When you talk about the best golf bags out there, you always need to break it down into stand bags and cart bags. As far as we are concerned, a stand bag and a cart bag are two completely different things. We put together our top favorite cart and stand bag for you, and of course, we included a lower price alternative in case you are shopping for a bargain.
Best Stand Bag: Ping Hoofer 14
A Ping Hoofer 14 is a classic stand bag. If you have ever walked eighteen or more holes with a Ping Hoofer, you will understand why they are known for having some of the best stand bags in golf. They make their golf bags fit perfectly on your back, and they put the pockets and features in all the right places.
The Ping Hoofer 2020 is 5.5 pounds and has a five-way divider at the top. With a carry bag, you don’t want or need a 14-way divider as this is just going to weigh more. Five compartments do the job just fine.
There are eleven pockets on this golf bag, including ball storage, range finder pocket, velour-lined valuable pocket, and more. The convertible straps on the Ping Hoofer allow you to convert it to a single strap should feel that it is a better way for you to carry or if you want to throw the clubs on a cart for a round or two. When not using the straps at all, there is an area where you can stuff them into the side of the bag.
Better Value Alternative: Cobra Ultralight Stand Bag
The only real problem with the Ping Golf bags is that they are expensive. If you want a less expensive stand bag, you probably should look at the Cobra Ultralight. Although this is by no means a cheap purchase, it is still going to be quite a bit less than the Ping (about $50 less).
The Cobra is about a pound lighter than the Ping, and it does come with a very easy to use carrying strap. The bag has a total of eight pockets so Ping will win in the pocket category. However, you will have a hip pad and a five-way top divider with the Cobra. The Cobra bag is available in a few different colors, and if you happen to have a few Cobra clubs in your golf bag, maybe this is an excellent option to switch to.
Best Cart Bag of 2020: SunMountain C-130
Sun Mountain makes great golf bags. We love that they are so focused on golf bags, and they don’t mess around with clubs, balls, etc. They stick with what they are good at, and they are good at making bags. The Sun Mountain C-130 cart bag is a functional golf bag, but it looks great as well. The color combinations on the Sun Mountain bag are always a bit different than other companies making them stand out.
This golf bag does not have the 14 way top. There are only five dividers on the top, and to be honest, you would be surprised how many golfers are looking for this in today’s golf world. It can be a bit frustrating to get a golf club back into its individual spot after each swing. With the C-130, you have some space, the club will easily drop-in, and you can hop back into the cart.
You get a rain hood with this bag, tons of pockets, and even one built specifically for a rangefinder with a magnetic close. This is not the fanciest golf bag on the market, and it is not the most expensive, either. It’s just an excellent option for a long term purchase.
Lower Priced Option: Wilson Staff XTRA Cart Bag
If you want a cart bag for a bit less money than the Sun Mountain, there is another good option. The Wilson Staff XTRA golf cart bag. The Wilson XTRA is going to be about $100 less than the Sun Mountain, and it has a ton of great features.
If you are someone that enjoys the 14-way divider, the Wilson is perfect for you. There is also an external putter holder on the Wilson that will even accommodate an oversized grip. If you have trouble maneuvering your heavy cart bag, the Wilson has three handles to help you grab and pull the bag whichever way you need to.
The Wilson golf bag has seven pockets, a cart strap loop and it comes with a rain hood. There is not too much more you could want from this golf bag. Many golfers are surprised by how expensive golf bags are, and they really do get costly quickly, but just remember you should be able to hold onto your bag for many years as long as you properly care for it.
Thanks so much for the evaluation and the comparison. I’d been looking at the Wilson XTRA. It seems to have everything I’m looking for, but I wasn’t sure it would stack up.