You might think golf bags are all the same. You might think searching for the “best” golf bag is a waste of time. Just kidding, you probably don’t think that, because you somehow ended up on this article after searching Google for the best golf bag you can buy.
Let’s get right to it, shall we? The perfect golf bag for YOU depends on a few things:
1) Your playing preference (AKA, do you prefer to walk or to ride?)
If you are like me, my first golf bag was one that was handed down from my dad. The first few rounds that we played were great! I would lug that big thing to the cart before we teed off and back to the car when we were done. Problem was, after the first few times, I stopped riding and started walking after buying a membership that didn’t include cart fees.
It only took a few holes for me to realize this relationship was not going to work. I had to find a lighter, small golf bag – and it had to have the backpack straps instead of the single strap that caused my back to permanently lean to the right.
2) How much stuff you like to carry
If you don’t need to carry many things around, there is no use in getting a large bag! I’ve personally played with what is called a Sunday golf carry bag (imagine the smallest golf bag ever), and it was plenty for me.
Other people, however, need to carry a ton of things around. You might need more than a dozen golf balls (sorry, not sorry), all of your training aids, extra clothes, an umbrella, etc. For you, I would make sure you are getting a bag that will be able to hold everything you need.
3) Your budget
Like any product you will ever buy, you can buy cheap (which might break, leading to you having to spend more money to fix it or buy another one) or you can buy the most expensive product that is typically the best quality. Or, like I like to do, you can do enough research and filter through enough reviews to find the best budget or best value golf bag on the market. Check out this article that I’m really proud of: the best new golf bags under $100.
To make this article as helpful as possible, I will try to break down the best golf bag for many different groups. You might fit into many of them, so pick what is most important to you. If you have any questions, please leave them in a comment below!
2023 Update
This has been one of my most popular articles that I’ve ever written. However, the golf bags that I wrote about many years ago can now be relatively difficult to find. As a result, I wanted to come back and update the article with the best golf bags that you can buy in 2020.
I’ll go ahead and end your anxiety: Ogio and Sun Mountain make the highest quality golf bags on the market. However, they are a little expensive. So, for each section that I am going to write about, I will also include a “Better Value Option” that is nearly the same product, but at a fraction of the price.
Best Stand Bag For Walkers: Sun Mountain 3.5 Ls
When it comes to design, durability, and weight, you simply can’t go wrong with the Sun Montain 3.5 Ls golf bag. Yes, your assumption is correct. The 3.5 is because the golf bag only weighs 3.5lbs! 4 lbs used to be the go-to weight for a lightweight bag, but Sun Moutain found a way to cut off an extra half pound. It doesn’t sound like much, but your back will help you if you are carrying your bag around everywhere.
It’s got seven pockets of varying sizes: a waterproof pocket, a small valuables pocket, a larger pocker for apparel, and a water bottle holder too. The shoulder strap system is super easy to use and very comfortable to wear. Add these common features to the AWESOME designs (I love the red/white/blue one) and you are left with the best stand bag in 2020.
The price for the Sun Mountain 3.5 Ls bags is around $170. That sounds a little steep, but I’m positive they would last longer (and look better) than any sub $100 golf bag on the market.
Better Value: Wilson W Carry Bag
If you are balling on a budget for the time being, check out the Wilson “W” Carry Bag. Super simple design. All that you need – nothing that you don’t. It weighs only 4.1 lbs, so only .6 more than the Sun Mountain 3.5 Ls bag. The pocket structure (also has 7) is very similar to the Sun Mountain bag. It surely won’t be as durable, but for half the price (around $80), it’s definitely a great deal.
Best Cart Bag For Riders: OGIO ALPHA Convoy 514 Golf Cart Bag
Sun Mountain and Ogio are the best golf bag manufacturers. I gave Sun Mountain the best stand bag, so I’ll go with Ogio for the cart bag. Just know that you can’t go wrong with any bag from these two, though.
The Ogio Alpha Convoy 514 is made with only premium materials. Although it’s heavier than most cart bags, it’s made to last. Their pockets are sturdy, equipped with magnetic closured and sustainable fabric. And if anything somehow were to happen, they have an incredible warranty and customer service team.
The features of this bag are seemingly endless: large putter hole, insulated pockets, umbrella holder, magentic towel holder, etc. However, you’re paying for it at a price tag of $270. Personally, I’d go with a lower priced bag. But if you want the best of the best in 2020, this is the one for you. I wish they had some more color combinations (besides camo), but that’s just me.
Better Value: OGIO ALPHA Convoy 514 Golf Cart Bag
Personally, I couldn’t find a cart bag under $100 that was worth the money. There were a few options, but they simply seemed too small. If you are going to get a cart bag, you might as well get a bag that is able to hold all of the items that you could potentially need on the course.
