Having the right golf bag for your style of play will make each round much more enjoyable
Marley Sims
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
Cart bags offer great room for storage and convenience.Getty Images
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.
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.
A push cart gives you the freedom of walking but without any stress on your back.Getty images
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!
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.
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
Having the right carry bag can make every round enjoyableGetty Images
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.
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.
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
A minimalist bag is designed for the essentials.Ryan Barath
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.
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.
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.
Ryan Barath is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s senior editor for equipment. He has an extensive club-fitting and -building background with more than 20 years of experience working with golfers of all skill levels, including PGA Tour players. Before joining the staff, he was the lead content strategist for Tour Experience Golf, in Toronto, Canada.
