The 6 Best Golf Bags

An often overlooked part of an enjoyable round of golf is the bag. We have our favorite clubs and balls, so why is the bag any less important.

Any golf pro will tell you that organizing and planning your game is essential for low scores. Finding the right golf bag can be an integral part of this. For example, inclusions that may seem trivial, like a dedicated spot for tees, means that you won’t be fumbling around looking for a new tee. Instead, you can focus on the shot as you walk over to your bag and pull a new one out.

There’s a lot more to it too. In fact, deciding on a new golf bag can get a little overwhelming with all the options out there. But, don’t worry. We’ve built a buyers guide covering what to look for and gathered a list of the best golf bags available in 2023. Read on to learn more about optimizing your round with a high-quality golf bag.

Golf Bag Reviews – Cart Bags Vs. Stand Bags

At the end of the day, the decision you make between bag types will be whether or not you use a cart. That seems obvious, right? But, for those who like to do a little bit of both, the choice becomes less clear. Let’s take a look at each to make an informed decision.

Cart Bags

Cart bags have a lot more space. They often have extra dividers, overall room for your clubs, and more pockets. Unfortunately, this extra space comes at the cost of being much heavier.

They come with rugged bottoms that allow a golf cart bag to stand straight up on its own. This means you can take it out of the cart to get closer to your ball. Sometimes in the rough, it’s hard to get the cart close, and you may want a choice of clubs with you. But, they’re not ideal for carrying long distances.

If you plan to play a round of golf and there are no carts available for hire, you will definitely need a golf trolley (push cart) to help you get around the course with a cart bag.

Read more: We have full reviews of the best golf cart bags.

Stand Bags

Stand bags are much lighter and usually come equipped with straps so you can carry them around the course without a golf cart or push cart.

Their designs are sleeker than cart bags, with fewer pockets and narrower club spaces.

As stand bags have to account for every added pound of weight, they often are a little less durable than comparably priced cart bags. This is because they lack the heavy and tough materials on a cart bag.

Which Should You Get?

The truth is, both of these types of bags work perfectly with a push cart. If you have no intention to carry the bag with a strap, the extra space in a cart bag should appeal to you. On the other hand, cart bags are still the heavier of the two. So, if you want the walk between shots to be a little easier, and you don’t have a lot of golf gear, go for a stand bag.

You may even want to opt for one of the lightest golf bags.

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The Best Golf Carts for the Money – Cart Bags

The following are our top-rated golf bags for those that like to wheel around their clubs. Go for one of these if you know your local golf club always has carts available, or you have your own reliable push cart.

1. The Best Value Golf Bag – TaylorMade Pro 8.0 Cart Bag

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Pros:

• Huge club space
• Optional shoulder strap
• Rain protection
• Key lock base

Cons:

• No slot for a cart strap

Specs:

• Material: Polyester
• Dimensions: 13.5 x 10 x 30 inches
• Dividers: 14
• Pockets: 7

One potential drawback of choosing a cart bag over a carry bag is that they sometimes fall off your push cart. TaylorMade counteracts this problem with the Pro Cart 8.0 bag by including a key lockable base. Combining this system with a compatible cart allows it to lock in. That means bumps and shocks in the course shouldn’t cause you any headaches.

However, the key lock system also means that these bags lack a cart strap loophole. So, if you have an older push cart and intend to continue to use it, this bag may not be the right choice for you.

The TaylorMade Pro Cart has ample space to fit even the most avid golfer’s clubs. With a 14 way divider including an oversized putter well, there’s no way you’ll run out of space. The same goes for the pockets. There’s even a removable XL ball pocket.

As the pockets are forward-facing, you’ll have no trouble getting to any of your essential gear. There’s also a waterproof pocket and rain protection to protect your electronics.

This is an overall fantastic golf bag that comes at a fair price. While it’s a little more expensive than a budget pick, it makes up for it with features and storage capacity.

