Best Golf Bags For Seniors 2024

In this guide, we pick out the best options for golfers in the twilight stages of their career on the course

Best Golf Bags For Seniors

Getting on in your golfing life means that you are unlikely to be carrying a full set of clubs in a normal stand bag. I mean, why would you? It’s heavy! That’s why the best push cart bags for trolleys are so popular these days. However even cart bags can get pretty heavy when maneuvering a trolley, so lightweight versions are becoming more mainstream as manufacturers use new materials and techniques to create trolley bags that have enough space for your gear, retain their shape and weigh much less than the traditional cart bag.

This is important for senior golfers as it makes the bag lighter to lift in and out of the car, but also on and off the trolley. It also makes the trolley easier to steer on the course as the combined weight with the bag means less effort is required, particularly if you are using a push trolley rather than an electric one. One of the major developments in golf bags in recent years has been the incorporation of waterproof materials, which thanks to advancements in golfing technology, are much thinner and lighter than before.

Even though senior golfers don’t often carry their bags, there are some exceptions. With many courses restricting trolleys in the winter due to course conditions, more manufacturers are now also offering lightweight golf bags, which are effectively pencil bags with legs. The best pencil bags are often a little shorter and smaller with 7-inch tops and multiple pockets for a few items - ideal for taking a half set and a few balls out for a winter game. But whatever bag you're thinking of buying, be sure to check out our list below on the best golf bags for senior golfers and our buyers guide on what to consider when purchasing your next golf bag. 

The Quick List

Best Golf Bags For Seniors

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Best light cart bag

The black and yellow PowaKaddy X-Lite Cart Bag Resting on the golf course

(Image credit: Future)
Lightweight bag with Key-Lock base at competitive price

Specifications

Weight: 2.2kg/4.8lbs
Dividers : 14-way top
Pockets: 7
Waterproof: No
Colors: 2 (Black/Yellow; Black/Red)

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight at just 2.2kg
+
Excellent value for money
+
Great storage options

Reasons to avoid

-
Basic styling
-
Not waterproof

PowaKaddy’s entry-level cart bag is also its lightest at just 2.2kg, which means that you get a bag that is easy to lift and also comes with the Key-Lock base that'll lock onto some of the PowaKaddy trolleys you'll find on our best push carts guide as well as many others on that list. It comes with 7 pockets including 2 full-length apparel pockets and a drink cooler pocket meaning there's plenty of space for all your gear. 

Speaking of which, if you're the type of golfer who likes to carry a lot of stuff with them on the course, this bag is a great option, considering how light it is. It comes with a 14-way top divider which again is a great option for any player who likes to carry a full stack of golf clubs akin to many of the best golf cart bags around.

It may not have all the other bells and whistles you might find on more expensive bags, but it has all the main features you need in a no-nonsense style and at a great price. The X-Lite is not 100 percent waterproof but it is a fantastic bag if you plan on playing a lot of hot weather golf. If you're looking for an offering that will help shelter you from the rain, check out our guide on the best waterproof golf bags.

Best waterproof

The black and navy Motocaddy Cart Series Bag mounted on a trolley on the golf courseEditors Choice 2022

(Image credit: Future)
Waterproof cart bag with Easilock base for hassle free on and off

Specifications

Weight: 2.4kg/5.5lbs
Divider : 14-way top
Pockets: 7
Waterproof: Yes
Colors: 4 (Blue/Grey; Yellow/ Grey; Pink/Grey; Red/Grey)

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight and waterproof
+
Good storage space

Reasons to avoid

-
No cooler pocket

The Motocaddy Dry Series cart bag brings all kinds of functionality to the party, being a lightweight bag that features a TPU Coated Nylon waterproof fabric to your clubs and gear dry. We have used this in torrential rainstorms and it has kept all the water out, especially in the pockets thanks to the thermo seam sealed YKK zips. So if you live in wetter climates, it may be worth considering this golf bag which is one of the best waterproof golf bags on the market. 

There is ample space in the two large apparel pockets on each side and the easy-to-access front pockets also feature a cooler pocket which does well at keeping drinks chilled on a hot day. Take a look at our guide on the best golf drinks cooler bags too. There are nice touches like a towel holder, Velcro glove pad and grab handles at the top and bottom so everything has been thought of. Combine this with the Easilock base system for use with Motocaddy trolleys and you have a comprehensive bag offering that doesn’t require a strap to hold the base of the bag in place.