For a LITTLE extra money, you can get the Ram Golf FX Deluxe Golf Cart Bag. It looks like a premium bag from a major brand, but it’s price doesn’t show it ($125). In fact, it looks just like the very-popular Sun Mountain C-130. I wouldn’t be surprised if Sun Mountain makes the bags. They probably have the same supplier for most of the bag.
Like the more expensive bags, it’s got 14 dividers plus a LARGE bonus divider for your putter. That’s perfect if you have a fat putter grip. Bottom line: I wouldn’t spend any less than this on a cart bag.
Best Golf Bag Accessory: Home/Garage Organizer for Golf Bags
We all take great care of our golf bag on the course. We take great effort that our bag doesn’t get damaged while in the car. But what about when we are at home? Unless you simply leave your golf bag in your car, you should have a dedicated spot for it in your garage/apartment. The best way to organize your bag, clubs, equipment, clothing, shoes? A dedicated organizer!
This golf bag organizer is only $80. It holds two bags and TONS of extras. You can store your shoes, your towels, your training aids, your golf balls, and lots more. It ensures that your golf bag has it’s own area – where it won’t get misplaced or damaged on accident.
If you have the room and need for it, I’d highly recommend it! It’s helped my garage stay organized and allows me to leave my car trunk empty instead of cluttered with golf equipment.
Older Golf Bags (Original Article)
The Best Golf Bag for Walkers: TaylorMade TM Stand Golf Bag 5.0
At just 4.5 lbs, this bag is perfect for anyone that typically walks when they play. It has plenty of compartments for everything you might need to carry. On top of that, you know that by sticking with a top brand in golf, you will be getting well made product that will last a long time.
Selling for a round $100 at the time of this writing, it is a great bag on a budget as well. It is one of the most popular bags ever sold on Amazon, and for good reason. Although I do not own this bag personally, if I needed a new one this is the one I would get.
The reviews speak for themselves, and I really like the different colors that are available. I know, I am a little basic, but the black bag with white letters is my personal pick, as it won’t show when it gets dirty from some messy rounds.
Four and a half pounds is a super light weight compared to larger cart bags, which can weigh around pounds. Although this bag is a little heavier than the Sunday carry bags listed below, this golf bag is a great mix of storage space and comfort.
If you aren’t really sure what type of golf bag you need, the TaylorMade TM Stand Golf Bag 5.0 is a solid pick. It is great for walking OR riding, so don’t think you need a cart bag just because you usually ride in a cart.
The Best Golf Bag for Riders: Sun Mountain C-130 Golf Cart Bag
If you solely ride when you play (I am so jealous), you might want to look into a cart bag. That way, you can keep everything you need in your bag, not having to trade things out in your trunk depending on what you need like I do.
Because you are only going to be carrying your bag from the pro shop to the cart and vice versa, you won’t mind having more items weight your bag down just in case you might need them.
If you haven’t heard of Sun Mountain, they are basically the best golf bag brand in the industry. They are known for extremely well made bags that will be reliable and last you decades. Remember, a more expensive one time purchase is much better than 3 cheaper purchases.
The Sun Mountain 2018 C-130 Golf Cart Bag comes in many great designs. I am a sucker for the red, white, and blue USA one, but that’s just me. This bag is only about 7 lbs, so a little heavier than the stand bag above, but not by too much.
If I was only riding when I played, this is what I would get, so that I can carry everything that I need with me and keep my car looking a little cleaner!
The Best Sunday Golf Carry Bag: Orlimar Carry Bag
I am shocked that more recreational golfers don’t use Sunday carry bags. Heck, you might have never even seen one besides Happy Gilmore’s! I first time I saw one, I asked if I could try it out, and I instantly fell in love.
If you really think about it, you don’t need to carry that much stuff with you. Some golf balls, a glove or two, a towel (that clips to your bag), a rain case, some tees, a place to keep your (alcoholic) drink(s). That’s really about it. There is no need for a large bag unless you NEED to keep more things in it.
There are two problem with a Sunday golf bag. But, if they don’t bother you, then it is THE bag for you!
The first problem is that you can’t fit all of your clubs into some of them. I typically take out my 9, 7, and 5 irons and keep everything else. It makes golf a little more fun for me personally, having hit a more knock down shots. I think my control has improved overall after taking our three irons, but your results may vary.
The second problem with the bag that I tried out was that it wasn’t a stand bag. I had to lay it down and pick it back up for every shot. The super light weight was a huge benefit, but it didn’t cover this inconvenience. However, after doing some reserach, there is a bag that is both a Sunday bag and a stand bag!
