The Top 4 Things You NEED To Know About Golf Bags!
Lugging a full golf bag around 18 holes can be exhausting. I like exercise as much as the next caveman, but carrying a golf bag can be like carrying a bag of rocks – and trust me I know rocks! Some courses can be over 7,000 yards or have lots of hills, it’s no wonder why golfers or caddies may take the occasional short cut or rely on well-placed bag drops. However, it’s important to make sure that your quest for relief from your golf bag’s weight doesn’t inconvenience any other players on the course. To avoid any kerfuffle on the course, just follow these simple rules of golf bag use and etiquette:
1. Carry Your Bag The Right Way!
If you’re a right-handed player, this means carrying your bag over your left shoulder (and vice versa). This will allow you to avoid any excess strain on your dominant shoulder. You should still switch shoulders as often as you need, but try to allow your non-dominant shoulder to bear the brunt of the work.
2. Dropping The Beat…I Mean The Bag!
This should go without saying, but don’t just throw your bag down. Yes hoofing all day with bag in tow is a hard job, but tossing your bag haphazardly to the ground is disrespectful to the other golfers who might be in earshot. It can also look unprofessional – remember you never know who else is going to be on the course that day! And most importantly, throwing your bag on the ground could potentially damage your gear and no one wants that.
3. Where, Oh Where Should My Bag Go?
Before you start your round, it’s a really good idea to study the course layout. This will let you better determine the appropriate spots to leave your clubs – and let you know how frustrating your day might be. Most courses are designed to have adjacent fairways, allowing players the convenience of leaving their bags on the ground for several shots. When you approach the seventh green, it’s a good idea to take out your pitching wedge, putter, and driver for the next hole. Leave your bag at a convenient spot still close to the green. This way, you will save yourself a lot of walking with your bag while playing your round of golf.
4. Don’t Forget To Tip!
If you’re using a caddy, it’s important to remember to tip him or her. They generally don’t make much per hour and survive on tips. A good rule of thumb is to tip the caddy 50% of the caddie fee. If you encounter a bag drop at the course (basically the equivalent of a hotel bellhop or an airport skycap), they will take your clubs from your car and place them on the golf cart upon your arrival. You should tip them between $2-3 per bag, but if you go up to $5 it should ensure that they assist you after the round.
