
Chest: Place the tape measure under the arms (at the arm pit) around the fullest part of the chest and shoulder blades. Ensure that the tape measure remains parallel to the ground. Place two fingers between the tape measure and your body.

Waist: Measure at your natural waistline, while standing, where your belt normally rests, keeping the tape comfortably loose.

Inseam: Measure a pair of pants that fit well along the seam from the crotch to the bottom of the leg.

Hand (for golf gloves): To measure knuckle circumference, keep your hand flat and measure around your large knuckles. Do not include your thumb. To measure hand length, measure from the base of your palm to the end of your middle finger.

MEASUREMENTS FOR WOMEN & GIRLS

To ensure the best fit for women and girls, you’ll need to measure the bust, waist, and hips.

• Bust: Place the tape measure under the arms (at the arm pit) around the fullest part of the chest and shoulder blades. Ensure that the tape measure remains parallel to the ground. Place two fingers between the tape measure and your body.
  
  
• Waist: Measure at your natural waistline, while standing, where your belt normally rests, keeping the tape comfortably loose.
  
  
• Hips: While standing with your feet together, wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your body between your waist and your knees. This is approximately 8 inches below your waist. Make sure that the tape measure remains parallel to the floor.