Before you even choose your accessories, someone has already decided which ones you need: the Rules of Golf, club regulations, airlines. Here are eight accessories, each with the rule that makes it useful.
No brands, no models: categories of accessories, each made useful or necessary by a concrete rule. It may be one of the Rules of Golf (R&A), a club's regulations, an airline's conditions or a recommendation from the World Health Organization.
The eight accessories at a glance
| # | Accessory | Why it is on the list | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Federation card or handicap certificate | Many clubs ask guests for it | Club regulations |
| 2 | Shoes with soft spikes | Compulsory under many regulations | Club regulations |
| 3 | Rangefinder or GPS | Permitted by the Rules, unless a local rule says otherwise | R&A, Rule 4.3 |
| 4 | Hat, sunglasses, sun protection | Safety recommendations | WHO |
| 5 | Collared polo shirt and course attire | Written dress code | Club regulations |
| 6 | Pitch repairer and course care | Required in the regulations | Club regulations |
| 7 | Bag within 20 kg | Limit on flights | easyJet |
| 8 | Green fee tag on the bag | Rule at some clubs | Club regulations |
1. Documents: federation card and handicap certificate
This is the accessory most easily forgotten, and it can stop you from playing. Golf Club Mare di Roma requires the current year's FIG membership to play the course and even just the practice range: the card certifies the handicap and covers insurance. Golf Club Lamborghini welcomes guests every day it is open, but asks them to book and to present the handicap certificate of their home club. At Salsomaggiore Golf & Thermae the certificate is required, with a maximum handicap of 54. At Golf Club Passeier.Meran you need either a federation card with a registered handicap or a course permit, the Platzerlaubnis.
2. Shoes with soft spikes
On this point the regulations are clear: at many clubs soft spikes are compulsory (among them Conero Sirolo, San Donato, Reggio Emilia, Salsomaggiore and Lamborghini), while at others metal spikes are banned, as at Acquasanta. It is the first thing to check before you close your suitcase.
3. Rangefinder or GPS: what the Rules say
The Rules of Golf, in Rule 4.3a, allow players to obtain distance information, including with a measuring device, unless the Committee restricts it with a local rule. Functions that measure elevation change or wind speed, and those that interpret data to recommend a club or a line of play, remain prohibited: the penalty is the general penalty for a first breach, disqualification for a second.
In Italy clubs say so openly: according to Golf Club Quellenhof Passeier, its local rules permit distance-measuring devices and GPS even in competitions; at Passeier.Meran rangefinders and GPS are allowed, and the yardage markers on the course show 100, 150 and 200 metres. Other clubs offer GPS on the golf cart: at Pevero Golf Club a buggy with GPS costs 60 euros for 18 holes, and in 2026 a GPS cart at Golf Club Castelconturbia costs 60 euros as well. But beware of competitions: before an event, ask whether a local rule restricts the use of devices.
4. Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
The World Health Organization recommends limiting time in the midday sun, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat to protect eyes, face, ears and neck, wraparound sunglasses with 99–100% UV-A and UV-B protection, and a broad-spectrum cream on exposed skin. On the course one dress-code detail matters: Golf Club Mare di Roma excludes "non-golf caps". For personalised skin advice, ask a dermatologist.
5. Collared polo shirt and course attire
Of all the accessories, this is the most regulated. At Circolo del Golf Roma Acquasanta the dress code is written into the local rules: for men a polo shirt and long trousers or knee-length Bermuda shorts, with long socks recommended; for women a polo shirt, with or without sleeves, and trousers, Bermuda shorts or a skirt. Jeans, tracksuits and leggings are banned. At Golf Club San Donato a collared polo shirt is required, and jeans, cargo trousers, drawstring trousers and sandals are not allowed.
6. Pitch repairer and course care
The regulations of Golf Club Jesolo ban inappropriate attire and require care of the course, from divots to bunkers; Golf Club Casalunga asks players to stay on the fairways, avoid the reed beds, keep dogs on a lead and photograph without flash. A pitch repairer in your pocket is a practical way of respecting these requests.
7. Bag within 20 kg
On easyJet, according to the airline's conditions, golf clubs fall into the "small" category, with a maximum of 20 kg; they are added to the booking, cost less if bought online and are non-refundable. For other airlines, read the conditions on the carrier's website.
8. The green fee tag
At Golf Club Passeier.Meran the green fee card must be hung visibly on the bag: keep it within reach. Among the golf services of the Quellenhof Luxury Resort Passeier, the hotel lists an on-site course, tee time booking and club rental; at Villa d'Este tee times are booked through Guest Relations. In both cases, ask in advance which documents are needed.
Water and snacks: not always something to bring
Some clubs take care of this for you. At Golf Club Castelconturbia the GPS golf cart includes water and snacks in the price; at Chervò Golf San Vigilio a mobile buvette brings snacks and drinks to players between holes. Elsewhere, find out beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
What should I bring to play golf at an Italian club?+
Besides your clubs, a federation card or a handicap certificate: many clubs ask guests for it. Then shoes with soft spikes and suitable clothing, according to the club's dress code.
Can I use a rangefinder on the course?+
Yes, the Rules of Golf (Rule 4.3a) allow distances to be measured, unless a local rule says otherwise. Functions that measure elevation change or wind, or that recommend a club, are not permitted.
How many clubs can I carry in my bag?+
A maximum of 14, under the R&A's Rule 4.1b.
Is a hat compulsory?+
It does not appear in the regulations of the clubs cited above, but the WHO recommends a wide-brimmed hat against the sun, and Golf Club Mare di Roma excludes non-golf caps.
How much can a golf bag weigh on a plane?+
On easyJet the limit for golf clubs is 20 kg. For other airlines, check the conditions on their website.
Do I need to bring the green fee card?+
At Golf Club Passeier.Meran, yes: it must be hung visibly on the bag. At other clubs the rules may differ, so ask the secretary's office.
