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Sep 07, 2023

Best Golf Bags 2023

Published: 02 June 2023

Best golf bags 2023.

Jump to: Stand Bags | Cart Bags | Buying Guide | FAQs

Carrying or pushing your golf gear around the course will prove a slog without one of the best golf bags. There's a huge amount of choice out there, from stand and cart bags, to lightweight pencil options and hybrid bags that can be used for carrying or putting on your trolley, cart or buggy.

Once you’ve decided which category of bag you need, you’ll need to assess how many dividers you want for your clubs. 4, 5, 14, more? And then there are pockets. Some bags come with just a few to save on size and weight, while others have enough to ensure you can take all of your golfing goods out onto the course with insulated space for food and drinks and specific pockets for clothes, balls, tees, and more.

You’ll also have to decide whether you want your bag to be waterproof, and that's before you even consider the color and design.

Getting the best golf bag for your game is vital to ensure you arrive at the 1st tee feeling organized and ready to enjoy your round.

To help you pick the best golf bag for your game, we have broken our guide down into categories, starting with the best golf stand bags.

If lugging your clubs around the course isn't for you, then we’ve identified the best golf cart bags to sit perfectly on your trolley.

And if you happen to play in a country where the weather's unpredictable (hello readers in the UK), then we’ve even picked out the best waterproof golf bags to ensure your grips, glove and clothing remain dry in a downpour.

Ping Hoofer – Best golf stand bag

Motocaddy Hydroflex – Best waterproof stand bag

Sun Mountain Eco-Lite – Best lightweight stand bag

PowaKaddy Dri Tech – Best waterproof cart bag

Callaway Org 14 – Best golf cart bag

Titleist Cart 14 – Best lightweight cart bag

RRP £220 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $275 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 2.5kg/ 5.5lbs | Pockets: 11 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 6Pros: Sturdy | Easy to carry | Plenty of storageCons: Not waterproof

Best golf stand bag

The latest iteration of the beautifully practical Hoofer stand bag is a fan favorite thanks to its quality, lightweight, and spacious build with generous 16 pockets to help golfers keep the essentials at their fingertips.

For a bag that weighs 5.5lb (2.5kg) it's hard to understand how Ping have managed to equip it with so many features. The Hoofer has a whopping 22L pocket volume with an easy-access magnetic rangefinder pocket, a water bottle pouch, valuables pockets, and full zip pockets.

The bag isn't waterproof but comes with a rain hood to keep your clubs dry and is cleverly stored inside the back pad for extra padding. The shoulder straps are well-padded and feature SensorCool to help fight against sweating. I love the redesigned back puck, which makes it much easier to convert to one strap too.

RRP £165 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $199.99 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 1.8kg/ 3.5lbs | Pockets: 6 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 6Pros: Lightweight | Robust design | Cool magnetic rangefinder pocketCons: The base makes it difficult to use with a trolley

Best value stand bag

The Exo Lite offers sturdy simplicity to golfers who don't want to lug a big heavy stand bag around the golf course. The bag features a four-way top divider angled to help prevent golf clubs from hitting each other and six handy pockets, including a waterproof lined area to keep your valuables dry.

This isn't the biggest bag in the world and weighs in at just 3.5lb (1.8kg), but that doesn't mean it skimps on features. There's plenty of storage, including a magnetic GPS pocket, an Air Flow hip/back pad for comfort, and a really sturdy stand system.

The Exo Lite comes in six colors to ensure something for all tastes, but my favorite is the classic red, white, and black design that features the iconic Wilson Staff badge on the side panel.

RRP £269 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $279.99 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 2.5kg/ 5.5lbs | Pockets: 9 | Waterproof: Yes | Colors: 8Pros: Great for organization | Hybrid bag perfect for carrying and trolley | Three-sleeve ball holderCons: Bag designs won't be for everyone

Best looking stand bag

OGIO have some way-out-there patterns in their 2023 bag designs, and I love the Bananarama design, which is undoubtedly the pick of the bunch.

