The Three Golf Bag Types
A 2024 Golf Datatech survey found 35% of golfers who bought a bag in the last two years said they'd choose differently. The main regret? Too much bag when they walk, or too little when they ride.
Cart Bags
Designed for motorized or push carts. Prioritize storage, organization, and accessibility over portability. Most popular in the US where ~70% of rounds are played riding (NGF data).
- Weight: 5-8 lbs empty
- Dividers: 14-way individual slots standard
- Pockets: 8-12 including cooler and valuables
- Price: $150-$350
Stand Bags
The versatile option with retractable legs. Work for walking, riding, and push carts. Our equipment roadmap recommends starting here.
- Weight: 3.5-5.5 lbs empty
- Dividers: 4-7 way typical
- Pockets: 5-8
- Price: $150-$300
Sunday/Carry Bags
The minimalist option. For golfers who walk, carry few clubs, and value simplicity.
- Weight: 1.5-3 lbs empty
- Dividers: 1-3 way
- Pockets: 2-4
- Price: $50-$180
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Cart Bag | Stand Bag | Sunday Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5-8 lbs | 3.5-5.5 lbs | 1.5-3 lbs |
| Dividers | 14-way | 4-7 way | 1-3 way |
| Pockets | 8-12 | 5-8 | 2-4 |
| Walking | Poor | Excellent | Best |
| Cart Fit | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Push Cart | Excellent | Good | Varies |
| Best For | Cart riders | Walk + ride | Walking purists |
Which Bag Is Right for You?
How do you get around the course?
- Always ride → Cart bag
- Always walk/carry → Stand or Sunday bag
- Mix of both → Stand bag (most versatile)
- Push cart → Cart bag fits most securely
How much stuff do you carry?
Rain gear, extra layers, snacks, rangefinder? You need 6+ pockets. Just balls, tees, water? Sunday bag handles it.
Features That Actually Matter
Divider System
14-way full-length dividers prevent shaft tangling. Graphite shafts can be damaged by constant friction. If you have 4-way dividers, use headcovers on woods.
Strap System
For stand bags, strap quality is the #1 comfort feature. Premium bags (Ping Hoofer, Titleist Players, Sun Mountain 2.5+) use padded, contoured straps. Worth paying extra if you walk.
Waterproofing
Sun Mountain's H2NO line and Titleist's StaDry bags lead for wet-weather protection. Look for sealed zippers and waterproof pocket seals.
Top Recommendations by Category
Best Cart Bags
Best Stand Bags
Best Sunday Bags
Match your bag with the right footwear for your playing style.
Bag Care and Longevity
- Clean zippers monthly — zipper failure is the #1 reason bags get replaced
- Don't overstuff pockets — stretched pockets lose shape
- Store upright in cool, dry place
- Wipe down after wet rounds — moisture breeds mildew
Sources & Further Reading
- Golf Datatech. "Golf Equipment Purchase Satisfaction Survey 2024."
- National Golf Foundation. "2024 Golf Participation Report: Walking vs Riding."
- MyGolfSpy. "Best Golf Bags 2025: Independent Testing." mygolfspy.com.
- Sun Mountain Sports. "Cart Bag Design Engineering." sunmountain.com, 2025.
- Ping. "Hoofer Series: 30 Years of Stand Bag Innovation." ping.com, 2025.
