Check out some of the newly released golf bags in 2024.
Winter is dragging on, but soon warm temperatures will return and it’ll be time to hit the range again and get the game tuned up for the 2024 golf season.
We want to make sure you have everything you need to play your best, so we’ve decided to put together a list of some of the best recently released golf bags out there. In this list, you’ll find brands like Nike, Titleist, Ping, G/FORE, Stitch Golf and more.
Check out our list of best golf bags for less than $300 and save some $$$ while playing all season long.
A nice golf bag can go overlooked by amateur golfers, but making sure you own a quality home for your golf clubs is important. You don’t want your golf balls falling out because of holes in your bag’s pockets, or your bag falling over due to overused or broken leg stands.
To make sure you have a nice golf bag for the rest of the 2023 season and beyond, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best golf bags we could find from brands like Titleist, Callaway, Ping and more.
And since no one wants to spend an arm and a leg for a nice bag, we’ve set the limit of this list to $300.
Ride in style with our list of best cart bags for 2023.
It’s the middle of summer, the temperatures are high and it’s tough to walk nine holes without feeling tired and run down. So, many golfers around the country are relying on golf carts to get them around their favorite track.
We thought we’d put together a list of some of our favorite cart bags from brands like TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, Sun Mountain and more.
If you’re braving the high temperatures and walking most days, we have a list for you, too. Take a look at our best stand bags list we released last week.
Now, here are 12 of the best cart bags we could find.
If you’re ready to walk the golf course, check out our list of best stand bags for 2023.
The incredible heat of the summer is still going but soon it’ll start to be enough to walk some holes again.
It’s tough to beat an early morning stroll with your buddies around your home course, or a twilight nine all by yourself.
So, we thought we’d put together a list of some of the best stand golf bags we could find. Our list includes brands like Titleist, TaylorMade, Nike, Stitch and more.
Six things to consider when buying a new golf bag, and several great options.
Like gloves, most golfers will use the same golf bag until it falls apart and is littered with holes. Even with broken leg supports, stuck zippers, golf balls falling out of rips and dirt covering the outside, the owners of such bags often want to get one more season out of them.
We get it. You would rather spend your money on greens fees or save it for a buddy trip, but a well-made golf bag can make your day on the course more manageable and comfortable. And with a bit of thought, buying your next bag doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are six things to consider before you buy your next golf bag.
1. Do you ride or walk? This is crucial because the needs of golfers who walk (or almost always walk) differ significantly from those of golfers who exclusively ride in carts.
Most walkers (especially those who carry their bag versus using a push cart) need a stand bag. Look for well-made retractable legs, a sturdy base and well-padded shoulder straps. Most stand bags come with a backpack-style, two-strap mechanism that distributes the bag’s weight over both your shoulders, which is ergonomically ideal, but some players prefer the old-school single strap.
If you exclusively ride in a cart when you play, a stand bag will work, but you can also consider a cart bag, which tends to be larger and heavier but has more pockets for storage. You want to be sure your cart bag has handles on the top and bottom to make it easier to get in and out of your car.
What about a staff bag, you ask? The only players who should consider a staff bag are golfers who never carry their bag and are offered one for free by a company or golf equipment brand. In other words, pros or influencers.
2. Pockets. Any golf bag you buy should have easily accessible storage pockets for balls, tees and a water bottle. You should also look for a valuables pockets for your wallet, car keys and watch, and that pocket should be lined in fleece or a soft material so your valuables don’t get scratched. A pocket where you can keep a rain jacket is also great, as is a loop where you can lash an umbrella if you need to carry one.
3. Weight. If you are in the market for a cart bag, weight is not an issue. If you walk, look for the lightest stand bag you can find that has the storage you require. Anything around 3.5 to 4 pounds, empty, can be considered reasonably light. Remember, you’ll carry this bag up and down hills for miles, so every bit of weight savings will make your day easier.
4. Durability. There is a difference between light and flimsy, and if you pick up a golf bag and it feels like the legs can easily be bent, or the plastic base might crack if you drop it, keep looking. You want sturdy zippers, reinforcements in the strap areas and an overall sense of solidness to the bag.
5. Rain protection. Any stand or cart bag you buy should come with a rain hood that covers the opening of the bag and your clubs, and it’s wise to take the hood on and off a few times after you buy the bag so you can do it quickly instead of waiting to see how it works while you (and your clubs) get wet. Most bags are made with water-resistant materials, but if you know you will play a lot in rainy conditions, consider a bag that uses waterproof materials instead. It might add weight, but the tradeoff on a long, wet day could be worth it.
