The 5 Different Types of Golf Bags: A comprehensive guide

By: Scott Brera | Last Updated: April 12, 2024

Selecting the right golf bag can be as overwhelming as golf itself. Carry, stand, cart, tour, or travel – knowing the types of golf bags is crucial for any golfer. In this guide, we define each type in detail and provide insights to help you pinpoint exactly which bag aligns with your game, without the fluff. Plus, we’ll reveal the new kid on the block in the world of golf bags – the hybrid.

What are the Various Golf Bag Types?

Just as there are different types of golfers, golf bag types are equally diverse. Traditionally, there are five types:

• Carry bags
• Stand bags
• Cart bags
• Tour bags
• Travel bags

A more recent type of golf bag that we feel deserves to be in its own category:

• Hybrid bags

Each bag is designed to cater to specific golfer preferences and needs. Let’s dive deeper and explore these golf bag varieties.

Carry Bags

Think of the carry bag as the minimalist’s best friend on the golf course. Designed for portability, carry bags are lightweight and come equipped with evenly distributed shoulder straps for easy carrying. This makes them the perfect companion for golfers who prefer to walk the course.

Carry bags feature fewer pockets, ensuring they remain light and comfortable. Despite their compact size, they offer sufficient space for essential golf equipment. So, if you’re someone who appreciates minimalism and enjoys a good walk on the course, a carry bag might be your perfect golf bag match.

Stand Bags

Imagine this – you’re at the course, ready to take your shot, and your golf bag keeps toppling over. Frustrating, right!? This is where stand bags come into play. Stand bags are the perfect blend of portability and practicality. They come equipped with built-in retractable legs that allow the bag to stand upright, giving you easy access to your clubs.

These bags, like carry bags, are lightweight and come with comfortable straps, making them ideal for golfers who prefer walking. Despite their lightweight design, stand bags offer additional storage compared to carry bags, catering to golfers who may need to carry extra gear, clothing, or clubs.

Cart Bags

If you’re a golfer who prefers to use a golf cart or trolley, cart bags may be the perfect fit for you. These bags are larger and heavier than carry or stand bags, and are designed to strap in perfectly on a golf cart. They come with a stable flat base and various compartments for efficient club organization.

One of the highlights of cart bags is their extensive storage capacity. They feature specialized compartments for valuables, apparel, and beverages, providing ample space to stash away all your golfing essentials. And for efficient club access, cart bags are arranged with shorter clubs in the front and longer clubs in the back.

Tour Bags

Professional golfers, this one’s for you. Tour bags (also known as staff bags) are the epitome of luxury and functionality in the world of golf bags. They are large, robust, and offer extensive storage. These bags can accommodate a full set of 14 clubs, golf balls, tees, towels, gloves, a rain jacket, and a five-course meal for your foursome. Kidding, sort of. These bags are large.

Beyond functionality, tour bags make a statement. They are crafted from premium materials and offer customization options for displaying players’ names and sponsors’ logos. So, if you’re a pro golfer looking for a bag that matches your professional prowess and style, a tour bag could be your ideal pick.

Travel Bags

If you’re a golfer who’s always on the move, a travel bag is a must-have. Designed to safeguard your clubs during transport, travel bags come in two varieties – hard cases for maximum protection and soft cases for lighter weight and easier handling. These bags are equipped with internal straps to secure your clubs and extra compartments for shoes and accessories.

Travel bags often feature padded tops, reinforced handles, and wheels for ease of mobility. So, whether you’re planning to hit the golf courses across the country or globe, a sturdy, reliable soft travel bag will ensure your clubs and accessories arrive in perfect condition.

Hybrid Bags

If you are a golfer that likes the optionality of walking or riding, then a hybrid bag could be the right bag for you. These bags are a crossover combination (i.e., hybrid) between a stand bag and cart bag.

Hybrid Bags will have a stand mechanism (think stand bag) and also a cart strap tunnel to easily strap into a cart (think cart bag). These bags are lighter weight and storage space can vary from bag to bag.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Golf Bag

Now that you’re familiar with the different types of golf bags, let’s delve into the factors you should consider when choosing a bag. Here are some features that can make or break your golfing experience:

• Weight and comfort of the bag
• Storage capacity
• Number of pockets
• Club dividers

Consider these factors carefully to ensure you find the right golf bag for your needs.

