The Complete Best Golf Bag Buying Guide for Beginners in 2023

Beginners guide to the Best Golf Bags

Golfers know the importance of having a reliable and high-quality golf bag. It’s not just a means of carrying your clubs, but it also provides essential storage for your accessories and protects your valuable clubs during transport. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right golf bag for your needs. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best golf bags for 2023 to help you make an informed decision.

So, when you buy a golf bag, you must keep in mind your requirements and choose a bag carefully. We’ve helped you here in this article with the most frequently asked questions – keep reading to have everything answered…

There are four golf bags available in the market:

• Tour Bags
• Stand Bags
• Cart Bags
• Pencil Bags.

The type of bag you purchase will also depend on the level you are playing the sport. Fun Golf have pulled together all of the essential features of golf bags and everything you need to know about golf bags below:

---

What are the best golf bags to carry?

The best bag to carry will depend on what you need and how you play. Some of the bags that you could consider purchasing are as follows:

Tour Bag:

These are bigger golfing bags and are used predominately by pro golfers. These are spacious bags and are usually carried by caddies. Usually, these bags are heavy, even the smallest tour bag weighs more than ten pounds, so if you are planning to go on several golfing tours, you need to purchase a tour bag.

Stand Bag:

A stand bag is much lighter compared to a tour bag. A standard stand bag weighs less than five pounds and can be carried easily by the golfer. Such a bag has two stands that allow the bag to stand upright. Even though the bag is small, it is quite spacious.

Pencil Bag:

A pencil golfing bag is ideal for keeping your golf clubs. The zipped pouches prevent the clubs from falling out when you sling the bag on your shoulder. Being lightweight, you can easily carry this slim bag across a golf course. 

Cart Bag:

Cart or trolley golf bags are distinctive bags as these bags are designed to be used on a golf trolley. You can quickly push or pull the bag across the golf course. However, these bags are significant and are quite heavy. So, if you are a professional golfer and prefer walking along the golf course, you can purchase a cart bag with a non-slip base.

If you are a pro golfer, then you could consider purchasing a cart or a tour bag. If you are new to the game and want more freedom of movement on the golf course, get a pencil or a stand bag.

---

What Should You Pack In Your Golf Bag?

---

Factors to Consider

When choosing the right golf bag, there are several factors to consider. These include:

Size and Weight

The size and weight of the golf bag are essential considerations. Stand bags and carry bags are typically lighter and more compact, while cart bags and staff bags are bulkier and heavier.

Storage Space

Consider how many pockets and compartments the golf bag has and whether it has enough space to store all your accessories.

Durability

A golf bag is an investment, so it’s crucial to choose a bag that is durable and can withstand the wear and tear of regular use.

Comfort

Choose a golf bag that is comfortable to carry, whether you prefer a stand bag or a cart bag.

---

---

Stand Bags

Stand bags are an excellent option for golfers who like to walk the course. They are typically lightweight and easy to carry, with comfortable straps that distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders.

Our top pick for the best stand bag is the Titleist Players 4 Stand Bag. This bag is incredibly lightweight, weighing only 3.8 pounds, making it easy to carry for an entire round of golf. It features a self-balancing strap system that makes it easy to carry, even during a long round. The bag also has ample storage space, with four pockets, including a large apparel pocket, and a magnetic rangefinder pocket.

Cart Bags

Cart bags are an excellent option for golfers who prefer to ride in a golf cart or use a pushcart. They are typically bulkier and heavier than stand bags, with more storage space and club dividers.

Our top pick for the best cart bag is the Sun Mountain C-130 Cart Bag. This bag is incredibly spacious, with 14 full-length club dividers and multiple pockets for all your accessories. It also features a durable construction, making it an excellent choice for those who want a bag that will last for years to come. The bag also has several convenient features, including a cooler pocket, a putter compartment, and multiple handles for easy transport.

Staff Bags

Staff bags are the ultimate in golf bag luxury. They are typically used by professional golfers and offer the most storage space of any golf bag. Staff bags are bulkier and heavier than stand and cart bags, but they make up for it with their stylish design and ample storage space.

