When it comes to golf essentials, equipping yourself with one of the best golf bags is right up near the top of the list. There are different bags to suit specific situations, but regardless of whether you prefer to carry, push a cart or ride a buggy, the best golf bags have been specifically designed and engineered to suit your requirements.
WATCH: We pick out the best stand bags on the market
Different players will require different things from a golf bag - if you're a walker who plays a lot you'll likely want one of the best lightweight golf bags, be that a stand bag or trolley bag. If you're an avid golfer or play a lot in a part of the world subject to changing weather elements, going for a bag that provides waterproofing could be a good idea. For the golfer who likes to carry their clubs, the requirements are very different. Weight is very much a factor as you’ll want something lightweight, comfortable to carry and that sits well on the back. Those who use one of the best electric golf trolleys or rides in a cart will care less about weight but more about storage.
What then are the best golf bags right now? We’ve reviewed and tested them and have selected our favorites below in order 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 cart bags or even the best waterproof golf bags.
A member of the team since 2021, Dan looks after equipment reviews and buying guides, specializing in golf shoe, golf bag, golf cart and apparel reviews. He also co-hosts Golf Monthly's golf gear podcast Kick Point alongside driver and irons tester Joe Ferguson. A left-handed golfer, Dan's handicap index is currently 6.5 and he plays at Fulford Heath Golf Club in the West Midlands.
The Quick List
The Hoofer ticks every box you need ticked from a stand bag - comfort, stability, storage and build quality. It's a true all-rounder and takes our title for top pick as a result.
A smart and sleek looking golf bag that isn't too flashy in terms of looks - but that's why we like it. It's a super lightweight and practical golf bag from a brand that makes some of the best on the market.
Wilson and value go hand in hand, be that in terms of golf bags, balls or clubs. The Exo Lite is a terrific stand bag that features sturdy legs and a magnetic rangefinder pocket which we loved.
If you're a heavy packer when it comes to heading out on the course you should try the Dri Lite Hybrid. It doubles up as both a stand and cart bags and delivers more storage room than you could ever want plus full waterproofing.
Speaking of waterproofing, no brand delivers golf bags that are made for battling the elements like Sun Mountain. Their H2NO bags are brilliant and will keep your clubs and valuables dry when the rain rolls in.
We liked the Fairway C HD bag from Callaway for a number of reasons but we'll focus on the strap design as our favorite part - It's a supremely lightweight bag that is very comfortable to carry.
Load the next 8 models
Those who enjoy walking and rarely use a cart should opt for a lightweight bag like the FlexTech SuperLite. Despite the lack of weight it remains sturdy, comfortable and easily carries a full set of clubs.
Leather golf bags are growing in popularity and the Vessel Player V might be the best of the lot. This premium bag delivers in the looks department whilst also providing plenty of storage and a well-built kick stand system.
Sunday bags are a new emerging category of bag for those who want to take a half set out for a quick nine holes in the evening - Sunday Golf Loma XL is the best in this category.
Like with all of the best Ogio golf bags, the Shadow stand bag ticks a lot of boxes. It looks great, provides plenty of storage and delivers an enjoyable lightweight carrying experience.
Those who ride or use a push or electric trolley should opt for a cart bag and we don't think there are any better than Motocaddy's Protekta Cart Bag. It's made from high quality materials to keep your clubs safe and sound.
Want a bag that is a bit flashier? Look no further than the All Elements bag from Ogio - The quality and functionality of this cart bag is as good as the design is flashy.
The C-130 is perfect for the heavy packer and who rides in a cart and thus doesn't have to worry about the weight of their golf bag. It delivers everything you would want from a top quality cart bag.
The Nero cart bag is a well-crafted and highly functional bag that matches the premium finishes of Stewart’s spectacular range of trolleys. This bag perfectly compliments the brand’s premium range of high-end remote and follow trolleys.
