In this article we’ll cover the best golf bags available online. Ali and I have a combined 18 years experience selling golf bags in pro shops. We’ve also played a lot of golf. Below are our thoughts on the best golf bags currently available.
Click on the best golf bag category below to jump to our reviews of the top three in each category. Or scroll down for a few FAQ when trying to choose the best golf bag.
Enjoy.
The best golf bags are:
- Sun Mountain Golf 2.5+ (carry bag)
- Mizuno BR-D3 (carry bag)
- TaylorMade Flextech Crossover (carry bag)
- Tour Edge Exotics Extreme 3 (carry bag)
- Sun Mountain Sync (cart bag)
- Titleist Golf Sunday (sunday bag)
Ps – You can click on the titles or pictures to see products prices. These are affiliate links. If you click and purchase the product via these links it does not cost you any extra, but as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please feel free not to use the links if you wish. Thanks and happy golfing, Will.
Best golf stand bags
#1 Sun Mountain Golf 2.5+
This is our go-to stand bag. Sun Mountain 2.5 stand bag is comfortable, lightweight and yet sturdy.
The lightweight material doesn’t compromise its sturdiness either. This bag, as with previous Sun Mountain carry bags will stand the test of time. The bag weighs just 2.5lbs (2.8lbs with the straps). But, we’ll let Sun Mountain off this minor detail, seeing it’s far lighter than most stand bag on the market.
The high-density foam straps are ridiculously comfortable. Also the stap system is easy to adjust making carrying the bag a joy – even when you’re having a bad game.
The pockets have more than enough room for waterproofs and all of your golfing extras. The zips are well made, meaning, although not advised, you can stuff the pockets full for those epic golf trips.
Lastly, the stands mechanism works every time not matter what the surface – this might sound simple, but a key weakness of poorer quality golf bags is a fiddly stand mechanism that degrades over time.
A great stand bag, with a sizeable price tag. However, if you splash out you will not be disappointed.
Buy if: You want a light and comfortable golf stand bag that will bring you joy for many years to come.
Don’t buy if: You want a golf bag on a budget. You pay for what you get in this case.
#2 Mizuno BR-D3
In second place we have the Mizuno BR-D3 golf stand bag. This bag is a little smaller in diameter than the Sun Mountain. However, it still offers plenty of space for golfing in all weathers.
In our review it cruises into second place for best stand bag based on comfort and price. It’s offers a high quality build (just below the Sun Mountain in our humble opinion). However, in return, it will save you a few bucks.
It also offers a really comfy strap and carry system. As a slight golfer, I struggle to get some straps to snugly fit round me. However The Mizuno BR-D3 offers highly adjustable straps that can cater for many builds. This may sound like a small difference, however it really helps reduce loading and fatigue over the course of a round or 36 holes.
The insulated drinks pouch and lined valuables pocket add a little touch of class onto this already strong carry bag.
Buy if: You want a light and comfortable golf stand bag at a great price. Or you are of slight build and want a bag that fits snugly to your back as you wander around swinging a club.
Don’t buy if: You play four times a week and want a golf bag to last you five years or more. Spend the extra money and opt for the Sun Mountain.
# 3 TaylorMade Flextech Crossover
In third place for best stand bags we have TaylorMade’s new range of Flextech Crossover. This TaylorMade golf bag offers a high-quality spec and a sleek appearance. TaylorMade’s Flextech technology provides a strap system that needs little adjustments. Adjust the front buckles to your desired length, then the tech ensures the bag stays balanced as you stroll down the fairway. This system does work well, but offers a little less adjustment if you are of little or large build.
The 14-way top has full-length dividers to prevent dreaded club traffic jams inside your bag. This is surrounded by no fewer than 10 pockets, for all of your golfing needs. Including a water-resistant, seam-sealed valuables pocket.
These additional features do bump up its weight compared to its rivals (4.5 lb for full 14-way divider version). However, if you want an all-singing, all-dancing, snazzy golf bag the TaylorMade Flextech Crossover will do you well.
Buy if: You want a high-quality carry bag with lots of additional pockets and full-length, individual club dividers.
Don’t buy if: You want a light-weight carry bag. Opt for the Sun Mountain or Mizuno options above.