That is why I now use the Orlimar Carry Bag when I am just walking and not in a competitive round (where I would need more items just in case). It’s incredibly light, super convenient, and it is also a great talking point when meeting new golfers. I have even converted a couple of friends to the carry bag life, and they (and their backs) have thanked me!
So, I encourage you to pause and take a second to determine how many things you REALLY need to carry with you when you play golf. If you can’t think of too many things, consider getting a carry bag. If you need to carry a change of clothes (in case of a reeeeeeeeeeeally bad golf shot), lots of extra items, and/or don’t want a carry bag, consider the two options listed above.
The Best Golf Bag for the Money: TaylorMade 2017 TM Stand Golf Bag 5.0
If you are looking for the best value golf bag that your hard earned money can buy, I would stick with the TaylorMade Golf 2017 TM Stand Golf Bag 5.0.
For around $100, you can get a bag that is fine for walking or riding. A bag that can hold just about anything you will need. A bag that comes in many different colors so you know you can find one that fits your eye. A bag that you won’t feel guilty about after shelling out the money. A bag that will last you for years and years without breaking. Alright, enough out of me. I think you get the point.
Heck, if you buy the golf bag and aren’t happy with it, I want you to email me… I won’t be able to do anything about it, but no one ever emails me so my inbox is getting kinda lonely!
Best Golf Bag for Sports Fans: NCAA Fairway Golf Stand Bag
If you are a sports fan, I can almost guarantee there is a golf bag that has your team on it. So show your support if you are a true fan. There are bags for NCAA teams (the most common), basketball teams, football teams, hockey teams, soccer teams, badminton teams (OK maybe not those), etc.
There will be two options that you should consider: the NCAA Fairway Golf Stand Bag or the NCAA Victory Cart Golf Bag. I’m more of a fan of the stand bag, as it is fine for walking and riding.
And don’t forget, there are tons of NCAA sponsored golf items that you can buy. Towels, tees, hats, head covers, you name it. I wouldn’t suggest gouging your whole bag with one team’s logo, but I know many guys that do!
Bonus! Best Golf Push Cart: CaddyTek
As an extra bonus, for those that like to walk buy don’t want to carry their bags, I have picked out the two best golf push carts that you can buy. One is the best one overall, and one is the best golf push cart on a budget. Both comes from the CaddyTek brand, the absolute leader in the industry for golf push carts. They are not too different, with the best overall just having more departments for storage and collapsing a little more simply to put in the car. However, for the price difference, I would personally buy the best on a budget SuperLite Deluxe version.
- Best push cart overall: CaddyTek EZ-Fold 3 Wheel Golf Push Cart
This push cart is the absolute best match for your new golf bag. This is CaddyTek’s premium model, with all the bows and whistles. It has many more compartments for items than the budget version, but it does obviously cost a little more. It is also a little more convenient to collapse and put in your car, due to the construction of the cart.
- Best value push cart: CaddyTek SuperLite Deluxe Golf Push Cart
If you are on a tighter budget, or just like getting the most for your money, I would stick with this SuperLite model. It is also very easy to fold and store in your car, and has adequate storage for most everyone.
Bonus! Best Golf Bag Travel Carrying Case
If you travel a lot and bring your clubs (for business, wink wink), then you know how much your clubs are in danger at the airport. If you don’t already have a good travel case for your bag, I would 100% think about investing in one. If you think about it this way, you would always want to spend $50-75 to protect a (potentially) $1000 investment, right?
There are three routes to take with golf travel bags:
1) A hard shell golf bag: SKB 2SKB-4814W Deluxe ATA Golf Travel Case
You can sleep easy with a hard case golf bag at the airport. No matter how poorly the workers handle your golf bag, it will be fine as long as you packed it tightly with clothes/towels. I wouldn’t spend much, as they are all pretty similar. After some research, the best one seems like the
2) A soft shell golf bag case with an extra club protector: Izzo Soft Shell Golf Case
If you want to go the cheaper route, you can buy this Izzo Soft Shell Golf Bag Travel Case. As long as you pack it tightly with LOTS of towels or other soft materials, you should fine fine. For added protection, I would highly recommend this club protector, which basically is a hard shell for the top of your bag to protect the club heads specifically.
3) A mix of a travel case and a cart bag: CaddyDaddy Co-Pilot Pro II Hybrid Travel Bag
The CaddyDaddy Co-Pilot Pro II Hybrid Travel Bag is a product that is perfect for those that travel with their clubs extremely often. Why buy a shell case when your bag can act as the case as well? Just put over the included cover for the top of the bag, and BOOM! You now have a golf travel bag that is ready for the airport.
This is an amazing golf bag article that you have shared here details, I want to share these awesome resources in my social, can share this?