Week 22: The 10 things every golf bag should have

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Pack a portable umbrella to keep you dry while you are waiting on the course. It will offer you better protection than a cart.

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A little rain never hurt anyone, but it can certainly make a golfer's life miserable. Pack a portable umbrella to keep you dry while you are waiting on the course. It will offer you better protection than an open-sided golf cart. Also, invest in a nice waterproof hooded pullover for when you have to take your swings. A cheap poncho will not allow you to swing as freely as a well-crafted pullover.

Sunscreen/insect repellent
Whether you will be playing in direct sunshine or next to standing water that can attract a mosquito convention, you want to be prepared. Bring a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF to protect your skin. Most sunscreens also act well as bug deterrents, but it is best to pack a repellent that contains at least 30% DEET to ward off any unwelcome winged intruders to your foursome.

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First aid kit
You don't need an EMT bag, just the very basics that will help you continue to enjoy your game should a mishap occur. In a waterproof bag, be sure to include aspirin, alcohol wipes and adhesive bandages for scrapes. You should also have an antibiotic ointment for any cuts. Include some sterile gauze and medical tape for the bigger jobs. Pack a few antihistamine tablets to combat insect bites or allergic reactions. And don't forget to pack an antacid in case your breakfast is not agreeing with you.

Cell phone
Take your cell phone on the course in case of an emergency, but be sure to keep it on vibrate so you do not disturb other players.

A healthy snack
You will be on the course for several hours. A snack that's high in protein and fiber will keep your energy up on the back nine. Some snacks that easy to pack in your golf bag are an apple, banana, protein bar or nuts. You will be glad you have a healthy snack in reach that will satisfy your hunger during your game.

Ball marker/repair tool
Golf is a game of etiquette. You should always have a marker on hand to spot your ball when others are putting first. A repair tool can also ensure that any ball marks left by previous approach shots on the green are fixed. Your putt deserves a smooth ride to the hole.

Business cards
You never know who you might meet on the next tee box. Don't let the opportunity slip away.

Rangefinder
The pros are not allowed to use them, but a good rangefinder is an incredible tool for an improving golfer. By being able to accurately gauge the distance of your next target, the rangefinder will help you become comfortable with how far you can strike a ball with each club.

Water bottle
There is nothing worst than seeing an ice-cold water cooler sitting next to an empty cup sleeve. A good golfer never leaves anything up to chance. Bring your own water bottle and fill up whenever you have a chance.

An extra glove
On a hot and humid day, switching from a sweaty glove to a fresh, dry one can be an invigorating feeling that will rejuvenate you on the back nine.

Being prepared is an essential part of enjoying the game of golf. If knee pain is preventing you from performing at your best, you might be suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Various treatments for OA do exist, such as ORTHOVISC®, which provides up to six months of knee pain relief. Made from ultra-pure natural hyaluronan, which is found in healthy joints, ORTHOVISC® is injected into the knee joint where it acts to replace your natural joint fluid, to help cushion, protect, and lubricate your knee.

ORTHOVISC® is a proud sponsor of PGATOUR.com. Talk to your doctor to see if ORTHOVISC® is right for you. Or visit our Web site at www.orthovisc.com for more information on how to maintain your knee health to help you keep playing the game you love.

Follow us on Twitter for up-to-date information on maintaining joint health and the prevention/treatment of knee pain due to sports-related injuries or the early symptoms of osteoarthritis.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

ORTHOVISC® is for patients who do not get adequate pain relief from simple pain relievers like acetaminophen or from exercise and physical therapy. ORTHOVISC® is not for use in people with known allergy to hyaluronate preparations, to gram bacterial proteins, with infections or skin diseases in the area of the injection site or joint. Common side effects include joint pain, back pain, headaches and pain or redness at the injection site.

This is a paid placement by DePuy Mitek, Inc. The opinions expressed above are those of DePuy Mitek, Inc. and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the PGA TOUR.