The list of items that form the golfer's kit grows longer and longer as new products some quite useful and others pure gimmick come on the market. When you are starting or want to build up the essential kit, only buy what you really need, or will find helpful.

Golf bags

These were first introduced and used around 1870. Before then, the players' caddies simply carried the clubs in a bundle under their arms. Now a golf bag is essential, and you are unlikely to be allowed on a course without one.

Needless to say, the bags come in a huge choice of shapes and sizes. As the weight of the bag is so important, many are now made of lightweight nylon.

Drainpipe carry bag ideal for six or seven clubs and when practising.

Light carry bags make sure the strap is strong enough. If it is fully collapsible, it may be unsuitable for a full set and cannot be used with a golf cart.

Pull cart bag get one small enough to carry, but large enough for a full set and rigid so you can use it on a pull cart. Again, a strong strap is essential. Look for one with a hood for protection in the rain.

Divider bag with compartments for each club. Good for keeping clubs apart, particularly graphite shafted ones that can chip.

Tournament bag needs a very strong strap and a strong base, since caddies tend to sit on it!

All in one bag/pull cart ideal when travelling and for packing in the car.

Look for a bag with a good, strong strap suitable for the number of clubs you want to carry around, a stiff bag if you want it for use on a pull cart, a hood for the rain, a sturdy base and enough pocket space for anything you are likely to want to take on the course with you. If you are using graphite shafted clubs, soft fabric dividers protect them.

Holdalls

These are available with zip off ends for storing valuables. It is also a good idea to get one that has a section for shoes, to keep them separate from your clothing.

Headcovers

These can be made of vinyl, fabric, leather or sheepskin. Although expensive, sheepskin is in many ways the best since it is waterproof and will also breathe, so moisture doesn't build up inside.

Iron covers are very useful for keeping your set in pristine condition. But unless your irons are stainless steel, make sure the covers are not holding moisture.

Essential accessories

You will need plenty of other items for use around the course. These include a bag towel for cleaning the ball, drying your hands and so on when it is wet. Get a good umbrella that is both lightning and windproof. With this type, the frame can be pulled around quite roughly, and it will stand up to a near gale.

Tees can be wooden or plastic. Wooden ones will break on almost every drive, but some suggest they do less damage to the environment (they rot away), than plastic ones. For the club player, castle tees of a set height are an excellent idea. Use one height for drivers, another for a 3 or 4 wood and the shortest for an iron tee shot.

Most professionals simply play with a pocket full of tees. More practical is a tee holder, which will also take a pencil, your scorecard and some ball markers. You can get ones that fasten onto your golf bag.

A ball washer that stays moist is a real boon and particularly useful on courses where there are few ball washers beside the tees. Although professionals, who usually rely on spit and polish from the caddies, do not use this item it is useful for the amateur and saves the potential hazard of licking the ball.

Add to your kit a ball retriever for fishing stray balls out of water and a practice ball bag or tube for use while on the Practice ground.

Carts

Most players use a pull cart, either a hand cart or an electric model. With a pull cart, cheek how small it is when folded up, and consider whether or not you want to remove the bag from the cart before folding it to pack in the car. Some players prefer to leave the two attached, while others find this too heavy and bulky and prefer to separate them.

Check not only the weight of the cart, but also the way it pulls. A cart needs to be well balanced so that it is comfortable whether you are pulling or pushing it. Ideally, you want to be able to pull it with your arm hanging relaxed at your side. If the balance is wrong or the handle too long, your arm can be forced to hold it at an awkward angle.

Look for one with an adjustable handle and try out the cart in the shop with your own bag of clubs on it.

With an electric pull cart, consider its weight and that of the battery. Many older players have electric ones for case of use on the course and then find the battery is too heavy to lift into the car. Always buy an electric pull cart from your own golf pro. You may need to call on him to recharge the battery, a job he may not be too sympathetic about if you bought the equipment elsewhere.