It's a rugged, durable bag that feels like it will last for years. As the name "All Elements" hints the bag features waterproofing throughout and comes with the brand's WOODĒ organization top system, giving you no excuses for not keeping your bag in good order. It not only makes keeping your clubs tidy even easier but it also prevents them from hitting together.

The three-sleeve golf ball holder is one of my favorite features. It looks good and makes it far less obvious when you have to grab a second ball after hitting it in the water or out of bounds.

RRP £236 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $249.99 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 1.9kg/4.2lbs | Pockets: 6 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 6Pros: Super lightweight | Strong stand | Good pocket size and locationsCons: Cooler pocket small

Best lightweight stand bag

Great for the environment and great for golf, the eco-lite is a bag to make you feel good about your game. Twenty-five recycled bottles go into making the material that's used in every Eco-Lite bag. I’m a huge fan of the simplicity of the four-way top, and how Sun Mountain donate one percent of profits to supporting global environmental issues.

At 3.97lb (1.8kg) this is one of the lightest bags on offer to golfers and still packs a punch with the features it has. Five pockets which include a valuables pocket, full-length clothing pocket, and hydration sleeve, also partner up with a pen, umbrella, towel, and glove holder.

RRP £269.95 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $280 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 2.81kg/ 6.2lbs | Pockets: 7 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 7Pros: Easy to carry and push on a cart | Great to keep clubs organized | Comfortable shoulder strapsCons: Not fully waterproof

Best golf bag for versatility

The perfect all-rounder, whether you want to carry or push the Air Hybrid 2 can do both in the highest regard. A buggy-friendly base features a gap to help secure the bag like many cart bags, and the base also folds with the internal mechanism which keeps the legs in when on the buggy, we all know this can be a pain in the backside when your bag legs come out halfway down the fairway.

The Air Hybrid 2 is durable, lightweight, and fitted with a detachable Nike Equaflex Max Air dual strap for a friendly, balanced feel whilst carrying. If you find it frustrating organizing your bag then the 14-way divider system can help with that, and will also help prevent your clubs from rattling together.

RRP £159 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $259 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 2kg/ 4.4lbs | Pockets: 5 | Waterproof: Yes | Colors: 5Pros: Lots of storage | Fully waterproof | Great on a trolleyCons: Zips could be better quality

Best for practicality

A great bag for all occasions, a water-repellent, lightweight, durable golf bag with plenty of storage and is trolley friendly, sounds good to me. The hybrid bottom is suitable for all BIG MAX trollies and will fit a variety of others too, and the leg lock system ensures they stay secured on the trolley.

A nine-inch 14-way divider gives you plenty of room for your clubs at the top of the bag. Besides the clubs, seven waterproof lined pockets provide plenty of room for your clothes, snacks, and valuables. The pipeless panel design makes the bag much better at draining water, and the air channel makes for a comfortable, breathable fit when carrying.

RRP £189 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $299.99 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 2.5kg/ 5.5lbs | Pockets: 10 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 6Pros: Easily carries 14 clubs | Plenty of pocket space on a stand bag | Subtle designCons: Straps take some adjusting

Best storage options

A sleek good quality golf bag that will last is all most golfers want, and the Flextech fits that category rather well. Building on the success of previous iterations, the lightweight bag comes in at 4.85lb (2.2kg) and has a 4-point double carry strap system which makes it easy to get around the course.

As well as it is a great carry bag, thanks to the Flextech technology it doubles up as a great cart bag too, and reduces club overcrowding in the bag.

The Flextech carry bag has a roomy 7.5″ 5-way divider with 2 full-length dividers for easy club retrieval. A weather-resistant 600D poly shell protects the 10 pockets which includes a waterproof valuables pocket.

RRP £159 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $225 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 1.67kg/ 3.7lbs | Pockets: 6 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 11Pros: Secure legs improve stability | High-quality material and zips | Simple, Classic designCons: Pen pocket is fiddly

Best tour quality stand bag

Over the years Titleist golf bags have always come with an abundance of features and the Players 4 is no different. Building on the success of previous versions, the latest Players 4 comes in at a mere 3.5lb (1.6kg) making it one of the lightest bags on the market, with enough room for all your clubs and essentials.

