Finding the best golf bag for your game can be a real challenge. There are a lot to choose from and no one wants to waste their money on a bag that doesn’t perform. No worries, though, in true MyGolfSpy style, we’ve put a lot of bags through the wringer to help identify a winner.
We’ve collectively spent thousands of hours using and testing golf bags. Our team of testers includes long-seasoned golfers and several beginners, too. We know that there isn’t one bag for every single golfer, especially since the way you use a golf bag may vary. The right golf bag for someone who loves to walk the course is different than the best bag for a cart-fanatic. So we’ve broken the article up into these categories:
Best Stand Golf Bags Best Cart Golf Bags Best Sunday Golf Bags Best Travel Golf Bags Buying Advice: How to Choose the Best Golf BagThe Best Golf Stand Bags of 2023
A golf stand bag is the typical choice for those who prefer to walk rather than ride. This is because of the built-in stand system (the legs) that allows the bag to be propped up off the ground. Most golf stand bags are lighter and easier to carry. A golf stand bag may also contain a cart strap pass-through for those days when riding sounds more appealing.
Storage, walkability, weight, extra features and dividers were the top considerations when choosing the best stand bags test.
Best Stand Bag 2023: The PING Hoofer
This bag hits all the marks. Our testers agreed that The PING Hoofer is stable, sturdy and full of useful storage. We love that each pocket has a purpose, making this bag as functional as possible.
The Ping Hoofer also offers a best-in-class stand system. Between the outstanding durability and multiple color options, it’s a bag you’ll want to keep for years.
The bottom line? Everything on this bag was made with the golfer in mind.
Pros
Well-placed pockets Comfortable to carry Colors for every style Sturdy stand systemCons
Not the lightest stand bag 2023The Best Lightweight Stand Bag: PING Hoofer Lite
The Hoofer Lite offers many of the features of the standard model, in a lighter, skinnier package. It features adequate storage, with enough meaningful weight savings to easily carry for 18 or even 36 holes.
The weight savings add up over time. A sore shoulder or extra expended energy could be the difference between shooting your personal best or having the round of your nightmares. The Hoofer Lite is just as sturdy as stable as anything else in the stand bag lineup without the extra weight.
Pros
Lighter construction Easily accessible water bottle pocket Hidden rain hood placed for extra back support Smooth dividersCons
Less storage to save weightThe Best Budget Stand Golf Bag: COBRA Ultralight Pro
The COBRA Ultralight Pro is what a stand bag should be. Nicely designed dividers make it easy to access your clubs and the well-designed pockets give you ample storage for all of your on-course accessories.
Retailing for about $150, it delivers a lot of quality and functionality for a very reasonable price tag. Sure you can find bags for less, but if you plan to golf regularly you may as well get something that will stand the test of time. And the COBRA Ultralight Pro most certainly will.
Pros
Ample storage Solid stand system Comfortable carry Buttery smooth zippersCons
Some pockets lack utilityThe Best Cart Bags of 2023
A golf cart bag is generally the biggest of the golf bags that average or recreational golfers might use. These are designed to sit on the back of golf carts (or push carts). As such, they typically lack the leg/stand system of a golf stand bag.
Cart bags are beefier and feature more storage than most stand bags. They’re great for the golfer who loves to bring more than a few drinks and more than a few balls.
The best cart bags offer the ultimate protection for our clubs as they take their ride around the course. In addition, you will find premium features and lots of organizational upgrades.
The Best Cart Bag of 2023: PING DLX
The PING DLX won the top spot for the best cart bag of 2023. We found this cart bag had pretty much everything you could ever need, including a hidden shoe pocket and plenty of deep pockets.
All of the zippers are easy to work with and the dividers (14 of them) are spacious. If you have large grips, the PING DLX will easily accommodate your clubs. The only thing to remember here is that the bag weighs eight pounds, so make sure you use a cart.
Pros
Hidden shoe pouches Large, smooth divider slots Functional pockets for maximum storage Buttery smooth zippersCons
Weight makes it harder to transportThe Best Cart Bag For Features: PING Pioneer
If the PING DLX is larger than you need, look at the PING Pioneer.
Our favorite thing about this bag is the easy-to-access magnetic rangefinder pocket but there is much more to offer.
The dividers are great. You will find plenty of storage for your gear and a large insulated pocket with a built-in drain. With the dividers being just a little smaller and having some excess material, we noticed a pull or two when removing clubs.
Pros
Great dividers Magnetic rangefinder pocket Copious storage Large insulated pocket with built-in drainCons
Excess material on dividers can cause snagsBest Premium Lightweight Cart Bag: PING Traverse
The lightweight PING Traverse can be a good choice when you feel conflicted between choosing a cart or stand bag. The Traverse weighs 5.9 pounds. Even with this lower weight, there are still 14 dividers and 13 pockets, so we can’t call this a small golf bag.
