End of Season Reset: Get Your Golf Gear Organized Now (Your Future Self Will Thank You)

Here's the thing about the end of golf season: it sneaks up on you. One day you're playing in shorts and a sleeveless top, and the next you're looking at the forecast wondering if you can squeeze in one more round before the temperatures really drop.

And then there's that moment – usually sometime in early spring when the weather finally breaks – when you rush out to your car or garage, excited to play again, only to find your golf bag is a disaster zone. The glove is stiff and crusty. You have exactly three golf balls (two of them scratched beyond recognition). Your towel could basically stand up on its own. And you realize with a sinking feeling: you're going to spend your precious playing time scrambling to get ready instead of actually playing.

I've been there. We've all been there.

But here's what I've learned: the best thing you can do for your golf game isn't necessarily taking another lesson or buying new clubs – it's being organized and prepared so that when those first warm days hit, you're READY.

Why Bother Organizing Your Golf Gear?

Look, I get it. You're busy. The last thing you want to do when the season winds down is spend time going through your golf bag. But trust me on this one – giving yourself this gift now means you'll be 80-90% prepared when spring arrives. You won't waste precious playing time running to the pro shop or digging through your trunk looking for that extra sleeve of balls you swear you had.

You'll thank yourself for giving yourself that edge – and for being ready that much faster when the good weather returns.

Plus, there's something else: once you go through everything, you'll have a clear idea of what you actually need versus what you want. Hello, holiday wish list. Hello, Black Friday deals. Hello, birthday gift ideas for your loved ones (or for yourself – you don't need an excuse!).

Step 1: Purge the Old and Dingy Stuff

First things first. Let's get rid of anything that's seen better days.

Throw out:

  • Scratched or worn golf balls (they're not doing you any favors)

  • Your old golf glove (yes, even if it's "not that bad")

  • That disgusting towel with grass and mud stains that won't come out

  • Travel tissue packs with one tissue left

  • Broken or bent tees

  • Those random wrappers and receipts that somehow multiply in your bag

Be ruthless here. If it's not serving you, it goes.

Take inside and refresh: Your magnetic golf speaker that needs charging? Take it in the house right now and plug it in so it's fully charged and ready to go.

Do you have a golf cart seat cover? Any spare sweaters stuffed into the golf bag? Take these inside for a wash & tuck them back in their spot.

Step 2: Clean and Inspect Your Clubs

This is a great time to give your clubs some attention. Clean them thoroughly – you'd be amazed at the difference a clean clubface makes. While you're at it, inspect your grips. Do they feel slick or worn? Are they hard and crusty?

Here's the deal with grips: If they need to be replaced, now is actually the perfect time to do it. Get it done before the season starts so you don't have to worry about scheduling it when you'd rather be playing. Fresh grips can genuinely improve your game, and you'll start the season with that confidence boost.

Step 3: Evaluate Your Golf Bag

Take a good hard look at your bag. Are the zippers all working? Is the fabric worn out or torn? Do the straps hurt your shoulder? Is it too heavy when you need to carry it from the car to the cart?

If your bag is showing signs of wear, start thinking about whether you want to replace it for next season. You don't have to decide right now, but at least you'll have time to research and find exactly what you want instead of panic-buying something that doesn't quite work.

Step 4: Replenish Your Essentials

Now that you've cleaned everything out, it's time to restock. Make a list of what you need:

  • Golf gloves (I always keep a backup packed in a ziplock bag to keep the moisture out)

  • Golf balls (a few sleeves minimum)

  • Tees (wooden and plastic - I prefer plastic but wooden are more eco friendly)

  • Golf towel (fresh and clean! Replace your old crusty golf towel with a magnetic deep waffle pattern one. The magnet is a nice little upgrade that ensures you never leave your wedge on the green again!)

  • Hair ties (I pack these ouch-less elastics by Goody)

  • Ball markers (my personal favorite is anything by BirdieGirlGolf - they have such fun designs & high quality items!)

  • Band-aids (trust me on this one)

  • Sunscreen (I pack a sunblock stick so there’s less chance of a bursting bottle mess.)

  • Lip balm

women's golf ball markers

Consider upgrading your ball marker to something cute and functional! These custom ball markers were made by BirdieGirlGolf. It comes with a hat clip. Unfortunately they are not for sale but I do give them away at my golf events locally.

Step 5: Organize Your Storage Systems

This is where you get to think about how you actually use your golf gear and set yourself up for success.

If you like to keep your shoes in your car: Consider getting golf shoe cubes that help your shoes stay organized and not get crushed in your trunk. [Clear Stackable Shoe Containers]

If you store your clubs in the garage: A golf club garage organizer can hold your bag, extra balls, shoes, and more – keeping everything in one spot so you're not hunting around. [Garage Golf Gear Organizer]

Need a system for spare balls, tees, and markers? Get an organization box – one for at home and one for in the car. [Golf Gear Organizer for Car Trunk]

Pro tip I wish I'd learned sooner: Keep a small duffel bag in your car with a spare golf shirt, skort, and socks. You never know when you might need to change at the course (spilled coffee, anyone?), and having this backup has saved me more than once. [Small Duffel Bag]

But Wait – You Might Still Get to Play!

Here's the beautiful thing: organizing your gear now doesn't mean you're done for the season. If the sun is out, even if the temperature is cooler, if the wind is calm, it can feel absolutely amazing to get on the golf course with the winter sun overhead. I've had some of my favorite rounds on those crisp fall and winter days when the course is nearly empty and everything feels peaceful.

So get organized, but keep your gear accessible. You might surprise yourself with a few bonus rounds before spring truly arrives.

The Bottom Line

The whole idea here is simple: be 80-90% prepared once the great weather comes again so you don't waste time when the weather is amazing. You want to be the golfer who shows up ready, confident, and excited to play – not the one frantically searching for tees in the parking lot.

Plus, once you've gone through everything, you'll know exactly what to put on your wish list for the holiday season – either to share with your loved ones or to purchase for yourself. And if there are some great Black Friday deals coming up? You'll know exactly what you want and need.

Your future self is already thanking you.

Now get out there and get organized. And if you do sneak in a few more rounds this season? Even better.

If you have any great golf gear organization ideas or hacks, I’d love to hear them! Shoot me an email at hello@queencitylinksladies.com.

Mary Boecker at Queen City Links Ladies

This article was written by Mary Boecker, founder of Queen City Links Ladies.

Women make up only 22% of golfers. Many women struggle with feeling intimidated or anxious, preventing them from enjoying & fully participating in golf outings with friends or colleagues.

Through my blog, I help women become confident golfers through educating, inspiring and entertaining. Here you’ll find useful information, actionable strategies and step-by-step solutions to the specific challenges women golfers face.

https://www.queencitylinksladies.com
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