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Golf Bag Research - Part 2

© Bill Howard

Last week's article covered some of the things you might learn from looking in another player's golf bag. This week I'll cover two more accessories and some of the more positive things you may see when you survey a partner's or an opponent's bag.

NEW GOLF SCHOOL BAG TAG- A very bad omen. This contestant has forked over a substantial sum for golf swing help that his mind and body are still trying to process. He or she is likely to become confused and frustrated as the round wears on. New thoughts and information will be doing battle with old habits and feels. You do not want to suffer in the crossfire.

CELL PHONE- These are twentieth century technology's most insidious threat to the game. Whether the player is a doctor, a lawyer, or an Indian chief, this accessory screams lack of focus on the task at hand. He or she has chosen to allow the real world to intrude on and corrupt what should be an insulated experience. Additionally, do not discount the possibility of fisticuffs if your partner's phone rings at an inopportune time.

GLOVES ON EACH HAND- Ignore what you may be told about blisters or sweaty hands. Two gloves mean too much tension in the hands and arms. On the course this translates into inconsistent shots and an inability to cope with pressure.

Now let's examine the contents and attachments of the golf bag. We'll start with the positive clues:

WORN SWEET SPOTS- Easily identifiable on a golfer's irons from a distance, these announce several things about their owner. The player practices, has established a durable relationship with the irons, and has a repeating swing that produces solid contact. Caution, it may only mean that the subject had the good sense to borrow a good player's clubs.

OLD PUTTER- This is pretty self explanatory. Garages across the country are littered with discarded putters. Someone carrying an old one clearly trusts it. Holed putts build trust.

1 AND / OR 2 IRON- If signs of use are present, their presence in a bag tells you the golfers swing is trustworthy enough to derive some benefit from them. Players with poorer ball striking abilities normally carry 7 woods.

OLDER SANDWEDGE- Evidences a player with a developed short game and confidence in this particular tool. Good players don't carry wedges that give them trouble around the green. Old wedges have been cooperative.

RULE BOOK- This is a very positive sign. It means that the individual is at least interested in playing the game correctly. Generally speaking, better players adhere to the