A four-way top cuff with full-length dividers joins up with six pockets including a horseshoe style tee pocket and a curved fill length apparel pocket, all of which now feature high-quality YKK zippers.

It is certainly a product you can trust to do the job on the course, I loved how premium and durable the bag felt. The double carry strap was super comfortable and easy to adjust to get a comfortable fit and with all 14 clubs in my bag, it was lightweight and a breeze to take around the course.

RRP £249 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $295 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 2.1kg/ 4.6lbs | Pockets: 5 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 3Pros: Lightweight | Good storage space | Sturdy standCons: Straps could sit better on shoulders

Best for making an impression

PXG are a brand recognizable by their commitment to the military in their designs and the Fairway Camo stand bag certainly hits the mark as it wouldn't look out of place on the battlefield. It's available in four different colors, and the camo can be louder or more subtle depending on your taste.

This model has lightweight carbon fiber legs and a handy cart strap channel, so you don't have to faff around and move everything on your bag when attaching it to a buggy.

The padded back panel offers plenty of comfort and support and as the bag is only 4.6lb (2kg) carrying has never been easier plus the straps are easily adjustable and have a cool quick-release feature to make life on the links a little easier.

RRP £219 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $279 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 2.3kg/ 5lbs | Pockets: 5 | Waterproof: Yes | Colors: 3Pros: Fully waterproof | Great on a cart with Easilock base | Simple designCons: Not many color options

B est waterproof stand bag

A multiple TG Award winner, thanks to its unmatched functionality and build quality. The Hydroflex is perfect if you want to carry it in summer but use a push cart in winter, thanks to the Easilock base which attaches to any Motocaddy trolley.

It's waterproof, boasts handy quick-release straps for a cart, and has five large pockets. This is a golf bag that feels like it's been designed by a keen golfer, and that's why I love it.

The waterproof HydroFLEX has barely changed since it was first introduced several years ago. A classic that's as at home on a trolley as it is being carried on your shoulder.

RRP £149 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $225 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 1.8kg/ 4lbs | Pockets: 7 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 7Pros: Straps easy to adjust and super comfortable | Stable base | Plenty of room for 14 clubsCons: Umbrella can get in the way of the clubs in the holder

Best strap system

The Ultralight is, well, ultralight. The bag offers golfers exactly what they need to take to the course and is encapsulated in a lightweight, comfortable, and sleek design.

With seven pockets and four full-length dividers, it's hard to see how the bag is so lightweight, but when you have it in hand you can see exactly why. The pockets have been designed to carry everything you need nothing more, nothing less, a waterproof valuables pocket, a full-length apparel pocket, and even a magnetic rangefinder pocket.

I also like the Flex-Base which improves stability on rough terrain and is especially useful in windy conditions. The bag also comes in seven rather different colorways to give a variety of choices for all golfers.

RRP £245 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $250 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 1.36kg/ 3lbs | Pockets: 5 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 3Pros: Padding on straps and back | Super lightweight | Strong carbon fiber chassisCons: Not fully waterproof

Best stand system

If it's weightlessness you’re after, there really aren't many better options than the carbon fiber chassis Mizuno K1-LO. The bag is ridiculously light, at 2.65lb (1.2kg) it is one of the lightest bags I’ve ever used. Mizuno managed to strip the golf bag apart for every last gram, but keep all the essential features golfers need.

If you pack nothing but the essentials the K1-LO will be a joy to walk the course with, especially with the high-density foam straps which sit so well on your shoulders and have 4 points of adjustability. The 7-inch 5-way club divider leaves plenty of room for a full set and is shaped to prevent your clubs from constantly smacking against one another.

RRP £199 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $279.99 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 1.36kg/ 3lbs | Pockets: 5 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 11Pros: Great at shaft protection | Clubs stay organized | Lightweight designCons: Clips could be of better quality

Best premium stand bag

Playing on the success of its predecessors, the Hyperlite Zero incorporates all that has done so well and enhanced some other features to suit the modern game. The rubberized Shaft Shield provides great protection over shaft wear and I found makes it easy to access your clubs on the course.

