Golf

Golf Gear Buying Guide

from Overstock.com

Whether you play golf because you love it or because the golf course is where you do all of your business, having the right golf gear can make your golf game better and more enjoyable. You may already have the best golf clubs and golf clothing, but golf accessories will provide the edge you need to improve your game.

With all that is available, you may not be sure how to buy golf gear. This golf gear buying guide is here to introduce you to some golf gear you may not have considered, to help you determine which golf accessories will develop your skills and to increase your enjoyment of the game.

What you need to know

In general, there are three different types of golf accessories: golf training aids to improve your skills, golf equipment accessories to make the most of your golf equipment and personal accessories to increase your comfort and performance. When choosing your golf gear, decide which elements of your golf game are lacking and fill them in with the golf gear that can help.

Golf training aids

A round of golf can be fun, but it's even more fun when you play well and have a score to be proud of. With golf training aids, you can improve your golf score when you are in the comfort of your own home. Plus, practicing at home will save you money on golf course fees.

Putting set

Putting mats

Your putting skills can make or break your golf game. It can be frustrating to get onto the green and then add onto your golf score with a few missed putts. Putting mats and putting cups are the perfect golf training aids to solve this problem. Putting in your backyard, living room or office can also be a great way to relax.

You can find travel putters that fold up to fit into a briefcase or suitcase or you can practice with a putter from your set of golf clubs. The putting mat is designed to simulate the feel of the green, and you can practice your technique so that, when you are on the golf course, you can repeat it with precision.

Driving nets

When you need to work on your swing, chip or drive, add a driving net to your backyard. You can turn your garden into your own private driving range without worrying about errant golf balls breaking your neighbor's window. These golf training aids let you hit golf balls with the same powerful swing you'll use next time you are on the golf course.

Most driving nets are staked into the ground in the same way that a tent is staked. Many driving nets are easily collapsible, so choose one of these if you'll need to take it down when you are done. Otherwise, choose the sturdiest driving net you can find, so the power of your swing won't pull a corner out of the ground.

Golf ball grabbers and dispensers

Golf ball grabbers and dispensers are another type of helpful golf training aid. While you are using your driving nets, you'll be hitting a lot of golf balls into your yard. Collect them easily with a golf ball grabber. Then, when you are ready to hit them again, you can quickly dispense several golf balls at once. Golf ball grabbers and dispensers are also useful out on the golf course when you are practicing a shot several times.

Golf equipment accessories

Golf equipment accessories can make your game easier. When you are out on the golf course to enjoy yourself, you want all the golf gear you can find to make the day better.

Range finder

A range finder is a handy scope to help you figure out how far you hit your ball and how much farther you have to reach the hole. This will help you choose which golf club to use and how much force to hit the ball with. If you have trouble estimating distances, a range finder is a piece of golf gear you'll be grateful for.

Rangefinder

When selecting your range finder, you'll want to consider a few features:

Measuring range: Effective range can be from 20 meters to over a thousand. A range finder may also measure in yards.
Manual or digital: Manual range finders will be much less expensive but are not as accurate as digital range finders.
Field of view degree: Golf range finders usually have an observable field of view of about 7 degrees to 8 degrees.

Golf club grips

Add a few golf grips to your arsenal of golf gear or replace the worn out grips on your favorite set of golf clubs. These will help ensure a secure grip on your clubs no matter what the conditions are. A better grip means better control over your golf clubs, and that means a better score. Golf club grips come in different sizes, usually designated as small, medium and large, or as juniors', ladies' and men's.

Golf club head covers

Give your golf clubs an extra bit of protection with head covers. Like a padded sock for your golf clubs, golf club covers slide over the heads and stay on with a bit of elastic. If you want to add some personality to your golf clubs, you can choose novelty head covers.

Golf bag cart

Golf bag transportation

While you are choosing golf gear, think about a few golf items to make your golf bag easier to transport, such as wheels. Give your arms a rest and save your strength for your golf swing. You can choose to add wheels to your golf bag with a pull cart. If you haven't chosen your golf bag yet, you may want to read our Golf Bag Buying Guide.

