Whether you’re just starting out on your golf journey or you’re ready to level up your links experience, a golf bag remains an essential piece of equipment. And yet, golf bags are not a one-size-fits-all accessory—many players have different preferences when it comes to sizes, materials and storage options. Whether you prefer to zip around in a cart, haul a pull-cart or sling a bag over your shoulder, the best golf bags cater to every handicap and playing preference.
With so many different ways to use a golf bag, you deserve to have reliable and streamlined equipment that’s ready to take on the load whether you’re walking or riding. From there, it’s a matter of finding the right bag that meets your needs. Walking a golf course is a great way to get those extra steps in, but lugging around a heavy bag can wreak havoc on your back and your swing. In contrast, cart bags are great for golfers who like to pack and ride strategically along with snacks, drinks, layers of clothing and perhaps even a portable speaker. In other words, weight takes a backseat to big pockets and ample storage.
Ready to pack the essentials and hit the course? We’ve rounded up the very best golf bags you can buy right now. And if you’re looking for the best golf rangefinders or a pair of capable, comfortable golf shoes, we’ve got those covered too.
Best Golf Bag Overall
A Lightweight Bag That Goes Anywhere And Everywhere
MOST POPULAR
Club Dividers: 4-way top | Pockets: 7 | Weight: 5 pounds
The Ping Hoofer Lite Stand Golf Bag is moderately priced but offers a solid array of features that should work for most golfers, although weighing in at just under 5 pounds, it’s really aimed squarely at walkers. The Hoofer features a wide leg stand for rock-solid stability, and you can choose whether you’d like to carry this bag with single or dual shoulder straps.
It’s not limited to being a walking bag, though. The Ping Hoofer can also sit comfortably in a cart or a pull-cart thanks to its cart strap channel which helps it stay securely in place while riding. With seven storage pockets, this bag has separate compartments for valuables, a full-size bottle, a rangefinder and more. The Hoofer is water resistant and comes with an attached rain hood.
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Best Waterproof Golf Bag
A Walking Bag That Keeps Everything Dry
Club Dividers: 4-way top | Pockets: 7 | Weight: 3.8 pounds
For a lot of people, the most appealing part of the game is getting to play outdoors, fully immersed in the elements. Unfortunately, that means walking the links in the rain is occasionally unavoidable. Having a soggy scorecard to turn in at the end of the round is never a good feeling, making waterproof bags essential for both competitive and leisurely play.
The antidote to a rainy day is Titleist’s StaDry bag, which features a robust waterproof construction with seam-sealed zippers to keep your pockets dry. It comes with a 4-way divider for clubs and 7 pockets for balls, apparel, a rangefinder, water bottle and more. This lightweight bag clocks in at just under 4 pounds, making it a great walking bag. And that’s despite having high-grade aluminum legs and a clever hinged bottom for improved stability from the tee to the green.
Best Golf Bag For Carts
A Cart Bag With Lots Of Storage Space
Club Dividers: 15-way top | Pockets: 12 | Weight: 8 pounds
The Vessel Lux XV Cart Bag is a spacious choice that lets you make the most of any golf cart. Some golfers prefer to pack for every condition or occasion, and this Vessel model offers more storage than you can imagine. With dual magnetic water bottle sleeves that drain and an insulated cooler pocket to improve beverage storage options, this bag provides you with every conceivable pocket and pouch.
The Lux XV includes tour-grade synthetic leather and a dedicated putter as well. It has three forward-facing pockets—a zip pocket, magnetic rangefinder pocket and ball pocket for easy access throughout your round along with dual personalized side pockets and even a combination lock-protected interior storage pocket for valuables. Befitting a bag you don’t have to lug around, those specs are just the beginning—it also includes a tee holder, umbrella holder, bottle opener and towel ring.
Best Golf Bag For Walking
A Light, Portable Bag Whether You’re Playing 9, 18 Or 36 Holes
Club Dividers: 4-way top | Pockets: 6 | Weight: 4 pounds
If you’re looking for a stylish and functional walking bag, the Stitch SL2 Solid Golf Bag checks every box. The SL2 rings in at a higher price point, but we think it’s worth the cost given how complete this bag is despite its compact and sleek design.
Stitch’s Touring Fabric has the strength of leather, but is softer to the touch, lightweight and more durable. The bag features a 4-way top, as well as an array of zippered side pockets for copious amounts of storage and an attachable rain hood. Need some customization? You can get a personalized ingot for your initials (if you don’t customize it, the ingot comes blank). This bag is easy to carry and sits comfortably on your back, making it a perfect option when walking from hole to tee.
Best Lightweight Golf Bag
Just Enough Bag For An Executive Golf Course
Club Dividers: 2-way | Pockets: 5 | Weight: 2 pounds
The Sunday Golf Loma Stand Bag is for the golfer who likes to play par-3 courses or only needs a few clubs to beat the course record (or, more likely, for a beginner with just a few clubs). This stand bag is pretty diminutive, but don’t let its size fool you—it’s small and lightweight at just two pounds, yet sturdy and features impressive amounts of storage despite the lack of real estate.
The two-way top can comfortably hold 6 to 7 clubs, and it also has a velor-lined valuables pocket, waterproof zippers and an insulated pocket for your favorite beverages. Moving it around is also a breeze thanks to a carrying handle and removable strap.
Best Travel Golf Bag
Playing Golf Around The World Has Never Been Easier
Club Dividers: N/A | Pockets: N/A | Weight: 8 pounds
Club Glove’s Last Bag Collegiate with a stiff arm is the perfect travel bag for the golfer who wants to see all the courses the world has to offer. The bag is only eight pounds, which is on average five pounds lighter than other travel bags like this on the market. At 51 by 15 by 14 inches, it provides the perfect amount of space for your stand or carry bag while leaving room for additional items.
Two shoe/storage pockets are also present on the outside of the bag for easier access to your items or a quick and convenient shoe change. The bag is easy to fold up and store under your bed or in the corner of your garage until you are ready to hit those faraway links once again.
Best Golf Bag Under $200
You won’t find more storage at this price
Club Dividers: 7 | Pockets: 6 | Weight: 5 pounds
The TaylorMade ST bag is the top choice for any golfer trying to spend a reasonable amount on a golf bag, or for someone who wants to feel less guilty after dropping big bucks on a brand new expensive driver.
The TaylorMade ST is comfortable to carry with its padded, adjustable straps and can also hold all the necessary accessories with its 6 pockets. It comes in multiple colors if you’re looking to color coordinate with your outfit of choice, and the TaylorMade ST weighs only five pounds to preserve your back while swinging all day long.
Best Golf Bag for Women
But You Really Need To Love Pink
Club Dividers: 14 | Pockets: 10 | Weight: 4.7 pounds
Sun Mountain Women’s 14-Way stand bag is a great bag for riding or walking. With the EZ Lite dual-strap system, taking the bag on and off is a breeze. The straps were constructed with extra foam for improved comfort around the shoulders as you haul your clubs, and the bag features 10 pockets that include a water-resistant, velour-lined valuables pocket, a full-length apparel pocket and a pocket for your beverage too many choices.
Sun Mountain designed this bag to be one inch shorter than the men’s bags to accommodate women’s clubs. Find it in four different colors with a rain hood included.