Here is our selection of the very best golf bags - models to suit a full range of on-course requirements and conditions
Best Golf Bags
The golf bag is an essential item of equipment and finding the right one could help you make the difference when it comes to organising and planning your game.
Whether you prefer to carry, take a cart or a buggy, the best golf bags have been designed and engineered to suit your requirements. You need a bag that will protect your equipment, provide the right level of storage with easy access to clubs and accessories, and one that delivers the best possible ergonomic fit for you.
If you use a cart or buggy, you’ll look for a robust and stable bag that’s easy to lift and sits well on its side or base. Other features to consider will be, the level of storage, the ease of access to clubs and accessory/apparel pockets. Many modern bags provide water resistance and extra protection for valuables.
If you like to carry, then you’ll look for something lightweight and comfortable that sits well on the back. Depending on the conditions you generally play in, you might consider the quality of the stand and the level of storage available. Easy access and protection of clubs will always be a consideration.
What then are the best golf bags right now? We’ve reviewed and tested them and have selected our favourites below to help you prepare and manage your golf game in the most effective way.
Additionally make sure you check out our other golf bag guides too – such as the best golf push cart bags or even the best waterproof golf bags.
Best Golf Bags
Titleist Players 4 Plus StaDry Stand Bag
Top pick
KEY INFO
RRP: £240/$290 Weight: 1.95kg/4.2lbs Pockets: 8
Waterproof: Yes Colors: 9
+ Lightweight at under 2kg
+ Seam sealed zips
– Could be more separation in pockets
This bag is slightly harder to get hold of compared to the 4 StaDry model, but the Plus is definitely worth the effort.
The extra pocket and storage space it offers may seem fairly insignificant, but being able to separate gloves, tees, balls and apparel is crucial and the Players 4 Plus StaDry stand bag allows you to do that easily.
It also has a lined valuables pocket for your phone and two drinks holders either side of the ball pouch.
We should acknowledge that usually the bag arrives with the straps unattached and this can be fiddly. However there is a handy instruction guide included to help speed up the process.
It is worth it too because the straps are excellent when attached, because the bag seemed to level itself nicely when walking.
Thanks to the seam sealed zippers, it’s impressively waterproof, while the wider stand delivers great stability on uneven terrain or on windy days. Finally it is excellently lightweight at just 1.95kg.
Also if you are a fan of Titleist, check out our guide on the best Titleist golf bags too.
- Read our full Titleist Players 4 Plus StaDry stand bag review
Motocaddy HydroFlex Stand Bag
Best for versatility
KEY INFO
RRP: £219.99/$289 Weight: 2.3kg/5.1lbs Pockets: 5
Waterproof: Yes Colors: 3
+ Waterproof
+ Versatile to carry or use on a trolley
– Larger overall footprint than other bags
The new HydroFlex is a versatile, waterproof, super lightweight carry bag designed to fit on any Motocaddy trolley thanks to the pioneering Easilock compatibility. This is great if you have a Motocaddy trolley but even if you don’t, the bag fits nicely on most trolleys and comes with an easily removable strap.
We think the bag looks even better than the 2020 version thanks to a style update for 2021. The brilliant waterproof technology carries over from last year, giving all the gear in your bag excellent protection from the elements thanks to the waterproof TPU-coated nylon fabric and welded seams.
The HydroFlex features include a quick release strap, full length dividers and five spacious and easily accessible pockets. A moulded hip pad provides ultimate comfort when carrying your clubs around the course and we found this incredibly comfortable despite the relatively large footprint of the bag.
It is available in three colours but easily the best part of this bag is the versatility. It’s lightweight enough that you can comfortably carry a half-set one day but also big enough that you can fill it up with clubs, clothing, water bottles and food and use it on a trolley the next day. One bag that does every job
- Read our full Motocaddy Hydroflex stand bag review
Ping Hoofer Monsoon Stand Bag
High quality waterproofing
KEY INFO
RRP: £239.99/$330 Weight: 2.5kg/5.5lbs Pockets: 6 (4 seam-sealed)
Waterproof: Yes Colors: 3
+ Comfortable strap that can be easily converted
+ Stylish modern design
– Not all pockets seam sealed
We featured the standard Ping Hoofer carry bag in our best golf stand bags list and the waterproof version is also one of the best golf bags on the market.
Six pockets, four of which are seam sealed, make for plenty of storage but we especially like the 5-way reinforced divider at the top of the bag that leaves the clubs in your bag plenty of space and provides good protection as you walk around the course.
Ping has also added some great new features to its already comfortable carry strap, allowing it to be easily adjusted from a backpack style two strap to a one strap system that can be comfortably carried on one shoulder. The strap also uses Ping’s SensorDry technology to wick water away and keep the strap dry even in the monsoon conditions.