6. Style. This is the last thing you should think about when it comes to your golf bag. Yes, everyone likes a cool-looking bag, but this has to be a “form follows function” product for you. If you love the color of a bag, but it’s heavy, doesn’t have enough pockets or lacks durability, you will need to buy another bag too soon.
Bonus Tip: If you are buying a stand bag, look for small loops or cords in the bag, just under the legs. Many bags have these tiny loops so you can secure the legs and avoid them opening when you secure your stand bag to a cart or a pushcart. Is it a necessary feature? No, but it’s a sweet thing to have.
Below are 10 golf bags you might want to consider if you are in the market for a new one.
Check out Golfweek’s 10 favorite golf bags for 2022
What type of golf bag do you need? Unsure if you should go for a cart bag or stand bag? We’ve got you covered. Both have their pros and cons. Cart bags are nearly impossible to carry anywhere besides from your trunk to the cart but also provide a ton of storage options. Stand bags are incredibly light and do exactly what you need them to do. While they have fewer storage options than a cart bag, you’d be surprised at how much can fit in a stand bag.
Our David Dusek already brought you the best stand bags of 2022. Some of them are on this list because simply put, they’re incredible bags and worthy of holding your most precious cargo every time you tee it up.
It all depends on what you want when you play. Do you always use a cart and have accessories like a portable speaker, GPS, umbrella, ball retriever, etc.? Then a cart bag is probably the best fit for you.
Are you a player that takes a cart most of the time but will occasionally take a good walk? A stand bag will help you accomplish both types of rounds with ease.
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Today’s stand bags offer loads of storage and easy access to your clubs and gear in lighter, more durable designs.
If you are in the market for a new golf bag and are not a PGA Tour or LPGA member, a stand bag is probably the way to go. Even if you ride around your local club every time you tee it up, which makes you a prime candidate for a cart bag, a well-constructed stand bag is lighter to transport to and from your car, and it will accommodate everything you should need during your round.
When you consider which stand bag to buy, create some priorities.
If you intend to walk and carry your bag, its weight is especially important. Over 18 holes, every pound counts, so be sure to compare how much each bag weighs.
If you bring loads of high-tech gear and accessories such as a portable speaker, a spare battery, a water bottle, an umbrella and a laser rangefinder, look for a bag with plenty of pockets and spots where you can easily store your stuff.
There are bags on the market that have individual compartments for each of your 14 clubs, but most have a top divided into either four, five or six sections. More dividers can help keep things organized, but dividers add weight. It also can be frustrating to get clubs in and out of individual holders. Opting for a bag with fewer dividers can save weight, but cramming three or four clubs into one section can be cumbersome when the grips and shafts are cluttered.
To help find a good bag at a good price, look for the following models at your local store or online.
We occasionally recommend interesting products, services, and gaming opportunities. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Golfweek operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Loaded with features that will keep your clubs and gear secure, find the perfect golf bag for your needs and budget.
Legend has it that the first people to play the game that evolved into golf were shepherds who hit stones through fields and into rabbit holes. Using only one club, which was probably just a stick, meant they did not need a bag.
But you can carry 14 clubs, so a golf bag is pretty important. Plus, you carry more than just your clubs when you play golf. It would help if you had golf balls, tees and someplace to store things such as a laser rangefinder, a rain jacket and valuables such as car keys and your wallet. On some days, you bring an umbrella or maybe even a Bluetooth speaker.
Golf bags tend to fall into one of four categories, and finding your ideal golf bag is pretty easy once you think about how you typically play.
If you never walk when you play, then a bag’s weight does not need to be considered and you can enjoy the luxury of something big. Staff bags such as those used by players on the PGA Tour and LPGA are the biggest, but a cart bag makes more sense and is less expensive. Cart bags have lots of pockets, protect your clubs and securely fit on the back of a golf cart.
If you prefer walking and only ride occasionally, a stand bag typically is the way to go. These bags are lighter than cart bags and feature retracting legs that can keep the bag upright . Stand bags tend to have water bottle pockets and most now come with a strap system that allows you to carry the bag like a backpack, making it more comfortable while putting less strain on your body.
A growing number of players are enjoying a more minimalist version of golf, eschewing extra gear. They walk exclusively and don’t take many things on the course aside from clubs and balls. Legless carry bags are a viable option for this type of player, and they have a throw-back style that can make a statement that is also functional.
Finally, Sunday bags are typically the smallest and lightest bags, but they usually are not large enough to carry 14 clubs. Golfers who want something they can easily take to the range or a par-3 course love the convenience of Sunday bags, but they are typically a player’s second (or third) bag.
If you are in the market for a new golf bag this season, here are several models you might want to consider.
Cart bag, stand bag or carry bag: What you need to know for golf bags
Like many fathers, my dad told me to invest in well-made belts and good shoes. He said that you can tell a lot about a man by the care and attention to detail he puts into those things. He was right, and the same thing can be said about a golfer’s bag.
