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
Very much a bag for the golfer who errs on the side of caution over what they take with them out on the course. There really is space for everything and it's waterproof too.
The Dry Series is highly functional in terms of its storage options, it's exceptional in wet weather, and it has a very well thought-out design.
A trolley bag that does everything required, and more. If you're after a reasonably lightweight bag with plenty of storage space it's hard to look past.
A superb and well made lightweight waterproof stand bag. The attention to detail proves this bag was made for avid walkers and those who seek class-leading waterproof protection need look no further.
A well designed and lightweight bag that can carry everything a golfer needs. The magnetic rangefinder pocket and sturdy legs are standout features.
There is a lot more to the All Elements range than just the looks. It is both highly functional and versatile and is ideal for anyone who wants to carry all 14 clubs.
Load the next 3 models
This bag has clearly been designed by golfers and the perfectly proportioned pockets, ultra-lightweight build and trendy look make it a class leader in the Sunday bag category.
Incredibly lightweight and easy to carry, the Par 3 HD is fully waterproof and the micro legs work perfectly to keep your clubs from clanking whenever the bag is placed on the ground.
Considering the relatively modest price, the Titleist Premium carry bag is feature rich, lightweight and well worth considering as a second bag.
Best Golf Bags For Seniors
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Best light cart bag
With the 'Aqua' name, you'd rightly expect this bag to be fully waterproof - and indeed it is. The Aqua Sport 360 is one of the best waterproof golf bags and offers terrific all round performance.
For seniors golfers, and all golfers in fact, this protection gives peace of mind when confronted with changing weather conditions and it also happens to be lightweight as well. This makes it very easy to maneuver onto a cart or from the car for older players, and the double grab handles at the top make this a seamless process as well.
The obvious stand out of this bag is that it has pocket space all the way around the bag, hence the 360 name. This extra space allows you to streamline the number of things you have to carry to the course. The extra-capacity drinks cooler pocket can comfortably keep two drinks bottles and snacks too. There is also an oversized putter well that fits larger grips and the 14-way divider is covered in soft, protective materials to prevent club crowding.
- Read our full Big Max Aqua Sport 360 Cart Bag Review
Best waterproof
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 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.
- Read our full Motocaddy 2022 Dry Series Cart Bag Review
Best value cart bag
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.
- Read our full Cobra 2021 Ultralight Cart Bag Review
Best stand bag
Sun Mountain have been making high-quality golf bags for years now and this continues with the 2024 edition of the H2NO Litespeed.
As the name would suggest, it is very light at around the 4.4 pounds mark which equates to just two kilograms. It barely makes an impression on your back which senior golfers will enjoy, and the sensation of ease when carrying is bolstered by the new bubble design hip pad and the X-strap system.
Additionally it is fully waterproof too. The fabric is given a waterproof treatment on both sides and have seamed seals making it impossible for water to penetrate through the bag and wet whatever is inside.
The pockets are well designed and they are laid out in a way that clearly shows this bag has been designed for golfers, and we like the array of cool colors and patterns available too. Overall this is one of the most complete and well thought out stand bags we have tested recently. If you are in the market for a lightweight, waterproof stand bag, then we cannot recommend this model enough.
- Read our full Sun Mountain 2024 H2NO Litespeed Stand Bag Review
Best value stand bag
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.
- Read our full Wilson Exo Lite Stand Bag Review
Best color choice
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.
- Read our full Ogio All Elements Hybrid Stand Bag Review
Top pencil bag
Sunday Golf are known for producing some of the best golf pencil bags on the market and, with their Loma XL, it's a similar story once again. To start we think it looks great and the fact there are nine colors to choose from means there is something for everyone.
Obviously being a thin pencil bag it is extremely light, just 3.4lbs (1.5kg) to be exact which is outstanding given its size and full-length stand, which often isn't available on pencil bags. What's more, the 3-way divider neatly stores up to 8 clubs and, for comfort, there is a double strap that our tester only really needed to wear over one shoulder.
There are five pockets, the two chief ones being the valuables pocket, and the ‘Frosty Pocket’, which is perfectly sized for a water bottle or two cans of drink. In conclusion, it's clear that this bag has been designed by golfers, and senior golfers will enjoy the performance no doubt, which is why it's our top pencil bag pick.
- Read our full Sunday Golf Loma XL Stand Bag Review
Best waterproof pencil
Another pencil bag we think senior golfers will like is the Par 3 HD model from Callaway. At just 4.4lbs (2kg), anyone can lift it and carry it over 18 holes whilst it also does the basics very well.
Legs-wise, the Par 3 HD is designed with micro legs which are much shorter and need to be extended manually before setting the bag down on the ground. We thought this may be a problem but, handily, the bag is designed in such a way that the legs can remain extended when carrying. Also, by having the legs extended, it was much easier to put down and pick up without the clubs bashing together when the bag hit the turf.
One of the best Callaway golf bags on the market, it has a lot of good design features that elevate it. For example the double shoulder strap was comfortable and can adjusted easily, and we should also mention it is 100% waterproof which is rarer than it should be in the pencil bag market.
- Read our full Callaway Par 3 HD Pencil Bag Review
Best premium pencil
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.
- Read our full Titleist Premium Carry Bag Review
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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