Best value cart bag

The Red and white Cobra Ultralight Trolley Bag resting on the golf course

(Image credit: Future)
Lightweight cart bag that offers excellent value for money

Specifications

Weight: 2.3kg/5lbs
Dividers : 14-way top
Pockets: 13
Waterproof: No
Colors: 3 (White/Red; Black/Orange; Red/White; Grey)

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight with excellent grab handles
+
Great value for money
+
Excellent storage options

Reasons to avoid

-
Head-turning design

The Cobra Ultralight Cart bag brings a lot of features for a great price. It is one of the best golf bags for its value on the market and comes with plenty of usability that makes it a great option for any senior player who likes to have a lot of bells and whistles on their bag. It has a 14-way divider in the 9-inch top, plus a detachable rain hood. There are a whopping 13 pockets all over the bag for everything you need including a fleece-lined valuables pocket and an insulated cooler pocket for your drinks. While some may see this as a bit overkill we loved how much room we had in the bag when we took it out on the golf course.

The base is compatible with most of the best push carts and best electric golf trolleys out there and there is also a very handy pass-through slot for the cart strap which is a lot easier than passing the strap around the bag and a feature that allowed us to still gain access to all of the bags pockets and features. It’s not totally waterproof, but if you are looking for a lightweight cart bag with plenty of storage options for a great price, then the Cobra Ultralight is worth picking up.

Best stand bag

Sun Mountain Eco-Lite Stand Bag 2023

(Image credit: Future)
A lightweight model with a 14-way divider

Specifications

Weight: 1.8kg/3.5 lbs
Divider: 14
Pockets: 4
Waterproof: Not fully (Showerproof)
Colors: 4

Reasons to buy

+
Incredibly lightweight
+
Comfortable carry straps
+
Quality club protection

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited color options
-
14-way divider will split opinion

For golfers who like to carry their clubs, having a bag that is lightweight is vitally important, and the Eco-Lite from Sun Mountain is one of the best for this. It weighs just 4lbs and provides superb comfort whilst carrying.  This is thanks to the padded straps, which can be adjusted easily.

In weight, it’s akin to a Sunday or pencil bag but, in storage, it does compromise a touch when compared to other stand bags. The bag has four pockets, including a valuables pocket and larger pocket on the outer side. The pockets aren't particularly large, so for golfers who like to carry lots of extra layers or drinks, the pocket space fills up very quickly.

Although it isn’t fully waterproof, it is made using water-resistant fabric, which we found offered reasonably extensive protection. It wasn’t until the heavens really opened that some water began to penetrate the fabric, and even then it was minimal.

Best value stand bag

The red and white Wilson Exo Lite Stand Bag resting on the golf course

(Image credit: Kevin Murray)
A very handy golf bag that is super lightweight

Specifications

Weight : 1.8kg/3.5 lbs
Divider: 3-way top
Pockets: 6
Waterproof : Not fully (Showerproof)
Colors: 6

Reasons to buy

+
Magnetic rangefinder pocket is very convenient
+
Legs kick out easily and provide a solid base
+
Super lightweight but still sturdy

Reasons to avoid

-
Not best for carrying full 14 clubs
-
Not suitable for cart/trolley use

Wilson are one of the most reliable brands in the market producing some of the best and highest performing golf clubs in the game. And their new Exo Lite Stand Bag reinforces that reputation, being a high-quality golf bag that delivers in functionality and style. The stand-out feature the magnetic rangefinder pocket which is firstly very convenient and also feels super-premium If you don't want to use your rangefinder in this pocket, then there are plenty of other pockets, or even an accessory clip that you can utilize.

While this bag isn't fully waterproof, it is certainly showerproof and if you wanted to stash some of the best Wilson golf clubs in it, you'll find that it will deliver ample protection to keep them clean and dry on the course. It does come with a fully waterproof, fleece-lined valuables pocket that will keep your phone, wallet and keys dry in monsoon conditions. 

It is also one of the best lightweight golf bags on the market, with the Exo Lite weighing just 3.5lbs. In testing, we had no problems with the legs not kicking out when placed on the ground and, on a windy day, there will be peace of mind knowing it won't topple over. Although we have tested better straps, they are certainly comfortable and easy to adjust while the comprehensive hip pad makes for an altogether comfortable experience over the shoulders and back. 