TaylorMade FlexTech Crossover Stand Bag
Best looking stand bag
KEY INFO
RRP: £199.99/$249.99 Weight: 2.5kg/5.5lbs Pockets: 10
Waterproof: No (only water-repellent) Colors: 8
+ Comfortable self-adjusting strap system
+ Full-length dividers
– 14-way top might not suit all in a stand bag
The FlexTech Crossover’s USP in the new TaylorMade range is that it fits well on a trolley as well as giving the player the option to carry.
Obviously from a looks perspective, the first thing you notice is how good the bag looks, with each colour way offering something a little difference too.
With a self-adjusting strap system and 14-way full-length dividers, the TaylorMade FlexTech Crossover is a bag designed for ease of use and we certainly found this when using it. Admittedly 14-way dividers split opinion but we thoroughly enjoyed the design during testing.
The Strap Slider System allows the bag to stay stable while carrying and adjusts itself as you move. Meanwhile the FlexTech stand system is easy to use and means the bag is easy to access while walking.
The amount and variety of storage pockets is fantastic. There’s more than enough space for everything you could possibly need, and the seam-sealed and micro-suede lined valuables pocket and drink bottle pouch are very handy additions.
- Read our full TaylorMade FlexTech Crossover stand bag review
Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid Tour Stand Bag
Best for practicality
KEY INFO
RRP: £199/$254.95 Weight: 2kg/4.4lbs Pockets: 5
Waterproof: Yes Colors: 7
+ Fully waterproof
+ Verstatility for use on cart
– Slightly more substantial than some stand bags so not as light
With its spacious interior and modern styling the Dri Lite Hybrid Tour is the perfect water resistant solution if you like to push, carry and look great on the course. On the model we tested, the design had an upscale aesthetic whilst there are also several colours available ranging from the eye-catching, to the more subtle.
It has a 14-way divider and 5 spacious water-repellent pockets for all your golfing accessories and gear.
The best golf bags have to be practical and this is where this Big Max model stands out. It works well not just as a stand bag, but because of the flat, footless base, it is compatible with most trolleys. The leg lock feature and positions of the stand also help in this fluidity.
As with most Big Max products it comes with a great warranty directly from the manufacturer, so even though this bag feels well made and robust, there is peace of mind there too.
- Read our full Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid Tour stand bag review
Sun Mountain H2NO Lite Speed Stand Bag
Excellent all-round performance
KEY INFO
RRP: £289/$299.99 Weight: 2kg/4.4lbs Pockets: 6
Waterproof: Yes Colors: 6
+ Fully waterproof
+ Full length apparel pocket
– Not as many pockets as other stand bags
We have written about our affection for Sun Mountain bags in the past and this is Lite Speed bag is no exception. There are five excellent colours to choose from and we cannot stress enough just how light and easy to use this bag is.
Where it really comes into its own though is the waterproofing. Like all H2NO bags, the Lite Speed is made using 100% waterproof fabrics with high quality waterproof zippers and seams that are all taped and sealed. Additionally the rain hood, with a two-way zip, doesn’t just slip over the clubs before slowly coming loose, there are velcro attachments all the way around the top of the bag and a very secure one around the grab handle.
A 4-way top with full-length dividers leaves plenty of room for a full set of clubs and the double, self-adjusting strap and padded cushion mean this bag is comfortable to carry even if it is loaded with a full set of clubs and accessories.
- Read our full Sun Mountain H2NO Lite Speed stand bag review
Callaway Hyperlite Zero Double Strap Stand Bag
Comfortable to carry
KEY INFO
RRP: £179.99/$229.99 Weight: 1.3kg/3lbs Pockets: 7
Waterproof: Not fully Colors: 9
+ Incredibly lightweight
+ Comfy carrying
– Not quite as much storage as heavier stand bags
As you might expect from the name, the Callaway Hyperlite Zero stand bag is seriously light – At just 1.3kg, it’s one of the very lightest on the market right now.
But, despite being pretty minimal, it’s also surprisingly robust and hard-wearing. Constructed from a rip-stop fabric, we found the bag to be tough and durable.
A key feature on this bag is the carrying system – The OptiFit Comfort Strap with aerospace grade foam is extremely comfortable. Combined with the X-Act Fit strap system, the bag sits perfectly on the back with weight distributed evenly and clubs held stable.
Although there might not be quite so much storage as bulkier stand bags, there are seven decent sized pockets providing enough space for apparel and accessories for most conditions.
