Walking your local golf course in comfort and style is important. After all, your clubs mean a lot to you — so why wouldn’t you want to secure them in a durable golf stand or carry bag that makes walking 18 holes seem like a stroll in the park?
Understanding that there are many options, brands, colors, and styles, finding the right golf stand or carry bag for you might seem harder than it should be. In response, we’ve researched the wide array of golf stand and carry bags on the market and put together this guide to help you narrow down the options. A new golf stand or carry bag won’t improve your swing, but it could increase your comfort, improve your stamina, and reduce that nagging back pain that hinders so many golfers as they’re coming down the stretch of their final few holes.
Top 10 golf stand and carry bags
Best overall: Callaway Fairway C HD Double Strap Stand Bag
Best budget: Sunday Golf Loma Bag
Best durability: Vessel Player III Stand
Best color options: STITCH SL2 Fadeaway Golf Bag
Best features: MNML Golf MV2 Golf Bag
Best strap system: Sun Mountain H2NO Lite Speed Stand Bag
Best waterproof: Titleist Players 5 Stadry Stand Bag
Best lightweight: Mizuno BR-D3 Stand Bag
Best for pockets and storage: Ping Hoofer Stand Bag
Best club divider system: Jones Sports Company Trouper R
How we chose the best golf stand and carry bags:
We researched manufacturer specifications, including durability, special features, pockets, storage, color options, strap system, and more to create a shortlist of the top golf stand and carry bags. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best golf stand and carry bag for each category.
Best overall: Callaway Fairway C HD Double Strap Stand Bag
All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team.
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Benefits
— Lightweight at only 4 lbs.
— Waterproof
— Self-adjusting padded strap
Drawbacks
— Hip pad is marginally smaller than other bags
The Callaway Fairway HD Double Strap Stand Bag is super comfortable to carry with its lightweight and innovative self-adjusting padded strap system. Its waterproof fabric, sealed seams, and welded zips mean you and your bag will stay dry in the rain, as the bag not only repels water but protects the rainpants and jacket you have stored inside.
This bag is a sure winner, not just because of the Callaway name but due to the features and durability built by one of the leading names in all things golf. The hip pad is marginally smaller than some other golf bags, but this minor drawback didn’t sway us from proclaiming the Callaway Fairway HD Double Strap Stand Bag as the Best Overall stand or carry bag on our list for 2023.
Dividers: 4 | Weight: 4 lbs. | Pockets: 5 | Colors: 5
Best budget: Sunday Golf Loma Bag
Benefits
— Super lightweight at under 2 lbs.
— Built-in stand and insulated drink pouch
— Cushioned shoulder strap and sleek design
Drawbacks
— Limited storage
The Sunday Golf Loma Bag is ideal for those trips to the range or par 3 courses. It holds six clubs, which doubles your practice focus on those select clubs. At under 2 pounds, the Sunday Golf Loma Bag is incredibly lightweight, and its stand (uncommon in Sunday bags) makes walking the course a breeze.
The Sunday Golf Loma Bag has a built-in insulated drink pouch, cushioned should strap, and sleek design, all enhancing the golfer’s experience. The velour-lined valuables pocket keeps your phone, watch, and wallet secure while you’re enjoying your round. With an affordable price tag, the Sunday Golf Loma Bag is our choice for the Best Stand or Carry Bag on a budget. That said, as a Sunday bag, it’s designed to carry a reduced number of golf clubs and offers a minimal amount of storage.
Dividers: 2 | Weight: <2 lbs. | Pockets: 4 | Colors: 11
Best durability: Vessel Player III Stand
Benefits
— Tour-grade synthetic leather provides extra durability
— Magnetic water bottle pockets
— Compression-molded back panel for added comfort
Drawbacks
— Hefty price tag
The Vessel Player III Stand bag is a diamond in the rough. Though its name is not as recognizable as others on our list, Vessel has knocked it out of the park with the Player III Stand. Its synthetic leather provides extra durability, making it our choice for the Best Durability on our 2023 list. It offers a magnetic water bottle pocket, magnetic range finder pocket, anti-microbial valuables pocket, interior lock pocket, microfiber-lined dividers, and compression-molded back panel that adds comfort.
The hefty price tag makes the Vessel Player III Stand bag outside the budget of many golf stand and carry bag shoppers, but if you don’t mind the cost, you’ll certainly enjoy this one-of-a-kind bag.
