One of the essential pieces of equipment for the game of golf is a golf bag. We all know that a quality golf bag is very important as it plays a role greater than just containing your clubs.
A quality golf bag is important. With the different options out there it is important to consider how you play the majority of your rounds of golf.
A major part of playing your best golf is ensuring that you are comfortable, have what you need and can focus on the game. We know that the weather changes frequently in some parts of the country and being prepared for those situations is important.
The good news is that golfers have different options depending on how they play they prefer to play the game. Most golfers typically fall into three categories:
- They use a golf cart with every round.
- They use a golf cart sometimes and walk sometimes.
- They walk every round.
For those that fall into the 2nd and 3rd category there are those that prefer to carry their bag and those that utilize a push or pull part.
Stand Bag vs Cart Bag
Leading to the question, should I buy a stand bag or a cart bag?
If you utilize a golf cart for every round or use a push or pull cart for every round when you are walking, then the recommendation would be a cart bag. If you are someone that prefers to carry your bag when walking, then the recommendation is a stand bag.
The good news is that there are some quality options on both ends as both styles have their pros and cons.
Below, I will provide a complete overview of the followings questions or topics:
- What is the difference between a stand bag and a cart bag
- Advantages of a stand bag and a cart bag
- Should I get a stand bag or carry bag
- What bag is best for a junior golfer
What is the difference between a stand bag and a cart bag?
The major difference is that a stand bag has a stand and typically has a double shoulder strap. While the cart bag is typically larger and doesn’t have a stand or a double strap.
The reason behind this is that the stand bag is designed to allow the golfer to carry their bag when they play. The stand bags are typically slimmer in size, lighter and have the features such as the stand and double strap that make walking 18 holes and carrying easier.
The cart bag is designed to be placed on a cart of some kind. Whether this is a power cart or a push or pull cart. The bag is typically larger in size and is built to contain items such as rain coats, extra towels, snacks, and other items that golfers often carry for a round of golf.
While a stand bag has a decent amount of storage options, it doesn’t have as much as the cart bag. If you are someone that needs to carry a lot of extra stuff during a round and will have no desire to ever carry your bag, the cart bag is the true winner.
If you are someone that will on occasion carry your bag and want a sleeker, slimmer, lighter option then the stand bag is a quality option for you.
Complete post here: How many golf clubs are you allowed to carry in your bag?
Advantages of a stand bag
For the golfer that prefers to grab their bag, head out to the course and take in nature as they walk and carry their bag, the stand bag features being lighter, slimmer with add ons such as a stand and double carry strap the stand bag is an impressive bag.
Many junior golfers and traditionalists in the game will seek the stand bag as walking and carrying maintains some elements to the game that they enjoy.
List of advantages:
- Has a stand for easy set down no matter where you are.
- Has a double strap to help reduce the pressure on one shoulder.
- Is typically lighter to make walking 18 holes more doable.
- Looks great and often is a sign of a quality golfer.
Advantages of a cart bag
For the golfer that prefers to ride in the cart or utilizes a push cart, the extra space provided for the extras that golfers carry make the cart bag an excellent options. As many people age, they either don’t have a desire to every walk or when they do walk they have their go to pull cart to make the walk easier.
Many people love playing the game of golf, but never walk and that is perfectly fine.
Overview of advantages:
- Designed to provide plenty of extra space for those extra items you want to have in your bag.
- Fits nicely into a cart and stands standing in the cart easily.
Should I get a stand bag or cart bag?
If you are someone that prefers to carry your bag, even on occasion, I would recommend the stand bag. Most stand bags provide enough space to carry the extras. In my stand bag I am able to hold several different golf gloves, my umbrella, my rain gear, my range finder, an extra pull over, a bottle of water, plenty of golf balls and tees.
I also have a special compartment for medication, wallet and keys. I have never felt that I didn’t have enough space for the essentials to play the round that day.
If you are someone that is never going to carry your bag, I would recommend the cart bag. The extra storage would be nice and there are some quality options on the market. Pick out the one that looks good, has the storage you need and meets all of your needs for your bag storage.
What bag is best for a junior golfer?
The best option is a stand bag with a double strap. The bag should be as light as possible for the junior golfer and easy enough to set down. The stand does make this very simple.
The last thing you want is a junior golfer to be turned off from the game because of how heavy it might be to carry around an oversized or improper golf bag. The ease of carrying the junior size stand bags is rather impressive and the manufacturers have done a great job of creating quality options for junior golfers
Resource: How many golfer clubs does a beginner need?
Should I use a push cart?
The push cart does save the back, shoulders and legs from carrying around the weight of a bag for 18 holes. The push cart has become very common among golfers of all age groups.
They just make sense and the golfer can still enjoy the walking aspect of the game without carrying around an extra 20-30 pounds for 5-7 miles that it takes to walk 18 holes.
The combination I have settled is on a decent size stand bag with a push cart. I walk about 75% of my rounds with my push cart. I enjoy the experience of walking and the exercise and the push cart makes this much easier. I carried for many years, but recently added the push cart and I am thankful that I did!
Complete post here: Are golf push carts worth it?