There is no better golf course in the world for setting up and delivering drama down the stretch of a golf tournament. The closing three at Sawgrass are the best finishing holes in American tournament golf.

On the other hand, seeing and hearing Matt Fitzpatrick receive “boos” down the stretch rubbed me the wrong way. I’m not sure why, but it seems to be more common these days.

Fitzy demonstrated some class in the post-round interview, but the point remains - can we no longer separate the lax standards of the WMPO and Ryder Cup atmosphere from the TOUR’s premier event?

If you missed the first two guides, I covered attire and shoes over the past two weeks.

Today, we’ll be discussing golf bags, shoe bags, and general travel and carry bags. A good-looking, well-constructed bag is an important item for a trip. A bag worth owning should last a long time if cared for properly.

As a reminder, I don’t sell ads here or offer any affiliate links. These are all the brands I know and trust. This list is for you, the reader.

Read on for my suggestions.

For the player who values a lightweight bag with plenty of storage.

Titleist. The Players 4 Carbon is my current gamer. It’s lightweight, has great storage, and works well for walking/riding/caddy. All you can ask for in a bag.
Ping. The Hoofer is the tried and true classic, but I am a fan of the lighter Moonlander for those of you who are walking purists.
Sun Mountain. The Eclipse is a 3.5 pound bag with a good silhouette. A proper performance option.

For the player who wants to “dress up” their setup. These bags skew a bit heavier, but have a more timeless and appealing look vs. the performance bags.

Evans. A timeless, old school look that will never go out of style
Shapland. On the heavier side, but I’ve heard nothing but good things from those who own one.
Hudson Sutler. At 4.2 pounds this may be the best of both worlds.
Mackenzie. A rare instance of the price adequately reflecting value.
Jones. I’m a fan of the orginal jones bag with the massive, comfortable strap.

To keep the crisp Premiers nice and clean.

Links & Kings. A new brand I have recently become acquainted with.
Hudson Sutler. I own the olive green from HS. High quality with the option to personalize it.
Smathers. A little needlepoint never hurt anyone.

For the weekend “Lunch to Lunch” strike mission.

Club Glove. I’m not aware of a better product on the market.

For your next black tie wedding.

Clayton & Crume. High end leather bags and travel items.
Halfday. Not leather, but certainly the most versatile bag I own. It’s a game changer for wedding weekends, as you can pack your tuxedo and an extra sport coat with ease. Perfect for 1-2 night trips.
Filson. The best quality for your money.

Florida has never lacked for golf. It has, on occasion, lacked for interesting golf (the kind that remembers the game was invented on terrain that moved). High Grove, tucked into the scrub and citrus country of Highlands County, makes a persuasive case that the peninsula state has been holding out on us.

Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner have built their layout on over 1,200 acres of Valencia orange groves atop the Lake Wales Ridge, a geological curiosity that delivers something virtually no other Florida property can claim: 60-70 feet of genuine elevation change. The sand beneath your feet is ancient, and the views stretch for miles.

The walk itself is just as interesting as some of the short 4s built by Hanse and Wagner.

Outside of a few greens I felt were “manufactured”, I enjoyed the walk and the “hang”.

I want to give a ton of credit to High Grove, which is still in the process of building it’s clubhouse. The service was outstanding and the food was excellent. The rooms were clean, and the showers have the coveted “waterfall” heads that practically drown you.

All makings of a great overnight trip.

I’ve received a few emails asking about how to best “prep” for an interview at a golf or country club.

Without learning every detail of every specific situation, I will say this:

Most clubs are looking for members who are like-minded. Do you fit in?

If you have a sponsor, they are your best source of information. It’s hard work being a sponsor, so I’d suggest reaching out to them proactively when you have questions.

If you’re interviewing at a Golf Club, it’s best to heed the advice written in this newsletter, as you’ll always play at least once with members before they admit you.

I’ll be writing a longer-form piece on this in the coming weeks. It’s a delicate and nuanced topic worthy of deeper discussion.

I’m not a big Dan Rapaport guy.

With that being said, he makes a good point about common sense etiquette here.

It’s a shame that we are even having this conversation. Golf has grown too quickly.

Tucking in your shirt makes you look and feel better as an individual. It’s not about how you personally feel, it’s about putting aside your desire to be seen as unkempt in deference to the nature of our game.

The scenario -

You’re hosting a guest at your home club, and off one of the tee boxes, the two of you “split” the caddie. Your tee ball goes in the right rough, and his sails into deep fescure on the left.

Having played the course many times before, you have a fair idea of how far your approach shot will be. Thinking ahead, you grab 2-3 clubs from your bag and instruct the caddie to attend to the guest, who is entirely unfamiliar with the golf course.

This is sophisticated and expert-level golf IQ.

Congrats to Ole Miss professor Brett Patterson as he claimed the title by making birdie on the second playoff hole to defeat former PGA Tour player Bobby Wyatt in a dramatic finish.

Patterson entered the final round T-4 at 3-under 141, four shots off the pace set by Winburne Hughes. He closed with a 4-under 68 to climb the leaderboard and force extra holes, where Wyatt, who matched that closing 68, ultimately came up short.

The win earned Patterson an exemption into the Palmetto Amateur.

The Mississippi native balances competitive golf with an academic career at Ole Miss, as proper amateurs always have.