Best Golf Bags
Top pick
The Ping Hoofer Stand Bag during testing
Whenever we are discussing the best golf stand bags, the Ping Hoofer is always in the conversation and has been one of our absolute favorites for several years thanks to the high level combination of performance, comfort, usability and looks.
It comes in at 5.5lbs - less than 2.5kg - so it's nice and light (although not the lightest on this list) and it provided us with an excellent walking experience in testing, further heightened by the adjustable carry strap which works a treat. Ping has also added a new back puck which allows for easy transitioning from two straps to one, which is really useful as you have the option to just sling it over one shoulder if that's your prefence.
It's versatile too, and if you want to stick it on a cart you can easily do that as there is a cart strap channel which runs under the main pocket and allows you to secure the bag nicely.
So it's lightweight, very easy to use and exceptionally user-friendly, but it has great storage too. 11 pockets to be precise, including a magnetic pocket that keeps all your valuables safe. We have to give great credit to Ping as the brand's designers have really thought of everything when it comes to Hoofer. The only slight downside to this model is that it isn't fully waterproof but it is water resistant and overall the Hoofer is a fantastic bag that deserves a spot on this list.
- Read our full Ping Hoofer Stand Bag Review
Best looking
One of the best Titleist golf bags on the market, the Players 4 StaDry Stand Bag is a stylish, classic-looking offering that really strikes the right chord with us. It's a very nice bag to carry thanks to the padded straps and smart additional padding around the hip areas, not to mention it weighs only slightly more than a feather. At just 1.4kg or 3lbs, it's one of the lightest golf bags we've ever tested, so credit to Titleist for making such a useful stand bag with little to no weight involved.
Plenty of storage space is on offering via the six separate pockets, highlighted the valuables pocket in which Titleist have included a small and subtle divider to keep your house and car keys separate from your phone and avoid potential scrapes or damage on your mobile - a really clever addition in my opinion. There's also plenty of room for a jacket or an extra layer in the large side pocket as well as ample storage space in the golf balls, tees and other accessories in the big ball pocket on the front of the bag.
The look is a classy yet non-controversial one, in line with most Titleist bags we've seen over the years. The only critique we have is the price - at £230 it's on the higher end of things and there doesn't feel like a lot of bag for that price, especially when compared to other options on the market.
- Read our full Titleist Players 4 Carbon 2025 Stand Bag Review
Best value
The Wilson Exo Lite Stand Bag in black and white
The Exo Lite is one of the best lightweight golf bags anywhere on the market. It weighs just 3.5lbs which some may feel is actually too light, but let us reassure you that we found it to be nice and sturdy and we had no problems with the legs not kicking out when placed on the ground. So even though it's almost as light as a feather, you can have peace of mind knowing it won't topple over on a windy day.
While it's fair to say that we have tested bags with better straps, but we found that the straps on the Exo Lite are comfortable and easy to adjust. We also noted that the comprehensive hip pad enhances the carrying experience and it was very comfortable over the shoulders and back as we walked the course. There are also a lot of handy features, our favorite being the magnetic rangefinder pocket which is very convenient and also feels super-premium. If you don't want to use this pocket for your rangefinder then there are plenty of other pockets to choose from, or there's even an accessory clip you could use instead.
- Read our full Wilson Exo Lite Stand Bag Review
Best hybrid bag
Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid Plus 2024 Golf Bag during testing
It's hard to get it right when creating a hybrid bag that works well for both carrying on a players back but also on one of the best electric golf trolleys or push carts but Big Max have done just that with their Dri Lite Hybrid Plus.
With eight total pockets, our favorite feature was the amount of storage space provided. Even for those who like to pack enough clothes for all four seasons won't be struggling for space and if the elements do arrive, four valuables pockets will help keep your stuff dry. We particularly loved the cool bag pocket which has enough space for two bottles and a good handful of snacks. Many have the pockets have labels on what accessories should be placed in them like the 'phone pocket' which we admittedly thought was a bit 'OTT' and spoiled the look a little.
