Best golf bag 2024: Up your game with the top golf bags from £35

Even if you own the best golf clubs, best golf shoes and best golf gloves that money can buy, you’re not going to have a good time on the course until you’ve invested in one of the game’s least glamorous accessories – a practical golf bag.

The best golf bags on the market are durable, lightweight and affordable, allowing you to focus on what’s really important: getting round your local course in fewer strokes than your opponents.

There are a whole host of different golf bags on the market, designed to suit all ages, abilities and budgets. To help you cut through the noise, we’re here to give you the lowdown on the best that money can buy.

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Best golf bag: At a glance

How to choose the best golf bag for you

What type of golf bag do I need?

Though it serves a simple purpose, you may be surprised to learn that there are three core genres of golf bag on the market.

Stand bag: This is the most common type of bag that you’ll see at your local course. Stand bags are defined by the fact that, you guessed it, they come with a stand attached. This means you can avoid having to lie your clubs down on the fairway (or in the rough) when playing a stroke. Usually lighter than either cart bags or tour bags, stand bags are almost always carried over the shoulder or on your back. As a result, they are usually preferred by younger players who have a good level of fitness and are less at risk of injuries.

Cart bag: By design, cart bags are built to be attached to a trolley or strapped onto the back of a golf buggy. They are usually heavier than stand bags, and feature more storage space that can be used for shoes, clothes, golf balls and more. Cart bags are therefore popular with older players or those who struggle to complete 18 holes while carrying their golf bag.

Tour bag: Top-of-the-line tour bags are the Rolls-Royces of the golf bag world. Usually used by low handicappers and almost every tour pro, tour bags are the heaviest of all, featuring space for at least 14 clubs as well as a whole host of other golfing accessories.

When should I buy a golf bag?

Put simply, you shouldn’t be going out on the course until you’ve invested in a decent golf bag. Carrying your clubs by hand is predictably impractical, and any course worth its salt will have a policy in place that states that players may not share bags, for fear of slowing down the pace of play.

If you already own a golf bag but it’s beginning to leak, develop holes or generally show signs of wear and tear, it could be the right time to buy a new one. The last thing you want to be worrying about when putting to win the game is your worn-out golf bag sitting beside the green.

How much should I be looking to spend?

Golf bags vary in price, starting as low as £50 for smaller basic models all the way up to £500 and beyond for the very best golf bags on the market.

For the average golfer, we’d recommend spending somewhere in the region of £100-£250. That way, you can pick up a solid mid-range golf bag with a wide feature set, without compromising on quality or durability.

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The best golf bags in 2024

1. PING Hoofer Monsoon Waterproof Stand Bag: Best stand bag

Price when reviewed: £234 | Check price at Scottsdale Golf 

On average, you’ll walk between five and seven miles during a round of golf, carrying your trusted bag every step of the way – which is why having a good stand bag is a necessity for the everyday golfer. With this in mind, it’s important to find one that’s sturdy, lightweight, and practical. The Ping Hoofer Monsoon Stand Bag is exactly that.

In addition to its sleek and stylish looks, the fully waterproof Hoofer Monsoon comes equipped with a double strap featuring SensorDry Technology, five-way club dividers, an umbrella holder, towel loop, and six compartments, including a water bottle pouch and four seam-sealed pockets for added waterproof protection. The rain hood also provides extra cushioning when stored in the side pocket, helping to protect against repetitive strain during the round.

If your old bag is looking a bit worn or you just fancy an upgrade, it’s a no-brainer.

Key specs – Weight: 2.2kg; Storage pockets: 6; Waterproof: Yes; Colours: Blue/black and yellow/black

2. Cobra Ultralight Pro Stand Bag: Best lightweight stand bag

Price when reviewed: £149 | Check price at American Golf 

Carrying your bag for 18 holes can be a tiring experience, especially in the hot summer months. However, it can be made easier with a lightweight, ergonomic stand bag.

Weighing in at just 1.8kg, the Cobra Ultralight Pro features seven pockets, four-way club dividers, and a padded double strap, making it an excellent choice for those long days on the course. It also incorporates a new Easy Flex Base for efficient leg retraction and improved stability.

Lightweight, aesthetically pleasing and practical, the Cobra Ultralight is a brilliant option for regular walkers and carriers.

Key specs – Weight: 1.8kg; Storage pockets: 7; Waterproof: Waterproof valuables pocket, rain cover; Colours: Black/blue, black/orange

3. Inesis Ultralight: Best budget stand bag

Price when reviewed: £65 | Check price at Decathlon

French retailer Decathlon has made a name for itself as your one-stop shop for affordable sporting goods. Among them is the Inesis Ultralight golf bag, a cheap and cheerful solution to your golfing needs.

