How to Organize Your Golf Bag Like a Pro

How to Organize Your Golf Bag Like a Pro: Tips and Layouts

Organized golf bag with clubs and practice balls on grass at a driving range.

These days, there is no shortage of options to choose from when it comes to golf bags. From stand bags and cart bags to completely personalized options, knowing how to choose the right bag and organize it can make all the difference out on the course.

Why Golf Bag Organization Matters

If you’ve spent a fair amount of time on the course, you have likely seen your fair share of disorganized golfers — the ones who are always fumbling to find the right club and holding up the rest of your crew.

Keeping a properly organized golf bag is not only good etiquette; it also streamlines play by ensuring that you can always find what you need, when you need it. This, in turn, could even elevate your focus and performance. Likewise, keeping equipment properly stored and organized can protect against accidental loss or damage, too, which could save your bottom line.

Understand Your Golf Bag’s Design

Think all golf bags are created equal? Think again. There are actually many different types of golf bags, with some of the most common designs including:

Cart bags - These bags are specifically designed to be used with a golf cart or push trolley, featuring a flat base with plenty of storage compartments and full-length club dividers.

Stand bags – These golf bags are designed for golfers who walk the course instead of using a cart or push trolley. As a result, stand bags tend to be lighter weight and feature retractable legs to keep them upright on the course.

Tour bags – Also known as staff bags, these heavyweight bags are typically reserved for professional players. They’re best suited for transport by a golf cart or dedicated caddy and are often customized to meet a golfer’s specific needs.

The Pro Layout for Golf Clubs

Wondering how to arrange golf clubs in a bag? Ultimately, it all boils down to personal preference — but most professionals follow the same basic layout as described below.

Top Section: Woods and Driver

The top section of a golf bag is usually reserved for woods and drivers, as these tend to be the longest clubs. By arranging them at the top of the bag, you can effectively prevent them from coming into contact with other clubs and causing damage.

Middle Section: Irons and Wedges

Next, you have irons and wedges arranged throughout the middle of the bag. Many golfers prefer to arrange these from longest to shortest, which can make it easier to find the exact club you need.

Bottom Section: Putter

Last but not least, you have your putter placed at the bottom of your bag. Keeping it in the same spot makes it easier to access when you need it on the green.

How to Arrange Golf Bag Pockets and Essentials

Proper storage of your golf clubs is important, but you also don’t want to overlook the accessories you carry with you on the course.

Apparel Pocket

Many golf bags feature a larger pocket or compartment designed to carry such essentials as:

A light jacket or windbreaker

Extra golf gloves

A hat or visor

Ball Pocket

Golf bags may also feature one or more ball pockets, which are ideal for keeping:

At least one sleeve of new golf balls

Practice or used balls (stored separately, if possible)

Accessories Pocket

Smaller accessory pockets are perfect for storing:

Tees

Ball markers

Divot repair tools

Rangefinders or GPS devices

Valuables Pocket

If your bag has a waterproof and lined compartment, it’s probably meant for storing valuables like:

Wallets

Keys

Phones

Beverage/Snack Pocket

Some bags may feature an insulated pocket, which you can use for:

Water bottles and other beverages

Energy bars or small snacks

Extras Pocket

Some additional accessories to consider keeping in your golf bag include:

Sunscreen

Bug spray

Towel (clip one outside using a carabiner for quick access)

Weight Distribution and Balance

Another factor to keep in mind regarding how to arrange golf bags is weight distribution. This is especially crucial for those who carry stand bags, as uneven weight distribution could cause your bag to fall over. With this said, it’s best to keep heavier items stored in lower pockets. Frequently used items, such as tees and ball markers, may be kept easily accessible in a side- or front-facing pocket.

Seasonal Adjustments

If you play golf year-round, you might also find that what you pack in your golf bag changes based on the time of year:

Summer - During the warmer months of the year, you might prefer a lighter-weight bag with less gear to weigh you down — or you may even make the switch to a cart bag. Additional items to pack may include water/electrolyte beverages, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Fall/Winter – During the cooler months, you might need additional storage for accessories like gloves, hats, and jackets.

Tournament Play – Competing in a tournament? Make sure you have plenty of extra golf balls and tees, as well as ball markers and snacks to keep your energy up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Golf Bag Setup

When you’re learning the essentials of how to organize golf bags for the first time, you’re bound to make some mistakes.

One of the most common things to avoid is overpacking, particularly if you’re using a stand bag that you’ll be carrying yourself.