The Hyperlite is super sleek and comes in a wealth of colorways. And at 3lb (1.36kg) it's so light sometimes you forget you have anything on, my full set of clubs in the bag had great playability being easy to lift up and down which is key as the bag can come on, and off up to 100 times a round if not more if you’re like me!

RRP £295 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $375 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 2.6kg/ 5.75lbs | Pockets: 6 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 3Pros: Quality materials | Fun design | Great storage spaceCons: Not the lightest carry bag

Best-looking stand bag

The Daytona oozes luxury with the quilted PU panels brought together with velour lining and grosgrain detailing the bag isn't the lightest golf bag on the market at 5.75lb (2.6kg) but it is easy to see why.

The bag has plenty of room for the essentials with six pockets including a large apparel pocket, waterproof valuables pocket, magnetic rangefinder pocket, pen pocket, and cooler-lined water bottle sleeve.

With plenty of room for 14 clubs the 4-way top divider has been designed with club protection in mind, the velour lining prevents clubs from rubbing in the bag and the curvature of the divider separates clubs in the bag.

The bag epitomizes their saying "disruptive luxury" With the garish patterns and standout designs you’ll be sure to make your tee time in style.

RRP £249 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $279 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 3.2kg/ 7lbs | Pockets: 11 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 6Pros: Easy to move around | Sleek design | Plenty of storageCons: Not fully waterproof

Best golf cart bag

This may be one of Callaway's best cart bags to date, the latest version of the Org 14 just builds on the success of previous iterations that have done so well.

It isn't the lightest bag in the world but when it has 11 easy-access pockets, a full-length 14-way divider, and the innovative lowrider technology which makes the bag a perfect partner for most modern push and pull golf carts.

One of my favorite features is the rapid access snap pocket which makes it easy to grab any frequently used valuables through the round. With over 10 different colorways and a modern design the Org 14 will certainly look the part for any golfer on the course.

RRP £199 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $270 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 2.5kg/ 5.5lbs | Pockets: 11 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 4Pros: Pockets are easily accessible | Light and easy to move around | Plenty of storageCons: Not the most secure on a trolley

Best cart bag for practicality

The Traverse is becoming well-known for how light of a cart bag it is and it just keeps getting better with the latest version of the bag weighing half a pound lighter than previous models at 5.5lb (2.5kg) making it much easier to shift from home to the course.

The bag is now available in nine color options giving plenty of choice for every type of golfer. The bag is full of handy features such as the cart strap channel which make life on the buggy a breeze, and the padded 14-way top divider simplifies organization, even for the messiest of golfers.

As expected with a good cart bag, they come with an abundance of storage space, and the Traverse is not short on that with a total of 11 pockets including full-length apparel pockets and a velour-lined valuables pocket.

RRP £175 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $200 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 2.7kg/ 6lbs | Pockets: 7 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 2Pros: ilock stops clubs from rattling | Adequate storage space | Detachable top pocket makes it easy to put on a cartCons: Material isn't the greatest quality

Best cart bag for organization

At first glance, the I Lock takes some getting used to and it may not win any awards for the best-looking golf bag this year, however, its purpose and the technology behind it help it stand out from the crowd.

The molded iLock sits atop the golf bag with a design that holds the clubs securely in place to protect the clubs from hitting one another.

The 14-way top comes with nine iron holders, four wood dividers, and an oversized putter section to keep all your clubs organized hopefully relieving some stress on the course.

The ilock is available in three color options and has a plethora of pockets some of which include a range finder pocket, cooler pocket, and two rather handy valuables pockets which you won't struggle to get your things in as the pockets are certainly on the larger side.

RRP £259.99 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $299.99 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 2.3kg/ 5lbs | Pockets: 7 | Waterproof: Yes | Colors: 5Pros: Fully waterproof | Simple design | Base secures well on a trolleyCons: Zips can be hard to open

Best waterproof cart bag

If you’re a PowaKaddy fan and want to be prepared for every eventuality on the course this may be the bag for you. The Dri Tech is their premium cart bag and is fully waterproof from top to bottom, even the zips and seams which use Powakaddy's heat-welded coating.