As mentioned, it isn't just the valuable pockets that are waterproof. This entire bag boasts a waterproof shell that will keep your clubs bone dry no matter how hard the rain comes down which makes this one of the best waterproof golf bags money can buy.
- Read our full Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid Plus 2024 Golf Bag Review
Best waterproof
Testing the Callaway Fairway C bag on the golf course
Sun Mountain have created this golf bag with the avid bag carrier in mind - the old fashioned player who likes to walk their 18 holes with their bag on their back but who also wants peace of mind from the elements should they interfere with their stroll on the course.
Sun Mountain are known to make some of the best waterproof golf bags on the market, with their H2NO label being synonymous with golfers for years now. Their H2NO Litespeed is just further proof of the quality of their products, delivering market-leading waterproofing alongside a sturdy, top quality build. Given the choice of naming the bag 'Litespeed', the brand committed to making this bag an ease to walk with on your back and have delivered in that area - at 2.3kg (just under 5lbs) it barely made an impression on my back during testing.
Overall this is one of the most complete and well thought out stand bags I've tested recently. The pockets are sturdy and well proportioned whilst the zip are sturdy enough to prove waterproof but can also easily be opened with one hand. Those who live in parts of the world with iffy whether like myslef (England, unfortunately) would be wise to invest in a waterproof bag to battle the inevitable elements and I don't think you can do much better than the H2NO Litespeed.
- Read our full Sun Mountain 2024 H2NO Litespeed Stand Bag Review
Best strap design
The Callaway Fairway C HD Golf Bag
This is another terrific offering from Callaway who really excel in the carry bag department. At just 2kg (4.4lbs) this is one of the most lightweight bags that is still capable of holding a full set of 14 clubs plus everything else a golfer needs.
In terms of comfort, we were very impressed with what this bag had to offer when we tested it on the course. A new strap and hip pad design brings added comfort to the shoulders and back and this really stood out for us in testing as we experienced a level of softness that is quite unusual. When it comes to storage, there are other bags in this guide that offer more pockets but the five pockets in total were ample for us. The valuables pockets was a particular stand out for us because it is fleece-lined to protect your phone from scratching, which is a nice touch. Additionally it also has a cooler pocket as well as a large main pocket for carrying essentials such as waterproofs or a jumper, while we should mention that this bag comes in a variety of cool, unique colors as well.
It's also worth noting that this bag is fully waterproof. Thanks to its 10K waterproof fabric and fully seam sealed construction, the Fairway C HD bag guarantees protection from even the heaviest of downpours. For more models from this brand, check out our guide on the best Callaway golf bags.
- Read our full Callaway Fairway C HD Golf Bag Review
Best lightweight
The TaylorMade FlexTech SuperLite Golf Stand Bag
This is the perfect golf bag for the player who fancies a quick nine holes in the evening with their bag on their back and the least amount of fuss. Despite weighing slightly more than a feather at just 1.4kg, this is well constructed, sturdy golf bag. The legs give a sturdy base when the bag is set down and are a triggered to extend automatically when you put the bag down at an angle.
There aren't many easier golf bags on the market in terms of user friendliness - the lightweight straps make this a comfortable and enjoyable carry, barely leaving an impression on the shoulders or back during testing thanks to the padded section on the section of bag where it rests and bumps against your body.
There is also plenty of storage in the six available pockets, albeit the largest pocket will be filled by a set of waterproofs. Due to the valuables pocket being on the outside of the main pocket, it means the two are fighting for room and thus our valuables had to be squeezed in when we were carrying our waterproofs. Speaking of waterproofs, this bag held up against the odd spring shower but will not protect your equipment from the elements in more sustained or heavy rain showers.
