Golf bags are a big part of the whole golfing experience. Having the proper one by your side can make everything much easier. It's a very personal choice because every golfer has their own needs and preferences. Luckily, there are plenty of options on the market. There's something for everyone.
Types of Golf Bags
Cart
These types of bags are quite spacious. They're perfect for golfers that have a lot of gear on the course. They're created to make the life of the golfer easier. You won’t have to carry them around by hand. Just place them on the golf cart. What makes them special and cart-suitable is the rubberised bottom or some other non-slip base. This prevents them from sliding off the cart while moving.
They also have on extra feature, the strap. The strap system secures to the seat and it works just like car seat belts work. The extra security and stability are always welcomed, especially if you’re driving around hilly courses with lots of ups and downs. This is not a heavy bag. It only weighs 2.5 to 3 kilos. Still, it’s not meant to be held in your hands. It should stay in the cart.
You should always buy cart bags from a reliable supplier. Someone who’s experienced and has spent years dedicated to making their customers as satisfied as possible. Someone who uses high-quality materials and always brings innovations to make the bags more convenient and practical. Just make sure you get the right size so you can fit every piece of gear comfortably.
Tour
Tour bags are the largest golf bags you can find. They're large and spacious and will weigh around 4.5 kilos. They're mainly made for professionals and used by them, but you can also see some beginners using them on the course. The name “tour bags” comes from the fact that professional players carry them on tours.
This is a very spacious bag that provides a lot of storage space. It comes in plenty of elegant designs and has room for plenty of extra features. It has enough space to fit a 14-club set, golf balls, tees, rain jacket, towels, a few drinks, and your gloves. Because of its size and weight, this bag isn’t suitable for walking.
Carrying it around the course may be taxing and challenging for a golfer. They can also get injured doing so. Thankfully, many clubs employ skilled caddies who look after the players' gear. If you’re a beginner who wants to carry all of their gear with them, this is the right bag for your needs.
Stand
If you’re one of those golfers that doesn’t mind walking from one hole to another, then you should definitely invest in a stand bag. It’s the proper bag choice if you don’t have a lot of gear to roll around. The stand bag is small and has retractable legs. They're the ones keeping the bag stable no matter the terrain.
The opening at the top of the bag is angled and gives you easy access to your gear. Stand bags are on the lightweight side, they only weigh around 2.7 kilos. To make them easy to carry, they can have either single or double straps.
Travel
The sole function of travel bags is to protect your equipment when you are moving from one location to another. Occasionally, whether you are traveling by automobile or even by aeroplane, some of your golf equipment can get damaged. The travel bag protects the clubs and other pieces of gear from damage and scratches.
The main protection piece is at the top. It has cushioning that protects the exposed clubs. Additionally, they include reinforced handles for easy portability and several exterior pockets for extra storage. Travel bags come in soft and hard casings. Remember that although hard case bags offer greater protection, they weigh more.
Pencil
If you need something small and compact, pencil bags are the way to go. They're the smallest of the bunch, are lightweight (only 1.3 kilos) and have a minimalist design. They're perfect for beginners and golfers that don’t want to carry around a lot of equipment. Pencil bags have comfortable traps for easy transportation and 2-3 pockets for extra storage. Because of how basic they are, they’re also the cheapest.
What to Consider when Buying
Size
When you want to buy cart bags or any other golf bag, the first thing you need to consider is the size. This mainly depends on the type and quantity of gear you need on the golf course. Get a larger, roomier bag if you use all 14 clubs, many balls, clothing, and other necessities. If you don’t need a lot of pieces, then go for a smaller one. If wheels and stands are your priority, you might need to buy a bigger bag because the smaller versions, like the pencil bag, don’t have these features.
Weight
Weight is another thing to consider. If you like to walk around, get a lightweight stand bag. In general, all bags around the 1.2 kilos mark are considered lightweight. This is when they’re empty, of course. Choosing the right weight is important because a heavy bag can be exhausting to move around and can tire your hands.
Pockets
Pockets are a feature that many golfers love. They're plentiful in golf cart bags and are perfect for storing smaller items like a water bottle, tees, your wallet, golf balls, car keys etc. If you don’t want your valuables to get damaged, the pockets should be lined with fleece. Some bag models even have a loop where you can store an umbrella.
Durability
Durability is key. When you go to the store, pick up the bag and put it on the ground. If the legs aren’t sturdy enough and look like they can bend under some weight, keep on browsing. If it looks cheap and unstable, don’t buy it, it probably is. All golfers need a bag made of high-quality and durable materials that can withstand a lot of wear and tear and stand up to the elements. Always check for reinforced stitches and if the zippers work perfectly.
Rain Protection
If the forecast says that there will be some rain, it’s a good idea to have a rain cover. These covers are made of water-resistant materials and will keep your belongings dry. Sometimes, even the bag itself is made of these materials. While you won't always be playing in the rain, there will be occasions when this will be the case. That is why you should invest in a rain cover.