At 5lb (2.3kg) this bag is super lightweight for a cart bag and becomes even more versatile than it was before, I found the Dri Tech easy to get in and out of the car without any strain which is a bonus!

The bag is first-class when it comes to organization, with 14 full-length dividers all with plenty of room, and even a larger dedicated putter bay. As well as this, seven spacious pockets give you plenty of storage options for everything you need and more.

RRP £279 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $300 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 2.6kg/ 5.69lbs | Pockets: 11 | Waterproof: Yes | Colors: 8Pros: Waterproof pockets | WOODĒ Top great for organization | Great in all conditionsCons: Colorways won't be for all golfers

Best looking cart bag

Underneath all the razzmatazz of OGIO's standout design is a high-quality cart bag that's perfect for all occasions and will certainly bring some eyes to you on the first tee box.

Being a great all-rounder, the bag features waterproof fabric and seams along with a waterproof valuables pocket to keep the essentials safe from the elements.

The bag has OGIO's wonderfully designed 15-way WOODĒ top which works great at ensuring all your clubs are separated in the bag protecting them from damage, they’ve even thrown in an extra slot for things such as training aids or alignment sticks.

A pouch for the bag strap is another cool feature and with 11 pockets the bag is super practical with room for everything from your snacks and drinks to your waterproofs.

RRP £319 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $359.99 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 2.9kg/ 6.4lbs | Pockets: 9 | Waterproof: Yes | Colors: 3Pros: Big pockets | Fully waterproof | Lightweight materialCons: Could do with a more convenient grab handle

Best for versatility

The ultimate companion for wet weather golf, as many of us here in the UK know getting caught out in a shower can be the most frustrating thing in golf.

The H2NO Staff cart bag is constructed using waterproof fabric with double-sided 2000mm TPU coating, and when partnered with high-quality YKK waterproof zips it is like an impenetrable force.

Keeping all of your gear nice and dry is great but making sure there is room to put it is another thing, the H2NO has nine waterproof pockets which include two full-length pockets and an easy-access rangefinder pocket.

Some room for your clubs may be good too, and thanks to a 14-way full-length top divider there is plenty, even an oversized putter well for those of you that love a jumbo grip.

RRP £249 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $279 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 2.4kg/ 5.3lbs | Pockets: 9 | Waterproof: Yes | Colors: 2Pros: Fully waterproof | Plenty of storage | Nice big grab handlesCons: Bulkier golf bag

Best golf bag for all seasons

Big Max make a great range of cart and stand bags for year-round UK golf, especially as we’re sadly accustomed to relatively poor weather here.

This makes the 100% waterproof Aqua Sport 3 a very sensible option. The sealed seams and waterproof zips keep out the rain, and there are plenty of color choices, too.

The super practical Aqua Sport 3 has nine waterproof pockets keeping the elements from damaging your golf gear, and a 14-way top divider keeps all your clubs perfectly organized on the course and even has a cool XL putter well to fit any style of putter and grip.

RRP £189 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $230 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 2.6kg/ 5.7lbs | Pockets: 11 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 10Pros: Lightweight | Quality material and zips | Simple designCons: Clubs rattled a little during round

Best lightweight cart bag

Titleist make a really good family of cart bags and this lightweight option is a great choice for Titleist fans who need to lug their kit from the garage to the golf course and/or lift it into a high SUV boot.

Simple, functional, lightweight, and available in five colors. Cart 14 has a pleasing symmetrical design with 10 convenient pockets which are all perfectly accessible on a buggy/trolley.

A soft multi-material top cuff is part of a 14-way top divider, which not only protects your clubs from hitting together it keeps them organized for easy access on the course.

RRP £219 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $299.99 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 3.2kg/ 7lbs | Pockets: 9 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 3Pros: Easy access pockets | High-quality materials | Convenient putter wellCons: Bulky design

Best premium golf cart bag

One of a number of Motocaddy cart bags that have been updated this year, the Pro-Series gets my nod as one of the best golf bags as it's packed with features and boasts nine huge pockets, beverage storage, and a jumbo putter well.

It's not too big, nor heavy to lug in and out of the boot, it features Motocaddy's brilliant Easilock locking system and is made from durable materials.