2. Premium Pick – Sun Mountain C-130

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Pros:

• Looks great
• A fantastic smart strap system
• Cooler pocket
• One of the roomiest bags on the market

Cons:

• The putter well is not ideal for oversized putters
• A little more expensive than the competition

Specs:

• Material: Nylon
• Dimensions: 12 x 18 x 38 inches
• Dividers: 14
• Pockets: 10

These bags truly are epic and come packed with plenty of features to justify their price tag. Although this bag is a little more expensive than our top pick for cart bags, it still won’t break the bank. It definitely could have taken out the top spot if it were just a little cheaper.

One of the best features of these bags is the specific range of pocket styles that Sun Mountain includes. They have:

• An apparel pocket
• 2 velour-lined valuables pockets
• One rain-resistant pocket
• A cooler pocket
• 6 accessory pockets

As you can see, you’d be hard-pressed to fill this bag up to its total storage capacity. A particular standout is the cooler pocket. If you’re a golfer that likes to have a cold beverage or two on the course, it’s perfect. You could also use it for your water.

Another great feature is the smart strap system. It helps stop the bag from rotating in your push cart, which we all know can be a real pain. The strap system also doesn’t interfere with the pockets in any way, so you can use the bag to its full potential, even on a golf trolley.

If storage space is at the top of your list for your next bag, this is the best golf bag for you. It’s a no-brainer.

3. The Best Budget Golf Bag for Carts – EG Eagole Super Light

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Pros:

• Very light, only 7lb
• Substantial cooler pocket
• Easy-grab handles
• Push cart friendly

Cons:

• Less durable than more expensive bags
• The putter divider isn’t full length

Specs:

• Material: Nylon
• Dimensions: 14.5 x 10.6 x 35.4 inches
• Dividers: 14
• Pockets: 9

Don’t let the low cost of this bag cause you to think they aren’t worthy of your attention. It’s surprisingly hardy and has plenty of storage space—all in an incredibly lightweight package.

The lightweight design is a particularly strong point for these bags. It almost makes them a perfect middle ground if you’re unsure if you’d like a stand bag or cart bag. The only overt issue is the lack of an actual stand and carry straps.

Yet, this is the perfect bag if you have a reliable push cart. Its lightweight nature means you can load and unload your clubs out of the car and into your cart with no issues.

The sizeable pockets compete with golf bags that cost twice as much. The cooler pocket is a standout. It’s huge and has room for lunch and a drink for two people.

If your budget is tight, you probably wouldn’t want to overlook these bags.

The Best Golf Stand Bags

Stand bags are the best option if you like to carry your clubs. But, be aware they often don’t sit well in push carts and lack features to safely place in electric course vehicles. If you’ve decided a stand bag is best for you, here are our top-rated golf bags:

1. The Best Golf Bag for the Money – Taylormade 5.0 ST Stand Bag

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Pros:

• Lightweight and durable
• Reliable big-name branding at a good price
• Removable XL ball pocket
• Anti-split stand legs

Cons:

• Only a 5-way divider

Specs:

• Material: Nylon
• Weight: 4.5lb
• Dividers: 5
• Pockets: 6

There are plenty of reasons why this bag is a top seller. One of those reasons is that TaylorMade is recognized for making some of the best golf products on the market. You get that industry-leading backing at a very modest price with this bag.

Another reason that these are considered the best golf stand bag for their price, and fly off the shelves, is their extreme portability. They only weigh 4.5lb and come equipped with five easy-grab handles. The dual straps also spread the weight evenly across your shoulders so you can carry your clubs to the 18th hole with no worries.

The nylon exterior makes for a durable bag that will last you years. The six pockets will also keep your golf gear and valuables safe on the golf course, no matter the weather. You can thank the velour-lined dry pocket for keeping your phone and range finder safe from an unexpected downpour too.

There are cheaper stand bags on the market, but these bags have the perfect features to make them the best value for money.

