Separating the essentials from the toys: all you need to know about golfing accessories or must haves

So you’ve got a good set of clubs and a great swing - in some Pro’s eyes that’s all you need for a successful day out on the green. Here at Emperor of Golf we’re so crazy about golf we like to know exactly what’s out there in terms of golfing accessories and must haves.

Protection from the elements is important and can be easily achieved with reliable sunblock and a peak cap that breathes easily. Most golfers also carry a lightweight rain jacket that can be easily stowed. When it comes to gloves and shoes there is a huge variety to choose from. Our favourite glove is the Callaway X Spann which features premium Cabretta leather for a soft feel and the best grip. It also has a seam that runs across the knuckles to allow for more movement.

Our favourite pair of shoes for men at the moment is the classic Hi-Tec CDT Power which was designed in conjunction with Padraig Hamilton. For ladies there are two outstanding designs: try on the latest from Dexter Carin Koch II in pretty pink, or Nike’s SP-5 with its unique waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry in the wettest conditions.

While we’re on the topic of style let’s talk about Bioflow bracelets. Apart from looking swish in polished stainless steel they’re ideal for golfers who suffer from aches and pains, and especially good for arthritis. If that isn’t 007 enough for you try out a Bushnell Sport Rangefinder. It is ultra-compact, waterproof and features a 4x magnification through its built-in LCD (If you’d prefer a GPS based system try the Sky Golf SkyCaddie).

Then there’s the Breakmaster which digitally measures the direction and severity of the break on any green. I know what you’re thinking… that can’t be legal. But hundreds of touring pros make use of this technology to interpret the direction and degree of slope on their practice rounds. Whether you remember the reading in your actual game is up to you.

When the degree of the slope is heavy going, consider purchasing an electric cart. The Prolite Electric weighs in at a light 9.5kg and works off a 24 Volt lead acid battery. If you’re old-school and consider electrics ‘cheating’ then try our favourite non-electric which lives up to its name: the Fairway Glider is a super light cart made from aluminium with big wheels that clip on and off easily - plus it won’t take up much space as it folds up to just over one metre.

The latest innovative gimmick in golfing accessories is RadargolfTM which uses proprietary radio frequency technology to help you locate lost balls and save strokes.

If you’re anything like us, you’ll agree that a house is not a home without a putting set. But there is more fun to be had in the backyard with the practice net and frame we found at a local sport shop. Now you can practice your swing without breaking the neighbour’s imported windows. We know it’s not quite as much fun but the money you save on replacing the glass can go towards the more silly accessories that are available like the brush tee (quite easily the coolest tee yet designed) and the Turfmaster Googie Pack which features a spike wrench, ball markers, utility brush and divot fork. Sillier still we have cuddly animals masquerading as club covers – choose from Alligator, Tiger, Gorilla or Lion heads.

With all these new golfing accessories or must haves, you’ll be considering a good travel cover for your goodies. We recommend the Nicklaus with inline skate wheel (and a padded top to protect your club heads), as well as three great golfing books to read on the plane: ‘Who’s your Caddy?’ by Rick Reilly; ‘A Love Affair with the Game’ by Sandy Tatum and ‘A Good Walk Spoiled’ by John Feinstein.