11 Best Golf Bags That Will Instantly Upgrade Your Game

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IN MANY WAYS, a golf bag can make or break your golf game. Sure a golf bag doesn't have any real performance value like a set of golf clubs does, but what makes a golf bag so important is its ability to help you carry your gear from point A to point B, with as little energy exerted as possible.

The best golf bag is going to be one you hardly notice at all. Confusing? Think about how a bad golf bag can impact your play. Maybe the shoulder strap always digs into your neck when carrying? Or perhaps your bag is too thin and flimsy, so you have wrangle the heck out of it so it will stay put on the back of the cart. Poorly made kick stand? Don't even get us started.

Speaking from a style perspective, your golf bag should also look clean and mean. Thanks to the boom of golf in the last few years, finding a golf bag with style points is not a problem anymore. We're seeing some truly standout designs from brands we absolutely love.

Ahead, we've pulled together our latest list of the best golf bags to get you ready for the season.

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Sunday Golf Loma XL Bag

Sunday Golf has quickly risen as one of the top bag makers in the game. At the center of its lineup is the Loma Bag, an ultra-lightweight bag (under 2 lbs) that's perfect for carrying the essentials on a par 3 or for taking to the driving range. The Loma Bag is great for the golfer who is looking for a side bag for those previous stated uses, but to really secure a golf bag with enough space to play a round with, we love the Loma XL.

Like the Loma Bag, the Loma XL is built to stay lightweight. The XL is heavier than the Loma Bag (3.4 pounds to 2 pounds), but still lighter than pretty much all other golf bags on this roundup.The XL comes with a double strap for comfortable walking on the course, a three-way top divider for keeping up to eight clubs organized, and an insulated frosty pocket for keeping your cold ones, well, cold.

It's minimalist, making it great for beginners and for those who don't want to deal with clutter or deal with carrying too much weight. The downsides are, of course, the ability to only carry up to eight clubs. If you pack the bag too full, you also risk putting too much weight on the pop-out stands.

The price point of under $200 really sells the Loma XL as a value-driven pick. It's not a big bertha bag, but it will carry what you need for the course—all while making sure you stay lean and mean.

Start here if you want a minimalist golf bag, or if you are a beginner to the game and are still working from a small rotation of clubs.

Pitch & Putt Lightweight Stand Carry Bag

Sometimes it's best to go as minimal as possible with your clubs. For the days we hit up the driving range or set off to play a par 3 course, we use this bag from Orlimar. It weighs just 1.9 pounds and features a two-way opening to store about 5-6 clubs.

It's true there are better small bags on the market. Sunday Golf makes a more expensive alternative that is more stylish and feature loaded, called the Loma Bag, for $145; but the Orlimar bag simply has a much better value in our comparison. Think about it: for $70, you get a lightweight carry bag with a stand and a couple of pockets. The polyester material the bag is made out of is plenty durable too.

We say grab this bag if you're looking for something quick and easy to use for practicing and fast rounds. Then, take the money you saved and put it towards a big premiere golf bag or a new club.

Titleist - Players 5 Black

The Titleist Players bags a golfer favorite through each iteration. The Players 5 is a sturdy stand bag with a low profile, promising plenty of storage without getting too ridiculous in size and organization. You get plenty of storage space (full-length drink pockets and apparel pockets), velcro spots for easy glove storage, and an overall weight of 4.3 pounds. And just like the iconic hat, you get the classic cursive styling on the side of the bag.

The new feature on the Players 5 (that wasn't on the Players 4 bag) is a five-way top cuff. The extra compartment for club organization allows the ability to carry a few more clubs, so bring on the extra wedges and woods.

Really the only downside to consider is the cost. The Players 5 is about $40 more than the Callaway Fairway C—a similar golf bag in terms of configuration. If you're willing to pay up just a little more, then you can do no wrong going with this timeless pick.

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Woode Cart Bag

Ogio bags are known for storage and style. The brand prioritizes durability too, which is a reason why its travel golf bags are so popular with those who like to take golf trips. If you want to max out the storage capability on your golf bag (without sacrificing discomfort in carrying) then consider the Woode cart bag.

