What is a Sunday bag, I hear you ask? It's a bag that gives players the chance to play an easy round of golf on the final day of the weekend with little weight on their back and quickly as they can - otherwise known as a pencil bag.
One may think that pencil bags are a bit basic, but you would be surprised at how much choice there is when choosing the right Sunday bag - Whether it's a lightweight model, or one with plenty of pockets, there is a Sunday bag option for everyone and, in this piece, we have picked out our favorites for this guide.
Much like many of the best golf pencil bags, one of the main drawbacks when it comes to Sunday bags is the lack of storage space. This means that, if you’re someone that likes to head out on the course prepared for any eventualities, you might want to check out our guides to the best golf stand bags or best golf trolley bags.
The Quick List
The Sunday Golf Loma XL shouldn't really be considered a pencil bag given it has a stand and plenty of pockets, but it's one of the most unique golf bags money can buy.
Ideal for those who want a quick nine holes on a Sunday evening, the Quiver's smart stand and clever pocket space makes it a great option for the player who likes to pack light.
Considering the relatively modest price, the Titleist Premium carry bag is feature-rich, lightweight and well worth considering as a second bag.
Mizuno deliver a quality bag with plenty of storage space given it's size, plus the mini stand is a great feature. Plenty of color options are available, too.
Arguably the best looking bag on this list, the Par 3 HD is full waterproof and has a mini stand to prevent your clubs from getting dirty on the ground when you set the bag down.
The lightest of the Ping golf bags, the Moonlite is ideal if you’re zipping out for a quick nine holes or even an evening round. It comes in four cool colors.
Best Sunday Golf Bags
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Top pick
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 begin with, the looks are gorgeous and, with nine colors to choose from, there should be something for everybody.
Weighing just 1.5kg, it's one of the lightest bags you can buy on the market. The 3-way divider helps neatly organize your clubs, whilst a double strap is so comfy we mainly only needed one of the straps when we took this bag out onto the course for testing.
There's plenty of pocket space, but our favourite was the 'Frosty Pocket' which is perfectly designed for a sizable water bottle or a couple of cans of drinks. The velcro glove holder is a nice touch, as is the tee/pencil holder. A valuables pocket will keep your important items stored safely, while your range finder can fit nicely in the purposely designed mesh pocket. You can tell this bag has been designed by golfers themselves given how many neat features it has to make that Sunday stroll on the links that bit easier.
- Read our full Sunday Golf Loma XL Stand Bag Review
Best for travel
The self-adjusting strap on the Quiver bag makes this one of the comfiest pencil bags out there, something we found really valuable in testing. Add to this the extended grab handle and short retractable legs which add to the ease of use, we really loved this offering from Taylormade.
In addition to all that, it weighs just 1.4kg, so while it may be slightly heavier than other offerings on this list, it isn’t far behind some of the lightest golf bags on the market. Importantly, it’s a great choice for golfers who want to play a quick nine or who travel a lot, as it takes up very little space in the boot of a car and, overall, it cements itself as one of the best TaylorMade golf bags.
Best premium model
Weighing in at just 1kg, the Titleist Premium Carry Bag is as light as a feather, with it 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. What's more, 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 from 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 liked it so much we also included it in our guides on the best lightweight golf bags and the best Titleist golf bags.
- Read our full Titleist Premium Carry Bag Review
Best colors
The Mizuno BR-D2 Mini Bag is another great option for the golfer that just wants to take a few clubs with them out on the course. The BR-D2 comes with a two-way divider as well as multiple handy pockets so you have enough space for your clubs as well as other important items.
The mini stand is very user-friendly as it's easy to use and retract. We really liked this feature as it does a great job of keeping equipment dry when the ground is damp, and it's easy to scoop up and carry after your shot as it's very lightweight, at just 1.5kg.
The lightweight nature of the bag, combined with two excellent padded straps means that you will still feel fresh at the end of your round, no matter how many holes you play. However, if you are after something that is slightly bigger and will house more clubs and essentials, we would recommend checking out the Mizuno BR-D3 Stand Bag.
Best waterproof
The Par 3 HD Pencil Bag from Callaway is waterproof, extremely lightweight and does all the basics very well. In testing, we found it tricky to squeeze all 14 clubs in and we would not recommend that, but Sunday bags are not designed for this and we found 10 clubs to be an ideal number.
The Par 3 HD is equipped with micro legs which are much shorter than the kind of legs you find on stand bags and need to be extended manually before setting the bag down on the ground. If you are used to a stand bag and the automatic leg extension this probably sounds like a bit of a faff, but in our testing we noted that the bag is designed in such a way that the legs can remain extended when carrying and they don't get in the way. By having the legs permanently extended, it is much easier to put down and pick up without the clubs bashing together when the bag hit the turf.
We would rate the Par 3 HD as one of the best Callaway golf bags on the market as it serves a specific purpose and is full of useful little features, such as the double shoulder strap that can also be unclipped if you prefer to carry by the handle. The handle is great for carrying so this is a viable option for anyone that would rather not carry over the shoulder. Another little feature we loved was the Velcro glove holder and pockets, while this bag is also capable of dealing with any adverse weather conditions as it is constructed from 10K waterproof fabric and is fully seam-sealed.
