Finding the Right Golf Bag to Fit Your Game
Greetings, my good golfing people! Today, we embark on a journey into the wondrous world of golf bags. Just like clubs, shoes, and outrageous golf pants, the bag you choose can profoundly impact your game. So, let's explore the three basic categories of golf bags: stand bags, cart bags, and those curious "Sunday" style carry bags! Plus, we’ll introduce you to a fourth and emerging category, the hybrid golf bag.
Golf Stand Bags: Perfect For Walking, Suitable for Riding
If you’re like me, you don’t just enjoy walking the golf course, you savor it. There’s no better way to experience the game than looping your own bag and going wherever you please. Free from cart-path-only distractions and the psyche of fragile cartners, walking forces me to be more thoughtful about golf course strategy and it’s the absolute best way to get a real appreciation for course design, especially if you’re playing a bucket-list golf course.
If you feel the same way, then golf stand bags are your perfect companion! They have a unique place in golf history in that they didn’t get much attention until the 1970s. These nifty carriers have retractable legs that magically pop out to keep your bag upright while you take your shot, making it easy to select your club and saving your back from 70-100 (!!) single leg dead lifts per round. They’re the most popular golf bag for recreational players and can also strap onto the cart, unlike cart bags that weigh significantly more and don’t have a kickstand. You’ll see these on the shoulders of hardworking PGA and LPGA caddies and we’ll cover them next, but first let’s discuss the variance you’ll see when shopping for the right golf stand bag.
While stand bags are all designed to be light and functional, that’s about where the similarities stop. The primary salient characteristics of stand bags are weight, compartments, carry, and how they stand. Today’s stand bags weigh between 3 and 5 pounds empty, and every pound matters when you consider the mileage you’ll endure over 18 holes with an additional 20-30 pounds of clubs, balls and gear. So they’re constructed from lightweight materials like nylon and polyester, and most are water resistant (although for truly waterproof golf bags, you’ll have to make sure you check the specifications).
Speaking of golf gear, this is where you start to see a lot of variance. First consider how the clubs are inserted (and eventually) withdrawn from the bag. The OG Ping Hoofer had four compartments to organize clubs, traditionally into groupings of woods and putter, mid irons, low irons, and wedges. This is no longer the only option as you’ll find stand bags offering 5-way, 7-way and even 14-way dividers for each club in your arsenal. What is right for you will purely depend on personal preference, so visit your local pro shop or Dick’s Sporting Goods to get a feel for what you like.
When it comes to pockets, some people like many, minimalists like a few, but every golfer wants convenience. Thus, manufacturers spend a lot of design time here, trying to cater to every whim and golf gadget imaginable. There are now velcro straps to affix your golf glove, magnetic pockets to give easy access to rangefinders, insulated pockets for water bottles and/or beverage cans, and valuables pockets lined with fleece or velvet to protect phones and watches. Some even offer tech packages like solar powered chargers for smartphones and built-in bluetooth speakers (just be mindful of your golf etiquette). In my research of golf stand bags, this is where I’ve found the most creativity and it’s a primary selection factor for most golfers.
Another important consideration is how they carry. Stand bags stand out for their dual strap carry that distributes weight like a backpack. As opposed to stand bags and most “Sunday” bags that have a single strap, carry bags have a strap for each shoulder, and manufacturers are spending more of their innovation budget here. Comfort and convenience are top of mind here; you want a bag that doesn’t interfere with your gait and is easy to slip on and off. In my experience with the original Ping Hoofer, the dual strap system could be a little finicky, from twisted straps to the need to put them on in the correct order. Nowadays, makers are aware of this and have introduced better mechanisms to keep the dual straps separate. Models like the Sunday Ryder 23 use an “x” style feature to keep them straight while others like the Jones Trouper stand bag have fixed anchor points for individual straps; interchangeability is a design element some golfers may appreciate, especially when they want to put the bag on a golf cart or like to shift the orientation of how the bag is carried from right to left. Check out our Sunday Ryder golf bag review and our Jones Trouper golf bag review for a closer look at these excellent options.
Finally, the retractable legs are what gives the stand bag its name. Today’s more advanced models from makers like Vessel have rotating bases to account for inclines, allowing your bag to rest steadily on any terrain so you can focus exclusively on your pre-shot routine. Most of the legs have a velcro strap to keep the legs from expanding when not desired, making them even more compatible for days when a cart is in order.
A golf stand bag is like a loyal sidekick, offering you the freedom to roam the course without feeling weighed down. With loads of options, it can be overwhelming to narrow it down to the right one for you. The best advice here is to try out as many as you can, either in the pro shop or if you’re lucky, out on the course!
Golf Hybrid Bags - Dual Purpose Designs
With more golfers wanting the flexibility to walk and ride, bag makers have begun introducing more bags that offer both. They’re called hybrid bags, and while they’re on the higher end of the weight range for stand bags, they offer features that make them more durable and useful on golf carts and pull carts. For instance, they have the option to remove the straps (or replace the dual strap system with a single strap) so they don’t interfere with the cart mechanism. They also use a flatter base or a rotating type of mechanism so the bag can lay flat on the back of the cart. And they generally have more storage room, allowing golfers to pack in extra gear, drinks and snacks. Sturdier than most stand bags, they offer more protection for your clubs and shafts when they’re bouncing around over rough terrain.