If you want to waterproof, opt for the Motocaddy Dry-Series. The Pro-Series is really stylish, with large insulated food and drinks pockets, and comes in three color options.

RRP £219 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $300 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 3.2kg/ 7lbs | Pockets: 12 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 4Pros: Great on a trolley/cart | High-quality materials | Convenient putter wellCons: On the heavy side when clubs are in the bag

Best golf bag for a trolley

With a stylish, modern feel, the Premium Tech has a quick-access, magnetic front pocket that's perfect for your GPS/range finder, and its anti-flex walls ensure the bag retains its shape.

A new 14 full-length divider system prevents snagging when retrieving or replacing your club, while an external putter pit is joined by 13 spacious pockets conveniently positioned for quick access to all your essentials.

As on all PowaKaddy bags, Key-Lock ensures this one stays firmly on the brand's electric or push trolleys.

RRP £270 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $280 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 2.75kg/ 6lbs | Pockets: 12 | Waterproof: No | Colors: 5Pros: 20 Storage spaces | Lightweight | Well-placed "Mission Control" panelCons: Not fully waterproof

Best cart bag for storage

A good quality, honest cart bag for golfers who like a ton of space in their bag, this is Mizuno's maximum storage cart bag as – it boasts a whopping 20 pockets and compartments.

A cool "mission control" organizer panel gives you the ability to store anything from rangefinders to tees, to divot tools all in an easily accessible centralized location on the bag.

A cart-friendly notch base secures the bag onto most modern trollies, and with a cart strap tunnel and easy access pockets, the BR D4 makes for a great partner on the course. and with a range of colorways, there are plenty of different options for golfers.

RRP £239 | VIEW UK OFFER | RRP $299.99 | VIEW US OFFER Weight: 2.3kg/ 5lbs | Pockets: 7 | Waterproof: Yes | Colors: 4Pros: Lightweight | Fully waterproof | Secure fit onto a cart/trolleyCons: Could have a better grab handle location

Best cart bag for transport

When thinking about a cart bag in the UK, a waterproof or waterproof fabric bag that sheds moisture rather than soaks it up makes sense. The Storm-Dry is lightweight and waterproof to a pressure of 2,500mm.

The bag has a key lock base to firmly secure the bag onto most trolleys. Thanks to the seven Thermo-sealed pockets all your valuables and golf gear are more than protected from the elements and are easily accessible from the trolley.

A height-varying 14-way divider keeps your clubs nicely protected and organized and thanks to the convenient grab handles the bag is easy to move around from the garage to the car to the first tee.

There are a range of key factors to consider when thinking about buying a golf bag and we have delved into these below…

Budget

As with many golf products, price is usually at the forefront of every golfer's mind. With golf bags, there is a style, a type, and a price for everyone. If you want a stand bag that is nice and cheap and will job there is plenty out there for you. Or if you want something more premium such as a waterproof cart bag then there are plenty of them too.

Bag Type

It's as simple as, Do I want a stand bag or a cart bag? if you can't make your mind up there are also hybrid stand bags that are good for both but for now, let's keep it simple. Both types of bags have positives and negatives depending on what you want out of them, so you should think about exactly what will best help your game.

A cart bag is for someone that uses either a golf buggy or golf cart on the course. If you’re this golfer then find a bag that has plenty of storage space and is good at keeping your clubs organized as it will make your life much easier. Cart bags are much bigger and bulkier than stand bags so finding one that is lightweight and easy to haul from your garage to the course will benefit you.

A stand bag is for a golfer who prefers to walk around the course carrying their golf clubs. If you’re a golfer that loves to carry then factors such as weight and comfort will be most important as they’re going to be on your back for 18 holes. Even though the bags are smaller finding one with good storage can help as there is not much room in comparison to a cart bag, as you’re constantly taking the bag on and off getting one that is nice and robust with strong legs and good support is key.

Weight

Most brands nowadays strive to make the lightest bag on the market whether that be a stand or a cart bag as making life easier is something most golfers want. A lightweight stand bag is great as it's on your shoulders the whole round and you don't want it fatiguing you before the 18th hole. A cart bag isn't required nor expected to be lightweight however the lighter it is the easier it is going to be to shift from home, to the car, to the course.

