Carry or Cart? Discover the best golf bags for your game in 2024
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From tee to green make sure your clubs are protected in style this year with our complete guide to the best golf bags in 2024.
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Carrying or pushing your golf gear around the course will prove a slog without one of the best golf bags. There’s a huge amount of choice out there, from stand bags and cart bags to lightweight pencil options and hybrid bags that can be used for carrying or putting on your trolley, cart, or buggy.
Once you’ve decided which category of bag you need, you’ll need to assess how many dividers you want for your clubs. 4, 5, 14, more? And then there are pockets. Some bags come with just a few to save on size and weight, while others have enough to ensure you can take all of your golfing goods out onto the course with insulated space for food and drinks and specific pockets for clothes, balls, tees, and more.
You’ll also have to decide whether you want a waterproof golf bag, and that’s before you even consider the color and design. Getting the best golf bag for your game is vital to ensure you arrive at the 1st tee feeling organized and ready to enjoy your round.
Best golf bags at a glance
Best golf stand bag: Ping Hoofer Stand Bag | VIEW OFFER
Best waterproof stand bag: Motocaddy Hydroflex Stand Bag | VIEW OFFER
Best lightweight stand bag: Cobra Ultralight Pro Stand Bag | VIEW OFFER
Best value stand bag: Wilson Staff Exo Lite Stand Bag | VIEW OFFER
Best golf cart bag: Callaway Org 14 Cart Bag | VIEW OFFER
Best lightweight cart bag: Titleist Cart 14 Cart Bag | VIEW OFFER
Best waterproof cart bag: Motocaddy Dry Series Cart Bag | VIEW OFFER
Best value cart bag: Cobra Ultralight Pro Cart Bag | VIEW OFFER
To help you pick the best golf bag for your game, we have broken our guide down into categories, starting with the best golf stand bags. If lugging your clubs around the course isn’t for you, then we’ve identified the best golf cart bags to sit perfectly on your trolley. And if you happen to play in a country where the weather’s unpredictable (hello readers in the UK), then we’ve even picked out the best waterproof golf bags to ensure your grips, gloves, and clothing remain dry in a downpour.
Best golf bags: Stand bags
A bag that caters to a golfer's every need
Best golf stand bag
For a bag that weighs 5.5lb (2.5kg) it can be hard to imagine how Ping have managed to equip it with so many features. The Hoofer has a whopping 22L pocket volume with an easy-access magnetic rangefinder pocket, a water bottle pouch, valuables pockets, full zip pockets for any clothes and snacks, and so on, you get the point.
The bag isn’t waterproof but comes with a rain hood to keep your clubs dry and is cleverly stored inside the back pad for easy storage and extra padding. The shoulder straps are well-padded and feature SensorCool to help fight against sweating, a redesigned back puck makes it much easier to convert to one strap too.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Easy to carry
- Plenty of storage
Cons
- Not waterproof
| Weight: | 2.5kg |
| Pockets: | 11 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Dividers: | 5 |
One of the lightest golf bags available
This isn’t the biggest bag in the world and weighs 5.5lb (2.5kg) which is rather light, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on features. There’s plenty of storage, including a magnetic GPS pocket, an Air Flow hip/back pad for comfort as you carry, and a really sturdy stand system.
The Exo Lite comes in six colorways, all of which offer a great variety of choices for golfers, a particular favorite is a classic design of Red, White, and Black that features the iconic Wilson Staff badge on the side panel.
Read our full Wilson Exo Lite Stand Bag review
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Comfortable to carry
- Looks good
- Good durability
- No snagging of clubs
Cons
- Some bags offer better storage
| Weight: | 1.8kg |
| Pockets: | 6 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Dividers: | 4 |
A solid bag that makes walking the course a breeze
As well as being a great carry bag, thanks to the Flextech technology it doubles up as a great cart bag too, and reduces club overcrowding in the bag.
The Flextech carry bag has a roomy 7.5″ 4-way divider with 2 full-length dividers for easy club retrieval. A weather-resistant 600D poly shell protects the 7 pockets which includes a waterproof valuables pocket.
Pros
- Easily carries 14 clubs
- Plenty of pocket space on a stand bag
- Subtle design
Cons
- Straps take some adjusting
| Weight: | 2.2kg |
| Pockets: | 7 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Dividers: | 4 |
Designed to be the most versatile golf bag
It’s waterproof, boasts handy quick-release straps for a cart, and has five large pockets. This is a golf bag that feels like it’s been designed by a keen golfer, and that’s why I love it. The waterproof HydroFLEX has barely changed since it was first introduced several years ago. It's a classic that’s as at home on a trolley as it is being carried on your shoulder.