Motocaddy Protekta Bag
Best for protecting your clubs
KEY INFO
RRP: £279.99 Weight: 3.1kg Pockets: 9
Waterproof: Yes Colors: 1
+ Innovative top design that protects and organises clubs
+ Full waterproof
– Slightly heavier than others
The Motocaddy Protekta cart bag features an innovative top design that gives each club a distinct and separate area to sit in the bag. The 14-way divider reduces noise and holds each individual club in place to prevent club heads crashing together. Its an incredibly clever and satisfying design feature that protects your clubs and keeps them neat and tidy in the bag.
Its not just the 14-way divider that makes this a great bag though as the Protekta bag acts as a sort of ‘best of’ from Motocaddy’s range. It has all the waterproof features of the best-selling Dry-Series bag, meaning 100% waterproof protection, and it also features the premium Japanese YKK zips that can be opened smoothly with just one hand.
Sure its a bit heavier than some of the lightweight cart bag options, but at 3.1kg with all the features and pocket space, this is an innovative and premium cart bag that will protect your clubs and your belongings in the bag too.
PowaKaddy Dri Tech Cart Bag
Best waterproof cart model
KEY INFO
RRP: £249.99 Weight: 2.3kg/5lbs Pockets: 7
Waterproof: Yes Colors: 5
+ 100% fully waterproof construction
+ Key lock system for secure cart fitting
– Functional rather than super stylish
The PowaKaddy Dri Tech Cart Bag will keep your kit dry in the most extreme weathers. It’s made from a lightweight Nylon fabric that’s waterproof to an impressive hydrostatic rating of over 10,000mm – If you’re not sure what that means – it’s a lot!
And, this is an incredibly lightweight cart bag – Just 2.3kg which is quite a bit lighter than the average cart bag on the market in 2020.
For those who like ultimate club organisation, the Dri Tech has you covered with a 14-way top divider and spacious putter well. The pockets are also pretty capacious, meaning you’ll have room for a good amount of kit.
It may not be the most striking in terms of design, but the PowaKaddy Dri Tech has a sleek sophistication and looks great sitting on a cart. It also features PowaKaddy’s Key Lock, anti-twist system to ensure it stays firmly in place throughout the round. Nobody likes to be fiddling with bag placement and straps when they should be focussing on a testing iron shot!
Overall it is one of the best golf trolley bags money can buy, let alone one of the best golf bags out there as well.
- Read our full PowaKaddy Dri Tech cart bag review
Sun Mountain Eco-Lite Cart Bag
Environmentally conscious design
KEY INFO
RRP: £239/$249.99 Weight: 2.5kg/5.5lbs Pockets: 11
Waterproof: No (only water-resistant) Colors: 6
+ Fully waterproof
+ Made from recycled materials
– Colors might not be to everyone’s taste
The first of its kind to come to market, the Eco Lite cart bag incorporates water-resistant fabric that has been made from 25-30 recycled plastic bottles in a bid to reduce harmful waste.
The bag incorporates a 10 inch top with 14 full-length dividers and 11 pockets with two sturdy and well placed grab handles for carrying the bag in and out of the car and onto trolleys or buggies.
The 11 pockets include a velour-lined valuables pocket; rangefinder compartment; ventilated cooler pocket; apparel pocket; plus multiple accessory pockets. The environmentally friendly option is available in five quite bold colours, a Sun Mountain staple.
Wilson Exo II Cart Bag
Best value cart bag
KEY INFO
RRP: £189/$239.99 Weight: 2.3kg/5lbs Pockets: 7
Waterproof: Not fully Colors: 6
+ Two well placed grab handles and large putter well
+ Clever pocket organisation for easy access
– Not fully waterproof
The Wilson Exo II cart bag is a lightweight and feature-packed bag that is well built and reasonably priced for cart bags of this size.
The two integrated grab handles at the top of the bag make it very practical and easy to lift on and off trolleys and in and out of cars. The 14-way top and 14 full-length dividers leaves plenty of space for a full set of clubs and we love the attention to detail of the larger putter well, which will accommodate all putters including those with larger grips on.
A seam sealed, waterproof valuables pocket is just one of a host of pockets for apparel, drinks, balls and tees and there are even some exterior straps to keep tees on for easy and quick access on the course.
A well thought out, practical and lightweight cart bag for all year round use.
Motocaddy Pro Series Cart Bag
Best premium cart bag
KEY INFO
RRP: £209.99/$269 Weight: 3.2kg/7lbs Pockets: 9
Waterproof: Yes Colors: 3
+ Made from premium and durable materials
+ Clever pocket organisation for easy access
– Only available in a few colours
This is a feature-packed and premium cart bag that delivers on practicality, style and usability. The Pro-Series is made from long-lasting premium PU and nylon fabrics and features 14 full-length dividers, nine pockets and a jumbo putter well that fits putters with any size grip.