Best (affordable) carry bags
Let’s face it, golf bags are expensive. If you play a lot it is well worth investing in a carry bag that will stand the test of time. However, for the casual golfer what are the best carry bags on a budget. Below is a list of our top picks
#1 Tour Edge Golf- Exotics Extreme 3 Stand Bag
I’m a big fan of Tour Edge, I still play with their Exotics irons. You may not of heard of Tour Edge, as they don’t spend much on marketing. Instead, they try to produce the best possible gear for the lowest possible price.
This bag offers a great dual-strap carry bag with a lot of space. Two side-pockets, insulated water bottle-holder and a Velour-lined waterproof valuables pocket.
The top has a 7-way divider, but do note, these are not lined down the inside of the golf bag. Is this a problem? Not really. If you are set on full-length dividers check out the option below.
The Tour Edge exotics golf bag is a great bag at great price, available in many jazzy colours too.
Buy if – You want all of the features of other stand-bags, with a nice chunk of money left over to spend elsewhere on your golfing game.
Don’t buy if – You want full-length dividers. Or you play 5 round of golf a week and want a bag to last you for many years. In that case it’s probably best to spend a little more money to gain some durability.
#2 TaylorMade Flextech Lite Stand Bag – Prior Generation
Every year golf companies bring out new products to keep serving the thirst of hungry golfers. However, you can often pick up last year’s version at quite a discount. In second place for our best value carry bag we have the 2017/18 model of the TaylorMade Crossover lite stand bag.
This golf bag comes with TaylorMade’s patented strapping system, 5 full-length dividers to stop your clubs getting tangled together and a solid base and stand mechanism. The lite version is a little smaller than the full version, but still comfortably fits a full set and still has eight pockets for all of your golfing gear.
If you are looking for a well-built, light-weight stand bag on a budget this is a seriously good option (whilst stocks last). The Tour edge golf bag above offers a little more room, but this light-weight option gives you a second option for a carry bag on a budget.
Buy if – You want a great value carry bag, with full-length dividers for a great pirce.
Don’t buy if – You want large pockets. Check out the Tour edge Exotics for a little more room.
#3 TaylorMade Golf TM Stand Golf Bag 5.0
In third place for best carry bag if you are on a budget we have the TaylorMade TM 5.0 stand bag. This model is from 2017, but you can still grab one online currently at a discount price.
This very stylish carry bag has a 5-way divider at the top, and has six large pocket, which should hold enough gear for any golfer. The strapping system should cater for most players, and its strongest selling point is anyone that wants a swanky looking TaylorMade bag at a low price.
On the downside we have the build quality and stand. Now, it’s not dreadful, but it doesn’t match up to the quality of the Sun Mountain 2.5 or the newer TaylorMade Crossover.
If want a smart carry bag for a few games over the summer and a round a month during the winter then this is still a good buy. However, if you’re playing once a week, splash out on the Tour Edge or options listed above.
Best golf cart bags
#1 Sun Mountain Sync Cart Bag
My dad loves his golf – Last year he upgraded to this cart bag and it has served him well. I’m not going to lie, The Sun Mountain Sync cart bag is pricey, but it is worth it. I’m yet to find another golf bag that rivals Sun Mountain for build quality.
This bag has a solid deign, that stops it rotating on a trolley. All the pockets are all easily accessible, and it has all the features you’ll ever need – umbrella holder, rain hood, putter compartment that caters for an over-sized grip and a snazzy, velour valuables pocket.
It feels impressively light for a golf cart bag and the handles at the based and top of the bag make it easy to lift on and off a trolley. (My dad is not the athlete he once was – I hope he reads this)
The bag cylinder is divided up in to 15 slots, each with full-length dividers. Your clubs will slide in and out a dream, and the build quality will ensure this stays the case for many years.
Buy if – You want the best cart bag on the market for week in, week out golf. If you currently own an average/budget cart bag and you want to upgrade, this bag will make you a very happy golfer.
Don’t buy it – You’re shopping on a budget, this bag is top-end. Or you want a 100% water-proof bag. This bag is water resistant, but not water-proof.
Best golf bags for walking
#1 Titleist Golf Sunday Carry Bag
Ali’s pick – Every golfer loves to go out for a round now and again where they don’t really care whether or not they lose their foursomes match on a Sunday afternoon, it’s about being out there on a beautiful golf course and enjoying the walk with good company.