Golf bags are designed to serve a very simple purpose: to hold your clubs when you play. However, well-designed and well-conceptualized bags are made to do a lot more than that. They can make playing less stressful, while at the same time helping to add a splash of style to your game.
If your bag is breaking down or you just want a change, realize that the key to finding your ideal bag is to consider how you play and what you need on the course. After you answer those questions, here is what to look for, as broken down into three categories that generally encapsulate most players:
Ogio’s Convoy SE Cart Bag 14 (courtesy of Ogio)
I’m never going to walk: Cart bag
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a resurgence in walking on golf courses, but many golfers are continuing to ride in carts. After all, many courses in the United States are not conducive to walking and have large distances between greens and tee boxes.
If you know you are not going to walk, then a cart bag is a good option. A well-made cart bag could last a decade.
Many cart bags can balance on flat ground and stay upright, but they don’t have fold-out legs to keep them steady. They typically have pockets on the front and both sides, while the back side will be devoid of pockets and be flatter to make the bag fit more securely on the back on the cart.
Think of a bag like the Ogio Convoy SE Cart Bag 14 ($249.99) as a U-Haul truck you take on the course. It has 14 compartments in the top to hold clubs and keep them for banging around, as well as 13 pockets. There is an insulated cooler pocket, bottle holder, a removeable ball pocket, an umbrella holder and pockets that can hold a rain suit, laser rangefinder and more. There is also a soft-lined pocket for a watch, cell phone and other valuables.
Cart bags tend to be relatively heavy (Ogio’s Convey SE is 5.9 pounds), but if you are riding that’s not an issue. Be sure there are at least two handles near the top to make it easier to get the bag into and out of your car, and look for a strap that has plenty of padding for when you will need to carry the bag from the parking lot to the course.
Sun Mountain 2.5+ 14-Way Stand bag (courtesy of Sun Mountain)
I prefer to walk, but ride occasionally: Stand bag
If you are a player who will ride on some occasions and walk on others, you need a golf bag that is versatile. You need to consider how heavy the bag is and how easy it will be to adjust the shoulder straps. You also need to think about what you will carry in it. For you, a stand bag might be the smartest option.
Not surprisingly, stand bags are the most-common style of bag used by recreational golfers. They are smaller than cart bags and usually are about 2 pounds lighter. That may not sound like a lot, but after 18 holes you will appreciate the difference.
Stand bags have a mechanism that springs a pair of legs outward when you set down the bag, allowing it to stay upright at somewhere near a 45-degree angle. This makes it easy to access your clubs.
Stand bags typically have three or five dividers in the top to keep your clubs organized, but some models, such as the Sun Mountain 2.5+ 14-Way Stand bag ($239.99), offer 14 individual club slots.
The 2.5+ 14-Way weighs less than 4 pounds and has five pockets, including a full-length apparel pocket, ball pocket and a pouch designed to hold a water bottle. There is also a velour-lined valuables pocket. The retractable legs are made from carbon fiber for extra strength without adding weight.
Like most stand bags, the 2.5+ 14-way has a strap system that allows you to carry the bag like a backpack, distributing the weight over two shoulders instead of one. The straps have thick foam pads for added comfort and can be adjusted quickly.
Typically, adding club club dividers adds weight, so if you prioritize having a light bag, look for one with three or five dividers in the top.
Jones Original golf bag (courtesy of Jones Sports Company)
I never ride: Stand bag or carry bag
And then there are the purists. Some golfers would rather not play at all than ride in a cart. They insist that golf is a walking game. Period.
For them, a stand bag can be a good choice. However, there is a growing number of younger, hipper players who love the look and style of throwback equipment, including the bags used by players back in the days of Hogan, Snead and Palmer. For those players or anyone who takes a minimalist approach to the game, a legless carry bag (or walking bag) is an option.
As the name implies, carry bags are designed to be carried on your shoulder and do not always work especially well on the back of carts. They do not have the retractable legs of a stand bag, so they are laid flat on the ground.
A classic-looking example of a well-made carry bag is the Jones Sports Company’s Original bag ($150). Introduced in 1971, it is made from nylon and vinyl, and the minimalist, retro style remains the same.
Its top is divided into three sections to separate clubs, and it has three pockets, two in the front and a long one in the back, to hold balls, tees and a few other things. The Original bag has a single, well-padded strap to rest on your shoulder, and the bag weighs just 3.15 pounds.
For golfers who consider the walk to be as important, if not more important, than their score, or for players who sometimes opt to use fewer than 14 clubs during spontaneous evening and weekends rounds, a carry bag could be just the thing.
