Golf Bags
Unfortunately unless you are currently on the pro tour, you won't have a caddy that carries you bag for every round you play, so choosing a bag is based on how you play the game.
Prices and features on golf bags vary vastly. It's has been a long time since golfers expected a bag to just carry their clubs, a few spare balls and last week's smelly waterproofs.
The following information will let you know what golf bags are available and what the benefits and drawbacks are of each.
Carry Bags
The carry bag is the most basic golf bag that is carried around the course. Carry bags are relatively lightweight due to their slimline design, but can still hold a full set of 14 clubs with relative ease. Most carry bags come with a dual, padded strap to divide the weight of the bag over both shoulders for more comfort, and a grab handle for quick carrying.
Stand Bags
A stand bag is small and lightweight, much like the average carry bag, but has a stand which keeps the bag off the ground when not being carried. When the bag is put down, legs spring out from the side, making it stand and slope to the side for easy access to clubs while keeping the bag from being dirtied. This makes it easy to see all the clubs in the bag for maximum accessibility. Stand bags are usually made of synthetic material such as nylon or polyester and most come with a dual-shoulder strap as described above.
The quality of stands on the stand bags varies, and some cheaper models may be prone to falling over in the wind. A stand bag is slightly more expensive than a carry bag but is more convenient and easy to use pencil bags
Pencil Bags
Pencil bags are a smaller variation of the carry bag and are designed to carry only a few clubs for when you are not playing a full round. A pencil bag is lightweight and slimline, with little to no extra pockets other than places to store extra balls and tees.
Trolley Bags
A trolley (or cart) bag is larger and heavier than a carry bag and is aimed at senior or lady golfers who use a golf trolley, rather than carrying their clubs manually around the course. Although these days more and more golfers are choosing trolleys to transport their clubs to cut down on shoulder and back strain which can affect the quality of their game. The cart bag is usually made of heavy, durable leather and is often manufactured with a rigid inner lining that makes the bag water resistant. Additional compartments can hold extra supplies since the weight of the bag is not an issue as it isn't carried. Cart bags also usually have graphite-friendly dividers at the top of the cart which makes it easier to access the clubs.
Tour/Staff Bags
Tour bags are the largest types of bags available and are usually used by professionals who have caddies to carry their clubs. Tour bags are heavy and can accommodate a large amount of extra equipment. Because of their added weight, they are not recommended for a player who carries his own clubs round the course.
Women's Golf Bags
When it comes to choosing a ladies golf bag there is often much more to the design than initially meets the eye. There are many aspects of Women's Golf Bags which have been specifically tailored in order to comfortably suit the different physical build and practical demands of the female player. Considering the amount of time you will be spending with your golf bag, you should never underestimate the importance of purchasing a model which meets your own high standards.
One of the few drawbacks of this great game we all enjoy is the simple fact that we have to carry our equipment around with us. It is hard to find a golf bag that will actively improve your game, meaning that the choice of golf bag is up to your individual likes and needs.
