How to pick the perfect golf bag — whether you ride, push or carry

The world of golf bags can be a confusing place for new and even seasoned golfers. From going fully minimalistic to making sure you have room for everything but the kitchen sink for your next round, this how-to guide will help ensure you’re making the right bag choice for exactly how you play.

Best golf bag types for riding

Although traditionalists might turn up their noses, there is nothing wrong with using a cart to play golf. Whether your choice is based on the layout of your go-to course or you need a cart because of a physical limitations, having a proper bag that fits with how you get around makes getting items when you need them that much easier.

The most important design feature of a cart bag is no stand to get in the way of placing the bag into a cart, and with all of the pockets facing out from the back of the bag for easy access when the bag is secured.

PING 2023 DLX Cart Bag

$335

When you have more to store, the robust, fully featured DLX cart bag delivers with 15 pockets, most of any PING bag. Features a 15-way top, too, and two deployable shoe pouches that come in handy for your pre-and post-round shoe change. The high-durability needle-texture vinyl exterior cleans easily and is built for the long haul.

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Accessories

Another key feature is the way the top of the bag is designed to make sure you are able to place all of your clubs into the bag and have easy access to them without having to dig through head covers.

Too many golfers place their clubs in the opposite direction they should be based on the bag design, making what should be an easy process frustrating.

Vessel Lux Cart Bag

$415

The Lux Cart bag was intentionally designed to give you a premium riding experience. Starting with 2 forward-facing pockets and an upper pocket pod that swings over the cart strap and snaps down with a magnetic closure, securing your bag in place without restricting access to essentials while on a cart. With two antimicrobial lined personals pockets and a lockable valuables pocket, this cart bag offers plenty of storage for your valuables. Dual water bottle sleeves and a large cooler-lined compartment, fit plenty of beverages for a full round. Both top sizes feature a dedicated putter well and microfiber lined dividers for optimal club storage. Crafted with our signature attention to detail, the Lux Cart boasts genuine leather touchpoints, chrome finishes, and tour-grade body materials.  Grey Neoprene Cart Strap Sleeve included!

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Best golf bag types for pushing

If you’re exclusively a push-cart warrior, we have good news. In many ways, you have your pick of the litter when it comes to golf bags: from larger stand bags that can easily fit onto a pushcart to push cart exclusive bags that are essentially designed as backward cart bags. The golf-bag world is your oyster!

Sunday Golf EL CAMINO BAG | Toasted Almond

$189.99

“Perfect bag for the range, walking, push carts, or carts. Lightweight and well made. Enjoyed the bag so much my first round playing that I got another one for my dad’s 75th. Awesome to see a new golf brand delivering with their products..” – E.R, United States 5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Product Details – Perfect fore the cart lover that also enjoys the walk – A flat base, padded self-balancing shoulder straps, and plenty of pocket space for anything you could need on the course makes this the ultimate versatile golf bag – Weighing only 3.9 lbs and holding up to 10 clubs, you’ll wonder why you ever lugged that heavy bag around!   – So put your old, heavy golf bag out of its misery and pick up an El Camino Golf Bag today!     WHY BUY FROM US?   ✅  FREE LIFETIME WARRANTY: Sunday Golf warrants our products for a lifetime period from the date of purchase against defects in materials or workmanship.   ✅ GOOD TIME GUARANTEE GUARANTEE: We take pride in our products. Don’t love it? It’s all good, take advantage of our  FREE 30-DAY, NO HASSLE RETURNS.   ✅ PREMIUM QUALITY MATERIALS USED: Look and feel great out on the course, at the range, or that putting green your buddy just put in. You’ll want to show this gear off!  To enjoy the walk, use our premium double strap 4-way top divider hold up to 10 clubs Insulated Frosty Pocket keeps your drinks cold Store your valuables in the velour-lined pocket. High-tech water resistant zippers Flat base for golf carts Dual-flex stand full size stand Divider Dimensions: 7″ by 6.5″ Rain Hood Included!

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If you’re not a range rat and prefer to just spend your time on the course, using a bag designed exclusively for carts and without a stand is likely the best option for you, thanks to the top organization and the pocket layout.

PING 2023 Traverse Cart Bag

$270

The colorway lineup has been bolstered to include 12 vibrant color combinations, lively patterns with names like Duck Camo, Clubs of Paradise and Blue Coral (one of three women’s colors). At a trim 5 ½ pounds, the Traverse packs a lot of attributes into its slender frame: 11 pockets, including a cooler pocket, full-length apparel pockets, and velour-lined valuables pocket. The 14-way top keeps clubs organized.

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On the other hand, if you spend a bit more time at the range, or don’t mind the occasional 9 holes of walking, a larger stand bag can do the trick as long as you don’t mind wheeling a few extra pounds around compared to a more traditional stand bag. Either way, there are no wrong choices.

Best golf bag types for carrying

Carrying your golf bag offers all kinds of benefits, including the ability to go anywhere at any time — i.e., no need to take the long route around a green, as you would need to with a push cart.