Be careful, too, about how you arrange your clubs. Keeping them organized from longer to shorter clubs will make it easier to find the one you need while protecting against damage. 

Finally, don’t forget to pack spares of essential equipment — including golf balls and your favorite tees. 

Advanced Golf Bag Setup: Going Beyond the Basics

Looking to delve deeper and find your perfect golf bag setup? Going beyond the basics really depends on whether you’re a walking golfer, a cart player, or a competitive golfer.

For Walkers

For walking golfers who will be carrying their own stand bags around the course, packing light is key. Stick only to the clubs and accessories you need, andneed and avoid unnecessary add-ons that will weigh you down. Be careful to keep heavier items toward the bottom of your bag to prevent those dreaded tip-overs on the course.

For Cart Players

If you use a cart bag, you won’t have to worry quite as much about packing light. Still, you’ll want your clubs to be properly organized to keep them easily accessible. Make sure your front-facing pockets are stocked with essentials (like tees and extra balls) so you don’t have to remove your bag from the cart to find what you need.

For Competitive Golfers

If you’re a competitive golfer, you might want to bring a few additional accessories to optimize your performance. This may include a rangefinder (with extra batteries), spare gloves, and rain gear like a lightweight rain jacket (for those inevitable afternoon rain showers).

How to Arrange Golf Clubs in a 14-Divider vs. 5-Divider Bag

How you arrange your golf clubs will also depend on whether you’re working with a 14-divider or 5-divider bag.

14-Divider Setup

With a 14-divider bag, you have a dedicated slot for each of your golf clubs. You’ll still want to arrange your clubs from longest to shortest, but you won’t have to worry as much about clubs bumping into each other. These bags do tend to be heavier than 5-divider bags, however, so they may be ideal for golfers who use a cart or trolley.

5-Divider Setup

Bags with a 5-divider setup have fewer individual storage compartments for clubs. With this setup, woods and drivers are typically stored in the top section, followed by irons in the middle sections. In the bottom two sections, wedges and putters have their own designated storage. With this option, you can still keep your clubs somewhat separated while enjoying a lighter weight — which may be optimal for walking golfers. 

Pro Tips for Keeping Your Bag Organized Round After Round

At the end of the day, keeping your golf bag organized really boils down to consistency and habit. By storing clubs and accessories in the same spot each time you play, you’ll always know where to find what you need.

Here are a few additional pro tips to consider when it comes to stocking your bag:

Keep a small amount of cash (including singles) to tip course staff in an accessible pocket.

Consider investing in protective head covers for your golf clubs, especially if you’re using a bag with shared compartments.

Add carabiners to your bag for extra clip-on storage (ideal for hats and other small items).

Final Thoughts: Organize Your Golf Bag for Success

For many golfers, figuring out the perfect arrangement of clubs and accessories is a matter of trial and error. However, with these tips in mind, you’ll be off to a solid start. From there, you can fine-tune your golf bag setup as you see fit.

Golf Bag Organization Frequently Asked Questions

How should I organize my golf clubs in my bag?

While there’s no universally “correct” method for organizing golf clubs in a bag, many golfers maintain that the top section should be reserved for woods and drivers, followed by irons and wedges in the middle section. Meanwhile, putters are typically stored in the bottom section.

What is the best golf bag setup for beginners?

For beginners, it’s generally best to keep a simple setup that consists of a single driver, a few irons, a pitching and sand wedge, and a putter.

Why does golf bag organization matter?

Golf bag organization is important because it helps you find the right club when you need it, which can streamline play while keeping up with course etiquette. Plus, proper storage of your golf clubs can protect valuable equipment from accidental loss or damage.

What should I keep in my golf bag besides clubs?

In addition to golf clubs, many golfers will keep items like golf balls, tees, ball markers, and a rangefinder in their bags. Other accessories to consider adding to your bag before heading out to the course include sunscreen, bug spray, keys/wallet, and snacks.

How often should I clean out my golf bag?

Ideally, you should clean out your golf bag every time you play. This way, you can get rid of any trash while ensuring that your bag is stocked and ready to go the next time you want to golf.

Time to Level Up Your Golf Education?

Golf bag organization is important, of course, but it’s only one aspect of the game. For those looking to advance their golf knowledge and skills, Keiser University School of Golf has programs to suit your needs.

Check out our Bachelor of Science in Golf Management, the Master of Science in Golf Teaching and Learning, or any of our other career-focused degree programs for yourself to learn more. Ready to take the next step? Begin your application today!