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Whether you’re brand new to the game of golf or you’ve been swinging clubs since you were a kid, one of the most essential pieces of gear you must have is a golf bag. While you may think all golf bags are functionally the same since most look similar to one another, truthfully, there are some subtle (and not-so-subtle) features that can make your golf game slightly less frustrating.
While the best golf bags may not lower your score as much as you prefer, they can keep your clubs organized and accessories in place while looking stylish. Considering you need a bag for almost every round, it should be one designed with you in mind.
How to choose the best golf bag for you
The golf bag is a major part of your overall equipment experience, so it pays to research to find the right one. And since the prices for bags range from $100 to over $1,000, it can be a major investment. Before purchasing, consider the following:
What golfing experience do you have?
If you’re a beginner, you may choose a smaller bag, such as a Sunday bag (also called a carry bag), which only holds five to seven clubs. If you have a full set of clubs, you’ll need something larger.
On the golf course, are you walking, riding in a cart, or both?
If you rarely carry your bag, you can select a cart bag that's designed to fit on the back of the golf cart but doesn’t have a stand. If you plan on walking or are unsure how you’ll use it, a stand bag is more appropriate because you can easily transport it.
Do you need the extra weight?
Better technology has decreased the overall weight of a golf bag, but even bags that are one or two pounds heavier can make it harder to carry or travel. If your equipment is heavier, you prefer to walk, or you pack a good amount of accessories, look for lightweight versions if possible.
Who is using the bag the most?
Most golf bags can be considered unisex by design—they can accommodate men’s or women’s clubs. However, there are golf bags marketed towards women, and they often include the same features as the other bags on the market. Generally, women may prefer a lighter bag, especially if they’re carrying it more often. Keep this in mind if you have a preference for bags designed specifically for a man or a woman.
Do you have a lot of golf accessories?
Tes, golf balls, tools, range finders, pencils, snacks, towels—these are a few of the items you’ll typically have in a golf bag. If you have a range of accessories, you’ll want a bag with enough pockets to hold your gear.
What is your budget?
Carefully consider how much you want to spend because it’s easy for the price tag to go up. More expensive bags are typically made with more expensive materials and may have special features, such as being waterproof or ultra-lightweight. However, you can still buy a golf bag for less than a hundred dollars, but it may not last as many years as other options.
Do you have a preferred style?
Like golf shirts, golf shoes, and everything else related to golf, there is quite a bit of style associated with a bag. It’s an ideal time to select one that fits your personality, such as with the color or material, the prominence of the logo placement, and if it’s more slim or bulky.
Our top golf bags picks
Best lightweight golf bag: Hoofer Lite Golf Stand Bag
PING is considered the gold standard for the modern-day golf bag. For golfers who prefer a stand bag, it’s hard to beat the design and function of the PING Hoofer Lite. Yes, true to its name, it’s incredibly lightweight, coming in at five pounds. The quality of the bag goes beyond the weight though, with extra features for added comfort and function.
The double straps are heavily padded, which provides greater comfort for carrying 18 holes (or more!) if necessary. Golfers who carry all 14 clubs will also appreciate the reinforced dividers that let you easily grab your clubs as you’re changing them out.
Not only is the PING Hoofer LITE our pick for best lightweight golf bag, it’s also the winner for Best Value. These bags cost around $250, which is the lower end of the range most bags fall into.
Key Specs
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Number of dividers: 4
- Number of pockets: 7
- Top measurement: 9.5 inches
- Material: Polyester
- Price: $245
Pros
- Weighs only five pounds
- Offers four reinforced dividers, ideal for organizing clubs
- Includes an attached rain hood for keeping clubs dry
- Roomy enough to hold 14 clubs without damaging grips when pulling out clubs
- Includes an insulated water bottle holder
Cons
- Less pockets compared to other PING bags
Hoofer Lite Golf Stand Bag
Best budget golf bags: Wilson Feather Stand Bag
If you’re trying to limit the amount you spend or are brand new to golf and unsure how much you’ll play, the Wilson Feather Stand Bag is an ideal choice. Not only can you find it for around $100 (a bargain in the golf world), but the bag is packed with features you find in much more expensive bags, such as padded straps, several pockets, an umbrella holder, and a rain hood.
Key Specs
- Weight: 4.3 pounds
- Number of dividers: 5
- Number of pockets: 6
- Top measurement: 9.5 inches
- Material: Polyester and nylon
- Price: $139.99
Pros
- Lightweight, under five pounds
- Includes a hip and back pad
- Easily holds up to 14 golf clubs
- Variety of pockets to fit specific accessories, such as a tee pocket, drink pocket, and pen holder
Cons
- Smaller top, which can cause frustration when taking clubs out or placing back in
Wilson Feather Stand Bag
Best golf travel bag: Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate Golf Travel
A golf travel bag is necessary when you want to take your own clubs with you and are traveling on an airline. The Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate easily expands to fit your own golf bag, while providing additional protection for your sticks. The “stiff arm” is an extra metal post included with the bag that sits about an inch above your driver, which prevents the clubs from shifting while getting “handled” by the baggage claim attendants. Plus, it includes two large pockets for storing your golf shoes, towels, and other golf-related items you may be traveling with.
