You’ve got your clubs, balls, and tees. Easy enough, right? But then someone hands you a tiny flat coin and calls it a ball marker. Or you find a strange fork-looking thing in your starter kit and wonder, “Is this for snacks or golf?” Don’t worry — you’re not alone! Golf comes with a handful of quirky tools and accessories that can feel a little mysterious at first.
The good news is that once you know what these items are for, they make the game smoother, friendlier, and more fun. In fact, there are nine quirky little items that often puzzle beginners. Let’s break down these nine “what’s this thing?” golf accessories in a light, beginner-friendly way.
1.The Golf Glove
Let’s start with something you’ve probably seen before: the golf glove. Usually worn on your non-dominant hand (left hand for right-handed golfers, right hand for lefties), the glove helps you grip the club without slipping and protects your hand from blisters.
You don’t have to wear one, but many golfers find it makes a big difference. Plus, it’s a chance to add a little flair. Gloves now come in fun colors and patterns, not just plain white.
2. Ball Markers: The Tiny Coins With Big Purpose
That flat little coin or button? That’s a ball marker. When your ball lands on the green, you use the marker to mark its spot so you can lift your ball and clean it (or get it out of the way of someone else’s putt).
Think of it as a polite placeholder — a way of saying, “Don’t worry, I was here first.” Pro tip: if you don’t have an official ball marker, a regular coin works just fine.
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3. The Divot Repair Tool (a.k.a. the Fork Thing)
This little gadget looks like a two-pronged fork and is actually one of the most important tools you’ll carry. When your ball lands on the green, it often leaves a small dent (called a divot). The divot repair tool is used to gently fix that spot so the green stays smooth for everyone.
It might feel intimidating at first, but it’s simple: push the prongs into the grass around the dent and lightly press the turf back toward the center. Quick, easy, and very courteous.
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4. Tees: Not Just One Size Fits All
You probably know what tees are, but did you know they come in different lengths? Shorter tees are great for irons, while longer ones work best for drivers. Don’t stress too much about this at the beginning, most beginners just grab whatever’s on hand, but it’s fun to know that there’s a tee for every type of shot. Also some tees have lines on them to help you determine how far you ideally push them into the ground for tee off.
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5. Towels: More Than Just for Sweat
You’ll often see golfers with a towel hanging off their bag. It’s not just for dabbing sweat (though it helps on hot days). A golf towel is super handy for wiping dirt off your clubs, drying wet grips, or cleaning your golf ball before a putt. Consider it the multitasking hero of your bag.
6. Ball Retrievers: Because Water Happens
If you’ve ever watched your ball take a dramatic dive into a pond, you’ll understand the joy of a ball retriever. This extendable pole lets you fish your ball out of water hazards without having to wade in. It’s not essential, but it can save you money (and shoes) in the long run.
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7. Scorecard Holder & Pencil
Golf still has a charmingly old-school tradition of keeping score with pencil and paper. A scorecard holder keeps your card from getting bent or soggy, and makes jotting down scores between holes a lot easier. It’s also a great place to stash a few tees or a spare ball marker. Further down the line you might just use a scorecard digital version but the concept stays the same.
8. Sunscreen & Lip Balm
Okay, technically these aren’t “golf tools,” but ask any seasoned female golfer and they’ll tell you these are absolute essentials. Hours in the sun can sneak up on you, so keeping sunscreen and lip balm in your bag is a game-saver (and a skin-saver).
9. Rangefinder or GPS: The Modern Golf Gadget
This one might look like a small camera or even a fancy remote, but it’s actually a tool that helps you measure distances on the course. A rangefinder (or GPS device) tells you how far you are from the flag or certain hazards, making club selection a lot easier. While not essential for beginners, it’s a fun gadget to play with and it can boost your confidence by taking the guesswork out of distance.
Odd Golf Accessories
At first glance, all these accessories might feel like overkill. But once you understand their purpose, they make the game smoother, friendlier, and more enjoyable.
So the next time you peek into your golf bag and wonder, “What’s this thing?” you’ll know exactly what it’s for and you might even be the one explaining it to a friend.
