Golf Bags
The golf bag is an essential piece of equipment for anyone looking to play golf. There are different types and sizes of golf bags available, depending on how the golfer wants to use them. If you are interested in finding the proper golf bag for you, read on to learn everything you’ll need to know.
What are golf bags used for?
The main function of a golf bag is to hold all the equipment necessary to play golf. There is an opening on top of the bag where the clubs are placed grip end down so they can be identified. Some bags come with two to six dividers to separate the clubs, while other bags come with 14 or 15 way tops that offer individual slots for each club. Golf bags also usually have ball and tee pouches, usually found below the shoulder strap and handle, large enough to store the necessary amount of both. Depending on the size of the bag, most golf bags have one or more additional pockets to store extra equipment and accessories.
There are many different-sized golf bags that are all made from various materials. Lightweight bags are typically made from nylon or polyester, while other more durable bags can be vinyl, canvas, synthetic leather, or genuine leather. There are also 100% waterproof golf bags available that will cost a bit more but protect everything in the bag from the elements.
Things To Consider
When looking for a golf bag, you'll want to consider the following:
- What type of bag are you looking for?
- How much are you looking to spend on a golf bag?
- How many pockets do you want in your golf bag?
- Is there a certain color or brand of bag you are looking for?
Types of Golf Bags
In golf, there are two main types of golf bags: cart bags and standing bags. Cart bags are essentially exactly what they sound like, bags that are designed to be carried by a cart. While these bags can also be carried if needed, they are usually much larger than standing bags and can hold more equipment. Standing bags are usually much lighter than cart bags and come with two retractable legs to easily help the bag stand. They will also typically come with an over-the-shoulder or backpack strap system to easily be carried. Standing bags are much easier to use when walking a golf course.
What are the best golf bags?
- Titleist Hybrid 14
- TaylorMade Cart 8.0 Bag
- Callaway Golf 2021 Epic Staff Stand Bag
- Titleist Cart 15 StaDry
- Cleveland Golf Stand Bag
- Callaway Golf 2021 Fairway C Stand Bag
- TaylorMade 5.0 ST Stand Bag
- Cleveland Golf Cart Bag
- Wilson Staff Feather Carry Golf Bag
- Orlimar Pitch and Putt Lightweight Stand/Carry Golf Bag
1. Titleist Hybrid 14
Specifications:
- Price: $265.00
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Dividers: 14
- Brand: Titleist
Whereas most golfers have to choose between a pencil, cart or stand bag, the Titleist Hybrid 14 does it all. The flexibility it offers is why this bag is one of the most popular on the market. It is a cross between a stand bag and a cart bag that features 14 dividers, which is great for serious golfers who use push/pull carts, but maybe not for players who don’t need that much space. This bag is classic and versatile with a supportive shoulder strap. However, it is very heavy when filled, especially if you plan on carrying it by hand for 18 holes.
2. TaylorMade Cart 8.0 Bag
Specifications:
- Price: $219.99
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Dividers: 14
- Brand: TaylorMade
The TaylorMade Cart 8.0 Bag has incredible stability. It sits securely on any golf cart and has a key lock base for additional reinforcement. Efficiently designed, it has eight fur-lined external pockets that are easily accessible from any angle and provide safe storage for delicate items. It stores up to 14 clubs and is pretty lightweight compared to other bags. Handles on the top and bottom make for easy maneuvering. One of the drawbacks of this bag is that it is not fully waterproof. If you live in a tropical climate or find yourself carrying fragile items, this might not be the right choice.
3. Callaway Golf 2021 Epic Staff Stand Bag
Specifications:
- Price: $349.95
- Rating: 4.8/5Dividers: 4
- Brand: Callaway
The Callaway Golf 2021 Epic Staff Stand Bag was designed to last. The exterior is waterproof and durable with sturdy, easy-glide zippers. The stand legs have rubber bottoms that keep it stable on any surface. At 6.4 pounds, it is one of the lighter bags on the market. There are seven external pockets, one of which is velour-lined for fragile items. It is a great choice for players who prefer to walk the course because it has a hip pad and cushioned shoulder strap that adds extra comfort while carrying the bag. On the flip side, it is not designed to be put on a golf cart and comes in limited colors.
4. Titleist Cart 15 StaDry
Specifications:
- Price: $344.95
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Dividers: 15
- Brand: Titleist
As the name suggests, the Titleist Cart 15 StaDry bag is 100% waterproof. Perfect for those who play year-round, it has an umbrella pocket and a full-length apparel pocket for a change of clothes. It has seven compartments, fits snugly on a golf cart, and has a padded shoulder strap. Though relatively easy to carry, it could use more handles. It also would benefit from an elevated towel clip (the towel might hang too low and drag on the ground) and a water bottle pocket. It’s a great option for people who golf rain or shine, but maybe not for those who always carry their gear by hand.
