A golf bag does much more than carry your clubs. The right bag keeps your equipment organised, protects your clubs and makes every round more comfortable, whether you prefer walking the course or using a trolley.
With stand bags, cart bags, pencil bags and tour bags all offering different benefits, choosing the right model depends on how you play. Features such as weight, storage, divider systems and waterproof protection can all make a significant difference on the course.
This buying guide explains the different types of golf bags, the features worth considering and how to choose the best golf bag for your game.
Many golfers focus on buying new clubs but overlook the importance of a quality golf bag. A well-designed bag helps protect your equipment, keeps everything organised and makes carrying or transporting your clubs much easier.
Think about how you usually play. If you enjoy walking 18 holes, a lightweight stand bag or pencil bag may be the ideal option. If you almost always use a push trolley or buggy, you'll benefit from the additional storage and organisation offered by a cart bag.
Choosing a bag that matches your playing style will improve both comfort and convenience every time you head onto the course.
Not every golf bag is designed for the same golfer. Use the table below to compare the main styles and decide which one best suits your game.
| Golf Bag Type | Best For | Main Advantage | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stand Bag | Most golfers | Lightweight and versatile | See Below |
| Cart Bag | Push trolley & buggy users | Excellent storage and organisation | See Below |
| Pencil Bag | Walking golfers | Lightweight and compact | See Below |
| Tour Bag | Experienced golfers | Premium design and maximum capacity | See Below |
Most stand bags are the most popular option because they balance portability with practical storage. They typically weigh about 4-6 pounds when empty, or roughly 2-3.5 kg, which makes them practical for walking golfers. Lightweight construction, the stand feature, and comfortable shoulder straps make them suitable for golfers who like to carry their clubs, while most models also fit comfortably on a golf trolley. Their built in legs and built-in stands deploy when the bag is set down, improving club access and keeping clubs off damp ground.
A short note on comfort: well-padded straps make carrying easier for walkers, and padded straps can help reduce fatigue over a full round.
If you regularly play with a push trolley or electric trolley, a cart bag is designed specifically for golfers who use a push cart, golf cart, or trolley bag regularly. Larger pockets offer ample storage space for rain gear, extra layers, personal items, and additional gear, while many models include full-length divider systems to keep clubs separated. Cart bags usually weigh around 6-8 pounds empty, with heavier models at about 3-4.5 kg because they prioritise storage over portability.
Multiple pockets, numerous pockets, multiple compartments, and specialised compartments all make organisation easier and improve access to your gear.
Pencil golf bags are among the lighter golf bags available and are designed for golfers who prefer carrying only the essentials. Their lightweight design makes them perfect for summer golf, practice rounds, casual rounds, or anyone looking to carry a half set and reduce the amount of weight carried around the course. For example, the Sun Mountain Eclipse E-1.5 comes in at around 3 lbs, making it a very lightweight option.
Tour golf bags and staff bags are inspired by those used by professional golfers. Built with premium materials and offering maximum storage, they're designed for golfers who value organisation and premium styling over lightweight performance, with a professional appearance often preferred by serious golfers.
The extra cost is usually justified by durability, branding, and storage for players who want a premium setup. As tour bags are considerably heavier than other styles, they're best suited to buggy or trolley use.
| Feature | Stand Bag | Cart Bag | Pencil Bag | Tour Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Storage | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Easy to Carry | ★★★★★ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Trolley Friendly | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Best For | Most golfers | Trolley users | Walking golfers | Competitive golfers |
The perfect bag depends on how you normally play rather than your handicap.
| Playing Style | Recommended Golf Bag |
|---|---|
| New to golf | Stand Bag |
| Walk most rounds | Pencil Bag |
| Use a trolley | Cart Bag |
| Play competitively | Tour Bag |
Before buying, think about how much equipment you carry, whether you walk or use a trolley, and how often you play throughout the year. Choosing the right bag from the start will improve comfort, protect your clubs and make organising your equipment much easier on the golf course.
Once you've decided which style of golf bag suits your game, it's worth comparing the features that make the biggest difference on the course. Weight, storage, club organisation and weather protection should all be considered before making your choice.
| Feature | Why It's Important | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Improves comfort when carrying | Walking golfers |
| Divider System | Keeps clubs organised and protected | Every golfer |
| Storage Pockets | Space for clothing, balls and accessories | Trolley users |
| Waterproof Design | Helps keep equipment dry | Year-round golfers |
| Comfortable Straps | Makes carrying easier | Stand and pencil bags |
| Rain Hood | Extra protection during wet weather | All golfers |
Choosing a bag with the right combination of features will help you stay organised while making every round more enjoyable.
The divider system affects how your clubs are stored and how easy they are to access during a round. Fewer club dividers reduce overall weight, while larger divider systems provide better organisation and help prevent clubs from knocking together. For many golfers, 4-6 way dividers offer the best balance by avoiding overcrowding without adding too much weight.
| Divider Layout | Best For | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 4-Way | Beginners | Lightweight and simple |
| 5-Way | Carry bags | Good balance of weight and organisation |
| 6-Way | Regular golfers | Better club separation |
| 14-Way | Cart bags | Maximum organisation and club protection |
If you carry your clubs, a 4 or 5-way divider is usually more than enough. Golfers using a trolley often prefer a 14-way divider for easier club organisation.
