Are you searching for the best golf bag? Does your golf bag look like it has seen better days? Are you sick of cramming your gear into the little pockets? Does the strap of your bag dig into your shoulder when you carry it?
If you can say yes to any of those questions, it might be time to replace your bag that brings more comfort to the course. I’ve tested several products on my favorite courses and selected the best golf bag as well as the best golf stand bag and golf cart bag.
As a golfer who has struggled with an embarrassingly ragged and ugly golf bag, I understand the challenges that come with having less-than-stellar equipment. Hopefully, you can learn from my experiences and find a golf bag that fits your needs, budget, and style.
Of all the best golf bags I tested, my favorite is the Sun Mountain C-130 5-Way bag with a unique Smart Strap System that makes it easy to load and secure the bag to a cart and trolley. This bag has everything a modern golfer wants and needs.
Sun Mountain C-130 5-Way
Best Overall Golf Bag
The Sun Mountain C-130 5-Way bag is lightweight bag with several pockets, five dividers, and a unique Smart Strap System. The padded shoulder strap adds comfort.
All of the pockets face one direction, so you can access your gear when the bag is strapped to a cart. On the occasions where you have to carry your bag, it weighs only 6.6 pounds, making it manageable when carts aren’t available.
Of course, if you’re looking for a cart bag, the best option is the Ping DLX. If you have a stand handy on the course, the Ping Hoofer is a safe bet. Want to learn more about our top picks? Read on!
Types of Golf Bags
Golfers have three types of golf bags, each with a purpose, as well as strengths and weaknesses.
Stand Bags
Stand bags are lightweight bags that you can carry over both shoulders. The strap helps evenly distribute weight, so your shoulders stay limber for the game, rather than tire out carrying your bag. You carry the bag as you walk the course, then stand it up when you take each shot. Stand bags have angled legs that help the bags stay upright.
Cart Bags
Manufacturers design cart bags specifically for golf carts as well as push or pull carts. To fit in the cart, they don’t have pockets on one side. Their design lets them fit in the shaft of a hand cart. Rather than having angled legs, they have flat bottoms to fit in golf carts and sit on the ground.
Staff Bags
Professional golfers use staff bags when on tour. They are the best golf bags available, and they have prices that fit the professional player’s salary. These bags last forever, and you can load them full of gear and gadgets. Of course, unless you’re planning on going pro, you won’t need a staff bag. This article is about cart- and stand bags only.
Top 5 Best Golf Bags in General
Best Cart Bag Option
PING DLX 2020 Cart Bag
- 15 full-length dividers
- Putter well fits oversized grips
- Cooler pocket
- Several specialized gear pockets
Best Lightweight Option
Titleist Cart 14 Lightweight
- Available in several colors
- 11 pockets
- Dedicated beverage pocket
- Lightweight
Best Overall Option
Sun Mountain C-130 5-Way
- 15 full-length dividers
- Putter well fits oversized grips
- Cooler pocket
- Gear pockets
Best Women Bag Option
Callaway Chev 2021
- Comfortable strap system
- Plenty of interior space
- Very lightweight
- Multiple pockets
- Umbrella cache
- Full-length and four-way dividers
Best Stand Bag Option
PING Hoofer Stand Bag
- Comfortable hip pad
- Convertible strap system
- Lightweight
- Available in several colors
- Made of 300D polyester
The Best Golf Bags in General Reviews
These are the best golf bags of the many that I have tried.
Sun Mountain C-130 5-Way – (Best Overall Golf Bag)
The Sun Mountain C-130 5-Way bag is a good bag for golfers who want a lightweight bag with several pockets, five dividers, and a unique Smart Strap System. The padded shoulder strap adds some comfort while carrying the bag.
With 13 pockets forward-facing pockets, you can easily access your gear. The bag includes a cooler pocket, two full-length clothing pockets, three velour-lined pockets, and one water-resistant pocket for your valuables.
The Smart Strap System has two straps with Velcro closures. You can attach the bag to the back of your cart, so you don’t have to worry about over-tightening. The Smart Strap System also includes an integrated putter well for easy access. The top has five dividers to separate your clubs.
