Best Golf Bags

Many seasoned golfers will already know what they like in a golf bag, but those newer players looking to up their game may not know where to begin. What is the difference between cart and stand bags? Does the material matter? How many clubs should my golf bag be able to fit?

At Golfer Journal we have been there before, that’s why we have compiled this wide-ranging buyer guide. Golf bags have seen a transformation over the years as materials have improved and standards have changed, but there are five main points to keep in mind when asking the question; what makes a good golf bag?

What makes a good golf bag?

A new golf bag can be an excellent addition for any golfer, easing the strain from long walks on the green and keeping your day well organized. For all golf bags, there are five points to consider; all the points are important, and if a bag checks all five boxes you can expect to gain years of enjoyment from your latest purchase.

Material  

You want your new addition to be made form an extremely tough durable material, not only do you want it to stand the test of time. But you want the additional protection higher quality materials offer.

Why would you put the expensive gear you have worked hard to purchase in an inexpensive, low-quality bag? Not only will a bag crafted from inferior materials wear faster, requiring another investment to replace it, but it is far more likely that your equipment will become damaged during use.

Being water-proof is a massive bonus, protecting your valuables from any adverse weather you can experience on the green.

Full-length dividers

Full-length dividers will offer you far greater protection than ½ or ¾ length as they eliminate the chance of clubs knocking together causing damage. Having full-length club dividers is a money-saving effort, as you will need to replace your gear less frequently because of the reduced risk of damage.

Strap padding 

Strap padding is extremely important, not only will premium straps keep you comfortable for longer. Your spine will thank you.

I’m sure many of us can attest to the effect carrying around a golf bag for extended periods of time can have on back health.

Budget

Budget, obviously this is at the forefront of consideration when making any purchase. With golf bags, there is a rate of diminishing returns after a certain price point.

Even lower to mid-tier bags will have all the features and appointments you would expect. Eventually, you are just paying for the branding and negligible features.

Customer service

The final point to consider is the brand’s reputation for customer service. While this may be something a lot of golfers don’t consider it is quite a substantial consideration.

The longevity of your purchase is exponentially improved if quality customer service is provided. If you happened to run into an issue with your new purchase and it is still under warranty, dealing with a quality customer service team to resolve the issue will allow you to avoid multiple headaches in the future.

Even a great bag from a mediocre company can be detrimental to your enjoyment of the product.

Features to look out for

Many features are available on a golf bag, and the decision to purchase a new one will depend on how many features you require. Some of you will only make use of one or two of the features found on this list; some may need all of them.

But we have compiled a list of features regularly found on the best golf bags to allow those of us newer to the game to make an informed decision about what bag will best suit their needs.

• Full-length dividers: We mentioned these earlier, but they are a great feature to take into consideration. If you have an extensive collection of expensive or modified clubs, you will definitely want to be purchasing a bag with full-length dividers. The dividers are designed to separate clubs from one another during transit, even bags with ¾ dividers can end up causing problems in the long term for golf enthusiasts.
• Driver/Putter wells: Specialised wells that are similar to dividers but used specifically to separate drivers and putters from the rest of your collection. A quality bag will boast this as a feature, saving you money in the long term. Replacing a putter due to head knock damage can be a costly endeavor, you will want to consider this highly when looking for a new golf bag.
• Pocket size: The required pockets will be personal to each golfer, as only they know what they will be bringing to green with them on a regular basis. At Golfer Journal, we have our own preference when considering the pocket space we require. We think it is far more beneficial to look for a bag with larger pockets, rather than a bag with lots of smaller sized pockets. Front-facing pockets are also a massive plus for us, a slight touch that makes a tremendous difference. Front-facing pockets improve the accessibility of all your accessories and valuables. Over time you will develop your preferences for pocket space, but this is a good starting point for anyone new to the game.
• Locking system: Generally reserved for cart bags, but can be found on a lot of modern bags also. Locking systems keep the bag secured, keeping all your equipment in place.
• Customization options: While this feature won’t necessarily improve the way the bag performs, having the opportunity to purchase a bag that matches your personality is a nice touch. Many brands now offer multiple colorways on their bag models, with some even offering custom embroidering and tagging.
• Rain hood: Unfortunately, some golf bags still don’t come with a rain hood as standard, but we believe that this should change. A rain hood is an essential piece of kit for anyone considering a new golf bag.
• Apparel pockets: A nice feature to have, but not essential as it can bring the weight up; and therefore, comfort levels down. An apparel pocket is a pocket designed specifically to hold a change of clothes for you, generally used to keep adverse weather gear in, just in case. Some bags will also include a pouch to hold a spare set of shoes.
• Cool pocket: Again, not fundamental to a good golf bag but is an excellent addition, especially if you golf in warmer climates. As the name suggests, this feature allows you to keep things cool throughout the day, especially useful for snacks and beverages.
• Water-resistant pockets: If you keep any electronics in your bag during play, you will want to ensure your bag of choice has water-resistant pockets. So even if you forget, or your bag doesn’t feature a rain hood, your electronic devices will remain well protected during adverse weather conditions.
• Valuables pocket: These pockets will typically have a soft velour lining and should be used to store anything with a screen that you may bag up. Great for GPS and phones, but perfectly suited to watches too.
• See-through pockets: Clear pockets are a fantastic way to check on your texts as they come through, without having to remove your phone from the bag. Well suited to holding any GPS device you may be using, allowing you to still access the screen without exposing it to any weather that may be detrimental to the unit.
• Size: The size of the bag has a direct correlation to how much stuff you need to store in it, the larger the bag, the more you can fit inside. The downside to this is that it will also take up more space when stored in the house, or when in the boot of the car. Some brands are better than others when considering this trade-off, with some able to keep a relatively large amount of storage in a smaller package. This is due to good design and use of modern materials that are both strong and light.
• Weight: Golf bags are getting lighter and lighter every year, with golfers consistently requesting more from golf bag manufacturers. Generally, you shouldn’t have a problem with any of the bags reviewed in this article as they are all lightweight. The most significant determining factor of weight is the gear you place in your bag. If you have a lighter bag that features more pockets, you are more likely to overload it unnecessarily bringing the weight up.

Cart vs. Stand golf bag

There are pros and cons to each type of bag, both do serve specific functions, and at the end of the day it comes down to your requirements, and how you want to use your gear.

Cart bags

Cart bags are defined by their name; they are well suited to be used in a cart. Generally boasting more storage than their stand counterparts, cart bags typically come with more modern appointments such as locking systems and extra apparel space.

They are ideally suited for the older golfer or golfers who enjoy the luxury of a golf cart.

Stand bags

Stand bags are of a simpler design than cart variants. Having retractable legs to keep the bag balanced while you play; offering great accessibility to your clubs and accessory pockets.

Stand bags often have a lot more convenience features also, providing comfort over extended days of golf where you will be walking a long distance. Golfers that like to get their daily exercise with a walk on the green favor stand golf bags.

Golfers are also moving towards a more modern approach to golf bags; Hybrid golf bags combine the best features of both cart and stand bags. Any golfer thinking of purchasing a hybrid needs to be made aware that not all brands are taking the correct approach, with some being little more than cart bags with legs.

If you are considering a hybrid golf bag, however, there are some pros to look out for:

• Hybrid golf bags will have legs comparable to those found on stand bags, during adverse weather or on uneven ground you can be safe in the knowledge your equipment is secure and won’t topple over.
• The best quality of a hybrid golf bag is the room to weight ratio, and one of the most significant selling points. Providing more room for a cooler pocket and space for apparel without sacrificing club storage.
• Hybrid golf bags typically have improved cart locking systems using much newer technologies than standard cart bags.