Pros
- Fully waterproof
- Great on a cart with Easilock base
- Simple design
Cons
- Not many colour options
| Weight: | 2.3kg |
| Pockets: | 5 |
| Waterproof: | Yes |
| Dividers: | 5 |
High quality lightweight performance
With seven pockets and four full-length dividers, it’s hard to see how lightweight the bag is, but when you have it in hand you can see exactly why. The pockets have been designed to carry everything you need nothing more, nothing less, a waterproof valuables pocket, a full-length apparel pocket, and even a magnetic rangefinder pocket.
I also like the Flex-Base which improves stability on rough terrain and is especially useful in windy conditions. The bag also comes in seven rather different colorways to give a variety of choices for all golfers.
Pros
- Straps are easy to adjust and super comfortable
- Stable base
- Plenty of room for 14 clubs
Cons
- Drinks pocket is could be better
| Weight: | 1.9kg |
| Pockets: | 7 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Dividers: | 4 |
A luxury bag that has cut no corners
The bag has plenty of room for the essentials with six pockets including a large apparel pocket, waterproof valuables pocket, magnetic rangefinder pocket, pen pocket, and cooler-lined water bottle sleeve.
With plenty of room for 14 clubs the 4-way top divider has been designed with club protection in mind, the velour lining prevents clubs from rubbing in the bag and the curvature of the divider separates clubs in the bag.
The bag epitomizes their saying “disruptive luxury” With the garish patterns and standout designs you’ll be sure to make your tee time in style.
Pros
- Quality materials
- Fun design
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- Could have better storage space
| Weight: | 2.6kg |
| Pockets: | 6 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Dividers: | 4 |
Built for the golfer who wants to standout in a subtle way
That is exactly what it does, there isn't a single area of the bag lacking quality. From the premium synthetic leather, it's constructed with to the carbon fiber legs and high-quality zips OGIO really have covered every base when it comes to designing a premium golf bag.
I couldn't find a part of the bag I didn't like. The magnetic pocket and Rapid Access pockets make getting stuff in and out of the bag a breeze. With nine total pockets, you have an abundance of storage with decently sized valuables and apparel pockets.
Pros
- Soild base
- Ample storage space
- Unbelievable quality
Cons
- The fit disk can become uncomfortable if not in the right place
| Weight: | 2.55kg |
| Pockets: | 9 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Dividers: | 4 |
Built to withstand the most torrential conditions
The bag looks much heavier than it weighs. At just 2.6kg I was surprised how light the bag felt considering all of the waterproofing going on. The E-Z Fit dual strap system makes the H2NO 14 Way golf bag extremely easy to carry from fairway to fairway. The padding on the straps and hip pad is super comfortable and I loved the thumb slots on the straps which made carrying the bag even easier.
The bag is available in a 4-way divider but I have been using the 14-way divider and I'm now a huge fan of this on a carry bag. Other than worrying about which hole to put the club back into the divider kept the clubs well-organised and stopped them. The legs are super sturdy and thanks to the leg lock system it works well on a cart too.
Pros
- Fully waterproof
- Plenty of storage space
- Comfy shoulder and back pads
Cons
- Zips can be stiff to open
| Weight: | 2.6kg |
| Pockets: | 7 |
| Waterproof: | Yes |
| Dividers: | 4 / 14 |
The bag that makes walking the course a breeze
I'm a big fan of the Shaft Shield, which protects your shafts and keeps your clubs well-organized throughout the round. The Fairway C has plenty of storage space with eight pockets, including valuables and an insulated cooler pocket.
Even though the bag is lightweight I found it to be incredibly sturdy with lots of props to the Stability Flex Pod base. There isn't much this bag is missing at all. There is plenty of room for both clubs and all your golfing extras plus it sits very well on the back and thanks to the padded Anamatic straps it is super comfortable.
Pros
- Extremely stable
- Great organisation and shaft protection
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Cons
- Would be nice to have a firmer grab handle on the bag
| Weight: | 1.8kg |
| Pockets: | 8 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Dividers: | 4 |
Perfect stand bag for every occasion
Best Titleist Stand Bag
Every pocket has seam-sealed zippers to ensure no moisture can get to your gear. The four dividers are full-length to make organizing your clubs even easier and the high-grade aluminum and advanced hinges Titleist use in the legs make this one of the most stable stand bags out there.
