Carry or Cart? Discover the best golf bags for your game in 2024
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From tee to green make sure your clubs are protected in style this year with our complete guide to the best golf bags in 2024.
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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 bags 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 a waterproof golf bag, 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.
Best golf bags at a glance
Best golf stand bag: Ping Hoofer Stand Bag | VIEW UK OFFER | VIEW US OFFER
Best golf cart bag: Callaway Org 14 Cart Bag | VIEW UK OFFER | VIEW US OFFER
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.
Best golf bags: Stand bags
Lightweight, spacious, and beautifully practical
Best golf stand bag
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.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Easy to carry
- Plenty of storage
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
| Weight: | 2.5kg / 5.5lbs |
| Pockets: | 11 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Colors: | 6 |
Sturdy simplicity from the iconic Wilson Staff golf department
Best value stand bag
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.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Robust design
- Cool magnetic rangefinder pocket
Cons
- The base makes it difficult to use with a trolley
| Weight: | 1.8kg / 3.5 lbs |
| Pockets: | 6 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Colors: | 6 |
Practical golf-friendly design with bags of flamboyance
Best looking stand bag
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.
Pros
- Great for organization
- Hybrid bag perfect for carrying and trolley
- Three-sleeve ball holder
Cons
- Bag designs won't be for everyone
| Weight: | 2.5kg / 5.5lbs |
| Pockets: | 9 |
| Waterproof: | Yes |
| Colors: | 8 |
Practical and lightweight with strong eco-credentials
Best lightweight stand bag
I'm a huge fan of the simplicity of the four-way top, and how Sun Mountain donates 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.
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Strong stand
- Good pocket size and locations
Cons
- The cooler pocket is quite small
| Weight: | 1.9kg / 4.2lbs |
| Pockets: | 6 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Colors: | 6 |
A trusted stand bag of premium quality
Best tour quality stand bag
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.
Pros
- Secure legs improve stability
- High-quality material and zips
- Simple, classic design
Cons
- The pen pocket is fiddly
| Weight: | 1.67kg / 3.7lbs |
| Pockets: | 6 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Colors: | 11 |
Super sleek stand bag with rubberized shaft protection
Best premium stand bag
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!
Pros
- Great for shaft protection
- Clubs stay organized
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Clips could be of better quality
| Weight: | 1.36kg / 3lbs |
| Pockets: | 5 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Colors: | 11 |
Sturdy and comfortable with well-designed storage
Best strap system
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.
Pros
- Straps are easy to adjust and super comfortable
- Stable base
- Plenty of room for 14 clubs
Cons
- The umbrella can obstruct clubs in the holder
| Weight: | 1.8kg / 4lbs |
| Pockets; | 7 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Colors: | 7 |
Best golf bags: Cart bags
A trusted cart bag that's a perfect partner on a trolley
Best golf cart bag
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.
Pros
- Easy to move around
- Sleek design
- Plenty of storage
Cons
- Found the putter well to be too big even with a larger grip
| Weight: | 3.2kg / 7lbs |
| Pockets: | 11 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Colors: | 6 |
Even lighter than we imagined
Best cart bag for practicality
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.
Pros
- Pockets are easily accessible
- Light and easy to move around
- Plenty of storage
Cons
- Not the most secure on a trolley
| Weight: | 2.5kg / 5.5lbs |
| Pockets: | 11 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Colors: | 4 |
Best streamlined cart bag
The 13 pockets include a cooler pocket, a velour-lined valuables pocket, a detachable rangefinder pocket, a full-length clothing pocket, and multiple accessory pockets. You will never be short of storage with the C-130!
Sun Mountain always produce high-quality, durable golf bags, and the C-130 is no exception. It even features reinforced fabric in potential “wear areas” to help extend the bag’s lifespan.
There’s a rain hood included but the bag isn’t fully waterproof, so you’ll want to mount an umbrella to your trolley if playing in particularly wet conditions.
Pros
- Great color choice
- Convenient grab handles make transport easy
- Lots of storage space
Cons
- At 7lb it is on the heavier side
| Weight: | 3.2kg/ 7lb |
| Pockets: | 13 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Colors: | 11 |
To help stand out and perform on the course
Best looking cart bag
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.
Pros
- Waterproof pockets
- WOODE Top great for organization
- Great in all conditions
Cons
- Colorways won't be for all golfers
| Weight: | 2.6kg / 5.69lbs |
| Pockets: | 11 |
| Waterproof: | Yes |
| Colors: | 8 |
Great bag for every season
Best lightweight cart bag
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.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality materials and zips
- Simple design
Cons
- Clubs rattled a little during round
| Weight: | 2.6kg / 5.7lbs |
| Pockets: | 11 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Colors: | 10 |
Best cart bag for storage
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.
Pros
- 20 Storage spaces
- Lightweight
- Well-placed “Mission Control” panel
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
| Weight: | 2.75kg/ 6lbs |
| Pockets: | 12 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Colors: | 5 |
Golf bags: Buying Guide
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.
Best golf bags: FAQs
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.
About the Author
Will Shreeve-Peacock – Golf Equipment Writer
Will is an expert in golf shoes, GPS watches, rangefinders, and training aids.
He has a degree in journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and four years’ experience working in golf retail with American Golf where he was trained by a host of the big-name manufacturers.
A six-handicapper, Will has played golf for more than a decade and is a member at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincolnshire.
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Best golf bags 2023.
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