How to Choose the Right Golf Bag, and the Different Types Explained

Back in time, not enough thought was given to golf bags. The belief in certain quarters was, ‘why bother as all they do is serve as a sheath for the clubs.’ Quality and appearance had no bearing when zeroing in on a choice.

One couldn’t be more wrong, and ignorance on this front exacted a heavy price. It ranged from damage to the golf clubs, or worse, breakage. Blame it on the elements or lack of cushioning in case of a mishap.

With time, this has changed and the arrival of golfing superstars played a part in heightened awareness, and a lot more thought goes into making a choice.

Following the pro is a norm among club golfers while choosing the latest clubs, and that eye for detail has spilled over while choosing the best suited golf bag.

Anything in golf acquires a certain appeal when Tiger Woods’ name gets attached to it, so when the former World No 1 signed up with energy drink brand Monster Energy in 2016, the world took note. The slick black staff bag with an M logo became an unmistakable part of Tiger’s global exploits, lifting the golf bag from the periphery to the centre of a golfer’s needs. As time rolled by, names like Martin Kaymer, Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm joined the list, giving the curve a further boost.

Newbies and experienced players looking to enhance their golf equipment, ensured the bag was one that enhanced their style, but uppermost, was tailor-made to suit their requirements.

Read on for our guide to choosing the right golf bag that will fit every need, along with the most widely available varieties of golf bags you can expect to find, and recommendations on which brands to shop.

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How to pick the right golf bag, and the different types you need to know about

Tour Bags

Tour bags, also known as staff bags, are the most comprehensive golf bags available with a great deal of space, pockets, and dividers. These golf bags are often roomy and opulent, as they are designed for professional or competitive golfers who need more stuff on the golf course or golfers who do not have to carry their bag. Most of these tour-level golf bags include big brand names on their sides and offer a great degree of customisation.

In addition to holding up to 14 clubs, they offer spacious, deep pockets that are ideal for accommodating extra clothing, gloves, waterproofs, golf balls, and other equipment needed through a week of competition. Many contemporary tour bags have reinforced zippers and stitching for durability, as well as padded straps and handles for comfort while being carried.

Who is it recommended for?

For golfers who need space and a well-organised solution to keep all their equipment in one easily accessible location, these bags are ideal. Nevertheless, despite the fact that they might not be practical for everyday use, these bags are a terrific investment for devoted golfers who want to travel and protect their equipment in style.

Some of the most popular tour bags that offer ultimate convenience on the course include the Callaway Golf Epic Staff, Taylormade Tour Staff Bag, Titleist Midsize Golf Tour Bag, Cobra Aerojet Tour Staff Golf Bag, PING Tour Staff Bag, and Callaway Staff Bag.

Fun Fact: Tiger Woods and Monster made a formal partnership announcement in December 2016. Shortly afterwards, Woods debuted his famous black golf bag with the Monster logo.

Stand Bags

Stand bags are lightweight and specifically designed to stand on their own. It includes leg support that may be extended to keep it upright while playing. A stand bag typically weighs only 3 to 6 pounds (1.4 to 2.7 kilograms) when empty. Even still, the bags feature plenty of storage space, allowing one to carry up to 14 clubs despite their compact look.

The practicality factor is one of the primary advantages of a stand bag. Golfers don’t have to worry about bending over often to pick up their bag, as it stands upright. Also, Golfers can easily carry them around the course without becoming weary owing to their modest weight. They are also easy to fit into a pushcart or Golf cart.

When it comes to golf stand bags, PING is a well-known brand. Another company to take into account is Titleist. Exclusively designed for walkers, PING and Titleist stand bags are exceptionally robust and lightweight, hence sought after.

Who is it recommended for?

For golfers who prefer to walk the course rather than in a golf cart, the stand bag is the best option.

Fun Fact: Jon Rahm, who’s currently the world’s highest paid golfer and had topped the world rankings in 2023 after winning the 2021 U.S. Open and 2023 Masters Tournament for two Major wins, carries a Callaway golf bag.

Cart Bags

A cart bag is a type of golf bag that is specifically designed to be carried in a golf cart. In comparison to staff bags, cart bags are much lighter and slightly smaller. To accommodate all the necessary golf clubs, balls, and accessories, it usually comes with larger dimensions and additional storage space than most other kinds of golf bags. Cart bags are typically made of material that are lightweight and have straps or handles for convenient handling. Additionally, they contain numerous pockets for storage of golfing and personal items as well.

Golfers may comfortably transport their equipment with a golf cart bag without worrying about the weight since the cart handles the majority of the lifting. All in all, cart bags blend the sophistication of a staff bag with the functionality of a stand bag, making them the perfect hybrid golf bag.

Who is it recommended for?

The golf cart bag is intended for golfers who prefer to push or use an electric cart rather than carry their golf bag on their shoulders.

The Lux Pro Cart from Vessel (a brand trusted by renowned golfers like Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth), the Stitch SL Cart Bag, Nike Performance Cart Golf Bag and the OGIO Silencer Cart Bag are some of the top options for golf cart bags due to their appealing designs and convenience.

Fun Fact: Much of Rory McIlroy‘s golf gear, including his golf bag, is from TaylorMade.

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Carry Bags

Also known as Sunday bags, carry bags are the most compact of all golf bag options and are possibly the most popular. These bags are suitable for golfers who want to walk the course but may not require the support of a stand bag.

Golfers who prefer to bring fewer than the allowed 14 clubs to the course often opt for carry bags. Since golf carry bags are typically used to carry only the bare necessities, the majority of them come with padded double shoulder straps that match a large backpack, making them easier to carry on the golf course.

Who is it recommended for?

Carry bags are for golfers who prefer an affordable and easy-to-carry golf bag for a casual round and for those who prefer to keep their equipment handy at all times.

Some of the best Sunday golf bags in the market include the Titleist Premium Carry Bag and the PING Moonlite Bag.

Golf Travel Bag

Golf Travel bags aren’t necessarily the same as the bags that Golfers bring to the course every day. Instead, these Golf Travel bags are designed to securely hold Golf clubs and other equipment while Golfers are on tour. For Golfers who Travel to play the Game, these bags, which accommodate a lot of Golf equipment, are often made of more durable material or hard cases.

Who is it recommended for?

Travel bags are designed for golfers who travel with their clubs and want to ensure their safety. They are designed to protect golf equipment on flights and during baggage handling, which can often be a rough affair.

One of the most popular options for golf travel bags is The Vault Hard Case.

What Matters When Selecting A Golf Bag?

Size: The number of clubs one needs to carry should be taken into consideration while choosing the size of the bag.

Style: There are several different styles of golf bags, ranging from lighter stand and carry bags to the more robust cart bags. Select the option that best satisfies the need.

Quality: Quality is supreme as longevity is ensured with durable material, premium zippers, and strong straps.

Features: To make sure the bag meets the needs, look out for features like plenty of compartments, water-resistant fabrics, and more when choosing a golf bag.

Budget: Golf bags range from affordably priced models to more expensive options. Choose the option that fits your budget while still meeting the requirements.

(Main and featured image: Vessel)

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