We're talking 15-way organization top, 12 external pockets, and 2 quick access compartments. Want to show some flare? No problem. These bad boys come in several awesome colors outside of the traditional all-black.

Fairway C Stand Bag

You really can't go wrong with a Callaway golf bag, but when it comes to which one provides the biggest bang for its buck, it's the Fairway C. The newly designed model includes boosted storage all-around, from the clubs (it can hold at least 14) to the pockets (7 spacious zippered compartments). What's amazing is the Fairway C still maintains a slim silhouette and a lightweight design (just four pounds in weight total). The bag is also waterproofed to the nines thanks to its water-resistant material and seam-sealed zippers.

A few more elite features we like include: boosted protection for clubs thanks to soft rubber dividers and hard Shaft Shield rubber, a flexible base made to better sit on different surfaces and slopes, and a comfortable dual strap system for carrying.

If you are looking for a bag that pushes the envelope on style and innovation, then this is a solid choice. Welcome to the future of golf bags, folks.

Read more: Ways to Improve Your Golf Swing

GoHimal 14-Way Golf Stand Bag

Amazon has a lot of wallet-friendly golf bags, but if you are going to go the affordable route it's best to avoid the cheapest of the cheap. This bag from GoHimal is just a tad more expensive than the other Amazon brands, yet it still promises a sub-$150 price.

It's built with a 14-way top, so you can stuff an entire set of clubs inside. You get a double strap for better carrying and decent pocket space (it even comes with a cooler pocket). Most reviews deem the kickstand to be sturdy, which is significant due to the amount of cheap golf bags out there that have weak and wobbly stand legs. What's nice is even the bottom of the bag is strong and capable of staying upright in a golf cart.

One negative to consider is the polyester material of the bag. It's durable and tear-resistant, but it isn't super rain resistant. So the bag is prone to getting soaked. Second is the logo; though the "Himal" reading on the side isn't ugly (a lot of the cheap Amazon golf bags have tacky logos and designs), it still is super large and visible.

If you are a golfer with a cheap to medium set of clubs, then this bag warrants a look. If you are rocking expensive clubs, look for a golf bag that has more protective reinforcement features and better rain resistance. That's the verdict.

Jordan Fadeaway 6-Way Golf Bag

Golf bags do not get more swagged out than this one. Inspired by Michael Jordan's love of golf, the Jordan Fadeaway is a spec'd out golf bag with iconic Jumpman styling details. For starters, it operates as a cart bag and as a carrying bag (thanks to the addition of cushioning double straps). The bag itself is made with a water-resistant polyester and leather material that bears resemblance of a Jordan shoe. At the top of the bag is a six-way opening for organized storage that comes with a black rain hood.

Pockets space is plenty, and each one has a soft velour lining that protects your phone and any other valuables. You also have an umbrellas cinch for keeping your gear dry when the rain starts to spit.

This bag exudes excellence. It's bound to get you nods of approval on the course, and the fact the bag is directly tied to a champion means you might just find yourself playing up to your abilities. The two knocks on The Fadeaway, though: it's likely to lean heavy, and the price point is hefty.

TaylorMade Golf Pro Cart Bag White

TaylorMade makes several types of golf bags for those who want a deluxe carrier, but really the brand shines the most with its Golf Pro Cart Bag. Its $200 price makes it super affordable for a quality cart bag that has everything one would want: comfortable shoulder bags, ample club storage, and generous pocket space.

Its nylon material and streamlined pocket space makes it easy to move and carry. The bag also has a 14-way top, making it a nice pick for those who want to carry a full set of clubs with ease.

The downside bag is this bag is not very waterproof. There are no innovative features or special details on this bag that make it standout. Instead, this is a classic cart bag that will get the job done and look good on the course—all for a generous price point.

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Anyday Katana Bag

Ghost Golf first caught our attention via it's cool magnetic golf towel. It turns out Ghost makes a mean golf bag too.

The Anyday Katana is a one-of-a-kind storage monster with tons of pocket space and a 14-club carrying capacity. Subtle features like velvet-wrapped top dividers and cooler-lined water bottle sleeves (on both sides) make playing that much more fun. The bag is outfitted with carbon fiber legs so it can stand with authority, and it comes in a waterproof material that has a beautiful leather-like texture.

