Got an invite to a work golf day or a charity day and you're not sure what you need? Don't stress. Most golf days are relaxed, social and full of people who play once a year. Here's what to bring so the only thing you're worrying about is your swing.
In the bag
- Clubs. You don't need a full set. A driver or wood, a few irons, a wedge and a putter will get you round. If you don't own clubs, ask the club whether they hire sets.
- More balls than you think. Bring at least six. Golf days have water, trees and a lot of people hitting in the same direction.
- Tees. A handful of long ones for driving and a few short ones for par 3s.
- A towel. For cleaning clubs and balls and drying your hands on a hot day.
- A ball marker and a pitch mark repair tool. A coin works as a marker if you don't have one.
- A glove, if you wear one.
For you
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunnies. You'll be outside for four or five hours.
- A water bottle. Hydration first, then the 19th hole.
- A light rain jacket if the forecast is iffy.
- Your phone and a card or some cash for the bar, raffles and auctions on charity days.
- A change of shoes for the presentation afterwards.
What to wear
Most clubs have a dress code. A collared golf shirt, tailored shorts or pants and golf shoes or clean sneakers is safe almost everywhere. Denim, singlets and footy shorts usually aren't. If you're not sure, check the club's website or ask the organiser.
How the day usually runs
Plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to register, find your cart and hit a few putts. Most golf days use a shotgun start, where every group starts on a different hole at the same time, and most use Ambrose. Everyone in your team tees off, you pick the best shot, and everyone plays from there. It's the friendliest format in golf, because nobody has to watch you play your own ball for 18 holes. If the rest of the lingo is a mystery, our Aussie golf slang guide will get you up to speed.
Expect nearest-the-pin and longest-drive holes along the way, then lunch or drinks and a presentation at the end.
Etiquette in one paragraph
Keep up with the group in front, stay quiet while others are hitting, rake bunkers after you use them, repair your pitch marks and don't stand on anyone's putting line. Do that and nobody will care how many shots you took.
Want to turn up with something better than a freebie towel?
A Nuffies magnetic golf towel sticks to your irons, putter and the cart frame, so it doesn't get left on the 7th green. $39.99 each, or any 2 for $69.99 with free shipping. Add a box of The Local bamboo tees and you're sorted.