The Sun Mountain C-130 5-Way weighs 6.6 pounds, has a one-year warranty, and includes a matching rain hood. It also has a dedicated umbrella holder for those unexpected showers on the course. This bag is for any golfer who wants a convenient bag to put on a cart.
Titleist Cart 14 Lightweight – (Best Lightweight Bag)
The Titleist Cart 14 bag weighs 5.7 pounds. This lightweight bag has a single padded shoulder strap and a strap loop that attaches to carts and trolleys. The bag has five full-length dividers with 14 total, along with a dedicated putter well that is separate from the five dividers. It also has an umbrella holder and rain hood.
You can customize the removable ball pocket and put your beverage in the large dedicated beverage pocket. With 11 total pockets, you have room for gadgets and gear. One pocket fits full-length apparel while another holds your range finder.
Titleist includes a one-year warranty. And the company offers several colors, so you can pick one that fits your unique style. The bag is not just lightweight but sporty and attractive, with plenty of room for all of your golfing needs. Golfers who like to carry their bags will appreciate this lightweight Titleist bag.
PING DLX – (Best Cart Bag)
Ping makes stylish bags with large logos, and this one is no exception. The DLX weighs 8.2 pounds and has 15 full-length top dividers, so every club has a protected space. It also has a dedicated putter well designed to fit putters with large grips.
To keep your bag on the cart, the bag has a cart strap pass through. When the bag is on the cart, you can get to all 15 pockets that include a cooler pocket, magnetic drop-down golf ball pocket, as well as spaces for your shoes, apparel, rangefinder, and valuables. You can attach your glove to a Velcro exterior patch and put your umbrella in the integrated slot.
Since the bag is slightly heavier than others, it has two molded grip handles for lifting. It also has a trunk handle for easy lifting from your vehicle. The bag is available in black and white. Golfers who have invested in their clubs like this bag, as the clubs have their own full-length divider.
PING Hoofer – (Best Stand Bag)
This could have been our best lightweight bag, but the fact that it has stands makes it even better. The PING Hoofer weighs 5.5 pounds. The bag has five full-length dividers and 22 liters of pocket volume between the 11 pockets.
PING engineers designed a padded strap system that lets you quickly change the bag from a backpack style to a single-strap style. The bag also has a cart strap channel if you want to attach it to a cart. It is a truly versatile golf bag, so you don’t need a golf cart since the bag has two telescoping legs.
The pockets offer space for your full-length apparel, rangefinder, and water bottle. They also include a customizable ball pocket as well as two pockets for valuables. For comfortable carrying, the bag has a cushioned hip pad with a rain hood conveniently placed inside. Golfers who carry their bags like this PING Hoofer.
Callaway Chev 2021 – (Best Golf Bag for Women)
At five pounds, the Callaway 2021 Chev is an easily portable stand bag, but there are some caveats that bumped it from our top lightweight bag category. While the Chev has plenty of pocket space (and room for about 14 clubs), we would’ve liked to see just a bit more storage like other high-rated bags. There’s also the matter of too-few full-length dividers; we appreciate the three, but would’ve liked more.
But with more interior space than many of its competitors, this stand bag lets you load up and tee up with ease. The padded shoulder straps (double strap only) make it easy to transport when it’s not standing on its own carbon-fiber feet. Ripstop fabric makes it nearly indestructible, but you’ll appreciate the rain hood all the same.
The color options are a perk, as you can customize your golf game even more. With a velour-lined valuables pocket, you can also ensure that your pricier possessions stay safe while you golf. Other pockets feature room for apparel, water (one pocket is inulsated), accessories, and, of course, balls.
Top 3 Best Golf Stand Bags
PING Hoofer
Best Overall Option
- Comfortable hip pad
- Convertible strap system
- Lightweight
- Available in several colors
Titleist Hybrid 14
Runner Up
- 14 full-length dividers
- Lightweight
- Premium double strap
- Available in several color
Callaway Chev
Best Option for Women
- Comfortable strap system
- Plenty of interior space
- Very lightweight; only 5 pounds
- Multiple pockets and umbrella catch
- Full-length and four-way dividers
The Best Golf Stand Bags Reviews
Let’s take a look at the best golf stand bags around.
PING Hoofer – (Best Overall Stand Bag)
This could have been our best lightweight bag, but the fact that it has stands makes it even better. The PING Hoofer weighs 5.5 pounds. The bag has five full-length dividers and 22 liters of pocket volume between the 11 pockets.