Waterproofing

Having a waterproof golf bag may not be essential but it's certainly something to consider and being prepared for the heavens to open is a no-brainer. If you live somewhere like I do in the UK then you’ll know that it can be wet all year round and can also rain when you least expect it, so getting a waterproof bag to look after your clubs and valuables is great. For many of you who live in warmer dryer climates this factor may be something you brush over and not worry about.

Storage

A bag with tonnes of pockets is great, you have loads of room for your apparel, balls, gloves, valuables, and accessories. On a stand bag, you may have to compromise some weight the more pockets you have on your bag as it will be heavier and you’re carrying around more stuff. But stand bags can be simple and keep things light with only a few pockets its just a case of only packing the essentials for the course.

Cart bags on the other hand tend to have an abundance of storage spaces with bags like the Mizuno BR-D4 having an amazing 20 different places to keep your things. As cart bags are bigger they tend to have larger pockets and as you’re not carrying them around the course you can fill them with more stuff, whether that be a buffet for the 10th tee or a full set of waterproofs.

Looks

Whether you want a stand or a cart, there is a design out there for everybody. Brands have bags that are more garish to help you stand out on the course or something a little more subtle to help you blend in. Most bags whether it be a cart or a stand have similar designs, so it may be worth considering the style or colorway you want.

Do I need a stand bag or a cart bag?

It all comes down to the golfer, if you’re someone who needs the ease of using a trolley then a cart bag would be the preferred choice. However, if you prefer to carry a stand bag is going to be much more suited to your game.

Can I use a golf stand bag on a golf trolley?

Yes. The majority of golf carry bags are designed to be able to be used on golf trolleys with the likes of Motocaddy ensuring their bags bases are designed to fit their trolleys perfectly and many other manufacturers now creating hybrid-style bags that can be carried or used on trolleys.

Most golf stand bags come with elasticated straps to keep the stand in place if you do choose to use it on a trolley, while most are also designed with a handle that allows the trolley's straps to keep them firmly in place.

What is a minimalist golf bag?

A minimalist golf bag is much smaller and weighs a lot less than a regular golf bag, it's perfect for a relaxed trip to the course for practice or to play a few holes. The bag is built to hold around 6-10 golf clubs along with the essentials such as balls, tees, and gloves. It's often known as a pencil bag.

What golf bag does Tiger Woods use?

Tiger Woods uses a Vessel Prime Staff bag. The bag has a number of the iconic Monster Energy logos stamped on the front and sides.

READ NEXT – Best golf stand bags– Best golf cart bags– Best waterproof golf bags

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Will Shreeve-PeacockGolf Equipment Writer

Will Shreeve-Peacock is a golf equipment writer for todays-golfer.com, specializing in golf shoes, GPS watches, rangefinders, and training aids.

He has a degree in journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and four years of experience working in golf retail with American Golf. Will was part of the sales and fitting team, making him the perfect man to review golf equipment.

Trained by a range of manufacturers, including Titleist and TaylorMade, to enhance his product knowledge, Will has all of the skills required to recommend the best equipment for amateur golfers.

Will started playing golf more than a decade ago at Thorney Lakes Golf Club, Cambridgeshire and is now a member at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincolnshire. His handicap index is 5.8, largely thanks to his scratch-standard short game.

Away from golf, Will enjoys going to the gym, cooking, spending time with his friends, and watching his beloved Manchester United.

Will uses a Cobra LTDx driver (10.5º), Cobra LTDx fairway wood (15º), TaylorMade P790 (2-iron), Callaway X Forged 18 Irons (4-PW), Wilson Staff Model Wedges (52°, 58°), TaylorMade White smoke IN-12 Blade putter and the TaylorMade TP5x Golf ball.

When he's not testing golf shoes, he chooses to wear FootJoy Hyperflex or Under Armour Charged Phantom. He uses a Shotscope Pro L2 rangefinder and his favorite ever training aid is the PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer and mat.

You can contact Will via email or follow him on Twitter here.

Golf Equipment Writer

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