5. Cleveland Golf Stand Bag
Specifications:
- Price: $149.53
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Dividers: 14
- Brand: Cleveland
This is a great bag for players who prefer to walk the course. It is ultra-lightweight with a dual strap, making it feel like you’re carrying a backpack. It is also cart-compatible. It has 14 dividers with compartments for an umbrella, shoes, and even an insulated cooler pocket. One of the downsides is that the rain cover is not super secure, which means that gear can get wet if the cover is not properly placed. Its compartments are not super accessible, which means more time spent on taking out gear. Overall, it is a great bag for the price.
6. Callaway Golf 2021 Fairway C Stand Bag
Specifications:
- Price: $299.99
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Dividers: 4
- Brand: Callaway
This is a great value bag for beginner golfers. It has five external pockets, including one velour-lined compartment for valuables. A padded dual strap makes it easy to carry around the course. It is also equipped with a sturdy handle for taking it in and out of the golf cart. The stand legs have a rubber bottom that makes it stable on any turf. Since it is a simple bag with only four dividers, this bag would not be recommended for players who want separate slots for each of their clubs. The small number of dividers could make it cumbersome to load clubs and accessories in and out.
7. TaylorMade 5.0 ST Stand Bag
Specifications:
- Price: $119.99
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Dividers: 14
- Brand: TaylorMade
The TaylorMade 5.0 ST Stand Bag is another great-value bag for beginner golfers. It is designed for those who prefer to carry their gear, equipped with non-slip foot pads that keep the bag secure when traversing mud or hills. There are plenty of compartments, including one for an umbrella, rain hood, drinks, and garments. It has padded shoulder straps that make it comfortable for carrying the gear. However, club dividers don’t extend all the way to the bottom of the bag, which can cause loud clunking when moving. It is very affordable but not as durable as the competition, making it more suitable for entry-level players.
8. Cleveland Golf Cart Bag
Specifications:
- Price: $159.99
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Dividers: 14
- Brand: Cleveland
As the name indicates, this bag is primarily for golfers with access to a cart. It is high-quality, affordable, durable, and lightweight. It features a metal carabiner for secure gear placement, whereas most other bags have a less sturdy one made of plastic. There are eight compartments, including some waterproof pockets and a scorecard holder. A drawback to this bag is that the 14 dividers do not extend through the bag to fully protect the clubs. Since it is intended for stowage on the cart, it is a bit heavier than other bags.
9. Wilson Staff Feather Carry Golf Bag
Specifications:
- Price: $99.99
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Dividers: 5
- Brand: Wilson
Weighing in at only three pounds, this is one of the lightest full-size carry bags on the market and therefore a great option for players who opt to carry their gear. It is also incredibly affordable. With only five club dividers, this bag isn’t recommended for players who want to separate their gear. Customers report that the waterproof pockets effectively keep gear dry, but the outer layer tends to peel after a while. The legs are light and may bend under the weight of the bag. It’s a good option for beginner golfers but won’t hold up for long-term, frequent use.
10. Orlimar Pitch and Putt Lightweight Stand/Carry Golf Bag
Specifications:
- Price: $46.41
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Dividers: 2
- Brand: Orlimar
You won’t find a more affordable bag than the Orlimar Pitch and Putt Lightweight Stand/Carry Bag. It’s a great option for entry-level players who only have a few clubs and aren’t ready to commit to a full-sized bag just yet. Or, it is ideal for traveling or keeping in your car since it takes up such little space. The bag can fit six to eight clubs. At just under two pounds, it is one of the lightest bags on the market and comes with a durable handle which makes it great for carrying. It’s a simple bag, so serious players might find fault with its few dividers and one accessory pocket.
FAQ
How much do golf bags cost?
Golf bags come in a large variety of options, which leads to a large range in price from $50 to $1000. Prices are dependent on a few factors, most notably size, material, and manufacturer. The pencil bag is the smallest and usually the cheapest option; however, genuine leather pencil bags can cost as much as $1,000. The largest golf bags available are tour bags, which can be purchased from $400 to about $700. Stand bags and cart bags will cost about $100-$400.
What is usually carried in a golf bag?
The golf bag, most importantly, will carry the essential equipment: a maximum of 14 clubs, golf balls, and tees. Other equipment typically found in a golf bag includes golf gloves, yardage finder, pencils, ball markers, wallets, and an umbrella. If the golf bag is large enough, you may also find water bottles, a rain suit, rain gloves, a sweater, a wind jacket, snacks, towels, sunscreen, extra socks, or first-aid kits.
What kind of bags do PGA Tour players use?
The PGA Tour players typically use large tour bags. These bags will normally carry a sponsor’s name in big lettering on the side. The tour pro needs to be prepared for any change in weather, so their bags need to be able to hold many potentially essential items. Tour pros also employ a caddie to carry their bag, so they don’t have to worry about carrying a heavy bag and tiring themselves out while they’re in the middle of a round.