The PING Traverse took third place overall in our best stand bag testing.
PING used the Cart Strap Pass-Through System on the Traverse, making this one a great choice for waking the golf course with a push cart. The Traverse gives you many benefits of a stand bag without making it difficult to get in and out of your car.
Pros
Full-length dividers Insulated cooler pocket with built-in drain Lightweight construction Large golf ball pocket Cart strap pass-through systemCons
Dividers are sub-parBest Sunday Bags
Sunday golf bags are the smallest of the bunch. These bags are a minimalist’s dream. They’re light, small, and designed to hold only a few clubs. Most who use Sunday golf bags stick to par-3 courses or executive courses where a full set isn’t a necessity.
Traditional Sunday bags are legless, “pencil-style” bags similar to the PING Moonlite. But more and more Sunday bags like the Sunday El Camino are adding stand systems, pockets and extra carrying straps.
The best Sunday bags of 2023 are lighter than ever but still have room for more gear than you might imagine. COBRA, Vessel and Mizuno have what you need if you like to keep things streamlined on the course.
The Best Sunday Golf Bag of 2023: COBRA Ultralight Sunday
The COBRA Ultralight Sunday bag is the Best Sunday Bag in 2023. Not only is it comfortable to carry but it features the perfect amount of storage. The Ultralight Pro also takes the crown of “Best Value Sunday Golf Bag.”
The strap system is among the best there is. It provides great adjustability and an overall comfortable carrying experience. Don’t overlook the zippers, too. The buttery smooth zippers make opening each of the large pockets a breeze.
Pros
Great pocket structure Fully extending stand Best value Sunday bagCons
Water bottle pocket is not idealBest Premium Sunday Bag: Vessel Sunday III DXR
The Vessel Sunday bag is an absolute unit of a Sunday bag. This spacious, stable bag nails all of the details. Our testers really liked all of the extras packed into this bag, including the magnetic rangefinder pocket.
The high-end Vessel Sunday bag just feels premium. From the sleek, durable synthetic leather exterior to the velvet-lined club dividers, the Vessel Sunday bag is a luxury. The synthetic leather does add some weight overall, but Vessel’s comfortable straps disperse the weight evenly for an easy carrying experience.
Pros
Comfortable straps Magnetic rangefinder pocket Cavernous pockets Buttery-smooth zippersCons
Heavier than someBest Small Sunday Bag: Mizuno BR-D2
If you’re looking for great storage, the Mizuno BR-D2 is your bag. This bag has pockets galore and a comfortable strap system for a great carry experience.
The utility pouch on the side is detachable for when you want to move a little lighter or carry a little more. Despite only having a half-size stand system, it still works great as a carry bag or range bag. It’s bigger than most pencil-style bags, but still plenty portable for an easy Sunday round or the local Par 3 course.
Pros
Ample storage Detachable side bag Comfortable strap system Good dividersCons
Half-size stand can be annoyingBest Travel Bags
Traveling with golf clubs is a risk but the best travel bags of 2023 will help you feel a little more at ease. Traveling to play golf is a great experience and the proper travel bag will help ensure there are no disasters.
Best Golf Travel Bag 2023: Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian
The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian was made with the frequent traveler in mind. The ClubGlider system makes moving through the airport a breeze. No other bag in our test was easier to maneuver and move than the ClubGlider Meridian. While the bag itself isn’t nearly as compact as other bags, the bag is so easy to load, unload, and move that you forget how large it is.
The padding near the top of the bag is among the most dense that we saw in our testing, too, which means your precious sticks will be protected no matter what.
Nothing is easier to travel with than the ClubGlider Meridian. The four-wheel ClubGlider System has been around for years, and it’s easy to see why Sun Mountain sticks with it.
Pros
Durable wheelbase with easy maneuverability Padded top for added protection Angled base to pull clubs out easilyCons
ClubGlider system adds a little weightBest Travel Bag For Usability: PING Rolling Travel Cover Golf Bag
Looking for a new golf travel bag? The PING Rolling Travel Cover should make your short list. This is one of those bags that makes traveling with your clubs a stress-free experience. Between the great protection and durability this bag offers, there are few that match its stellar performance.
Another thing we noticed during our testing is how easy it is to load and unload. The Ping Rolling Travel Cover stands on its own, making it extremely easy to load, then unload your gear.
The Ping Rolling Travel Cover is large enough to fit most cart bags, but agile enough to move through the airport with ease. The 6 handles make it easy to lift and transport, and the bottom rails make it possible to go up and down curbs with ease on your way to the car or the course.