Key Specs
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Number of dividers: 2
- Number of pockets: 2
- Top measurement: N/A
- Material: Water-resistant nylon
- Price: $319.99
Pros
- Includes a metal post that is one inch taller than the driver (the stiff arm), to take the brunt of the baggage handling
- Snug fit with your clubs for added protection
- Wheels for easier portability
- Comfortable grip for pulling
- More “compact” design, which is better for placing into a vehicle
Cons
- Weighs eight pounds, which (when combined with your other bag and clubs) can push the overall weight limit to 50 pounds or higher
Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate Golf Travel
Best cart bag: Tiltiest Cart 15 2023 Cart Bag
If you prefer to ride in the golf cart and avoid carrying your bag as much as possible, then the cart bag is a perfect solution. These bags are roomier, bulkier, and hold more than you will likely ever need out on the course. The Titleist 15 Cart Bag is a top choice because it offers 15 dividers, allowing you to easily remove a club without any friction.
If 15 dividers isn’t impressive enough, perhaps the 11 pockets will entice you. These pockets hold everything from golf balls to valuables, and anything else you need for your round.
Key Specs
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Number of dividers: 15
- Number of pockets: 11
- Top measurement: 11 inches
- Material: Polyester
- Price: $300
Pros
- Symmetrical design so it fits on either side of the cart
- Extra dividers for the maximum number of clubs
- Expanded top measurement for ease of removing clubs
- Extensive color selection
Cons
- Heavier construction makes the bag weigh more
- Single strap limits how much carrying you can do, if needed
Tiltiest Cart 15 2023 Cart Bag
Best golf bag for push carts: Taylor Supreme Golf Cart Bag
A push cart firmly holds a golf bag in place while walking, allowing you more freedom of movement and less struggle with carrying a full bag. Not all golf bags easily fit on a push cart though, but the Taylormade Supreme Cart Bag fits on one effortlessly. Taylormade bags are known for their sharp looks and high quality, and this bag is no exception. It easily fits on a push cart and stays in place as you’re removing or placing your clubs.
This bag is packed with features, including a cooler pocket to keep your drink cold, 14 dividers (one for each club), and only weighs five-and-a-half pounds.
Key Specs
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Number of dividers: 14
- Number of pockets: 11
- Top measurement: 11.5 inches
- Material: Polyester
- Price: $300
Pros
- Easily fits on push cart
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Plenty of dividers and pockets, for the ultimate organization
Cons
- Slots are not full length, which can eventually lead to damage of your clubs when removing
- Single-strap design limits the amount of carrying you can do with this bag
Taylor Supreme Golf Cart Bag
Best stand golf bag: Callaway Fairway C HD Stand Bag
Lightweight? Check. Waterproof? Check. Durable? Check. The Callaway Fairway C HD Stand Bag has it all for the golfer who wants the convenience of a stand bag for a reasonable price. At under $300, this bag only weighs four pounds, includes seam-sealed zippers to keep water out, and comes with a double-strap that can easily convert to a single-strap, giving you more carrying options.
Key Specs
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Number of dividers: 4
- Number of pockets: 5
- Top measurement: 11.5 inches
- Material: Waterproof
- Price: $300
Pros
- Ultra lightweight
- Full-length dividers
- Strap converts from double to single
- Rain hood included
Cons
- Poor pocket design
Callaway Fairway C HD Stand Bag
Best hybrid golf bag: Titleist Hybrid 14 Stand Bag
A hybrid golf bag is designed for those who need the roominess of a cart bag, but might need to carry their bag and use a stand. The Titleist Hybrid 14 bag has the roominess you expect from a cart bag, including nine thoughtful pockets, plus double straps for comfortably carrying the bag. These bags fit on push carts too, making it more versatile than standard cart bags. For those who keep beverages in their bag while playing, you will appreciate the insulated cooler pocket to keep your drinks cold.
Key Specs
- Weight: 6.1 pounds
- Number of dividers: 14
- Number of pockets: 9
- Top measurement: 10.2 inches
- Material: Polyester
- Price: $265
Pros
- Includes a double-strap for carrying on your back
- Integrated cart strap to easily snap on to a golf cart
- Designed to fit on a push cart
- 14 dividers for the ultimate club organization
Cons
- Bulkier than a regular stand bag
- Not as stylish as other golf bag options
Titleist 2021 Hybrid 14 Stand Bag, Men's, Charcoal/Black
Best looking golf bag: Stitch SL2 Fadeaway golf bag
The Stitch SL2 is more than a pretty face. Not only is the design sleek, contemporary, and modern, but it offers incredible functionality for casual or serious golfers alike. The proprietary fabric it’s made of has the feel of leather, but is water-resistant and made for durability. The bag comes in an array of colors, and you can add your own personal touches, such as a monogram or logo.
To improve the function, Stitch bags include four full-length dividers, which span from the top to the bottom of the golf bag and several large pockets to hold numerous accessories.