PING engineers designed a padded strap system that lets you quickly change the bag from a backpack style to a single-strap style. The bag also has a cart strap channel if you want to attach it to a cart. It is a truly versatile golf bag. So you don’t need a golf cart as the bag has two telescoping legs.
The pockets offer space for your full-length apparel, rangefinder, and water bottle. They also include a customizable ball pocket as well as two pockets for valuables. For comfortable carrying, the bag has a cushioned hip pad with a rain hood conveniently placed inside. Golfers who carry their bags like this PING Hoofer.
Titleist Hybrid 14 – (Runner Up)
The Titleist Hybrid is a lightweight bag that weighs 6.1 pounds. It has 14 full-length dividers as well as high-grade aluminum legs with a hinged bottom. It also has a premium double-strap system for golfers who carry their bags while walking the course. It also has a cart-strap tunnel to get to the pockets, and top cuff handles for easy lifting.
The bag has nine pockets for items like full-length apparel, rangefinders, valuables, water bottles, balls, and pens. It also has an external umbrella holder and a matching rain hood.
Callaway Chev 2021 – (Best Stand Bag for Women)
At five pounds, the Callaway 2021 Chev is an easily portable stand bag, but there are some caveats that bumped it from our top lightweight bag category. While the Chev has plenty of pocket space (and room for about 14 clubs), we would’ve liked to see just a bit more storage like other high-rated bags. There’s also the matter of too-few full-length dividers; we appreciate the three, but would’ve liked more.
But with more interior space than many of its competitors, this stand bag lets you load up and tee up with ease. The padded shoulder straps (double strap only) make it easy to transport when it’s not standing on its own carbon-fiber feet. Ripstop fabric makes it nearly indestructible, but you’ll appreciate the rain hood all the same.
The color options are a perk, as you can customize your golf game even more. With a velour-lined valuables pocket, you can also ensure that your pricier possessions stay safe while you golf. Other pockets feature room for apparel, water (one pocket is inulsated), accessories, and, of course, balls.
Top 3 Best Golf Cart Bags
PING DLX
Best Overall Option
- 15 full-length dividers
- Putter well fits oversized grips
- Cooler pocket
- Several specialized gear pockets
TaylorMade Supreme
Runner Up
- Versatile straps
- Durable structure
- Lightweight
PING Traverse
Best Option for Women
- 14 full-length dividers
- Two putter pockets
- 13 pockets
The Best Golf Cart Bags Reviews
Lastly, let’s look closer at some of the best golf cart bags you can find.
Ping DLX – (Best Overall Cart Bag)
Ping makes stylish bags with large logos, and this one is no exception. The DLX weighs 8.2 pounds and has 15 full-length top dividers, so every club has a protected space. It also has a dedicated putter well designed to fit putters with large grips.
To keep your bag on the cart, the bag has a cart strap pass-through. When the bag is on the cart, you can get to all 15 pockets that include a cooler pocket, magnetic drop-down golf ball pocket, as well as spaces for your shoes, apparel, rangefinder, and valuables. You can attach your glove to a Velcro exterior patch and put your umbrella in the integrated slot.
Since the bag is slightly heavier than others, it has two molded grip handles for lifting. It also has a trunk handle for easy lifting from your vehicle. The bag is available in black and white. Golfers who have invested in their clubs like this bag, as the clubs have their own full-length divider.
TaylorMade Supreme – (Runner Up)
The TaylorMade Supreme lives up to its name. The clean, classic lines look great riding on the back of a golf cart. It only weighs 5.8 pounds and has 15 full-length dividers with an integrated putter well for oversized grips.
To move the bag in and out of your vehicle, grab the top TPU-molded handles and trunk handle. The durable bag has a tarpaulin reinforced strap pass-through as well as durable 10-coil strength zippers on the 12 pockets.
The integrated cooler pocket has drain ports, and the pockets for valuables have microsuede lining. The bag has a ball pocket, tee pocket, and a quick-stash pocket, as well as a split-side apparel pocket. You can attach your towel with a carabiner loop.