Of course, the easiest way to travel around the golf course is with a golf cart. Most golf carts are electric, with top speeds of about 10 to 15 miles per hour. When you are shopping for a golf cart, make sure it holds as many people as you want (most golf carts hold two to four people) and that it supports as much weight as you need it to hold.

Personal accessories for golfing

Golf gear isn't just about you use; what you wear is also important. Choosing the right golf accessories can help improve your golf game and help you stay comfortable.

Golf gloves

Ladies golf gloves

To be successful at golf, you need the right combination of power and control. One secret to that balance is a golf glove. Although you can wear golf gloves on both hands, you only need a golf glove on your non-dominant hand; in other words, if you are right-handed, wear your golf glove on your left hand. Golf gloves help you to ease up the tension on that hand, letting you hit the golf ball farther. You will be amazed at the improvement in distance you'll have with golf gloves.

The materials of golf gloves also help give you better control. A combination of materials, including cabretta leather, synthetic leather, or mesh, allows your hands to have better control without limited movement while wearing golf gloves. Your wrists will be supported but your fingers will still be able to move.

Golf gloves are generally sized in men's and ladies' sizes, usually with small, medium and large designations for each. Occasionally, you will also see juniors' sizes as well. To determine your size, use a tape measure around the palm of your hand.
Ladies sizes
Extra-small: about 6 inches
Small: about 6 1/2 inches
Medium: about 7 inches
Large: about 7 1/2 inches
Men's sizes
Extra small: about 7 inches
Small: about 7 1/2 to 8 inches
Medium: about 8 1/2 to 9 inches
Large: about 9 1/2 to 10 inches
Extra-large: about 10 1/2 to 11 inches

Golf sunglasses

It may be a beautiful, sunny day on the golf course, but if you are squinting and straining to see your golf ball, then you aren't going to enjoy the sunshine. You need a pair of golf sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Shielding your eyes from the sun is just as important as wearing sunscreen, and golf sunglasses are the perfect solution. With full UV protection and lightweight designs, golf sunglasses will keep your eyes safe from the sun without getting in the way of your golf game. For information about choosing the right sunglasses, read our Sunglasses Buying Guide.

Common questions about golf gear

Can I use my golf sunglasses for everyday wear?

Golf sunglasses are designed for clear, glare-free vision while playing outdoor sports. Most golf sunglasses are polarized, which can decrease visibility when driving for some people, so you may not want to use them as your all-purpose sunglasses. Polarized golf sunglasses may not be perfect for everyday wear, but you can't beat the clear vision that these golf sunglasses will give you when you are out on the golf course.

Why do many golfers use magnetic bracelets?

You may not have thought of magnetic bracelets as golf accessories, but many golfers claim the magnets help increase circulation and reduce inflammation. Although research about the abilities of magnetic bracelets is inconclusive, golfers who wear magnetic bracelets believe that they improve their games. If a game of golf makes you sore, you may want to try this alternative healing method.

What makes golf umbrellas different from other umbrellas?

Golf is always played outside, and it is often played even when the weather changes from sunny to rainy. A golf umbrella lets you finish the back nine even when the rain is coming down. Golf umbrellas are usually larger than regular umbrellas, and some even feature vented canopies to allow the wind to pass through without inverting your umbrella. You may have also seen people carrying golf umbrellas while watching golf tournaments; these are often promotional items and have logos printed on them.

Ideas from Overstock.com

Golf essentials

All of these golf accessories will be useless unless you have the essentials: golf clubs and golf balls. While you are online shopping at Overstock.com, you can find the discount golf equipment you want, including the name brands you know and trust.

Look good on the golf course

No golfer should look shabby on the golf course, so don't forget to shop for golf apparel and golf shoes to wear out on the links. You'll find stylish clothing for all weather conditions as well as the shoes that will increase your comfort, so your long walk won't be spoiled.

Gifts for golfers

If you need presents for the golfers in your life, you've come to the right place for golf gifts, like electronic scorekeepers, golf shoe bags, digital ball finders and golf GPS devices. When you give golf gear from Overstock.com, they will remember that the improvements in their golf scores were because of your gifts.


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