This Titleist Golf Sunday Carry Bag was made to match this description and is the ideal golf bag for walking the course with a reduced set of clubs.
First of all it has a double shoulder strap. A lot of people think the single strap is the cooler, more traditional look for a pencil bag and since it should only hold 7-10 clubs, one strap is more than enough right? Wrong. The double strap offers so much more comfort with the even weight distribution and can really help fight fatigue over a full round.
Secondly, despite being a minimalist bag, there are four pockets. The valuables pocket even has a soft velour lining. So you can still fit those gloves, balls, tees and even waterproof jacket into the bag just in case your lovely stroll on the course gets a bit wet. It even features StaDry™ waterproof material on bottom and underside of the bag.
The material of the bag is strong and well made as well so if you take care of it you’ll have it for years – mine (older version) is on its 8th year currently. It does exactly what it says on the tin and you won’t regret buying one.
Buy if: You want a lightweight, comfortable bag to fit your reduced set into. You don’t mind bending down to pick up your golf bag.
Don’t buy if: You want to play with all 14 clubs; the top cuff that separates the top compartment will wear out very quickly. You like to take a lot of ‘extras’ with you on the course – the pockets can fit the essentials but not a full set of waterproofs. You want to keep your bag clean, the bag rests on the ground and can get muddy pretty quickly.
Best golf bags for travel
#1 Callaway Golf Capital Stand Bag
Ali’s pick – When you’re travelling, you want your bag to be light, sturdy and able to carry every bit of your golfing gear. We’ve all seen that golfer in the airport who’s either struggling to haul his travel bag onto the oversized baggage scales due to his ludicrously heavy bag or the golfer whose tiny carry bag is concealed in what appears to be an oversized travel case.
Both people look and most probably feel ridiculous.
The Callaway Golf Capital Stand Bag genuinely meets every requirement of a good golf travel bag. Its five pockets easily enable you to fit everything from extra balls and gloves to your set of waterproofs (essential if you’re heading to the U.K. on your golfing holiday).
The plastic rim at the top of the bag is really handy for manoeuvring it short distances unlike other bags where you can really struggle to get the bag into the travel case without breaking a sweat. The bag is a great size to fill any travel case perfectly and the base is designed to allow the bag to balance upright even without its stands.
Buy if: You want a light but sturdy bag that will protect all your golf equipment. You need a few compartments for your clubs to enable even weight distribution. You want a hassle free travelling experience with a well designed and proportioned golf bag.
Don’t buy if: You like slightly thicker material on your golf bag – it’s very light and thin. You want the bag to last for years and years – it’s perfect for travelling/golfing holidays but may wear if used everyday.
Best golf bags – FAQ
Best golf bags to carry?
If you’re looking for the best golf bag to carry you need to consider how much room you need (for clubs and gear), bag weight and bag size.
For outright lightness check out the Sun Mountain Golf 2018 2.5+ Stand Bag, for a few extra pockets the Callaway Golf Capital Stand Bag comes in at 5lb, but gives you a lot of pocket room. Best golf bag on a budget – check out the Tour Edge Golf- Exotics Extreme 3.
Best golf bags to carry and use on a trolley
I’m not going to lie, this bag doesn’t exist – yet. There isn’t really a cart bag that is easy to carry round for 18 holes. Therefore, you’re looking for the best stand bag that can go onto a trolley.
You will find that due to the shape of carry bags, and their soft design, they will slip round a little when you use them on a trolley. If you’re still keen your best bet is to find a carry bag with a firm structure around the top of the bag and its base. The Callaway Golf Capital Stand Bag is one of the best we’ve found for this, so feel free to check out the review.
How much does weight matter for a carry bag?
The carry bags in this review range from 2.8 to 6lbs. This sounds like a large range, but in fact this is less than most clubs you’ll end up carrying in said bag. Instead you want to consider how the straps fit and where you put extra mass into your bag.
If you can get the bag fitting snugly to your back, you’ll create less torque (load) on your spine. Also, weight put furthest away from your body centre (loading 3 sets of water-proofs into the main pocket) will considerably affect how heavy the carry bag feels to carry.
Best golf bags – Summary
That bring our best golf bag round up to an end. However, if you have any questions you would like answers, or golf bags you want reviewing just leave a comment below.
Happy golfing – Will & Ali
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