In the past we have written about the different clubs we carry in our golf bags but we have not talked about the different types of bags on the market. Many years ago we didn’t have many options but today, times are very different and bags are designed with weight and waterproofing in mind. But, first things first, you need to think about what you want to have in your bag, and how you would like to transport your golf equipment from one hole to another, as this will determine which type of bag you should purchase. In addition to your clubs you need to have pockets for rain gear and maybe some other outerwear, golf gloves, we have some mitts a head band or touque. You will need pockets for golf balls, divot tools, pencils etc as well. It is nice to have a spot to hold your umbrella and your golf towel. Some bags have an insulated pocket for your snacks and a separate place for your valuables.
The first type of bag is the tour bag which are the largest bag on the market, making them be considered as one of the best and the most luxurious of all. The bag has plenty of extra space for all belongings, so it is no wonder that they are popular with professionals when on Tour – hence the name. However, they are extremely heavy and weigh around 10 pounds, which may be an issue for the average golfer. Obviously, it isn’t a concern for professionals as their bags are carried by a personal caddie, but if you are playing on your own it may be a problem and is often not recommended for golfers playing unaccompanied.
Cart bags are specifically designed to be carried on a golf cart, whether it be a push/pull cart or electric.
Cart bags are quite distinct, as they include a rubber or non-slip base that will keep the bag from sliding off the cart when moving. So, if you prefer to walk around the course and carry your golf bag, this option may not be best for you; it may be worth considering stand bags instead.
This golf bag is noticeably lighter and smaller than tour bags, at around 6 to 7 pounds, to allow easy mobility when placed on the cart. Just like the tour bag, the cart bag also offers pockets – although on a smaller scale – for carrying waterproofs, valuables and balls, which are often situated on one side of the bag to offer easy access when positioned on a cart.
A little more unique to the other types golf bags on the market, stand bags are significantly lighter (5 pounds or less) and feature two retractable legs to allow the bag to stand upright, preventing it from getting dirty. This allows easy access to any club whilst playing a round and means it stays upright on a variety of surfaces. Whereas, in comparison, cart or tour bags are designed to be used on flat surfaces only – like on a golf cart or a caddie’s back. Stand bags are a popular option for golfers that like to carry their bags and walk between holes. Most stand bags come with backpack-style shoulder straps that distribute the weight across both shoulders– we all know how heavy golf bags can be when carrying 14 different golf clubs! On some bags you can even add features, such as a hip pad to prevent any rubbing whilst travelling across the golf course.
Pencil bags are another type of carry bag that has increasingly grown in popularity in recent years. These bags are extremely lightweight, thinner versions of a stand bag, but still offer up to a 6-inch diameter top and can hold up to 14 clubs easily.
They are very slimline in design, which makes this bag type easy to store in a locker or car. Therefore, it’s the perfect bag for a game of golf on a warm, dry day as they are incredibly lightweight and easy to transport from hole to hole. However, beware if there are showers forecasted, as they offer very little protection in rain. We like this type of bag when we hit balls at the dome in the winter and also when we travel, they are much lighter to carry.
If you choose not to carry your golf bag you will require a push or pull cart to transport them so let’s talk about the pros and cons of each.
As the name suggests, push and pull carts are manually powered, with push carts being pushed, and pull carts being pulled. The main difference between the two is in the wheels, as traditional pull carts have two wheels, whereas push carts include an extra wheel to allow it to be pushed with ease. There are also some with four wheels.
Of the two options, the three wheel design is the most popular as they are much sturdier and easier to maneuver, no matter what terrain you are playing on. It’s also less taxing on shoulder muscles, allowing golfers to conserve much-needed energy for their swings instead.
In addition, most push carts come with accessories like foot brakes to hold them still while playing a hole, or for slowing them down if you’re going downhill. You may also find some push carts come with extra features, such as smooth bearings and larger wheels, which help the cart to glide over the grass with ease. Clicgear offers accessories that can attached such as a seat which was useful when there were no benches to rest. A major factor you will want to consider is the size and weight of your golf cart and how easy it is to travel with to and from the golf course. Ideally you will want a golf cart that is lightweight and easy to lift in and out of your car, as well as being easy to fold down and fit comfortably into your trunk.
When your body starts to complain, as mine does, you may want to look into an electric cart which will still allow you to walk but takes the strain off having to pull or push the weight of your bag and clubs.