Our top pick for the best staff bag is the TaylorMade Tour Staff Bag. This bag is made from high-quality materials and features a sleek design that looks great on the course. It also has plenty of pockets for all your accessories, including a large apparel pocket, a cooler pocket, and multiple accessory pockets. The bag also comes with a rain hood to protect your clubs from the elements.

Carry Bags

Carry bags are an excellent option for golfers who want to travel light on the course. They are typically lightweight and easy to carry, with comfortable straps that distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders.

Our top pick for the best carry bag is the Ping Hoofer Lite. This bag is incredibly lightweight, weighing only 2.5 pounds, making it easy to carry for a full round of golf. It also features a comfortable strap system that provides excellent support and balance. The bag has several convenient pockets, including a valuables pocket, a range finder pocket, and a water bottle pocket.

---

What are the best bags to carry for golf? 

When you purchase a golf bag, it is essential to ensure that it is lightweight and easy to carry. This is especially true for pencil bags and stands bags as you will carry them around the golf course. Additionally, these should come with zipped pockets so that the items inside do not keep falling out of the bag when you sling it across or back or carry it on your shoulder.

The OGIO Shadow Fuse Stand Bag is one of the best when it comes to lightweight stand bag. It features adjustable double straps to effectively distribute the weight when being carried. You can also check out Sun Mountain 4.5 LS 14-Way Stand Bag.

This is a little more expensive but also comes with a double strap making it suitable to be carried on both shoulders and only weighs 2.8kg.

Otherwise, you can also purchase the NCAA Fairway Stand Bag if you are still a trainee, this brand is slightly heavier at 3.18kg but come in a variety of styles and colours.

Therefore, depending on your budget and your experience, you can purchase an amazing bag.

---

Who makes the best carry bags?

Callaway is one of the best-known retailers of golfing gear. If you are looking for bags, clubs, gloves, and balls, this is one of the best brands. If you check out Callaway’s website, you will find that all the golfing equipment is divided under various headings suitable for men, women, and children.

Callaway is one of the best manufacturers to carry on bags. The carry-on stand bag by Callaway comes in various price ranges, and hence, you can easily find one that suits your budget. The company also retails Hyperlite bags, which are ideal for trainee golfers. 

---

Which are the best waterproof golf bags?

The STA-DRY 100% Waterproof Cart Bag is one of the best for waterproof bags. You can easily take this bag across the golf course even in the heaviest rain. Perfect for a golf cart it is ideal for keeping your golfing gear safe. There is also an additional loop to keep an umbrella.

The golf bag itself is lightweight at 2.5kg and easy to handle, given the fact that it is a waterproof bag and consists of a fourteen-way divider with waterproof pockets. This means the bag is quite spacious and can hold several golf clubs, apparel, and complete golfing gear without making the bag significantly heavy. 

---

Who makes the lightest golf bag?

Callaway’s Hyperlite Zero golf bag is one that is genuinely lightweight and practical. The bag itself is made with the unique ripstop fabric, and the stands are made of lightweight carbon fibre. Thus, the bag is made of lightweight material and only weights 1.4kg.

When you place your golfing gear in the Hyperlite Zero bag, you do not have to account for the bag weight. All you need take into consideration is the weight of your gear and equipment.

---

What golf bag does Tiger Woods use?

Tiger Woods uses a bag made by the luxury brand Vessel. The company is an exclusive and only makes items for professional athletes. Tiger Woods’ golf bag is robust and made from the finest materials. It is said to have eight pockets and even has a separate pocket to hold an umbrella. The bag is made of luxurious micro-suede backed synthetic leather, making it resistant to heat and wind. The entire bag is waterproof, making it ideal for storing all the golfing equipment of the world’s leading golfer. Off the shelf bags are priced around the $600 mark so it certainly is a luxury bag!

Decided to take out the bag today in honor of Masters week. Thanks @MonsterEnergy for this special one. #CrushQuarantine #MonsterEnergy pic.twitter.com/kWyL8wr8qa

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 10, 2020

---

What should I look for when buying a golf bag?

