The Best Hybrid Golf Bag of 2023 Is…The Ghost Anyday 5.0!
Greetings, fellow golf enthusiasts! As we wrap up our first season of golf bag reviews, we're beyond excited to introduce you to our standout pick for the best hybrid golf bag of the year – the exceptional Ghost Golf Anyday 5.0.
In a world filled with choices, selecting the right golf bag might not be as crucial as perfecting your swing, but it can certainly affect your round. A golf bag suited to your game offers the features you need to stay organized and confident during a round, but buying one is no tap in bogey with so many options for golfers in stores and online. That’s why we started posting videos to Great Golf Reviews, where the Ghost Golf bag review turned out to be both our most popular and our favorite hybrid bag of the year. We were blown away with the thoughtful features, unparalleled versatility, and high quality components that make the Anyday 5.0 a game-changer on the course.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, this bag combines functionality, durability, and a touch of luxury for an unparalleled golfing experience. If you’re in the market for a new golf bag or are trying to decide on the best hybrid version, we’re here to help. Let’s break down what made the Anyday 5.0 our favorite of the year and help you determine whether this hybrid bag is right for your game.
Key Features of Hybrid Golf Bags
Hybrid golf bags offer golfers the choice of walking or riding, with features like cart straps and stand legs that give you the freedom to see the course however you please. These bags are designed to provide golfers with the convenience of carrying their bag on the course while also offering the stability and additional features needed for use on golf carts.
In particular, golfers will appreciate these specific features of hybrid golf bags.
Dual Strap System: Hybrid bags typically come with a dual strap system, making it easy for golfers to carry the bag comfortably on their shoulders. The straps are designed to distribute the weight evenly, allowing for a more balanced and comfortable carrying experience. And comfort is certainly key here, as hybrid bags tend to weigh more than a traditional stand bag designed to be lightweight for walking. The Anyday 5.0 has one of the best strap systems of any bag we tested this year, and is easily reversible thanks to its clip-in strap system so golfers can carry from either side.
Stand Legs: Hybrid bags are certainly used when walking, as they feature standing legs that allow the bag to stand upright on the course, providing easy access to clubs without having to lay the bag on the ground. The stand legs automatically retract when the bag is placed on a golf cart, but the mechanism that makes them kick out can at times interfere with golf carts. Ghost’s stand mechanism uses ultra-sturdy carbon fiber legs and a rotating base that allows the bag to stand tall on the steepest slopes while staying flat on the cart.
Cart Strap Pass-Through: Hybrids are also built for the cart, so they come equipped with a pass-through or loop system that helps securely strap them to the golf cart. This feature ensures that the bag remains stable and doesn't shift or bounce around during transit like you might see with a less structured walking bag. Ghost also sells a cart strap sleeve that offers additional protection from nylon straps that can scuff and cut your golf bag.
Light(er) weight Design: Because they serve dual purposes, hybrid bags are lighter than a traditional cart bag so they can be carried for a full round. The Anyday weighs 6.5 pounds, which is heavier than your average stand bag, but still light enough to carry on your shoulders. But golfers who want the lightest weight bag specifically for walking would be better off looking at stand bags like the Sunday Ryder 23 or the Jones Trouper 3.0, two bags that weigh 1.5 pounds less than the Anyday.
Ample Storage: Their hybrid design provides ample storage space with multiple pockets for clubs, golf balls, valuables, apparel, and other accessories that a golfer might want for a weekend tournament. The Ghost bag has 10 pockets (including two insulated beverages sleeves and a quick-access magnetic pocket) and your choice of a 7 way and 14 way divider, with the 14 way being specifically offered for extra security on the cart. While a caddy could still hoist this over 36 holes, if you’re looking to walk yourself then you’d be glad to sacrifice some of the storage room for a lighter load.
Durable Materials: To withstand the rigors of both walking and riding on a cart, hybrid bags are typically constructed from durable materials. The Anyday features synthetic leather which enhances its durability and aesthetics, and also just feels really sturdy. Synthetic leather is what you’ll find in the upholstery of many luxury cars; while it is a great choice that cleans easily and will stand up over time, it does add to the overall weight of the bag.
Why the Anyday 5.0 is Our Favorite Hybrid Golf Bag
During our review, we found the Anyday 5.0 to be comfortable enough to carry over 18 holes and quite sturdy on the golf cart. It has a thoughtful design with every feature a golfer could want, particularly the dual insulated beverage pockets, water bottle sleeve, and magnetic pocket where I kept my range finder. All the zippers are seam-sealed making them water-resistant, including the two velvet-lined valuables pouches that protect your expensive phones and jewelry.
I reviewed the 7-way divider, which I found to provide ample organization for my clubs. I appreciated the dedicated putter well which made the flat stick (even with my fat grip) easy to get in and out, and with full length dividers in each of the compartments I never experienced any club pull. The compartments are also lined with smooth felt to protect those fancy grips and shafts. And with seven other colorways available, you can find the right look to fit your own personal style.
The x-strap system made this one of the easiest bags I’ve carried, despite the extra weight. It doesn’t tangle like a dual strap system, and slides on and off effortlessly. There are large padded areas on both sides, so whatever shoulder you carry on, your lower back will appreciate the cushion. Like I said, at 6.5 pounds this bag is heavier than stand bags, and over the course of 18 holes it can begin to feel heavy. But, if you know that going in and recognize why you are buying a hybrid bag to begin with, that’s an easy trade-off to make.
As you gear up for your next golfing adventure, consider making the Ghost Golf Anyday 5.0 an integral part of your ensemble. Our field test and review of this dynamic unit, from the innovative design to the functional details, has left us convinced that it deserves its accolade as the best hybrid golf bag of the year. Thank you for joining us on this exploration of excellence, and here's to many more rounds of golf with the perfect companion by your side. Happy golfing!
This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you use them to purchase products, at no additional cost to you. As an affiliate partner to premier platforms like Amazon and Skimlinks, we help fund this blog with the earnings we make from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting the Great Golf Blog!