Golf balls hold sentimental value for me, so I don't like losing them. Retracted, my ball retriever fits neatly into the pocket of my bag but extends to eight feet and has been used to scoop balls out of hazards unashamedly from Rae's Creek to the Swilcan Burn.-- Jerry Tarde, Editor-in-Chief, Golf Digest
Positive Reinforcement
This is my player's badge from the 2010 U.S. Amateur Public Links. I carry it to remind myself I was once capable of playing good golf, and so not to be surprised if it happens again.-- Max Adler, Staff Writer, Golf Digest
Remembering Dad
I introduced my Dad to golf, instead of the other way around. This Top-Flite, his ball of choice, was in his golf bag when he passed away in 1980, and it's been in mine for a long time. It makes me think of him, and the good times we had playing together.-- Bill Fields, Senior Editor, Golf World
Liquid Courage
This pocket flask has been in my various bags for at least 20 years. It seemed like such a good idea at the time -- still does, actually -- but the time, company and weather are never right. It limps from one remote bag pouch to another, so I only stumble on it when I do spring cleaning. It still teems with that first 4 oz. filling of scotch.-- Guy Yocom, Senior Writer, Golf Digest
Precautionary Measures
One thing worse than premature aging is skin cancer. And because both are terrible, I'm a stickler about applying sunblock. Regardless of whether it's sunny or raining, I slather it on right before I walk out the door, and, if I'm playing golf, I reapply as I head to the first and tenth tees. I can deal with the residue that cream sunblocks leaves behind, but if you can't, there are many options (sticks, sprays, etc.) that override any excuse you have for leaving sunblock at home or in your car. It's time to keep it in your bag.--Ashley Mayo, Associate Editor, Golf Digest
Meaningful Scorecard
My bag has some leftovers in it from the previous year, including scorecards and pencils that remind me where I'd been in 2012. One stands out: A scorecard from Golf Digest's annual event at Rock Ridge C.C. in Newtown, Conn., played a month before that town's unthinkable tragedy. I'm keeping this scorecard in my golf bag to remember the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary, and to remind myself to enjoy every round of golf I'm fortunate enough to play.-- Stephen Hennessey, Assistant Editor, Golf Digest
My Durable Glove
I've used this well-worn rain glove for every round I played in 2012. That's because I don't wear a rain glove in the rain -- I wear one all the time. It's incredible in the summer. When the hands get sweaty, leather gloves not only get wet with perspiration but they're a bear to get on and off your hand (I'm one of those guys that thinks it's tour-pro cool to take your glove off after every shot). Rain gloves go on and off easy and get tackier when wet. Plus they're far more durable. I'm at 72 rounds and counting with this one. I'm going to see if I can get to 100.-- E. Michael Johnson, Senior Equipment Editor, Golf World
Wish I Was There
At the 2010 Curtis Cup, when my mother was U.S. team captain, the families of both teams played a better-ball match play tournament against one another at Tedesco Country Club in Massachusetts. The gentlemen who my father and I played with brought various things over with them to give to their opponents, one of which was the St. Andrews ball marker. Having never been to St. Andrews, I'll use the mark as a keepsake until I can play at golf's Mecca.--Brendan Mohler, Contributing Editor, Golf World
Sticker Shock
The first time I played at Shinnecock, a headcover was displayed by the cash register, and it caught my eye just as I was ready purchase a couple of other souvenirs. Maybe because I was in awe of the whole setting or because I didn't want to seem like a total tourist (which, of course, I was), I never asked what it cost. Then again, how much can a headcover cost? Well, it turns out this one listed for $120! (I know that because when I peeked at my bill when I got to my car, I thought seriously about calling for an EMT. Or a grief counselor.) I'd like to think that, five years after the fact, I have fully recovered from this experience, but given that I have yet to tell my wife this story, I may still have some work to do.-- Tim Murphy, Managing Editor, Golf World
Best Foot Forward
An extra pair of clean socks is a crucial component of my golf bag's compartments -- I could play 18 without tees or ball markers. Following in the footsteps of Ben Crane, who says, "it's the simplest way to lift your attitude," I'll change socks and my outlook for the round simultaneously.-- Jeff Patterson, Assistant Managing Editor, Golf Digest
Conversation Starter
A dear man, Richard Albert, was like a second father to me growing up in Bloomington, Ill. We didn't play a lot of golf together, but he was an avid golfer and we usually played with his son, Eric, a longtime friend of mine from childhood. When Dick died in 2007, his widow, Cathy, said I could have some of his golf items. So I selected a few clubs, but also took these University of Wisconsin headcovers. Dick was born in Kaukauna, Wis., and loved all things having to do with The Badger State. So by using these headcovers, I am reminded of Dick and can sometimes tell his story to those I play golf with.-- Cliff Schrock, Editor, Golf Digest Resource Center
Sporting Gesture
A friend of mine who coaches a Special Olympics soccer team asked me to attend one of their tournaments and write a story about it for the national Special Olympics magazine. At the end of the four games, her team finished second and one of the athletes gave me her silver medal to thank me for writing about them. I keep this in my bag as a symbol of true sportsmanship.-- Ron Sirak, Executive Editor, Golf World
Special Attachment
A few years back, I was a judge on a Golf Channel reality show for golf inventors, and this Velcro strip with two hooks called the "Athletic Glove Grabber" was one of our semifinal products. It keeps all your gloves in one easy-to-find place and lets them air out between uses. My golf bag is like my purse -- I can never find what I'm looking for in the pockets -- so for me, this is an essential accessory.-- Stina Sternberg, Golf Digest, Global Golf Director
Honoring A Friend
I'm the guy in your group who never has tees, but I'll always have a ball mark repair tool handy. And that's because the one I own is engraved with the name of my boyhood friend, Chris Mello, who was just 25 when he lost his life on Sept. 11, 2001.--Sam Weinman, Web Editor, GolfDigest.com