2. Premium Pick – Callaway Golf Fairway 14 Stand Bag

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Pros:

• Light enough to carry with a strap
• Full features of a cart bag
• Very durable
• Rubber molds for pushcart friendliness

Cons:

• Expensive
• Only available with a double shoulder strap

Specs:

• Material: Nylon
• Weight: 6lb
• Dividers: 14
• Pockets: 6

Can’t decide whether you want a cart bag or a stand bag? Why not have both? Callaway Golf designed its Fairway 14 series to be the best of both worlds. It has the lightweight features you need to carry the bag over long distances but doesn’t skimp on the organizational benefits of a cart bag.

The past iterations of the Fairway 14 have had a little trouble staying locked in to push carts. This issue also bled into problems with the putter well. But, Callaway fixed those issues by incorporating a new Lowrider top. It features a rubber over-mold for the putter well and grip blocks.

With the addition of the Lowrider top in this year’s models, you can carry the Fairway 14 with the straps or use a push cart and have no problems either way.

These golf bags are truly a marvel, and if it weren’t for their hefty price tag, they could easily have been our top pick in both categories. But, if you have the budget, they’re definitely worth their cost. After all, is it not worth housing your premium clubs in a premium bag?

3. The Best Budget Golf Bag – Izzo Ulta Lite Stand Bag

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Pros:

• Extremely light
• Full-length dividers
• Smartgrip handles

Cons:

• Not many pockets
• Only has a 4-way divider

Specs:

• Material: Polyester
• Weight: 3.2lb
• Dividers: 4
• Pockets: 4

This bag is so light that you could probably pick it up with your hands and carry it for nine holes. The Smartgrip handles would make that pretty easy too. Yet, we recommend using the ergonomic shoulder straps that come with the bag instead.

You may not expect to see full-length dividers in such a light and budget-friendly golf bag. But, the Izzo Ultra Light has them. The only downfall is that it’s only a four-way divider.

There are also only four pockets. These bags make up for that by adding other clever storage options like an umbrella holder and built-in rain hood.

The classic saying “you get what you pay for” applies here in terms of extra features. However, these bags are just as durable as bags that cost twice as much. The lack of additional features also helps to save weight.

So, it’s up to you if you’d like to trade storage space and features for a cheap, reliable, and lightweight golf stand bag. If so, this is likely the best budget golf bag for you.

The Best Golf Bags 2023 FAQs

If you’re still unsure which golf bag you want, hopefully, the answers to these frequently asked questions will help you decide.

What Is the Best Value Golf Bag?

The answer to this question depends on whether you want a stand bag or a golf bag. Still, both our top picks for the best value golf bags are TaylorMade golf bags.

Our favorite stand bag in terms of value for money is the TaylorMade 5.0. It’s not much more expensive than the cheaper options and has big-brand backing.

The best value for money cart golf bag is the TaylorMade Pro Cart 8.0. This bag has enough inclusions to make it stand out among others in its price range. It’s not quite as fancy as some premium-cost golf bags but still stands up to them.

What Is the Top Rated Golf Bag?

The top-rated golf bag should do it all, like the Callaway Golf Fairway 14. These bags are light enough and have the right anchor points to carry with a strap. But, they also have every inclusion you could expect from a cart bag.

They sit perfectly in push carts or are just as happy being carried around across your shoulders.

What’s a Good Price for a Golf Bag?

For the flagship golf bag of a premium brand, you’re likely to have to pay over $350. If you find one on sale for cheaper than that, you should consider buying it.

Mid-range bags from top brands are closer to the $200 mark.

You can get lesser know brands for under $150, and you’d be surprised how good they can be. The Izzo Ultra Light stand bag is an excellent example of this.

Get the Right Golf Bag for Your Needs

There’s no magic golf bag out there that will make you a better player. Nor is there one that suits every golfer. Pick one that suits your playstyle (walking or driving a cart). It also never hurts to get one you like the look of, provided it’s a decent bag.

Don’t just look at our top pick of the Taylor 8.0 and assume it’s the best golf bag 2023 has to offer you. Now that you’ve finished reading our full review, think about your game, and choose the men’s golf bag that suits you best.

If you found this article useful, we have plenty more on offer. Check out these related articles:

• The Best Hybrid Golf Bags
• The Best Golf Cart Bags
• The Best Golf Bag with Cooler