When you purchase a golfing bag, the first thing that you should consider is the material. It is essential to ensure that the bag is lightweight so that you can easily carry it around the golf course.

You don’t want to purchase a heavy and cumbersome bag, which will be difficult to be carried and you will always need a caddy or golf trolley to help you out. Additionally, you must evaluate your expertise level while purchasing a bag. If you are a trainee golfer, you could purchase a simple pencil bag or a cart bag. If you are a pro-golfer, then you could consider purchasing a more significant and professional bag.

However, when you purchase a bag, check the durability and the functionality of the bag. These are the main factors that you should consider while purchasing a golf bag.

---

Should your golf bag match your clubs?

You don’t need to purchase the bag and the golf clubs from the same company. The club you purchase should depend on your comfort level with playing the game. The bag is to help you move the clubs with ease across the course. Thus, unless you are a professional golfer who is being paid to promote the company, there is no need to purchase the golf clubs and the same company’s bag.

When you purchase the bag, your priority should be utility and durability of the bag, whereas when you purchase golf clubs, it is to ensure that you play the best match.

Some manufacturers provider complete sets for beginner golfers which include irons, driver hybrid, putter and golf bag all with the same brand. One such golf set is the Callaway Strata Ultimate set. These are great for the beginner golfer but its not a requirement to have all clubs by the same company.

---

What is the difference between a cart bag and a stand bag?

A cart golf bag is designed to be pushed on a golf trolley, while a stand bag is designed to be carried and has two stands against which the bag stands when placed on the ground.

The cart bag makes it easy for the golfer to push the bag across the golf course. The stand golf bag is ideal for a golfer who wants to carry the bag straddled across their shoulder.

Both bags are suited to keep all golfing equipment like golf clubs, gloves, golf balls, and other similar gear. However, a stand bag is usually lighter than a cart bag. Golfers carry stand bags, and hence these are made of lightweight fabrics.

---

Is carrying a golf bag bad for you?

When you carry a golf bag, you should remember how you are carrying the bag. Even if the bag itself is lightweight, once you have the gear in the bag, it will become quite heavy.

Hence, it would help if you carried the bag on both your shoulders like a backpack, and not just sling it on a single shoulder. If you straddle the bag across you back, you will avoid straining the muscles of your shoulder. Moreover, you will be distributing the weight of the bag on your back and not on your shoulder.

Most modern carry bags are designed to be exceptionally light and the large majority come with two straps to carry. Thus, carrying a bag is not bad for you unless you carry it the wrong way. So try carrying the bag on your back instead of on a single shoulder.

---

Which is better push or pull golf cart?

It is always better to push the golf cart. One of the reasons for this is that when you push your golf cart, you will be using both your hands and hence chances of injuring your shoulder will be reduced.

When you pull a golf cart, you will naturally be doing so with your dominant arm, thereby increasing your dominant arm’s chances of injuring, or pulling a muscle.

If you are pulling your cart up a hill, then your muscles will get fatigued unnecessarily, and you will tire yourself. Therefore, it is always better to push your cart as you can control the cart and reduce injury chances.

There are some excellent golf carts available and the ones like the Qwik-Fold are designed with three wheels, extremely quick to set up and fold up compact enough to easily fit in the boot of your car.

Best Golf Bag: FAQ’s

What is the best golf bag to get?

The best golf bag to get will depend on individual preferences and needs. Some factors to consider include bag type (cart, stand, or carry), size and weight, number of pockets, and overall durability and quality. Popular options include the Titleist Players 4 Stand Bag, Sun Mountain C-130 Cart Bag, and Ping Hoofer Stand Bag.

What is the number one carry bag in golf?

The number one carry bag in golf is a matter of debate and personal preference. Some popular options include the Titleist Players 4 Stand Bag, Ping Hoofer Stand Bag, and Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Stand Bag.

What golf bags do the pros use?

Many pros use golf bags from top brands such as Titleist, Ping, and Callaway. Some popular options include the Titleist Players 4 Stand Bag, Ping Hoofer Stand Bag, and Callaway Mavrik Staff Bag.

