Welcome to “I Tried It,” a GOLF.com series where we write about golf items — apparel, gear, accessories, etc. — that we’ve recently taken out for a spin. We’re here to give our honest, no-frills takes on the latest and greatest golf or golf-adjacent items. So, scroll down to read about what we love (or don’t) about golf’s newest (or new to us) products.
I’m not one to cycle through equipment frequently. When I find something I like, I tend to stick with it. However, of late, I’ve been in the market for a new golf bag.
As luck would have it, I recently got a chance to try out one of the coolest new bags on the market, courtesy of MNML Golf.
MNML’s latest bag – the 2024 MR1 Golf Bag – is the most high-tech golf bags I’ve ever used. From the moment I unpackaged it, I was struck by the sleek, modern look. But beyond the styling, this bag is packed with techy features.
The bag comes with a portable solar-powered charger built in, along with a speaker dangling from the side, perfect for a golfer who enjoys some tunes on the course. Zippers are also a thing of the past with this bag as all the pockets have magnetic closures that ensure your items stay put but also make them easier to access throughout the round. It adds to the immediate sleek aesthetic that the bag only comes in black or white, living up to its minimalist brand name.
Safe to say the bag passed the eye test, and it continued to impress when I took it out for a few trial runs.
As someone who prefers to walk, the bag’s five-and-a-half pound weight was not too cumbersome for schlepping around the course. And with a single and double-strap option, it makes for plenty of customization options. I also got some great use out of the thermal pocket on the side, which functions as a built-in cooler — perfect for keeping my water (or adult beverages) cold throughout the round.
The top comes with a five-pocket design for easy club organization and with nine pockets on the side, you’ll have no shortage of storage for everything you need on the course. This bag is also made of 100 percent recycled materials, perfect for the overlap between conservationists and golfers.
Like previous MNML models, the MR1 features the phone holder on the side of the bag. This may not seem like much at first glance, but it’s perfect for taking solo swing videos when you’re without an extra set of hands.
All in all, this bag is a winner for the golfer on the go. As someone who plays lots of rounds in New York City, having a bag that comes packed with tech is a game-changer. After having a portable charger on hand over the last several weeks, I don’t think I’ll be able to ever live without being able to charge my devices on the go.
For just under $350, the bag is an investment, but a worthy one that you’ll be happy you made after the first round.