If you want luxury and premium storage, this is your bag right here.

SL2 Air Walker Golf Bag

Stitch Golf improved upon its original SL2 bag by making it include nearly 50 percent more storage while still staying under 5 pounds. The expanded storage means smoother pulls and inserts of clubs from the bag, which goes a long way when you find yourself repeating that motion a zillion times throughout a full round of golf.

We also like the designated pocket space. There's a larger compartment for apparel (like rain gear), a magnetized ball pocket that can store up to 12 golf balls, and a felt-lined pocket to store your phone and valuables.

The coolest detail about Stitch Golf's bags? It's super easy and low cost to add personalization features. For $10 more, you can add an initial patch that reads either horizontal or vertical.

Golf Range Bag

This Tumi bag is perfect the executive that finds himself going straight from the office to the course. It's beautiful; made in the same excellence like Tumi luggage. It's made with FXT Ballistic Nylon, a textured material that's tough as nails and lightweight. On the top is a two-way opening made to fit four to five clubs, with hard molded reinforcement for added protection and a hard molded handle for easy grabbing.

You also have small details like: a sturdy pop-out stand, a stand on the bottom of the bag to keep it from directly touching the ground, and an array of useful pocket space that caters to all types of storage needs.

This is a luxury golf bag (hence the $800), but if you are a golf fiend who likes to fit in a quick round or go to the driving range during the work week, then this is an elevated pick that's going to have you looking lean and put together. Say goodbye to stuffing your massive, overflowing cart bag in the corner of your office.

What to Consider When Buying a Golf Bag

There are a few characteristics to look for when buying a golf bag, the main ones to consider have to do with how often you play, as well as the quality and quantity of the clubs you play with.

Cart Bag vs. Stand Bag

Golf bags essentially fall into two categories: cart bags and stand bags. A cart bag is meant for cart use, which means they're designed for carrying on a golf cart or on a roller cart when walking the course. Cart bags are usually larger and contain more organizational space. The downside is they're heavier and, hence the name, you need to rent a cart (or prepare for some serious energy exertion when carrying around a course).

A stand bag is meant for carrying. They typically have better strap designs (double straps) and are more lightweight. They also have a kickstand for keeping the bag upright when setting the bag down to pull out your clubs. The downside to a stand bag is less club space (the bag has to accommodate a kickstand placement) and less pocket space.

Number of Dividers

The number of dividers on your golf bag depends on how many clubs you like to play with. If you play with a full set of 14 clubs (what the pros typically do), then a 14-way divider is the best way to organize them all. If you play with anything less, then you can get away with a smaller number of dividers.

A common set for golfers is 12 clubs total: a driver plus two woods, seven irons, a pitching wedge, and a putter. But some people golf with fewer clubs than 12 clubs even. From that 12-club standard set, a golfer might remove a wood (like a 5-wood), as well as a couple of irons they don't commonly use. Don't treat the statements we make on divider numbers as absolutes though, as you can get away with storing more clubs in a lower number of dividers; just be aware you might sacrifice some organization while doing it though.

Waterproof Features

It's worth mentioning waterproofing because this feature can raise or lower the overall price of a golf bag. If you're golfing a lot or have an expensive set of clubs, then it's probably worth investing in a waterproof bag. Some waterproof bags are better than others, with seam-taped zippers and waterproof pockets. Other bags usually just have water-resistant shells.

If you aren't golfing a lot or if you have a more inexpensive club set, then waterproof features might not be that important. You can save a lot of money by opting for a golf bag that's not fully waterproof, then if you're caught in the rain while playing you can simply put a plastic poncho over your clubs or buy some sort of rain hood to help protect the clubs.

How We Selected

For the past three years, Men's Health editors and writers, including our Senior Gear and Commerce Editor John Thompson, have been testing golf gear to find the best equipment in the game. To narrow down our favorites, we evaluated golf bags based on durability, performance, and price point. We also considered golf bags with high praise from reviewers on e-commerce websites we trust.

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