Golf bags provide more than a mere place for you to keep your clubs; many come equipped with features designed to make the game simpler and more enjoyable.
Cart bags are specifically designed to be used on a cart/trolley and often come equipped with pockets designed to store umbrellas, valuables, or covers. Cart bags tend to be larger and heavier than their stand or carry counterparts.
Cart Bags
Cart bags (also called golf cart bags) are specifically designed to secure on a push or pull cart and ensure your clubs remain in place during gameplay. Cart bags tend to be heavier than stand bags but contain additional storage pockets such as cooler pockets or individual club dividers for easier organization.
Most cart bags feature a single strap along the back that makes transport easy from car to cart or bag drop location and back again, but should not be carried by players as this may strain shoulders and increase strain levels on shoulders and backs.
If you prefer walking, but occasionally use carts on the course, then a hybrid bag might be your best bet. These bags are heavier than cart bags but not as heavy as staff bags (also known as Tour bags) used by professional players who use caddies.
Stand Bags
Many serious/competitive golfers prefer walking their rounds, particularly early in the day or in adverse weather. Stand bags work best for these golfers since their legs allow the bag to remain upright on the ground while cart bags must be laid flat against it.
A quality stand bag should be lightweight with ample room for apparel pockets along the sides, valuables storage pockets and room for tees, balls and gloves. Furthermore, 14-15 way full length club dividers should ensure that your clubs remain protected when inside the bag.
Some golfers opt for cart bags because they pair perfectly with push and electric trolleys. Though slightly heavier than stand bags, cart bags provide more durable materials and feature additional pockets as well as a cart strap to secure the bag securely to a trolley. Some golfers enjoy their premium feel thanks to premium materials and logos on these cart bags.
Hybrid Bags
If you prefer playing both walking and cart rounds, a hybrid bag provides the best of both worlds. It will give you access to organized club dividers while still offering comfortable straps for walking rounds.
Nike is well known in sports, and their hybrid stand bag for golf is lightweight yet durable. This bag features full-length apparel pockets and large water bottle sleeves as well as quick grab top and rangefinder holder features. Padded dual shoulder straps fit comfortably without interfering with cart movement.
The Titleist hybrid bag is an outstanding option for both walking and cart use. Lightweight yet premium in design, its cart-friendly features include quick release clips, quick apparel pockets, quick velcro glove strip strips and umbrella holders – not forgetting its 14-way dividers which make this very flexible bag! Also available in several color choices this expensive option is definitely worth every penny spent!
Budget
No matter if you are casual player or tournament competitor, choosing the appropriate golf bag can play a hugely influential role in how comfortable and enjoyable your round is. Making an informed decision will mean the difference between finishing invigorated or struggling through sore shoulders and backs.
But you don’t have to have the same clubs as Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka to find an outstanding golf bag at an affordable price. We’ve put together this list of some of the top budget bags currently on the market so that you can find your ideal travel companion on your next round.