- Read our full TaylorMade FlexTech SuperLite Golf Stand Bag Review
Best luxury stand
The Vessel Player V Stand Bag
The Players V bag from Vessel ticks the boxes for both looks and performance, delivering a striking aesthetic alongside a very user-friendly, enjoyable bag to use on the course. From the general styling to the small details, we loved this bag during testing.
Vessel are known for their premium golf bags, hence the price tag, but you really do get what you pay for here. The Player V screams luxury and style by combining soft but robust leather with chrome detailing and a clean, unfussy design. We tested this bag over half a dozen rounds and kept finding new tidbits of quality in each, our favorites being the magnetic rangefinder pocket, the self balancing straps and the top notch rotator stand system.
The Rotator Stand system is one of the best system we've seen on a stand bag and basically allows the base of the bag to sit flush to the ground when the carbon fiber legs are deployed no matter the angle or gradient of slope you find yourself on. It's a feature that means you'll have peace of mind that your bag is secure and stable when stationary, especially when the wind is blowing. Given the quality of the stand and other materials in this build, this is a bag that will last you many years if you do decide to invest in one.
- Read our full Vessel Player V Stand Bag Review
Best Sunday bag
The Sunday Golf Loma XL stand bag
The best Sunday golf bags are a growing niche within the game of golf, aimed at players who carry half a set occasionally but as an additional bag to their normal 14-club bag rather than a replacement.
What better company to design the market-leading bag within this niche than Sunday Golf? Their Loma XL is our favorite 'Sunday bag', neatly storing up to eight of our clubs during testing. It weighs next to nothing and comes with a comfortable double strap that I only really wore over one shoulder. Eye-catching colors are available as part of the 7 color options and I'd recommend going for one of the brighter colors than the darker ones as they certainly enhance shelf appeal in my opinion.
There is a pocket for everything you’d need with half a set despite this looking like a very small bag including a Velcro glove holder, valuables pocket, a tee/pencil holder, a mesh pocket which I used to store a rangefinder and a ‘Frosty Pocket’ for drinks. This is arguably the most fun I've ever had testing a golf bag because you can really tell the effort Sunday Golf put into creating this product and props to them for that - it's excellent.
- Read our full Sunday Golf Loma XL Stand Bag Review
Best vinyl bag
The OGIO Shadow Golf Stand Bag in black
Another really top notch premium golf bag is the Ogio Shadow golf bag. Described by tester Sam De'Ath as "like a Ferrari of the golfing world", this bag oozes quality and class thanks to the premium synthetic leather, premium stitched handles and carbon fiber legs which give off a real feel of top quality throughout your experience.
Ogio carry over their useful Fit Disk technology to the shadow, a system that which automatically adjusts the straps to level out the bag when picked up onto your shoulders. However, the straps are manually adjustable as well. Speaking of the straps, they're incredibly comfortable and as good as any we've used on some of the best stand bags - when you pair this with the lack of weight you're carrying considering this is a leather bag, it's an excellent one-two combo.
Despite the construction of the bag being superb, fairly lightweight and comfortable to carry, the pockets really don’t offer too much space. Nine pockets are included on the bag but they fill up quickly and the larger pocket was barely big enough to carry another layer like a jacket or 1/4 zip pullover. It's worth noting, especially if you play in poor conditions and often need to bring some of the best golf waterproofs with you onto the course.
- Read our full Ogio Shadow Stand Bag Review
Best cart bag
The Motocaddy Protekta Cart Bag on a golf cart
The unique divider is the thing that really stood out for us when testing this bag. Motocaddy has designed the bag so that each club goes into an individual slot and is locked in place, thus reducing that rattling and noise which can be so irritating. In total, there are nine iron slots, four wood slots and a putter well that is large enough even for oversized putter grips.
There is ample storage to be had too, with a total of nine pockets that include two valuables pockets as well as two full-length side pockets to hold the rain cover plus whatever apparel and larger accessories you may want to carry. In addition, this bag is fully waterproof and all pockets feature an easy-to-open Japanese YKK zip that can be opened with one hand and have been seam-sealed to keep the water out.