We also love the color options, ensuring there’s something for all tastes, and the price is extremely competitive for a bag of this quality.
Pros
- Secure legs improve stability
- High-quality material and zips that secure to the bag
- Simple, Classic design
Cons
- The strap buckle gets caught below the grab handle
| Weight: | 1.9kg |
| Pockets: | 6 |
| Waterproof: | Yes |
| Dividers: | 4 |
Best golf bags: Cart bags
Well refined over the year
Best golf cart bag
It isn’t the lightest bag in the world but when it has 11 easy-access pockets, a full-length 14-way divider, and the innovative lowrider technology which makes the bag a perfect partner for most modern push and pull golf carts.
One of my favorite features is the rapid access snap pocket which makes it easy to grab any frequently used valuables through the round. With over 10 different colourways and a modern design the Org 14 will certainly look the part for any golfer on the course.
Pros
- Easy to move around
- Sleek design
- Plenty of storage
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
| Weight: | 3.2kg/ 7lbs |
| Pockets: | 11 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Colors: | 6 |
Built for lightweight functionality
Best cart bag for practicality
The bag is now available in nine colour options giving plenty of choice for every type of golfer. The bag is full of handy features such as the cart strap channel which make life on the buggy a breeze, and the padded 14-way top divider simplifies organization, even for the messiest of golfers.
As expected with a good cart bag, they come with an abundance of storage space, and the Traverse is not short on that with a total of 11 pockets including full-length apparel pockets and a velour-lined valuables pocket.
Pros
- Pockets are easily accessible
- Light and easy to move around
- Plenty of storage
Cons
- Not the most secure on a trolley
| Weight: | 2.5kg/ 5.5lbs |
| Pockets: | 11 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Colors: | 4 |
Simple and highly functional
Simple and highly functional, it has a 14-way top cuff and dedicated putter well along with a strap loop and specially-designed base for easy use and stability with your trolley.
There are 11 easy-access pockets, regardless of whether your bag is on a cart or buggy, including spaces for your valuables, drinks, accessories, and apparel. The ball pocket has a removable cover that can be customized and there’s a useful velcro glove holder.
The single strap and carry handles make it easy to lift and carry when required and five simple but impactful colour options provide something for every taste. Includes a matching rain hood.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality material and zips
- Simple design
Cons
- Clubs rattled a little during round
| Weight: | 2.6kg/ 5.7lbs |
| Pockets: | 11 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Colors: | 10 |
If it's a luxury cart bag you're after then look no further
At £455 the bag has to back up the price point and it does exactly that with its sheer quality. Other than the bag weighing in as one of the heaviest on the market pushing nearly 10 lbs it certainly wins and tops many of the other categories.
Many products in today's game lack the build quality you desire for the money you pay so it was refreshing to see that the Lux XV 2.0 is well-built and constructed with premium materials everywhere you look. The synthetic leather body and the waterproof zippers give this bag the premium look you desire, the subtle branding and neat pocket handles all add up to something rather impressive.
I'm not sure Vessel got the memo you're only allowed 14 clubs! The bag has a full-length 15-way top divider with a neat putter well which is velour-lined. I was a huge fan of the magnetic pockets and the premium handles you use to open them. With a total of 15 outer pockets and 7 inner pockets, there is too much room in this golf bag I'd like to see someone attempt to fill it up with the essentials because I couldn't.
Pros
- High-quality materials
- Tonnes of storage space
- Waterproof
- 15-way divider with velour-lined putter well
Cons
- The bag is heavy
The ultimate bag for organization
Being a great all-rounder, the bag features waterproof fabric and seams along with a waterproof valuables pocket to keep the essentials safe from the elements.
The bag has OGIO’s wonderfully designed 15-way WOODĒ top which works great at ensuring all your clubs are separated in the bag protecting them from damage, they’ve even thrown in an extra slot for things such as training aids or alignment sticks.
A pouch for the bag strap is another cool feature and with 11 pockets the bag is super practical with room for everything from your snacks and drinks to your waterproofs.
