Before the courses open up, take 20 minutes to go through your bag. Future you — standing on the first tee with fresh grips and a full sleeve of balls — will be grateful.
Alright, let's talk about something nobody does but everybody should: the off-season gear check. We know, we know — your bag has been sitting in the garage since October, probably leaning against a snow shovel. But before that first tee time rolls around, you owe it to yourself (and your scorecard) to crack it open and take inventory.
Start With the Clubs
Pull everything out. Yes, everything — including that mystery wedge you bought at a garage sale and never actually hit. Lay it all out and take a good look. Are your grooves still sharp, or have they been worn smoother than a putting green? If you can't feel the edges with your fingernail, it might be time for replacements or at least a solid cleaning with a groove sharpener.
Grips Don't Last Forever
This is the one everyone ignores. If your grips are shiny, hard, or slippery — they're done. Worn grips mess with your hold, your confidence, and ultimately your swing. Regripping is cheap, easy, and makes your clubs feel brand new. Do it. Seriously. Your hands will thank you on hole 1 instead of cursing you on hole 7.
Count Your Balls (No Judgment)
How many did you lose last year? Be honest. If your ball pocket is looking a little thin, now's the time to stock up before the season rush. Grab a couple dozen of whatever you trust — or hey, try something new. It's a fresh season. Live a little.
Gloves: Crusty or Clutch?
Pull out your glove. Give it a sniff if you're brave. If it's stiff, cracked, or smells like it survived a rainstorm (it probably did), toss it and grab a fresh one. A good glove is one of the cheapest upgrades that makes the biggest difference in feel. Keep a backup in your bag too — because nothing's worse than a sweaty glove on a hot day with no spare.
Tees, Markers, and the Junk Drawer
Empty out every pocket of your bag. You'll probably find a collection of broken tees, a few scorecards from rounds you'd rather forget, some loose change, and maybe a granola bar wrapper. Clean it all out. Restock with fresh tees, a divot tool, a couple of ball markers, and a Sharpie for marking your ball. Keep it simple, keep it organized.
Check Your Bag Itself
Zippers still working? Straps in good shape? Stand mechanism not wobbling like it's had one too many? Your bag takes a beating over a full season, so give it a once-over. If it's falling apart, the off-season is the best time to shop — you'll find deals everywhere before the spring rush hits.
Shoes and Spikes
Your golf shoes have been sitting in a closet for months. Try them on. Are they still comfortable? Are the spikes worn down to nothing? Replacing soft spikes is quick and inexpensive, and good traction is the difference between a solid stance and slipping on a dewy morning tee box. If the shoes themselves are shot, start browsing now — breaking in new shoes during your first round is a rookie move.
Rangefinder and Tech
If you use a rangefinder or GPS watch, charge it up and make sure it's working. Update the software if needed. Nothing's more annoying than standing over a shot with a dead battery and having to guess the yardage. "Eh, looks like a 7-iron" only works so many times before your playing partners start chirping.
The 20-Minute Investment
Here's the thing — this whole process takes maybe 20 minutes. That's it. But the payoff is huge. You show up to your first round of the year with fresh grips, clean clubs, a full sleeve of balls, and gear that actually works. You feel ready. You feel dialed in. And while your buddy is borrowing tees and wiping his club face with a dirty towel, you're already two up through three.
So do yourself a favour — go to the garage, open the bag, and get it sorted. The season is coming, and your gear should be as ready as you are. ⛳