Let’s explore these factors in detail.

Weight and Comfort

The weight of your golf bag can significantly impact your game. If you’re a golfer who prefers walking the course, a heavier bag might lead to fatigue (or worse, injury), affecting your performance. Therefore, choosing a lightweight golf bag can enhance your comfort on the course and keep your energy levels high throughout the day.

But weight isn’t the only factor contributing to comfort. Features like cushioned carry straps and ergonomic designs can significantly improve your carrying comfort, ensuring an enjoyable golfing round. Brands like OGIO Fuse and Sun Mountain offer lightweight, comfortable bags designed with the golfer’s comfort in mind.

Storage Capacity and Pockets

The amount of gear you need to carry determines your golf bag’s required storage capacity. If you’re someone who likes to be prepared for everything, a bag with extensive storage like a cart or tour bag would suit you well. These bags offer ample compartments and pockets, accommodating not just your clubs but also essentials like beverages, apparel, and valuables.

The design and accessibility of these pockets also play a crucial role in enhancing your overall golfing experience. Specialty pockets for valuables, insulated beverage compartments, and clothing sections all contribute to a convenient and comfortable round. So, when choosing your golf bag, consider your storage needs and how the bag’s design can meet them.

Club Dividers and Organization

How many clubs do you carry? And how do you like them organized? These are important questions to consider when choosing your golf bag. Golf bags offer diverse divider systems, including:

• 2-way dividers
• 4-way dividers
• 6-way dividers
• 14-way dividers

Choose the divider system that best suits your needs based on how many clubs you intend to carry.

Club dividers not only help maintain the organization of your clubs for easy access but also protect your clubs’ grips from damage through reduced friction and contact. Bags with a 14-way divider provide individual compartments for each club, offering maximum protection. So, consider your club set and choose a bag that best accommodates and organizes them.

Golf Bag Accessories and Extras

Your golf bag isn’t just about carrying your clubs and gear; it can also be a hub of convenience with the right accessories and extras. Some golf bags offer integrated features like insulated cooler pockets for drinks, providing easy access to your favorite drinks during your round.

Customizable cooler accessories, beer sleeve coolers, and dedicated water bottle pockets are some of the premium features available. These enhance your comfort and convenience on the course, letting you focus on your game. Bags like the Sunday Golf Ranger sunday bag, Big Rig cart bag, and Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid Tour bag are known for their outstanding pockets and accessory features.

Summary

In golf, choosing the right bag is as important as selecting the right club. Whether you’re a professional golfer, a weekender, or someone who just enjoys a tranquil walk on the course, there’s a golf bag out there that matches your style and playing preferences. From lightweight carry bags and practical stand bags to feature-rich cart bags and professional tour bags, the options are diverse. Remember, your golf bag is more than just a storage unit; it’s a trusted companion that enhances your whole golfing experience. So, choose wisely and let your golf bag complement your love for the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of golf bags are there?

There are five main types of golf bags today: stand bags, cart bags, tour bags (also known as staff bags), carry bags, and travel bags. A relatively new addition to the golf bag world is the hybrid bag, which we think deserves to be in a “type” category of its own. Each type serves a specific purpose, so you can pick the one that suits your needs best.

How does the weight of a golf bag affect my game?

A lighter golf bag can significantly improve your comfort and energy levels on the course, especially if you prefer walking rather than using a cart. This can positively impact your game by reducing fatigue and allowing you to focus on your performance.

What should I consider when choosing a golf bag?

When choosing a golf bag, consider its weight, comfort, storage capacity, pocket design, and club dividers to align with your playing style and preferences.

How do club dividers in a golf bag help?

Club dividers in a golf bag help maintain organization and protect your clubs’ grips from damage by reducing friction and contact, making it easier to access your clubs.

What are some additional features to look for in a golf bag?

Look for golf bags with integrated features like insulated cooler pockets and dedicated water bottle pockets to enhance your comfort and convenience on the course. These additional features can make your golfing experience more enjoyable.

What are small golf bags called?

A small golf bag is called a “Sunday Bag” (which is another name for a carry bag). These bags are lightweight and made for the minimalist.

Which is better: cart bag or stand bag?

There are many differences between cart bags and stand bags, but which is “better” really depends on the individual. It depends on playing preferences (walking vs riding), preferred storage space, and weight you want to carry around, among other things.