A Golfer’s Guide to the Best Golf Bags on the Market

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.

Our top golf bags picks

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

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.

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.