Aside from the golf clubs and golf balls you use, the most crucial piece of equipment you need is a high-quality golf bag. Even though not all golf bags have the same aesthetic, having a bag that is tailored to your needs makes it simpler to enjoy your round and improve your game. Here are some recommendations for choosing a golf bag.
What Are the Different Types of Golf Bags?
There is no one-size-fits-all for golf bags. It’s important to think about your golfing style, the courses you’ll be playing, and the other equipment and assistance that will be available for the rounds that lie ahead, whether you shop in-person or online.
A list of the most popular bags is provided below. This overview will assist you in matching the appropriate player with the appropriate bag.
1. Tour Staff
You’ll see professionals carrying staff bags, also known as tour bags. However, they aren’t carrying them because they have skilled caddies who do all the heavy lifting. These big bad boys weigh more than ten pounds, so it makes sense.
They are the preferred bag for anyone vying for the top master’s position for a reason. These bags look and feel more like upscale suitcases than typical carriers because they have pockets on almost every square inch of them and are organized by size and category.
2. Cart Bags
This is the bag you want if you’re a serious golfer who is just a few pars away from becoming a professional. As long as there’s a four-wheeler to take you across the lawn, it’s the perfect setup. These bags, which are roomy and well-organized, will spare you the hassle of selecting which clubs to bring. They are inappropriate for carrying heavy loads over long distances and walking the course because they only have one strap. Instead, you’ll leave this bag on the cart, as the name suggests. These bags have a special attachment on the bottom that makes it simple to clip them into and out of the cart.
Some cart bags can stand up on their own, but because of their large storage capacity, the weight can add up. Be cautious! They are simple to topple, and if you are not paying attention, the smallest bump could send your loose equipment careening down the slope. Instead of playing the greatest game ever invented, you’ll be playing pick-up sticks.
3. Stand Bags
This bag performs as a bag that stands on its own two feet, as the name suggests. Two retractable legs on this bag support it while you take your shot. It makes choosing the right club for your subsequent swing simple.
Stand bags are a good compromise between cart bags and carry bags. Although it’s light enough to fit on a golf cart, it’s not overly heavy. If necessary, you can sling it over your shoulder to fire a full round. The top-tier versions of this bag will have dividers and plenty of extra space for your B-side balls, wet-weather gear, umbrella, and a few other premium accessories. Just be cautious when putting weight on it. Every team has its limits, so adding the golf ball that broke the camel’s back in the middle of the game is not the best way to win.
4. Carry Bags
The carry bag also referred to as the Sunday bag, is a great option for both an experienced golfer who prefers to walk the course and a beginner hitting the course for the first time. As you carry your favorite clubs from hole to hole, the carry bag is a time-tested, simple option that will help you avoid getting too sweaty. However, you won’t have much room for equipment beyond a couple of clubs.
The best carry bags are simple, have one or two straps, and are strapless. It ought to be one of the simplest, lightest bags available. It’s best to steer clear of carrying bags with too many extras or pointless frills since you’ll be carrying them for the entire 18 holes. It’s ideal for drills and casual matches. One variation on the carry bag that’s worth investigating has backpack-style straps. By using this variation, the bag’s weight is evenly distributed across your shoulders, preventing you from putting all of its weight on one side of your body in between swings. Double straps can make all the difference in your ability to maintain your balance throughout a long day on the turf.
Tips for Choosing A Golf Bag
The right bag will elevate the standard of each round you play, whether you’re hitting the range for the first time or playing with your boss every Sunday. You can determine what’s important to you in a bag by knowing where you are in your golfing career. Focus on the style of bag you want before taking other features into account.
What features should you look for in a golf bag once you’ve decided what kind is best for you? Although there are undoubtedly hundreds of bag modifications that can give you a distinctive carry, there are six things to look out for when choosing your next bag:
1. Club Dividers and Pockets
In numerous ways, golf bag manufacturers prevent your clubs from colliding with one another. Many people divide the various pockets in a golf bag using full-length dividers. In cart bags, some people use full-length individual dividers. Some bags have five pockets with dividers. Some possess all three. Make sure you are at ease carrying a bag that contains all of your clubs. A good rule of thumb is to have one pocket for wood, one for short irons, and two pockets in the middle for middle and long irons.
2. Comfortable Strap
Your golf bag needs to be comfortable to carry. Starting with a broad, thickly padded strap that has plenty of adjustment space to fit your body type. The straps should be sufficiently adjustable to allow the bag to rest squarely on your shoulders with just enough lean to keep your clubs inside. Don’t bother if they don’t feel at ease pressing into your shoulders while carrying a heavy load.
3. Weight
Some golfers enjoy walking with their bags in hand, but if the bag is too heavy, they can’t. The majority of contemporary golf bags minimize their weight while maintaining their durability. However, some golf bags weigh as little as 3 lbs., making them lighter than others. a few times. If you need a bag that light, expect to have perhaps fewer pockets and storage options. After all, maintaining lightness is the whole point of a golf bag. Don’t complicate it with a ton of weight-adding items. You trade some durability for comfort because lighter bags are less likely to hold up over time.
4. Hooks for Stuff
Are you in need of an umbrella clip? Most likely not. Do you like to display a lot of bag tags? Make certain that there is a hook there. However, you’ll most likely need a place to put a towel. Though many bags lack explicit towel hooks, many do.
5. Storage
All the equipment you typically need for a round of golf is typically kept in a good golf bag. This calls for golf balls, tees, gloves, and a few extras like a brush, your GPS or laser rangefinder, and perhaps a few snacks. You shouldn’t be concerned about the glove fitting a full wardrobe of golf attire, such as weatherproofs, sweaters, and the like unless you travel frequently and live out of your golf bag. It’s nice to have little extras like pockets for your water bottle, a scorecard, or a marker. More bags now come with fleece-lined pockets for valuables, which is advantageous for golfers who wait to remove their wallets and watch until the show is over.
6. Price
The cost of golf bags can range from $100 to $1,000. Although it’s common knowledge that you get what you pay for, you don’t have to spend a grand to get a high-end bag. Setting a price range based on your budget, surroundings, and anticipated usage is crucial, as it is with most significant purchases.
Buyer’s regret is a real thing, particularly if you have an exaggerated idea of how much use your golf bag will see. A high-quality item that will last for many years of play, on the other hand, can save you a lot of money.
If you play the game, you already know that your golf bag is one of the most crucial components of your equipment. You need a container to store your clubs and other accessories because you can’t carry them all in your hands. Of course, your golf bag also serves as a place to keep other items like clothing, accessories, and possibly your phone, so you should pick one that has the right amount of storage for you. Therefore, the tips listed will assist you in selecting the ideal golf bag for you.