Key Specs
- Weight: 4.2 pounds
- Number of dividers: 4
- Number of pockets: 4
- Top measurement: 9.5 inches
- Material: Proprietary fabric, feels like leather, but water-resistant
- Price: $398
Pros
- Water-resistant material
- Sealed zippers
- Super lightweight
- Includes an insulated bottle holder
- Double-strap can convert to a single strap
Cons
- The $398 price tag may be out of reach
Stitch SL2 Fadeaway golf bag
Best Sunday golf bag: Stitch SL Sunday golf bag
A Sunday golf bag, or carry bag, is the smaller version of the standard cart or stand bag and only holds five to seven clubs. The compact design is an ideal choice for beginners who have a limited selection of clubs, or the casual nine hole round, or if you simply want to keep a set in your vehicle. The Stitch Sunday golf bag offers the ease of the Sunday bag, with the style Stitch is known for.
This bag is ultra-lightweight and holds up to seven clubs, plus includes a pocket for your golf balls. You can keep it casual and cool with the modern take on a Sunday bag.
Key Specs
- Weight: 1.9 pounds
- Number of dividers: 1
- Number of pockets: 1
- Top measurement: N/A
- Material: Water-repellent nylon
Price: $248
Pros
- Stylish and practical
- Made of water-repellent nylon
- Holds up to seven clubs
Cons
- The average price is around $248, which may be expensive for a golf bag you occasionally use
Stitch SL Sunday golf bag
Best waterproof golf bag: Sun Mountain H2No Litespeed Stand Bag
Anyone who gets caught playing golf in the rain can quickly appreciate the practicality of a waterproof golf bag. The Sun Mountain H2No Litespeed Stand Bag does not disappoint and becomes completely waterproof when you zip up the rain hood included with the bag. It’s a great choice for someone who prefers to carry their bag, since it weighs less than five pounds and includes heavily-padded straps for added comfort.
Key Specs
- Weight: 4.2 pounds
- Number of dividers: 4
- Number of pockets: 6
- Top measurement: 8 inches
- Material: Waterproof fabric
- Price: $329.99
Pros
- Completely waterproof with the included rain hood
- Lightweight, ideal for carrying
- Works with a push cart too
- Padded double straps
- Includes a full-length pocket for apparel
Cons
- The smaller top dimension can cause issues when taking clubs in and out
Sun Mountain H2No Litespeed Stand Bag
How we tested and chose the best golf bags
Testing and choosing the golf bags not only comes from extensive research, but it includes years of personal experience too. As a proud member of a golfing family and community, my family has personally tested many of the bags included in this review. Finding the best golf bag means considering numerous factors, including:
- Number of dividers inside the bag
- Length of the dividers
- Weight of the bag
- Pockets
- Comfort of the straps
- Overall durability of the bag
- Budget
Cart bag versus a stand bag
One of the biggest decisions you have to make with your bag is if you should choose a cart bag or stand bag. There’s no right or wrong answer, it should simply be based on how you anticipate playing.
A cart bag does not have a stand. As the name suggests, it’s designed to fit squarely on the back of the golf cart. It includes an attachment on the bottom of the bag that makes it effortless to attach to the cart. They’re roomy, spacious, and designed to hold all 14 clubs at once — but they also only have one strap and are not made for walking the course.
A stand bag comes with two retractable legs. You can pull these legs out and they’ll hold the weight of the bag and keep it from tipping over. The best part about this bag is not only can you walk with it during your entire round, but it can hook into your golf cart, too.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How many golf clubs can you have in your bag?
The official golf rules set by the United State Golf Association, the USGA, states you can have up to 14 clubs in your golf bag. There is no minimum number you have to play with either.
How do you set up a golf bag like a pro?
There is no set rule for how to set up a golf bag, but from personal experience there are ways to organize it to maximize space and make it easier for you to choose your club.
Newer golf bags are typically divided into four quadrants. You place your bigger clubs at the very top quadrant, typically your driver, your 3-wood, and putter. The middle two quadrants have a left side and right side. On the left or right side you can pack your 9-, 8-, and 7-iron clubs together. On the other side, you pack your 6-, 5-, 4-,and 3-iron clubs. All the wedges (pitching, gap, sand, and lob) can fit together in the bottom quadrant, but ultimately, how you organize your clubs is a personal choice.
How do you carry a golf bag?
How you carry your golf bag depends on the type of bag you’re using. A stand bag includes double straps, so you put your arms through the straps and carry it like you would a backpack. If you’re carrying a Sunday golf bag, which is designed to only hold five to seven clubs, then you can carry it over the shoulder or by the handle.
Do you put your golf bag in a travel bag?
If you’re traveling by air and taking your golf clubs, then yes, you will need to purchase a travel bag for your clubs and you will pack your own golf bag inside it. Travel bags are roomy, to allow for all your golf gear, including clubs, golf shoes, and accessories. Travel bags come in hardshell or soft case forms and give you plenty of room to add padding around the clubs too. Plus, they often have wheels to make traveling easier.
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