Pros
- Waterproof pockets
- WOODĒ Top great for organisation
- Great in all conditions
Cons
- Colourways won’t be for all golfers
| Weight: | 2.6kg/ 5.69lbs |
| Pockets: | 11 |
| Waterproof: | Yes |
| Colors: | 8 |
Sits perfectly on almost any trolley
Nine pockets is fewer than some other cart bags featured here, but there’s plenty of space and a useful insulated food and drinks pocket.
The feature list is extensive – anything you could possibly want is included in the Dry Series – and as the name would suggest, it’s fully waterproof.
Pros
- Secures on to most trolleys
- Fully waterproof
- User-friendly design
Cons
- Only comes in grey with coloured trims
| Weight: | 2.9kg/ 6.4lb |
| Pockets: | 9 |
| Waterproof: | Yes |
| Colours: | 4 |
Built to withstand the most inclement weather
Best golf bag for all seasons
This makes the 100% waterproof Aqua Sport 3 a very sensible option. The sealed seams and waterproof zips keep out the rain, and there are plenty of color choices, too.
The super practical Aqua Sport 3 has nine waterproof pockets keeping the elements from damaging your golf gear, and a 14-way top divider keeps all your clubs perfectly organized on the course and even has a cool XL putter well to fit any style of putter and grip.
Pros
- Fully waterproof
- Plenty of storage
- Nice big grab handles
Cons
- Bulkier golf bag
| Weight: | 2.4kg/ 5.3lbs |
| Pockets: | 9 |
| Waterproof: | Yes |
| Colors: | 2 |
Designed with golf cart users in mind
The 13 pockets include a cooler pocket, a velour-lined valuables pocket, a detachable rangefinder pocket, a full-length clothing pocket, and multiple accessory pockets. You will never be short of storage with the C-130!
Sun Mountain always produce high-quality, durable golf bags, and the C-130 is no exception. It even features reinforced fabric in potential “wear areas” to help extend the bag’s lifespan. There’s a rain hood included but the bag isn’t fully waterproof, so you’ll want to mount an umbrella to your trolley if playing in particularly wet conditions.
Pros
- Great colour choice
- Convenient grab handles make transport easy
- Lots of storage space
Cons
- At 7lb it is on the heavier side
| Weight: | 3.2kg/ 7lb |
| Pockets: | 13 |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Colors: | 11 |
It just oozes quality
The base is perfect for use with Stewart trolleys, but I’ve tried it on some other manufacturers and it remains nice and secure all round long. The 14 dividers ensure it’s easy to organize your clubs and protects the shafts, while the putter well can house even the fattest of grips. You get nine pockets, two of which are velour-lined for your valuables, but it’s the big insulated front pocket that fits all drinks bottles, and the easy-access magnetic pocket that really stand out.
Nero has dedicated spots for a glove and a pencil, which saves you from scrabbling around for them in the pockets, and the dedicated umbrella sheath ensures you never have to leave any vital accessories behind. It’s the small touches that make golf bags stand out and Stewart haven’t missed a trick. The carry handles and soft shoulder strap make it easy to transport and the polished aluminum clip, where I attach my towel, brush, and rangefinder case, is robust and a touch of class.
Pros
- Solid base which fits most trolleys
- High quality
- Plenty of storage
- Love the magnetic pocket
Cons
- Only one colour option
Designed with the golfer in mind
For me, a cart bag must do a few things to be considered a great bag and one of them is to have plenty of forward-facing storage pockets which is exactly what this bag offers. There are six front-facing pockets which are easily accessible both on a trolley or on a buggy. A magnetic rangefinder, cooler, valuables, and ball pocket allow quick and easy access to all the necessary items you need out on the course. The built-in Pass-Thru means that none of these pockets are hindered when on a cart
There may be a lack of colour choices but I was impressed by the overall appearance of the bag. Nothing too garish, the design is simple and will appeal to a mass of golfers. I personally like a grab handle on the front of the bag but when you have two prominent handles on the top of the bag it makes up for it and I found hauling the bag in and out of the car and onto a cart a breeze causing me no issues.
Pros
- Plenty of front-facing storage
- Clever magnetic rangefinder pocket
- Lightweight
- Great value
Cons
- Lack of colour options
Golf bags: Buying Guide
There are a range of key factors to consider when thinking about buying a golf bag and we have delved into these below…
Budget
As with many golf products, price is usually at the forefront of every golfer’s mind. With golf bags, there is a style, a type, and a price for everyone. If you want a stand bag that is nice and cheap and will job there is plenty out there for you. Or if you want something more premium such as a waterproof cart bag then there are plenty of them too.