For walkers, they’re still relatively light and easy to carry. If you’re a casual player who wants a bag that can handle any possible way you can play, hybrid bags are a great choice. We recently reviewed the Anyday 5.0 Ghost Golf bag, a hybrid design from Ghost Golf, and found it very comfortable to carry, full of convenient features like magnetic pockets and cooler sleeves, all contained in a beautiful design.
Golf Cart Bags - The Rugged Road Warriors!
Ah, the sweet allure of a golf cart. Even though my preference is walking, you can’t deny the joy of zipping around from hole to hole, leaving everyone in your wake while feeling like a golfing superstar. Especially on hot days or during events, golf carts are an inevitable part of your golfing experience. For those who strictly prefer to ride instead of carry (or use a push/pull golf cart), cart bags are here to serve you in style.
The author’s classic Burton Leather Cart Bag (one of his most prized golf possessions) on the right, next to a stand bag.
Cart bags are the sturdier siblings of the golf bag family, equipped with specialized straps to snugly attach them to your trusty chariot. Since you won’t be lugging these bags on your back across the round, you’ll get extra pockets, storage galore, and the luxury look of leather construction to draw the lusty gaze of your foursome. These bags are built tough to withstand the rigors of riding on a golf cart, so their robust construction includes reinforced materials, extra padding, and reinforced bases to prevent wear and tear from constant movement and transportation.
Look for bags with durable, weather-resistant fabrics like nylon or polyester to ensure they can endure the unpredictable elements that Mother Nature may throw your way during a round. Since they’re larger and heavier than stand bags, they fit better on carts and provide better protection for your clubs. There will be no wobbling or shifting even over the roughest terrain, keeping your precious clubs safe and secure for whatever the course (or cart driver) wants to throw their way.
Cart bags are also the storage wizards of the golf bag kingdom! Designed to hold everything a pro golfer could fathom over the course of a PGA round, they typically feature a plethora of pockets and compartments to organize all your golfing essentials. Expect to find multiple apparel pockets, ball pockets, valuables pockets, and even insulated cooler pockets to keep food and drinks refreshingly cool during those heated competitions. Some premium cart bags may even have specialized pockets for rangefinders, internal batteries to power cell phone chargers, and detachable hoods to protect clubs during travel.
Golf cart bags offer generous dividers to keep your clubs organized and easily accessible. Most bags come with 14-way dividers, providing individual slots for each club to prevent them from jostling and clattering during transport. For golfers who like a minimalist approach or prefer specific club arrangements, some cart bags offer fewer dividers, typically 6-9, providing a more open layout.
Since cart bags also double as staff bags for professional golfers whose caddies are paid to transport them throughout their round, they can also be personalized to reflect each golfer’s personal taste and style. From classic and elegant designs to bold and vibrant colors, you’ll find cart bags that speak to your personality and preference. They are handsome bags, but again, not for people who want the versatility of a bag they can carry on their own.
Carry Bags - Minimalistic Marvels!
When it comes to carry bags, less is often more. Also known as “Sunday” golf bags, these lightweight wonders are named for their carefree simplicity, offering a compact and efficient way to carry your essentials while keeping the focus on the sheer joy of the game.
As the featherweights of the golf bag family, they are created from lightweight materials like nylon or canvas and boast a minimalist design that ruthlessly reduces unnecessary bulk and weight. The result? A bag that’s easy to carry, but one that forces its owner to take only what they need, and nothing else.
Sunday golf company makes terrific carry bags like the Loma.
Unlike their larger contemporaries, Sunday bags hold between 7-10 clubs, encouraging golfers to focus on shot accuracy and creativity as they learn to rely on a limited arsenal of clubs for various situations. They’re perfect for par 3 courses, an evening 9, or a range session and certainly hold their place in the golf bag cannon. Look for Sunday bags with padded and adjustable straps to ensure a snug and pain-free fit while you go about your play, since the only thing you don’t want to leave behind is comfort and convenience. From there, figure out what you really need to take with you, and find a model that has just the right features for your needs. I like the Sunday Loma because they found a way to fit in an insulated compartment for a cold beverage. After all, nothing says Sunday golf like a cold one (or two) during your experience.
And just because they are simple doesn’t mean they lack style! Sunday bags come in various designs and colors to cater to individual tastes. From classic and elegant to modern and eye-catching, there’s a Sunday bag to suit every golfer’s personal style. Sunday golf bags offer a refreshing escape from the complexities of larger bags, allowing you to immerse yourself in the sheer joy of golf without unnecessary distractions. Their lightweight design, limited club capacity, and portable nature make them a favorite among golfers seeking a more laid-back experience on the course. For a closer look at why you should consider a Sunday style bag, check out our Sunday Golf Loma bag review.
Conclusion - Finding Your Bag Bliss!
Whether you're a walking enthusiast, a cart connoisseur, or a "Sunday" specialist, the right golf bag can transform your golfing escapades into unforgettable journeys. And fear not, dear readers, because in our next blog, we'll delve deeper into the fantastic world of golf stand bags! I'll be putting them to the test, exploring their features, and sharing my honest thoughts to help you decide which is right for you.
Until then, may your drives be powerful, your putts precise, and your golf bag always by your side! Happy golfing!
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