Dividers: 4 or 14 | Weight: 6.35 lbs. | Pockets: 5 | Colors: 10
Best color options: STITCH SL2 Fadeaway Golf Bag
Benefits
— Solid panels with white ingot make your customized initials pop
— Very lightweight for effortless carrying all day long
— Interchangeable single and double straps
Drawbacks
— More expensive than most mainstream labels
The STITCH SL2 Fadeaway Golf Bag is the next level of golf stand and carry bags. Its proprietary touring fabric is even more durable, lightweight, and water-resistant than leather. Its lightweight design and interchangeable single and double straps make carrying your clubs easier than ever. With 15 colors available, it’s easily our choice for the Best Color Options in a golf stand or carry bag.
The STITCH SL2 Fadeaway Golf Bag has solid-colored panels with a white ingot that makes your customized initials truly stand out. There are several pockets for apparel, balls, valuables, and beverages, making this bag an all-around stellar choice for the golfer in need of a new golf stand or carry bag. Its price will cost you, but you’ll undoubtedly get what you pay for!
Dividers: 4 | Weight: 4 lbs. 10 oz. | Pockets: 4 | Colors: 15
Best features: MNML Golf MV2 Golf Bag
Benefits
— Patent pending phone holder filming pocket
— Internal stand mechanism
— Backpack strap means incredible comfort when carrying
Drawbacks
— Extended delivery time with customization
MNML Golf is one of those companies that break from the norm and puts a product out there that’s sure to turn heads. The MNML Golf MV2 Golf Bag has several amenities that make it different and innovative. A patent pending phone holder filming pocket allows you to record your swing and analyze the good and bad later on.
The internal stand mechanism is very sturdy, and the backpack strap and lightweight microsuede material make carrying the MNML Golf MV2 Golf Bag more comfortable than you’ve experienced before. Magnetic pocket closures make your bag look sleek while keeping your belongings secure. In addition, the thermal pocket, range finder pocket, and re-engineered side and ball pockets ensure you have everything you need for a nice long day of golf.
Additional options include a solar power bank for phone charging and a waterproof Bluetooth speaker with an eight-hour battery life. Initials and logo customization are also available, making shopping for this bag as fun as using it. For all these reasons, the MNML Golf MV2 Golf Bag is our choice for Best Features of 2023.
Dividers: 4 | Weight: 5 lbs. | Pockets: 5 | Colors: 2
Best strap system: Sun Mountain H2NO Lite Speed Stand Bag
Benefits
— Sun Mountain waterproof technology, taped seams, and water-resistant zippers
— Lightweight at less than 5 lbs.
— 6 pockets for maximum storage
Drawbacks
— 4-way top causes occasional over-crowding of clubs
The Sun Mountain H2NO Lite Speed Stand Bag is another successful product from the stellar Sun Mountain brand of golf products. The carry system includes an X-Strap System that offers a single strap for short carries and shoulder straps with carry-assist grab loops for the most comfortable carry. It also has six pockets for ample storage every time you go out to play.
Sun Mountain has applied the waterproof technology they’ve built into their rainwear for so many years to their golf bag production. They’ve also added taped seams and water-resistant zippers for a high-quality product. The only drawback we found was the occasional jamming of clubs in the four-way divider top.
Dividers: 4 | Weight: 4.2 lbs. | Pockets: 6 | Colors: 4
Best waterproof: Titleist Players 5 Stand Bag
Benefits
— Waterproof technology
— Comfortable premium double strap carry system
— Convenient amenities
Drawbacks
— Tee pocket zipper gets stuck at times
The Titleist Players 5 Stadry Stand Bag has a lot to offer, including the Titleist name. Its superior waterproof technology makes it our choice for the Best Waterproof golf stand and carry bag of 2023. The comfortable premium double strap system makes carrying easy for a quick nine or a full day of golf.
In typical Titleist fashion, there are several fun and practical “convenience” amenities, including velcro glove patches, two external drink sleeves, a Sharpie holder, and a spacious golf ball pocket.
This stand bag is priced right where you’d expect a quality bag from Titleist. We’ve heard that the zipper on the tee pocket seems to get stuck at times, though — a quirky complaint but one that could get annoying when reaching into your bag in a hurry.
Dividers: 5 | Weight: 4.3 lbs. | Pockets: 7 | Colors: 10
Best lightweight: Mizuno BR-D3 Stand Bag
Benefits
— Ultra-comfortable shoulder strap
— 8 pockets for extensive storage capabilities
— Padded grab handle makes lifting in and out of your car easy
Drawbacks
— Not waterproof
The Mizuno BR-D3 Stand Bag offers a comfortable shoulder strap and eight pockets to store almost anything, including extra apparel in its full-length apparel pocket. In addition, the padded grab handle makes transporting your bag easy on your bag and arms.
