How to Set Up a Golf Bag

While there is no written rule on how golf bags should be set up, organizing your bag so you know where your clubs will save you time on the course.

Certain golf bags are also made with certain club placement in mind with taller clubs going in the front of the bag. So even though there is no set way, there are logical, universal practices.

Setting Up Your Golf Bag

1. Front is furthest, use for your woods and putter

When looking at golf bag, generally the front of the bag is the side furthest away from the strap.

Start organizing your bag by putting all your woods and your putter in the front compartment of this bag. If you have a hybrid club, this also would go in the front compartment.

2. Second row for Irons

In the second row, put all of your long to mid range irons. Typically this would include the 3 through 7 irons. To take it a step further, you can put your 3 iron on the side of the bag nearest your body and then the remaining clubs in order to the outside.

3. Final compartment for wedges, short range irons

In the final compartment will be your short wedges including the 8, 9, pitching wedge and sand wedge. If you carry a lob wedge this would also go in the compartment. The irons can also be laid out in a similar fashion as the long irons with the club that hits the furthest closest to your body.

4. Key spot for your Towel

The towel on a golf bag can be one of the most important accessories you have. A common placement for the towel is clipped to the front of the bag so it hangs down when your bag is propped up on its stand. This allows for easy access when you need to clean your club after a shot. Also most golf towels come with a hole lined with metal for easy clipping to the front of the bag.

5. Good places for Tees

Tees and balls are also key items you will have to carry in your bag. Most golf bags have two pockets for carrying items on the lower back of the bag. In the smaller of the pockets, keep your tees.

This pocket is also higher up the bag giving you easier access since theoretically you should be using more tees than golf balls. The golf balls will be put in the lower, larger bag since they take up more space.