In short the Protekta performs very well indeed and as such it is our top cart bag pick right now, particularly if you use it with a cart such as the Motocaddy Cube Push Trolley.
- Read our full Motocaddy Protekta Cart Bag Review
Best color choice
The Ogio All Elements Cart Bag on a golf cart
The Ogio All Elements bag has a huge amount of space available for everything you need on the course. Featuring a whopping 11 pockets, including two large side ones for your waterproofs as well other larger items of clothing. There are also options galore for your valuables, balls, umbrella and drinks (it has an insulated cooler pocket). Along with the plethora of pockets, the bag boasts 15 dividers which are particularly roomy and can house a full set of clubs while also having an extra slot which can be used for alignment sticks.
While it is slightly more expensive than some of the other Ogio bags on the market, we believe that it's worth the extra cost as Ogio really have thrown everything at this bag. We can say with some confidence that this bag should last you forever. It's very premium and the detailing inside the pockets as well as the feel and ease of the zips are obvious signs that this bag is a definite step up when it comes to functionality, durability and quality.
Of course the looks will divide opinion as is always the case with Ogio, but there are eight color options available so there should be something for everyone.
- Read our full Ogio All Elements Cart Bag Review
Best storage
Sun Mountain C-130 Cart Bag on a golf cart
The C-130 from Sun Mountain has been around in various guises since 2005 and it has been a best seller for the company. We're big fans of the C-130 and indeed of Sun Mountain in general, and this is one of the most popular cart bags of all-time. It has been specifically developed for golfers who ride when they play. It will work on a push cart, but it should be stressed that the focus of the design was for use on a buggy.
The C-130 has three strategically placed utility handles that make it easy to get on and off of a golf cart or in and out of a car trunk. This is important, particular as many golfers who use golf carts/buggys are seniors, so being easy to lift is essential. The utility handles really aid that process, while the bag is kept secure during play via Sun Mountain’s Smart Strap system which works really well.
As it's such a large bag, there is plenty of scope for adding extra pockets and the C-130 boasts 13 pockets in total, all of which are easy to access when the bag is on a cart.
Another feature we liked was that the C-130 has 14 individual club dividers, including a putter well that will accommodate putters of all sizes. The bag is available in more than a dozen color choices and we feel it provides excellent value for money at under $270.
- Read our full Sun Mountain C-130 Cart Bag Review
Best functionality
The Stewart Golf Nero Cart Bag in black
While not necessarily the first name you think of when it comes to golf bags, Stewart Golf has been making some of the best remote electric trolleys and best push carts for a few years now. It makes sense therefore that they would eventually turn their attention to making bags that go with them. The Nero certainly does that.
Aesthetically it looks fantastic thanks to the sleek black finish, while the synthetic leather is soft to the touch, looks premium and wipes clean really easily too. There's loads of storage with nine pockets in total, including a large insulated front pocket that we really liked because it was so huge. You also get two velour-lined valuables pockets plus a magnetic front pocket which is ideal for a rangefinder. The extra large putter well is a nice touch too and it will hold putters with any sized grip. Another nice design element is the customizable zipped front panel.
The bag will work with any trolley but it has been specifically designed for use with Stewart Golf's own products and if you own one of their fantastic trolleys it's well worth investing in the matching bag to go with it.
- Read our full Stewart Golf Nero Cart Bag Review
How we test the best golf bags
We pride ourselves on the quality and integrity of our product testing, and our testing process for all golf gear, including golf bags, is rigorous and comprehensive. When it comes to our testing methodology, if we say we have reviewed a product you can be assured that this means we have used it out on the golf course and put it through its paces in different conditions.