Weight matters most if you carry your clubs for 18 holes. A lighter golf bag reduces fatigue and makes walking the course much more enjoyable. If you use a trolley every round, you can prioritise storage and features instead.
| Golf Bag Type | Average Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pencil Bag | 1.5-2kg | Walking golfers |
| Stand Bag | 2-3kg | Most golfers |
| Cart Bag | 3-4kg | Trolley users |
| Tour Bag | 4.5kg+ | Competitive golfers |
Choosing the right weight depends on how you play. Carry golfers should look for lightweight models, while trolley users can comfortably choose larger bags with additional storage.
If you play throughout the British golfing season, a waterproof golf bag is well worth considering. Waterproof models use weather-resistant fabrics, sealed seams and waterproof zips to help protect your clubs and accessories during wet conditions, while bags with basic water resistance offer a lighter level of protection.
Some golfers also look for a rain cover or rain hood to help protect clubs and accessories in wet weather.
For example, the Sun Mountain H2NO Lite VLO is a fully waterproof option that weighs 2.6 kg.
If you mainly play during the summer, a water-resistant golf bag may provide all the protection you need.
| Feature | Waterproof | Water-Resistant |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Rain | ✔ | Limited |
| Waterproof Zips | ✔ | ✖ |
| Sealed Seams | ✔ | ✖ |
| Best For | All-weather golf | Fair-weather golf |
Every golfer carries different golf equipment, so choosing the right amount of storage space is important. While carry bags focus on keeping weight low, cart and tour bags include additional pockets, extra storage, and ample room for golfers who want to bring more than just the basics, including clothing, accessories and valuables. The right storage setup can also improve your overall golfing experience.
| Purpose | |
|---|---|
| Apparel Pocket | Waterproofs and extra clothing |
| Ball Pocket | Golf balls and tees |
| Valuables Pocket | Phone, wallet and keys |
| Cooler Pocket | Drinks and snacks |
| Accessories Pocket | Gloves, markers and small items |
Consider what you normally take to the course before choosing a golf bag. Buying a bag with the right amount of storage will help keep your equipment, accessories and personal items organised without carrying unnecessary weight. Multiple pockets are especially useful if you prefer maximum organisation.
Golf bags are available at a wide range of price points, from lightweight entry-level models to premium tour bags. Spending more often gives you additional storage, higher-quality materials and extra features, but many golfers will find a mid-range bag offers everything they need.
| Price Range | What to Expect | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Under £100 | Lightweight designs and essential storage | Beginners |
| £100-£200 | Better organisation and improved comfort | Most golfers |
| £200-£300 | Waterproof options and premium finishes | Regular golfers |
| £300+ | Tour-quality materials and maximum storage | Competitive golfers |
Rather than focusing on price alone, choose a golf bag that offers the features you'll use every time you play.
Whether you're looking for a lightweight stand bag or a premium cart bag, buying from a trusted manufacturer gives you confidence in quality and durability.
| Brand | Best Known For |
|---|---|
| Ping | Lightweight stand bags |
| TaylorMade | Versatile golf bags |
| Callaway | Premium cart and stand bags |
| Titleist | Tour-inspired designs |
| Motocaddy | Trolley-friendly cart bags |
| Sun Mountain | Waterproof performance bags |
| Wilson | Great value golf bags |
| Mizuno | Lightweight carry bags |
A popular stand bag example is the ping hoofer, which weighs 5.5 lbs and offers 11 pockets. The Vessel Player V Stand Bag is a premium-styling option at 2.7 kg. The Jones Trouper 3.0 is known for its built-in cooler and sleek design.
From lightweight carry bags to premium tour models, these leading brands offer golf bags to suit every style of player.
Choosing the best golf bag comes down to how you play rather than simply buying the most expensive model, and some golfers even keep two bags for different playing situations. If you walk the course regularly, keeping your bag lightweight should be the priority, and the right option should match both your playing style and your physical capabilities. Golfers who use a push trolley or buggy can take advantage of additional storage, while experienced players may prefer the premium features offered by a tour bag.
By thinking about how often you walk, the amount of equipment you carry and the conditions you usually play in, you'll find a golf bag that supports your game for years to come.
The right golf bag helps you stay organised, protects your equipment and makes every round more enjoyable. Whether you're buying your first golf bag or replacing an older model, choosing a design that suits the way you play will make a noticeable difference every time you head to the course.
Before you buy, remember to consider:
A quality golf bag is an investment that should last for many seasons, so it's worth choosing one that offers the right balance of comfort, durability and practical features.
If you're still deciding which golf bag is right for your game, the team at Click Golf is here to help. We'll be happy to guide you through the different styles, features and brands to help you find the perfect golf bag for your next round.
A stand bag is the most popular option for beginners. It's lightweight, easy to carry and offers enough storage for everything needed on the course.
Yes. Most modern stand bags are designed to fit securely on both a push cart and electric trolley, making them a versatile choice for golfers who switch between carrying and trolley use, and a cart strap pass through can help keep the bag securely in place during the round.
If you play throughout the year, a waterproof golf bag is well worth considering. It helps protect your clubs and accessories from rain and damp conditions.
A stand bag is designed to be carried and features retractable legs, while a cart bag is built for use on a trolley and offers larger pockets with increased storage.
Pencil bags and lightweight stand bags are the best options for golfers who carry their clubs. A lighter golf bag with a single strap can work for very short walks, but most golfers still prefer a lightweight stand or pencil bag for better comfort while carrying.