Perfect for beginners, the Ultralight weighs in at just 1.7kg, around a kilogram lighter than most stand bags. It features four separate pockets and a four-way divider at the opening with ample room for a full set of clubs – fourteen in total. It also has padded shoulder straps to ensure you’re comfortable during a long afternoon out on the course.

The Ultralight has been subjected to Decathlon’s rigorous quality check tests but, if you’re still concerned about durability, bear in mind that this golf bag comes with a 2-year warranty as standard.

Key specs – Weight: 1.7kg; Storage pockets: Four; Waterproof: Yes, but no rain hood; Colours: Carbon grey, black, dark ivy green, snow white

4. Titleist Carry Bag: Best pencil bag

Price when reviewed: £67 | Check price at Scottsdale Golf

If you’re heading out for a spot of practice or just hitting the range for a few hours, you don’t necessarily want to lug your cart or weighty stand bag. This is where the pencil bag comes in. Providing the bare minimum but doing so efficiently, the humble pencil bag is a must for avid golfers looking for hassle-free transportation, simplicity, and freedom. Granted, freedom seems a bit excessive for a golf bag, but that’s certainly how it feels to carry one.

Donning a minimalist but sleek design, the Titleist Pencil Bag has a large full-length compartment, valuables pocket, and water bottle pouch. It also comes with a premium double strap for easy carrying, unlike some pencil bags that only come equipped with one for over the shoulder.

If you’re a regular at the range or enjoy a swift solo round, it might be time to add the Titleist Pencil Bag to your kit.

Key specs – Weight: 0.95kg; Storage pockets: 4; Waterproof: No; Colours: Black/green, charcoal/orange

5. Titleist StaDry 14 Waterproof Cart Bag: Best cart bag

Price when reviewed: £240 | Check price at American Golf

A good cart bag can go a long way. Built for maximum storage and added durability, these bags will often last you a good ten years or more, which is why finding the right one is key. The Titleist StaDry 14 has everything you need from a cart bag. Equipped with seven forward-facing pockets for golf balls, tees, gloves, valuables, garments, water bottles, and more, it can carry just about anything you would need on the course.

It’s fully waterproof, with seam-sealed zips and a rain hood to protect both your clubs and contents. It also features a 14-way club divider for easy in and out, preventing the annoying hassle of having to yank or shake your club out of the bag.

Smart-looking and sturdy, the Titleist StaDry 14 is a solid choice for any golfer looking to upgrade.

Key specs – Weight: 2.7kg; Storage pockets: 7; Waterproof Yes; Colours: Black/red, black/grey, black/blue

6. Benross Junior Stand Bag: Best junior golf bag

Price when reviewed: From £35 | Check price at American Golf

A common issue when buying golf gear for juniors is the annoying rate at which they grow out of it, which is why you need to spend wisely. There’s no point in splashing out on kit if it’s going to be redundant in a year, but that’s not to mean you can’t save money on a good product.

The Benross Junior Stand Bag comes in three available sizes: 43 to 49in, 49 to 55in, and 55 to 61in – for the best part, it’s worth buying up so the little one can grow into it rather than out of it. The Junior Bag features a padded double strap and four zip pockets, including a full-length apparel compartment and a waterproof valuables pocket.

With a simple design and reasonable price, the Benross Junior Stand Bag stands out as a sensible choice for the mini McIlroys and Sörenstams.

Key specs – Weight: Not specified; Storage pockets: 4; Waterproof: Yes, valuables pocket; Colours: Blue/black, green/black, orange/black

7. Srixon Tour Staff Bag: Best tour bag

Price when reviewed: £249 | Check price at Scottsdale Golf 

For the amateur golfer, a tour bag is more of a luxury than a necessity – especially if you don’t have a caddie. However, there’s something to be said for a stylish, tour-standard bag. If you’re an avid follower of the game, you’ll see these bags at every professional event all over the world, designed to carry everything you could possibly need on the course and look good while doing it.

On top of its classy exterior, the Srixon Tour Staff Bag features an integrated umbrella sleeve, seven easily accessible compartments with two inner pockets, an insulated cooler for beverages, and a velour-lined valuables pocket with a waterproof zip. The opening is also a spacious 9.5in and comes equipped with a five-way divider, allowing for convenient club organisation and access.

At 5.6kg, it’s one of the heavier golf bags on the market, but not to worry. The ergonomic rubber base is just as well equipped for trolleys and golf carts when it’s not freestanding. So, if you’re looking to treat yourself for the upcoming season, the Srixon Tour Staff Bag is a reliable investment that should last you for years to come.

Key specs – Weight: 5.6kg; Storage pockets: 7 (2 inner); Waterproof: Yes, valuables pocket; Colours: Black/red