Due to the fact we test a lot of golf equipment, be that some of the best golf shoes, best golf drivers or even the latest golf gps or best golf rangefinders - it means our testing team are spending a lot of time out on the golf course. To test these devices out 'in the wild', it helps a lot to have a golf bag to carry our equipment in! Items like golf bags, shoes and rangefinders get extremely vigorous testing due to the fact we use them when testing them specifically, but also during other testing session when using the likes of golf clubs out on the links.
Dan testing one of the best golf trolley bags
When we test golf bags, they get an absolute minimum of half a dozen runs out on the golf course. We try and test them across different days and different conditions to really see how they fare. We also focus in on specific selling points with each bags and test out these features to see if they work - for example, when testing some of the best waterproof golf bags we'll play 18 holes in adverse conditions to see how they hold up against the wet. If a specific pocket - say, the valuables pocket - is labelled waterproof then we'll pour water on it and check the contents of the pocket after to see if they are dry.
We leave no stone unturned in this department - we make sure to put the best lightweight golf bags on the scale to see if the weight the brand tell us they are is true.
Dan tests dozens of stand bags and cart bags each year
Although Dan is the head of golf bag testing, the number of bags we test in a year is too much even for him! Therefore he drafts in other well-informed members of the Golf Monthly team who know a thing or two about what makes a good golf bag. Testing therefore takes place on a multitude of some of the best golf courses in the UK including Saunton Golf Club, West Hill Golf Club and even Royal County Down.
We should also stress that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review from us because we always tell things exactly how we see it. The Golf Monthly testing team is a mixture of ages and handicaps, and most are members at golf clubs so they can regularly put golf gear to the test in fun rounds as well as in competitions.
How to choose 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
This is the first thing to decide as everything else then follows. Put simply what kind of bag do you want?
Stand bags are designed for those who want to carry their clubs around the golf course. This means comfort and weight are paramount. Stand bags also have to offer strength and robustness, and depending on your requirements perhaps you will be looking for something waterproof. The two negatives most associated with stand bags are that they require more effort to use, and because they are designed to travel light they usually don't offer as much storage as cart bags. However, there are hybrid models 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 do not want to carry and who want to use a push cart or ride a buggy on the golf course. If you fall into this category then you'll want a stable bag that is not only easy to lift and move around, but also 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 more pockets because they are larger and because you are not having to carry it on your back, so you can afford to carry more weight.
The cooler pocket on the Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid Prime Stand Bag is so deep I can fit my whole arm into it!
Waterproofing
If you live or golf somewhere that gets a lot of rain then this it is essential to get a bag that offers protection from the rain. If you don't play in the rain then this is not as important, but considering that you can always get caught in a surprise downpour it's advisable to have some level of water resistance in your bag, even if you don't go fully waterproof. Some models above are better than others in this regard because they have been designed as such, so keep that in mind when buying.
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 maneuver on the golf course, and from the car to the cart itself.
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.
FAQs
What makes a good golf bag?
A good golf bag needs to protect your equipment first and foremost. It also needs to be lightweight, spacious and waterproof for when the conditions are at their worst. If your bag doesn't provide the above then it can distract you from your game, as your focus will be on protecting your clubs, not hitting them!
Do I need a stand bag or a cart bag?
It all comes down to preference. If you are needing to use a trolley when out on the golf course then a cart bag is going to be better. However, if you don't mind carrying, then a stand bag is going to be more suited for your golf game.
What is the average weight of a full golf bag?
Of course the variety in golf bag design in terms of stand, cart, Tour models, means this is tricky to give a definitive answer for. But we have found that for stand bags, when full, tend to come in at around the 30 pound mark. Cart bags can often be a little more and Tour bags even higher because they are just larger.
What golf bag does Tiger Woods use?
Tiger Woods uses a Vessel Prime Staff bag. His bag also has a number of Monster Energy logos on it.
What golf bag does Rory McIlroy use?
Grand slam winner Rory McIlroy uses a TaylorMade staff bag during tour rounds due to his sponsorship with the brand, the style of which changes for the major championship as manufacturers release special edition tour bags to mark the four major tournaments.