It features an anti-twist Easilock base that will fit to any Motocaddy trolley and provide a fully stable unit.
Easy to manoeuvre thanks to the well-placed carry handles, we think this is an impressive trolley bag, both in terms of aesthetics and performance. If you’re considering a premium cart bag, then this is undeniably one of the best golf bags out there.
Titleist Tour Bag
Top tour model
KEY INFO
RRP: £430/$550 Weight: 4.8kg/10.5lbs Pockets: 10
Waterproof: Yes Colors: 1
+ Ultimate in storage and durability
+ Tour proven with looks to match
– Heavy
The ultimate golf bag is a Tour bag and you can’t do better than the Tour proven Titleist Tour Bag.
Designed with input and feedback from Titleist’s stable of elite professionals, this bag has been constructed to meet the requirements of the best players in the game, and therefore is one of the best tour golf bags money can buy.
It’s bigger than a standard cart or stand bag but it’s actually pretty lightweight at just over 4kg. It’s also been ergonomically engineered and, with the three-point shoulder strap, it’s easy to carry.
The Titleist Tour bag is highly durable and hard wearing and the five-way top cuff has been shaped to deliver maximum protection to club heads and shafts.
Internal storage is excellent with compartments within pockets to allow you to organise apparel and equipment. Zippers are chunky and durable and, with rainhood on, the waterproofing is excellent.
With sleek lines and a quilted finish, it also looks the business. If you want to make a statement on the first tee then look no further.
How we tested the best golf bags
Our testing process for all golf gear, let alone golf bags, is rigorous and comprehensive.
As far as our methodology goes, if we say we have reviewed a product, that means we have used it out on the golf course, and put it through its paces in different conditions. We also endeavour to use all the features on the golf bag, for example if the valuables pocket claims to be waterproof, we pour water on it to find out.
We should also say that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review because we tell things how we see it.
As far as the testing team goes, the Golf Monthly team is a mixture of ages and handicaps, and most are members at golf clubs so regularly put golf gear to the test in fun rounds as well as competitions.
What to consider when buying a golf bag
There are several key factors to consider when thinking about buying a golf bag and we have gone into those below…
Bag Type – Put simply what kind of bag do you want? Do you want a stand bag? Or a cart model? Both of these types of bag have their positives and negatives and you should think about what you think is important to your golf.
Stand bags are built for those who want to carry their clubs around the golf course which means factors like comfort and weight are very important. Stand bags also have to offer waterproofing as well as strength and robustness. The two negatives most associated with stand bags are they require more effort to use, and they usually don’t offer as much storage as cart bags.
However, that being said there are several stand bags above that can also be used on golf carts as well so maybe that is a way of killing two birds with one stone.
Cart bags are for those who want to use golf carts on the golf course. If this is you, then you’ll likely want a stable model that is not only easy to lift and move around, but also one that sits firmly on your cart. One big advantage we have found is that cart bags also tend to offer ample storage for accessories, apparel, valuables and all the other golf paraphernalia you might need during the round.
The main negative is they are just bulkier and have to be taken off the cart before and after the round, whereas stand bags offer a bit more freedom.
Storage – Storage is important in golf these days because a good golf bag has to offer pockets for lots of different things as we mentioned above. Cart bags tend to have larger pockets because they are just that, larger. They also require less effort to use too which means players are able to carry more stuff with them if needed.
Stand bags on the other hand usually have enough to house the essentials.
However there are also golf bags out there that keep the game simple with only a few pockets so have a think about how much gear you want to take onto the golf course, and pick a bag accordingly.
Waterproofing – If you live or golf somewhere that gets a lot of rain then this is a no-brainer really, get a bag that offers protection from the rain. Whereas if you don’t, then this factor won’t be as important. We should acknowledge that some models above are better than others in this regard because they have been designed as such.
Weight – Across all types of bag, weight is important. Stand bags obviously have to be lightweight because players will be carrying them on their backs and shoulders all day, whilst cart bags should also have a degree of lightness too so they are easy to manoeuvre on the golf course, and from the car to the cart itself.
Thankfully most brands these days make lightweight models across their ranges because not many players want to use a heavy bag.
Looks – How do you want your golf bag to look? Whether it be a stand or cart model, brands try their best to create design aesthetics that stand out, or blend in on the golf course. Therefore have a think about which models you like the look of, or if some bags have different color schemes.
Budget – Our final factor to consider is of course price. There are golf bags at every single price point so if you want to go for a premium cart model you can, or if you want a cheap stand bag you can also do that too.
If you enjoyed this guide on the best golf bags, check out the Golf Monthly website for more gear content.