- Read our full Callaway Par 3 HD Pencil Bag Review
Most comfortable
The Moonlite bag is a long time favorite of ours. In it's various guises it has been a staple of Ping’s line-up and also one of the best golf pencil bags for many years. It is ideal for the golfer who wants a quick jaunt around the course, maybe nine holes after work on a warm summer evening. For a small, lightweight bag it offers excellent functionality, including six pockets (more than most), a water-bottle holder and a four-way top which provides ample storage space even for a full set.
We also like that the straps sit in a rigid position when the bag is on the ground which makes it really easy to pick back up and get on the move again once you’ve hit your shot. All in all, this is an incredibly versatile Sunday golf bag that works especially well with a half-set or for those longer days when saving energy is at a premium, making it one of the best Ping golf bags money can buy.
How we test the best Sunday golf bags
We take product testing extremely seriously and all of our reviews and buyers' guides are based on a rigorous testing procedure as well as the knowledge and experience of the test team. Product reviews on golf bags are headed up by Golf Monthly writer Dan Parker, while other members of the Golf Monthly team also contribute to golf bag testing. All of our writers are avid golfers who are able to efficiently test the biggest product releases and then convey the pros and cons of each item eloquently. As for the specifics of bag testing, we test all golf bags outdoors on premium golf courses in various weather conditions 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 and it is important to state that no manufacturer can buy a good review from us. 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
Golf bags come with a variety of features that you can use to improve your overall golfing experience and there are different options depending on your requirements. In this guide we are concentrating on pencil bags. While there may not be as many options to choose from as you will find with cart or stand bags, there is still a big selection of pencil bags on the market, with each boasting a ton of different features. So finding the right golf bag for you can sometimes be a little tricky if you aren't sure what you need. That's why we've put together this handy list of points you need to look out for when you purchase your next golf pencil bag. From comfort to durability, check out our list of key considerations below.
Comfort
While all Sunday bags are light, that doesn't mean they will necessarily be comfortable. If the straps don't fit well or if they don't provide enough support, then that defeats the whole purpose of having this type of bag. So make sure you choose a model that has comfortable straps (or single strap if that's your preference) and perhaps even a padded area around the hips and back to aid your lumbar support.
Storage
Some golfers like to take to the course with a few essential items so if that's you then it's important to pick a bag that suits your needs in this department. Sunday bags typically come with three to six pockets, with a few also featuring things like an umbrella holder and beverage pocket. Think about what you see an essential item and then ensure the bag you choose has room for it.
Stand
As can be seen from the list of bags above, Sunday bags don't all come with stands. Some are designed to lie on the ground between shots, while others come with a mini or even a full-size stand. Depending on whether you're comfortable with picking your bag off the floor each time you play a shot, or are looking for something super lightweight, picking a Sunday bag that has a stand is one of the biggest considerations you need to make. The micro stand that comes with the Callaway Par 3 HD is an ideal compromise.
Strength
Given their lightweight nature, it's vital that a good Sunday bag is strong. If purchasing a model that comes with a stand, make sure that it feels sturdy enough to withstand a stiff breeze. It's also worth checking the quality of the divider to ensure clubs don't get damaged. As golf bags do not come cheap, it is wise to ensure you're buying a bag that is durable and can last a long time.
Waterproof
If you play most of your golf in a climate susceptible to rain, then waterproofing will be a very important factor to consider. Some models in our list are better that others in this regard, but as always check the bag before you buy, and if you are able to, see if you can test the product out too.
If you're looking for something a little more substantial than a golf Sunday bag, why not head over to our guides on the best golf trolley bags, best golf stand bags and best lightweight golf bags.
FAQs
Are Sunday golf bags good?
Put simply, yes, and in the right situation they may be the best choice. They might be smaller than stand or cart bags, but that doesn't mean Sunday golf bags should be overlooked. All the big-name brands produce Sunday bags, so you can have confidence in the build and design quality.
What is a Sunday bag in golf?
A Sunday bag is a slender bag that is lightweight and easy to carry, whether you're out with a full set or just throwing a few clubs together. The best Sunday bags are perfect for golfers who like to nip out for a quick round when the opportunity presents itself. They are also often referred to as pencil bags and are ideal for holiday golf.
How many clubs fit in a Sunday golf bag?
Golfers can expect to fit a full set of clubs in a Sunday golf bag should they wish, although it will be a squeeze. Most Sunday bags now have adequate space for 14 clubs and a few essential items like balls, gloves, tees and an item or two of clothing. Some golfers prefer to just take out a half-set though, to keep the bag as light as possible.
Why is it called a Sunday golf bag?
It's called a Sunday golf bag because, typically, it's perfect for use on Sundays. That's because it's the day a lot of people will fancy a few holes to get their golfing fix for the week but can't be bothered hauling around a heavier and more cumbersome bag that's full to the brim with every gadget and garment under the sun.
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