DAVID Packing
If I cannot find your 56° in two seconds, your bag is lying to both of us
Players treat the bag like a suitcase for a week in Mombasa. Extra shoes, a broken headphone packet, seven gloves, a banana from March. Then they wonder why we are slow on the tee. Bag setup is pace of play in disguise.
Clubs
Fourteen is the limit in competition. Driver and woods in the top slots so shafts do not clatter irons to death. Irons in order. Wedges together. Putter in its well if you have one — it is the club you draw most. I set this the same way every time so my hand goes to a 7-iron without a meeting.
Pockets I respect
- Balls you will actually put in play — six is plenty for most rounds.
- Tees, pitchfork, marker, sunscreen, a spare glove in a dry pocket.
- Towel hanging, not balled up wet against grips.
- Water. Food that will not melt into a grip.
Leave the laptop, the extra sweater “just in case” if it is 28°C, and the set of training sticks unless this is a lesson. I will strip a bag before a tournament if you let me. Some people are offended. Their 18th hole is faster afterward.
Ask for bag setup with a round or on its own before a trip.