Many golfers do not play well during chaos conditions. You know, the times when you are searching for something in your bag that you cannot seem to find because you have not looked in your bag for quite some time. This happens to me from time to time and it is then I realize I need to reorganize my golf bag. With the start of my golf season on Sunday, I will take the time today to check out my equipment and to make sure my range finder and Garmin S80 are fully charged. The real question for today is what will I need to play with my hickory sticks in a couple of days. That always takes some thought.

When I first started playing with my hickories I thought that all my equipment was interchangeable. For the most part that is true. However, there is one piece of equipment that is completely different. Believe it or not, it is my golf tees. With my modern driver, I tee the ball up about 2.5 inches and use a blade tee. With my older clubs, this tee is completely inadequate.

First, I try to use a wooden tee as the plastic causes undue wear and tear on my wooden headed hickories. I find that this type of tee does not leave marks on the club head or the sole of my clubs. Also, I use a shorter tee as I generally tee the ball up about 1 to 1.5 inches. Being as the club head is significantly smaller, this height works best for my swing.

Additionally, I carry many of very short tees for my iron shots of the teeing area. I find that the short tees survive contact better than a longer tee pushed farther into the ground. I try to have my ball flush with the top of the grass on the tee box in order to promote proper contact with the smaller faced clubs. One many not think that the proper tee is important, but it is for my game.

Next, I will ensure I have my ball markers, divot repair tool, sunscreen, a towel or two, and a spare battery for my range finder. All of these items and many more are important in order to play my best golf. Could I play without them, of course. However, having the proper equipment on hand reduces the chaos of playing my best golf.

Lastly, I will be sporting a hat from my friend Mike Johnny. He owns 36aday.com golf company and if you are looking for a new lid, his online store is the place to go.

Sunday is the day and I am excited to start my golf season. As in years past, I will play my first round with my hickory sticks. It will be an adventure, but most of all I am going to have fun. Playing golf with my friends with a forecast of warm sunny weather is a great remedy for success after a long winter nap.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!