Best color choice

Ogio All Elements Hybrid Stand Bag resting on the golf course

(Image credit: Future)
Cool design that is also waterproof

Specifications

Weight: 2.5kg/ 5.69lbs
Dividers: 8-way top
Pockets: 9 Pockets
Waterproof: Yes
Colors : 8 (Black; Camo; Geo Fast; Midnight Jungle; Nebula; Shibori Mountain; Warp Speed; Terra Texture)

Reasons to buy

+
It's rock solid
+
Ideal for carrying and on a trolley
+
Fully waterproof pockets

Reasons to avoid

-
The colour options won't be for everyone

The Ogio All Elements Hybrid Stand Bag is certainly one of the best looking bags on the market right now. Boasting a cool and stylish design and some excellent colorways, this is a great option if you want to stand out on the golf course. Style aside, there is a lot more to this bag than its fancy patterns, with its material being fully waterproof meaning it'll keep all your golf gear dry on the course. Equally, it also comes with seam seeled zips that'll keep your valuables dry. The pockets boast ample space for all of the best golf accessories that you may want to stash in your bag, plus there is also plenty of room for some of the best golf waterproofs too.

Senior players may not always want to carry around a fully loaded cart bag, but the eight-way divider on the top of the bag means you have the option to either carry a few or all your clubs, depending on what kind of golf you want to play. Having that flexibility makes this one of the best golf bags on the market and is the perfect way to keep your sticks all organised and dent free. One other cool thing about this bag is that it houses a ball silo on the back, which, while seeming slightly gimmicky, was so handy to house a full packet of the best premium golf balls

Top pencil bag

The TaylorMade Quiver Stand Bag on a white background

TaylorMade Quiver Stand Bag

Pencil bag with mini legs offers best of both worlds

Specifications

Weight: 1.4kg/3lbs
Dividers: 3-way top
Pockets: 4
Waterproof: No
Colors: 2 (Black; Teal)

Reasons to buy

+
Mini legs keep bag off wet ground
+
Lightweight 1.4kg design

Reasons to avoid

-
Only double strap option

The TaylorMade Quiver golf bag comes with retractable mini stand legs that keep most of the bag off the damp ground and also provide that little bit of help picking the bag up as it is not quite as far to reach down. The lightweight 1.4kg design features a full-length pocket that is split into 3 to give you plenty of storage options, making it one of the best TaylorMade golf bags available for seniors. The is a 3-way divider on the top of the bag for your clubs that combines with an easy-to-use grab handle that you can lift and go. It’s not waterproof and again only has a double strap option, but the mini stand design is the ideal compromise between a lightweight pencil bag and a stand bag.

Best lightweight pencil

Callaway Carry Double Strap Bag resting on a white background

Callaway Carry Double Strap Bag

An extremely lightweight golf bag that is very easy to carry

Specifications

Weight: 1.1kg/2.4lbs
Dividers: 3-way top
Waterproof: No
Pockets: 3
Colors: 2 (Grey; Blue)

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight
+
Good storage for a pencil bag

Reasons to avoid

-
No stand

There’s something very satisfying about this pencil bag. Throw a few clubs together, sling in a few balls and tees and head out onto the links. It’s a great feeling to get back to golfing basics. This carry bag is extremely light. At only just over 1kg, it’s the lightest of the Callaway golf bags. But it has a three-way top with full-length dividers to keep your clubs separate and there’s reasonable storage in three pockets, one of which is a full-length apparel pocket.

The double strap makes it comfy to carry, while we noticed the water-resistant underside kept our kit dry when caught in a shower. Any more moisture than that though and you might be in trouble. For a quick nine holes on a summer’s evening, the Callaway Carry is a great option, but if you're looking for something more substantial from the Callaway range, head over to our best Callaway golf bag guide.

Best premium pencil

The Titleist Premium Carry Bag resting on the green

(Image credit: Tom Miles)
A minimalist option ideal for summer strolls

Specifications

Weight: 1kg/2.2lbs
Dividers: 4-way top
Pockets: 4
Waterproof: No
Colors: 4 (Black/Red; Black; Blue; Orange)

Reasons to buy

+
As light as they come
+
Comfy carrying

Reasons to avoid

-
Not waterproof
-
No rain hood included

Weighing in at just 1kg, the Titleist Premium Carry Bag is light as a feather (nearly). It’s specifically designed for a quick summer round or nine holes in the evening with a half set. You might not get all your kit in there, but there is space for a waterproof jacket, balls and accessories. Hitting the fairways with a pencil bag like this feels great. You’re unencumbered by bulky equipment and you can just focus on enjoying the walk and your game.

We found this bag super comfy to carry thanks to the ergonomically designed double strap, but it’s pretty solid too and the mini stand legs keep it nicely off the ground to stop it getting wet. In our opinion, this option works best as a second bag for those who want to travel light in summer or squeeze in a quick round – it’s great to have the choice of throwing a few sticks in and striding out. We like it so much we also included it in our guides on the best lightweight golf bags and the best Titleist golf bags too.