Bag Type
It’s as simple as, Do I want a stand bag or a cart bag? if you can’t make your mind up there are also hybrid stand bags that are good for both but for now, let’s keep it simple. Both types of bags have positives and negatives depending on what you want out of them, so you should think about exactly what will best help your game.
A cart bag is for someone that uses either a golf buggy or golf cart on the course. If you’re this golfer then find a bag that has plenty of storage space and is good at keeping your clubs organized as it will make your life much easier. Cart bags are much bigger and bulkier than stand bags so finding one that is lightweight and easy to haul from your garage to the course will benefit you.
A stand bag is for a golfer who prefers to walk around the course carrying their golf clubs. If you’re a golfer that loves to carry then factors such as weight and comfort will be most important as they’re going to be on your back for 18 holes. Even though the bags are smaller finding one with good storage can help as there is not much room in comparison to a cart bag, as you’re constantly taking the bag on and off getting one that is nice and robust with strong legs and good support is key.
Weight
Most brands nowadays strive to make the lightest bag on the market whether that be a stand or a cart bag as making life easier is something most golfers want. A lightweight stand bag is great as it’s on your shoulders the whole round and you don’t want it fatiguing you before the 18th hole. A cart bag isn’t required nor expected to be lightweight however the lighter it is the easier it is going to be to shift from home, to the car, to the course.
Waterproofing
Having a waterproof golf bag may not be essential but it’s certainly something to consider and being prepared for the heavens to open is a no-brainer. If you live somewhere like I do in the UK then you’ll know that it can be wet all year round and can also rain when you least expect it, so getting a waterproof bag to look after your clubs and valuables is great. For many of you who live in warmer dryer climates this factor may be something you brush over and not worry about.
Storage
A bag with tonnes of pockets is great, you have loads of room for your apparel, balls, gloves, valuables, and accessories. On a stand bag, you may have to compromise some weight the more pockets you have on your bag as it will be heavier and you’re carrying around more stuff. But stand bags can be simple and keep things light with only a few pockets it’s just a case of only packing the essentials for the course.
Cart bags on the other hand tend to have an abundance of storage spaces with bags like the Mizuno BR-D4 having an amazing 20 different places to keep your things. As cart bags are bigger they tend to have larger pockets and as you’re not carrying them around the course you can fill them with more stuff, whether that be a buffet for the 10th tee or a full set of waterproofs.
Looks
Whether you want a stand or a cart, there is a design out there for everybody. Brands have bags that are more garish to help you stand out on the course or something a little more subtle to help you blend in. Most bags whether it be a cart or a stand have similar designs, so it may be worth considering the style or colorway you want.
Best golf bags: FAQs
Do I need a stand bag or a cart bag?
It all comes down to the golfer, if you’re someone who needs the ease of using a trolley then a cart bag would be the preferred choice. However, if you prefer to carry a stand bag is going to be much more suited to your game.
Can I use a golf stand bag on a golf trolley?
Yes. The majority of golf carry bags are designed to be able to be used on golf trolleys with the likes of Motocaddy ensuring their bags bases are designed to fit their trolleys perfectly and many other manufacturers now creating hybrid-style bags that can be carried or used on trolleys.
Most golf stand bags come with elasticated straps to keep the stand in place if you do choose to use it on a trolley, while most are also designed with a handle that allows the trolley’s straps to keep them firmly in place.
What is a minimalist golf bag?
A minimalist golf bag is much smaller and weighs a lot less than a regular golf bag, it’s perfect for a relaxed trip to the course for practice or to play a few holes. The bag is built to hold around 6-10 golf clubs along with the essentials such as balls, tees, and gloves. It’s often known as a pencil bag.
What golf bag does Tiger Woods use?
Tiger Woods uses a Vessel Prime Staff bag. The bag has a number of the iconic Monster Energy logos stamped on the front and sides.
About the Author
Will Shreeve-Peacock – Golf Equipment Writer
Will is an expert in golf shoes, GPS watches, rangefinders, and training aids.
He has a degree in journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and four years’ experience working in golf retail with American Golf where he was trained by a host of the big-name manufacturers.
A six-handicapper, Will has played golf for more than a decade and is a member at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincolnshire.
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Best Golf Bags 2024
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