Pros
Stand-up design for easy loading Folds up into carrying case Sturdy wheelbaseCons
Less storage and padding than othersBest Travel Bag For Club Protection: OGIO Alpha Max Golf Travel Cover
OGIO’s Alpha Max Golf Travel Cover provides maximum protection in a stylish package. The Alpha Max is OGIO’s flagship golf travel bag, and its stellar performance is evidence that OGIO put a lot of thought into this one.
The key feature of the Alpha Max Golf Travel Cover is the interior padding wrap. The padding can be wrapped around your clubs and is secured in place with velcro for an extra layer of protection. The peace of mind that this bag offers the frequent traveler is well worth the lofty price tag.
Pros
Wrap-around interior pad Sturdy wheelbase Plenty of added protectionCons
Not as many storage pocketsBuying Advice: How to Choose the Best Golf Bag
There are hundreds of golf bags on the market in 2023 and, after a while, they may all seem to have the same features and functionality. Throughout our golf bag testing, we were continually surprised by the differences from one bag to the next. Here are a few things to look for in a golf bag for 2023.
Storage Capacity
If you are a golfer who has a few dozen golf balls in the bottom of the bag, along with an entire wardrobe to wear regardless of the weather conditions, look for more pockets and larger bags.
Weight
When walking the course, weight should be your top priority when choosing a golf bag. Maintain all your energy and find a golf bag under five pounds. Stand bags and Sunday bags have the best options for lightweight technology.
As a general rule of thumb, lighter golf bags are made of less-premium materials. Mesh, canvas and nylon are all very lightweight. Premium materials like leather and synthetic leathers often add weight but have a more premium “fit and finish”.
Vessel golf bags and Stitch golf bags tend to have more of a luxury feel and weigh considerably more.
Whereas the PING Craze-E-Lite and the Sun Mountain 2.5+ are both just over three pounds.
Style and Personalization
Most of the best golf bags on our list are available in a wide range of colors. Quick tip: Think about your playing conditions before you choose a white or light-colored bag. You may find yourself with a stained and discolored bag.
If you want your name or initials on a bag, the front ball pocket on many models from PING and Sun Mountain are removable for embroidery.
Durability and Waterproof Construction
Fairweather and occasional golfers may not need to worry too much here but if you are die-hard, look for waterproof materials. Two good options here are COBRA UltraDry Pro and Sun Mountain H2NO Lite.
At the very least, ensure there is a waterproof valuables pocket for your phone and other personal belongings.
Technology Integration
Some golf bags come equipped with a GPS holder or even a charging port for a USB device.
Club Dividers
There are two things you need to know about club dividers. The first is the number of dividers.
The second is the length of the dividers.
The more dividers a golf bag has, the better your clubs will stay separated. Dividers add a little weight to a bag so it’s normal for a stand bag to have fewer dividers than a cart bag.
Additionally, dividers can run the full length of the bag (down to your grip) or they can just be a top divider. Full-length dividers do a better job of protecting both the shaft and grip of your club.
One thing to be aware is if you have an oversized or jumbo golf grip, you may struggle with a full-length 14- or 15-club divider. Check dimensions carefully before ordering.
Cart Bag Versus Stand Bag
One of the most difficult decisions is whether to go with a cart or stand bag. Here are some basic tips to get you through:
Choose a cart bag if you play most of your rounds using a motorized golf cart or push cart. If you own your golf cart, choose a cart bag to protect clubs when you travel from home to course. If you walk the course or simply prefer to travel light, a stand bag is best. Push carts do well with both stand and cart bag but look for an integrated cart strap system.Stand Bag Versus Sunday Bag
Not all Sunday bags will hold 14 clubs. If you are a new player looking for an affordable option to store a few clubs, the Sunday bag is a great choice. The stand bag is a better fit for golfers with a full set of gear but a Sunday bag is also a nice addition for a few holes in the afternoon or a trip to the driving range.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Sunday bag is a golf carry bag smaller than a traditional stand or cart bag. The Sunday bag was created with the concept of heading out for a few holes of golf on a Sunday afternoon with just the essentials.
The Rules of Golf state that you can have a maximum of 14 clubs in play.
A golf staff bag is larger than a standard cart bag and many professional golfers use it. The staff bags do a great job of displaying the logo or sponsors of a professional. Staff bags are often used in golf shops to display clubs.They are not the most user-friendly for an amateur player on a normal Saturday morning round.
There are different styles of Sunday golf bags. Most will fit around eight clubs with ease. Some can fit all 14 but it is a tight fit.
The USGA states that you can only have 14 golf clubs in play at any given time. If you have 15 clubs in your bag, you must declare one out of play before the start of the round and that club must remain out of play for the entire round.
Load your golf clubs with the tallest clubs in the back of the bag and the wedges and short irons in the front. You don’t want the edges of the wedges and irons cutting into the longer graphite shafts of your fairway woods and driver.
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