Sunday Golf LOMA BAG | Sandstone

$129.99

“Perfect small bag! I love this bag it’s so light and perfect for the little 9 hole right in my neighborhood. Weighs practically nothing fits atleast 6+ clubs. Super stylish even got my name embroidered on it so I feel like a pro when I’m out there. If you can’t play like one then might as well look like a pro. Would highly recommend this bag to everyone and anyone.” – Marc Spiegel, United States 5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Product Details – Under 2 pounds, the LOMA Bag is an ultra-lightweight golf bag that doesn’t break the bank or your back! – It holds up to 6 clubs, so you’ll never have to lug that old bag around your local Par 3 course again. – Play a quick 9 or all 18, it’s built-in stand and insulated drink pouch make any round a breeze. – It’s cushioned shoulder strap means Cart path only days will never get you down again! – Its signature sleek design fits stealthily in your trunk, so you can be ready anytime Golf calls! WHY BUY FROM US?   ✅  FREE LIFETIME WARRANTY: Sunday Golf warrants our products for a lifetime period from the date of purchase against defects in materials or workmanship.   ✅ GOOD TIME GUARANTEE GUARANTEE: We take pride in our products. Don’t love it? It’s all good, take advantage of our  FREE 30-DAY, NO HASSLE RETURNS.   ✅ PREMIUM QUALITY MATERIALS USED: Look and feel great out on the course, at the range, or that putting green your buddy just put in. You’ll want to show this gear off!    A comfy full-length shoulder strap for convenience Insulated Frosty Pocket to keep those hidden mountains blue  Velour-lined pocket for your phone, keys, wallet, or whatever!  Full-length Duraflex legs  Club Divider Dimension: 4″ L x 5″ W

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That said, you still want to make sure you’re not loading yourself down with too much unnecessary gear so having a bag that offers ample space but in a more compact package gives you the opportunity to bring what you need and leave the rest at home or in your car.

MNML MV2 Golf Bag

$299

The MV2 Golf Bag is truly innovative and unique. We’ve reengineered the side pockets and ball pockets to create wider openings and more storage. The lightweight microsuede material has MV2 coming in at 5.5 lbs. It features insanely comfortable backpack-style straps and comfortably carries 14 clubs. Whether you’re playing 9, 18, or 36 holes, stay charged, hydrated, tread lightly, and record/share your experience by adding on the tech kit. FEATURES 5lbs (standard for carry/stand bags) Lightweight Microsuede Material Internal Stand Mechanism 4-Way Divider (two full-length) Magnetic Pocket Closures Thermal Pocket (up to 5, 16oz bottles or 6 12oz cans) New range-finder pocket and filming pocket TECH KIT Solar Power-bank for iPhone or android phone charging 100% waterproof Bluetooth Speaker with an 8 hr battery life. CUSTOMIZATION Initials and Logo orders will be responded to promptly to coordinate colors, sizes, etc. Initials fee includes up to 5 initials (Get up to 8 letters for an additional $20). The logo fee includes one hour of hand-painted artwork. Intricate designs may require additional time. A quote will be given along with the mockup design for your approval. SHIPS WORLDWIDE WITHIN 24 HRs (Non-Custom) West Coast customers will receive in 48 hours, Midwest in 2-4 days, East Coast in 4-6. SHIPPING: $29 US, $60 CANADA, $70 MEXICO, $120 INTERNATIONAL, $160 AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND *International Duties not included or covered Return Policy: RETURN THE BAG WITHIN 7 DAYS UNUSED AND WE’LL REFUND YOUR PURCHASE PRICE MINUS SHIPPING COSTS. Customized bags with a logo, initials, or artwork of any kind and international orders are non-refundable.

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In almost every case, for those who play early in the morning, or don’t like having to bend all the way over to grab their golf bags, we suggest a stand bag in the 3-5 pound range, with a stand to keep things dry and prevent you from bending when you don’t need to.

Best golf bag types for minimalist style and function

Do you like to carry? Check.

Do you like to be stylish? Check.

Do you most often play with less than 14 clubs but still need enough space for those occasional full-set rounds? Check.

If this is how you approach the game, a minimalistic golf bag is likely the best choice for comfort and design. As mentioned, if you don’t like the idea of laying your clubs down on the grass, we’d recommend a slimmer stand bag, of which there are many to choose from, including the ones below.

Jones Sports Co Trouper R – Moon Gray

$280

 The Trouper R is our newest and most sustainable golf bag to date. Designed with a versatile single or double shoulder strap configuration, the Trouper R is your ideal companion on the course. A large insulated front cooler pocket has enough space to  keep four 16oz cans cold. The two newly improved fleece-lined valuable compartments and seven-pocket design secures valuables while allowing for straightforward access. A large five-way divider allows for simple organization and an easy pull for all 14 clubs, even with oversized grips. Simply put, the Trouper R delivers an effortless and reliable experience for any player round after round.    Personalize the Trouper R and make it yours today.*Jones does not recommend loose ice cubes in cooler.* The new R-series features a recycled, ripstop material, woven from 100% PET single-use plastic bottles. The most innovative, durable, and water-resistant fabric to date, the R-series supports Jones’ commitment towards a more sustainable future. Tested and proven in the ever-changing climate of the Pacific Northwest.  

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If you don’t mind bending over for clubs and want a completely bare-bones bag to carry only the essentials while also looking the part, a single-strap carry bag offers all that with a side of swagger while strolling down the fairway.

Miura MacKenzie Original Walker Bag Canvas

$850

These MacKenzies are designed with an 8” opening at the top, perfect for a full set of clubs. They feature a single pocket that is thoughtfully sized to hold all of your golfing essentials, all while keeping your bag light and comfortable to carry. The waxed canvas design is made of sage waxed canvas from one of the oldest fabric finishers in the country. It is trimmed in black and gold leather and also features the Miura logo on both the pocket side and bottom of the bag. *Promotions and discounts may not apply to this product*  PLEASE NOTE: This item is made-to-order and typically ships within 4-6 weeks. 

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So, before you look to buy your next golf bag, make sure to ask yourself how you most often spend your time on the course, to make you’re making the right choice for function, form and convenience.