What do most pros carry in their golf bag?

Most pros carry a standard set of 14 clubs, including a driver, fairway woods, irons, wedges, and a putter. Additionally, they may carry extra balls, gloves, tees, and a range finder.

How far should I hit a 4 iron?

The distance that a golfer should hit a 4 iron will depend on several factors, including the individual’s swing speed and skill level. On average, a golfer with a moderate swing speed can expect to hit a 4 iron between 170-200 yards.

What does Rory McIlroy carry in his golf bag?

Rory McIlroy typically carries a standard set of 14 clubs, including a driver, fairway woods, irons, wedges, and a putter. Additionally, he may carry extra balls, gloves, tees, and a range finder.

What is the golden rule in golf?

The golden rule in golf is to treat others as you would like to be treated. This includes showing respect for fellow players, caddies, and course staff, as well as following proper etiquette and rules on the course.

What 14 clubs should a high handicapper carry?

A high handicapper should carry a standard set of 14 clubs, including a driver, fairway woods, irons, wedges, and a putter. However, it may be beneficial to focus on more forgiving and easier-to-hit clubs, such as game improvement irons and hybrids.

Is it better to push or carry golf bag?

Whether it is better to push or carry a golf bag will depend on individual preferences and needs. Carrying a bag can provide a good workout and a sense of control over the clubs, while pushing a bag can be easier on the back and shoulders. Using a push cart can also provide the benefits of both carrying and pushing.

What is a must-have in a golf bag?

A must-have in a golf bag is a reliable set of clubs, including a driver, fairway woods, irons, wedges, and a putter. Additionally, essential items to include in a golf bag include extra balls, tees, gloves, and a range finder. It is also important to have proper rain gear and clothing in case of inclement weather.

Conclusion

To conclude, there are four main types of bags to choose from, your choice will depend on your skill level and how often you play. Some more experienced golfers have more than one bag. They may have a practice bag, which is either a pencil or stand bag. Then for tournaments they use a cart or tour bag. Our recommendation for a beginner golfer would be to purchase a good quality, lightweight sand bag.

The Sun Mountain bag is a great choice in our opinion, lightweight and excellent quality.

---

Now that you’ve chosen your perfect golf bag, why not take some time to check out our guides to golf clubs. Let us help you get started with our best choices for putters, irons and drivers. If you choose a tour bag these can be extremely heavy to carry, you’ll definatley need a golf trolley to help you around the 18 holes. If you are looking for the best travel bag then make sure to have a look at this article here.

Fun Golf Equipment Advice

At Fun Golf, we believe that there’s more to golf than just the equipment you use. That’s why we’ve created content that covers a range of topics related to the sport such as the best golf bags. Here are some of our other articles that we think you might find helpful:

• Golf Insurance: Golf can be an expensive sport, and accidents can happen. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to golf insurance, which can help protect you from unexpected costs. Check out our article on golf insurance to learn more.
• Cheap Golf Rangefinders: Rangefinders can be a valuable tool on the golf course, but they can also be expensive. We’ve researched and tested some of the best affordable rangefinders on the market, and put together a guide to help you find the right one for your needs. Check out our article on cheap golf rangefinders to learn more.
• Beginner Golf Balls: If you’re just starting out in golf, choosing the right balls can be confusing. We’ve reviewed some of the best golf balls for beginners, taking into account factors such as distance, spin, and feel. Check out our article on beginner golf balls to learn more.
• Best Golf Trolleys: Carrying your golf bag can be tiring, which is why many golfers opt for a trolley. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. We’ve researched and tested some of the best golf trolleys, and put together a guide to help you make an informed decision. Check out our article on best golf trolleys to learn more.

By exploring these topics, you can improve your overall golfing experience and make the most out of your time on the course. And as always, we at Fun Golf are committed to providing you with accurate and helpful information to help you enjoy the sport to its fullest.

Why not comment below and let us know what your choice is for the best bag. If we’ve missed one off the list please comment below and let us know.