The versatile bag has a pushcart compatible base and a single shoulder strap. It also has an umbrella holder and matching rain hood. The 600D polyester is yarn-dyed with fade-resistant technology. You can zip off the pocket panels for customization.
PING Traverse – (Best Cart Bag for Women)
This women’s golf bag includes 14 full-length dividers as well as two large wells for putters with oversized grips. With 13 pockets, you can put your gear in the dedicated spaces. Valuables fit in the velour-lined pocket, while your balls fit in the gusseted, zippered pocket. The bag has a full-length apparel pocket and a customizable cooler pocket.
The lightweight bag weighs six pounds and comes with a cart-strap channel so you can attach it to your golf cart.
The Ultimate Guide to Find the Best Golf Bags
If you’re wondering how to determine what golf bag is best for you, I’ve got the information you need. I’ve included information about how much golf bags weigh, how much storage you need, and more.
Weight
When shopping for your golf bag, weight should matter. Most golfers end up carrying their bags more often than not, so you don’t want a huge bag unless you’ve got huge muscles. Otherwise, your arms, shoulders, and spine tire out before you get through a few holes.
While the entire package matters, if your bag weighs too much, your golf outings won’t be as enjoyable as you hope. Try to pick a bag that is as close to five pounds as possible. Once you begin adding clubs and gear, the weight adds up quickly. To keep the bag manageable, start with a low weight.
If you plan to walk the course, you’ll want to only carry what you need. Don’t bring two pairs of shoes, several items of clothing, and a six-pack. Instead, you can keep extra gear in your car.
Dividers
Your golf clubs need dividers, so they don’t bang into each other. The best bags have 14 full-length individual dividers, so each club has its own home. Most stand bags have four or five full-length dividers, so your clubs might hit each other while you are walking the course.
Storage Space
Cart bags often have more pockets and overall storage space than stand bags. The reasoning is that cart bags go on carts, so they can have more weight in them. If you buy a lightweight bag, it won’t have many pockets.
Bags often have special pockets for balls, rangefinders, and valuables. They also have separate water bottle pockets to prevent moisture from getting on your gear.
Handles, Straps & Padding
Golf bags usually have at least one strap that you put over your shoulder for easy carrying. The best stand bags should have a pair of shoulder straps so you can balance the weight across your back. You should be able to adjust the straps, and carry bags should also have padding for your hip while you are walking.
Holders
Golf bags should also have a few holders, like a towel ring and a dedicated umbrella holder. The best bags also have a special pocket for a rain hood so you can quickly cover your clubs in case of rain.
Rain Protection
Top golf bags have rain hoods that coordinate with the exterior colors and styling. These rain hoods have their own storage compartment, so you can easily access them when the rain starts.
Price
Golf bags come in several price points. Your clubs matter the most, so buy a bag that fits your budget. Golf bags are important, so if you are a regular golfer, you should get a high-quality bag that might cost more than a bag for an occasional golfer.
Conclusion
Hopefully, I’ve shared golf bags that meet your needs and budget. These golf bags not only look great, but they are filled with necessary features like full-length dividers, lined valuables pockets, and dedicated putter wells. Several of these bags can be carried or put on a cart as many have adjustable straps. But the ultimate best golf bag? The Sun Mountain C-130 5-Way is our top choice for all golfers.
FAQ
If you need additional help choosing a golf bag, here are a few more questions and answers!
Golf bags take up significant room, both in the trunk of your vehicle and in your golf cart. If you only have a cart bag, you might have difficulty getting through all of your holes when a cart isn’t available.
Golfers who move around the course often enjoy having a stand bag as they like to take it with them rather than move it on and off their cart. If you don’t play much, then a cart bag might be the best option.
Yes, but you want to be sure you have a strap that attaches to the golf cart. You don’t want your stand bag to fall off while driving around the course.
Several manufacturers make outstanding golf bags. They include PING, TaylorMade, Sun Mountain, and Titleist.
Yes. You should clean the interior and exterior to keep your gear and clubs clean.
In my opinion, the best golf cart bag is the PING DLX that has 15 full-length dividers, a putter well that fits oversized grips and several specialized gear pockets.
The PING Hoofer is the best golf stand bag. This lightweight bag includes a hip pad and a convertible strap system. It comes in several colors and weighs only 5.5 pounds.