How we test golf bags

When it comes to product testing, our reviews and buyers' guides are built upon a rigorous testing procedure as well as the knowledge and experience of the test team. All members of the Golf Monthly team contribute to golf bag testing and conveying the pros and cons of each item eloquently. Getting into specifics, we test golf bags outdoors on premium golf courses to get a thorough understanding on what design features each bag offers. Ultimately, we aim to be as insightful and honest as possible in our reviews. For that reason, it is important to acknowledge that no manufacturer can buy a good review. This is because our team tells it how it is. To learn more about our methodology, see how Golf Monthly tests products in our guide. 

How to choose a golf bag

Choosing the right bag for senior golf can be complex but by asking yourself these questions, you should be able to choose the right golf bag for you.

1. Do you use a golf trolley?

Using a lighter trolley bag means pushing less weight around the course. That also means less weight to lift into and out of the car and on to your trolley. Combine this with one of the strap-free connectors on the base of the trolley and you won’t have to bend down to attach the bag either. If you do use a trolley, why not also check out our guide to the best golf carts for more details on some of the latest options out there. 

2. Do you play in wet weather?

Depending on whether you're purely a summer golfer, or like to get out during the wetter months of the year, having a waterproof bag can help you keep your clubs well protected and dry. The best Waterproof golf bags are made of a more advanced materials than standard golf bags, so that can make them more expensive. However, that will keep your clubs safe and well protected from the elements. But If you're simply a fair weather golfer, then perhaps a standard carry bag will suffice for you.

3. How many pockets do you need? 

How much extra clothing, balls, waterproofs, gloves, food and drink do you normally take on the course? A trolley bag offers space to take it all but it will make the bag heavier. Think about what you need on the course and then buy the bag with the right storage for you. If you need a few then we recommend taking a look at some of the best golf cart bags.

4. How many clubs do you carry? 

Do you regularly take between 7 and 10 clubs to lighten the load? If you do, then a cart or stand bag may not be right for you. Consider choosing a pencil bag that has enough room for the essential clubs you need to get around the course. Also think about limiting the number of balls you take in your bag to ensure you're not carrying too much. If you carry a lot of equipment then maybe one of the best tour golf bags is right for you. 

5. What's your budget?

As always cost is a factor and the main brands have a deserved reputation for quality. The better trolley bags can last for a long time so the investment could pay off in the long run. If you are on a budget and don’t play often look around for good deals as there are plenty of good value options.

For some more excellent options on some of the best golf bags in the game, why not check out our guides to the best TaylorMade golf bags, best Titleist golf bags and the best Callaway golf bags.

FAQs

What are the lightest types of golf bags?

Golf pencil bags, or Sunday bags, are the lightest bags in golf. They are smaller than a stand bag and have enough room for between seven to 10 clubs. That means they are a great option for senior golfers looking to minimize the amount of weight on their back when playing a round of golf.

Does brand of golf bag matter?

Not necessarily. As a general rule, the more recognisable brand names in golf are without a doubt some of the more reliable manufactorers. That means their products are durable and come with a certain level of quality. However there are plenty of other brands on the market providing excellent quality golf equipment that can help you enjoy your round. 

Can you fit 14 clubs in a pencil bag?

Generally, you can fit 14 clubs in a golf pencil bag, but it is unadvisable to do so. Pencil bags are designed to carry between seven and 10 clubs, so the more you pack into them the heavier they will become and the harder it will be to pull a club out from that cramped pencil bag. 

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Sam Tremlett
E-commerce Editor

A golfer for most of his life, Sam is Golf Monthly's E-commerce Editor.

Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes. 

He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This takes the form of buying guides, reviews, supporting gear content as well as creating deal content.

This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for, at a good price.

Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website, whilst he is also responsible for all content related to golf apparel. 

Additionally Sam oversees Golf Monthly voucher/coupon content which seeks to find you the best offers and promotions from well-known brands like Callaway, TaylorMade and many more.

Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a single-figure handicap. 

Sam's What's In The Bag: 

Driver: Cobra LTDxLS (9 degrees) 

Fairway Wood: Ping G430 Max (15 degrees), Nike Covert Tour 2.0 (19 degrees) 

Irons (4-PW): Titleist AP2 

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 54˚, 58˚ 

Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 

Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

Shoes: G/FORE Gallivanter/Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3/Cuater The Ringer (For off the course he goes for Nike Jordan 1 Low G shoes as well)