This bag has a slew of convenient additions that make it a pleasure to use, including quick access mesh pocket, metal towel accessory clip, loop velcro patch, elastic pen/marker holder, and more. It’s very affordable, but the lack of waterproof technology will surely deter many golfers in the market for a new trusty golf stand or carry bag.
Dividers: 4 | Weight: 4.5 lbs. | Pockets: 8 | Colors: 6
Best pockets and storage: Ping Hoofer Stand Bag
Benefits
— 11 pockets
— Easy conversion between single and double strap
— Innovative cart strap channel
Drawbacks
— Many complaints about getting clubs in and out of the bag cleanly
The Ping Hoofer is possibly the most recognizable name in golf stand and carry bags. With 11 pockets, it earns the top spot for the Best Pockets and Storage. The innovative cart strap system means you won’t choke your golf clubs when riding, and the easy conversion system from single to double strap means you’ll always maximize comfort when carrying.
For the price, you get the Ping quality and performance you expect, but there have been more than a few complaints about golfers having trouble getting their clubs in and out of the bag smoothly.
Dividers: 5 | Weight: 5.5 lbs. | Pockets: 11 | Colors: 7
Best club divider system: Jones Sports Company Trouper R
Benefits
— Single or double strap
— Large insulated front pocket holds four 16 oz. cans
— 7 pockets keep all your belongings secure and available
Drawbacks
— Lacks brand familiarity
The Jones Sports Company Trouper R stand bag might not have brand familiarity among most golfers out there, but the quality and options available make it one to look at. Set up your single or double strap to meet your preference and stuff those refreshments in the large insulated front pocket, and you’re ready to go.
With seven pockets throughout the bag, the Jones Sports Company Trouper R enables you to bring everything you’ll need, so you won’t have to leave the course ‘till dark. The Jones Sports Company Troup R golf bag is water-resistant, made of recycled F35-R ripstop fabric, and has a five-way divider to make getting your clubs in and out of the bag a piece of cake.
Dividers: 5 | Weight: 5.5 lbs. | Pockets: 11 | Colors: 7
Making Sense of This Bag Versus That One
There are many options in golf stand and carry bags on the market, and the wide array of amenities and features means there’s one special bag out there for you. Whether it’s the number of pockets, ease of use, color options, or the price, determine what’s most important to you and use our handy list to narrow down your choices. After all, carrying your bag for 18 holes adds to your golf experience in a way that riding in a golf cart can’t. Take your time and do your research, and then enjoy the 2023 golf season.
How to pick the right golf stand or carry bag for you
Comfort and storage are arguably the most important factors when looking for a new golf bag. Comfort adds to a healthy walk by helping you avoid nagging back pain. Ample storage means you won’t be caught in the rain without your rain gear or on the back nine with no golf balls left to speak of. There are some other factors to consider, too.
Price
Only you know what you want to spend on a new golf bag. It’s a purchase you make only every several years, so skimping on quality and convenience isn’t recommended.
Comfort
In addition to alleviating pain from carrying your bag, the comfort factor also increases the enjoyment of walking the course. Golf is a recreational activity where fun and enjoyment matter.
Durability
Pick it up. Put it down. Clubs go in and out, and the bag goes from your hot trunk to the scorching sun. Durability in your golf stand or carry bag is a huge factor. Find a good one and commit to it. You’ll be happy after you play all those rounds of golf, and your bag still looks and performs like it’s brand new.
FAQ
What’s the best bag for golf?
We chose the Callaway Fairway HD Double Strap Stand Bag as our Best Overall golf stand or carry bag. It provides comfort, durability, storage, waterproof technology, and much more.
What kind of bag do pro golfers use?
Professional golfers use Tour staff bags provided by their sponsor company. Their Tour staff bags are much larger than the stand and carry bags we’ve highlighted here.
What do golfers carry in their bags?
Golfers carry extra golf balls, gloves, tees, ball markers, and divot tools. They carry drinks, snacks, and extra apparel to protect themselves from the elements. They carry a rangefinder and the valuables they came to the course with, including their wallet, watch, phone, and keys. Many of the bags we highlighted have more than enough room to support all these needs. Find the one that’s right for you.
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