Golf carrying bags, also known as stand bags, are essential accessories that are designed for players who love to walk on the course while carrying their clubs.
These bags typically feature lightweight construction, stand legs, and straps for comfortable carrying.
They also offer a nice balance between portability and functionality. That is why they are suitable for both casual and serious golfers. Besides the golf carrying bags, there are the cart bags.
There are also small pencil bags that have no feet, meaning you can place them on the ground.
Professional golfers often use tour bags, which are even larger than cart bags.
Choosing a new golf bag can be challenging due to their diversity. There are bags for more scenarios than we can imagine. There are also several brands to choose from.
But don’t worry because this article will discuss everything that you need to know about golf carrying bags.
What Golf Carrying Bag to Choose?
In the good old days, it was straightforward to choose your golf bag.
You could either pick a cart bag to use it with your cart or a carry bag if you prefer to carry it around.
But today’s golf scene might force players to have more than one golf bag.
If you would rather not carry a lot of weight, you could pick something lightweight.
Likewise, if you want something entirely waterproof, there is a bag designed for that.
Some even come with several dividers for better organization on the course.
What we are saying is that possibilities are endless!
What Are Golf Carrying Bags?
Golf carry bags are the ideal choice for college and high school golf teams.
These bags are designed for the competitive players who have to walk and want a full set of clubs at any given moment.
While golf carrying bags will not have as much storage space as your Tour Staff bag or cart bag, they do allow you to carry your critical golf equipment, including umbrellas, clubs, and rangefinders.
And if you decide to rent a cart, you can easily attach your carry bag.
The good thing with carry bags is that they are relatively lightweight and are the most common golf bags you will find on the market.
Key Features of Golf Carrying Bags
- Lightweight construction: Most carry golf bags are made from lightweight materials like canvas or nylon. These bags are comfortable to carry around.
- Stand legs: As the name suggests, stand bags usually have stand legs for easier and safer deploying of the bag on the ground.
- Pockets: Carry bags have different types of pockets for storing balls, tees, valuables, accessories, and a water bottle.
- Straps: Stand bags have padded dual straps for better weight distribution.
- Durability: Golf carry bags feature high-quality construction materials for durability. These bags can withstand regular use and harsh conditions.
- Divider system: A 14-way divider system helps you organize your clubs to prevent them from bumping against each other.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Golf Carrying Bag
Reading the product description of each bag you search for can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what you want in your golf bag.
Below, we will discuss the main features that you should look for when buying golf carrying bags:
Size Or Number of Clubs
The first thing that you have to consider is the number and type of clubs you have. This will influence the size of the bag that you select.
Essentially, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to golf bags. Some of them will handle more clubs than others.
The other thing that you have to note is the number of clubs that you normally carry to the course.
While you are legally allowed to carry up to 14 clubs doing a round of golf, it doesn’t mean that you should carry many clubs.
So, you should find the average number of clubs you can play with to choose the right bag size.
Pockets and Storage
Another thing that you have to consider when buying your golf carrying bags is the number of pockets and your individual storage needs.
Bags with versatile storage space can be ideal if you normally carry all your gear to the course.
You will find golf bags with valuable pockets, apparel packers, water bottle pouches, and even a dedicated storage compartment for your rangefinder.
Dividers
Dividers are like your bag shelves. They let you organize and separate your golf clubs in different compartments.
Typically, stand bags can accommodate between 0 and 14 dividers. That is why you should pay attention to this number when searching for the right bag.
Besides the number of dividers, you also have to consider their length. Standard dividers can only separate the top of the golf bag, while full-length dividers run the entire length of your golf bag.
Straps
If you usually walk the entire course while carrying your bag, then the straps are an important component in your buying decision.
You can decide to go with a double-shoulder strap or just a single-strap option. There are bags with advanced strap systems that are comfortable and offer protection of your back.
Weight
Weight is not the most important aspect for stand bags, but if you need to carry it around, then it matters.
Fortunately, golf bags are relatively lightweight. They weigh anywhere between 2 pounds and 15 pounds.
Construction Material
Most golf carrying bags are made of canvas, nylon, or leather. Your bag should be made from quality materials.
The easiest way to ascertain the quality of your prospective bag is to read customer reviews.
Style
Everyone wants to carry around something stylish.
Luckily, golf bags come in many colors and designs.
So, it will be easy to find one that suits your sense of style.
Weather Protection
Not all days are perfect. Sometimes, you may have to play in light rain.
The good thing is that different bags have varying ways of protecting your valuables from harsh weather.
Price
Finally, you have to consider your budget.
Try to balance between paying for the important features that will improve your experience while avoiding the functionalities that you don’t need.
5 Great Options
1. Ping Hoofer Stand Bag: Top Pick
This golf bag is our top pick because it has managed to combine performance, comfort, looks, and usability.
It is also lightweight and provided us with an excellent walking experience during our test.
Some prefer this bag because of its versatile design. It allows you to carry it around, and you can also stick it on your cart.
Price: $275
2. Titleist Players 4 carbon 2025 Stand Bag: Best Looking
If you are looking for a stylish golf bag to store your equipment, then this is it.
Its classic look will strike the right chord with most golfers.
It is also nice and comfortable to carry around, thanks to the additional padding around the hip.
Moreover, it offers plenty of storage space with six different pockets.
Price: $310
3. Wilson Exo Lite Stand Bag: Best Value
The Exo Lite is not only one of the lightest bags you will get on the market but also offers the best value for your money.
While it may be as light as a feather, you can rest assured that it won’t topple over on a windy day.
During our test we found it to be nice and sturdy. Apart from this, its straps are comfortable and easy to adjust.
Price: $199
4. Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid Plus 2024 Golf Bag: Best Hybrid
The Dri Lite Hybrid Plus is one-of-a-kind golf bag that allows you to carry it on your back as well as push it as an electric trolley.
It is sizable enough to carry most of your clubs and has eight pockets.
The best thing is that most of the pockets have labels on what accessories should be stored in them.
Price: $249
5. Sun Mountain H2NO Litespeed Stand Bag: Best Waterproof
Sun Mountain took time to design this golf bag with the avid carrier in mind.
It is lightweight yet sizable and enjoyable to carry all your clubs. But where it stands out is the fact that it is one of the best waterproof bags on the market.
Price: $329
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Typically, a pocket can be only waterproof if it has zippers and sealed seams.
The good thing is that most stand carry bags now feature waterproof pockets.
In most cases, the valuable pockets are waterproof.
This way your small items will remain dry if it rains.
Basically this is a matter of preference.
But all golf bags usually come with at least two pockets, with a bigger apparel pocket and one small one for ball tees and other valuables.
Usually, a golf bag has about 4 to 6 pockets to enable you to sort all your golf items.
Full-length dividers are mainly found on the top of your bag that run all the way to the base.
They are meant to keep your clubs totally separated from each other. So, if you have larger grips, they will be helpful.
As you will find out, most stand bags have a few full-length dividers even if the top is 14-way.
In other words, what’s on top is not always mirrored all the way to the bottom of the bag.
Final Thoughts
There are different types of golf carrying bags for different situations and tastes. Some have more storage space and pockets than others.
Some have full-length dividers and double straps, while others have standard dividers.
Others are made of leather, while some are made of nylon or canvas.
Regardless of which bag you choose, make sure it has sufficient storage space and is strong and waterproof.
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