Golf Bags: Custom-Curated FAQs

From how to carry your golf bag to what to put in it and whether or not having a golf bag custom made is worth it, we’re your source for wit and wisdom. See if your question appears below and contact us directly if not.

1. What’s the difference between a stand bag and a cart bag?

Golf stand bags have collapsible legs and are intended to be carried on the course. Golf cart bags generally do not have legs and are intended to be strapped to the cart during play.

Stand bags tend to be lightweight and minimalistic, and have comfortable carry straps, whereas cart bags place more of an emphasis on room, and usually have forward-facing pockets that are easy to access even when the cart is strapped in.

2. What is a Sunday golf bag?

A Sunday golf bag is essentially a light golf bag that only has room for the essentials. Think of it as a reduced version of even your stand bag. This goes back to the days when work on the Sabbath was forbidden, and so caddies could not work, forcing golfers to carry their own bags.

3. What about a hybrid?

A hybrid golf bag is one that has features of both stand and cart bags. Some hybrid golf bags are like beefed up stand bags, which have legs and comfortable carry straps, but which also have cart-strap pass throughs and extra room for more gear.

4. What are the most popular brands?

There are lots of great brands in the golf bag market, including but not limited to Sun Mountain, Mizuno, Callaway, TaylorMade, Titleist, and others.

5. What is a travel golf bag?

A travel bag is a bag that is designed to protect your golf equipment while in travel. They can be hard or soft sided, with internal straps, and may have rolling wheels and tow handles. Some travel bags are designed to completely enclose a stand or cart bag to protect it during travel.

6. What is the average price?

That’s hard to answer, but usually golf bags will cost several hundred dollars. If you’re interested in getting a bargain, consider buying a pre-owned golf bag.

7. How much should a golf bag weigh?

Generally, less than 10 lbs (before you add any clubs or golf equipment). Some ultralight stand bags are even less, in the area of 3 or 4 lbs.

8. How many pockets should a golf bag have?

That depends on what you want to bring. Most golf bags will have 5 or more pockets, and some have many more than that. As a general rule, stand bags will have fewer pockets (and fewer specialized ones) than cart bags.

9. Are there any special features I should look for?

For stand bags, you should look for lightweight yet strong, collapsible legs. For cart bags you should look for a design with forward-facing pockets, lift-handles, and a cart strap pass through.

You might also want to look for a design with specialized pockets. Some golf bags have cooler pockets and special water-resistant or lined valuables or rangefinder pockets.

10. What should I keep in a golf bag?

Beyond your clubs, golf balls, tees, golf glove, towels, pencils and paper, there are a bunch of things you should also keep in your golf bag. For more information, see our detailed article on the subject, “21 Things Everyone Should Keep in a Golf Bag.”

11. How do I clean and care for a golf bag?

Golf bags, like all of your equipment, will need periodic care and maintenance. We covered a basic tutorial of how to clean and care for a golf bag in one of our recent blogs, “Cleaning a Golf Bag: A Quick Guide.” Please consult that post for more information.

12. Is there any value in getting a golf bag custom made?

Sure, if that sort of thing appeals to you. However, you can get plenty of value in a standard model that’s in production from one of the top brands instead of having a golf bag custom made or just personalized. They’re expensive enough as is!

13. How long should my golf bag last?

That really depends on how well you care for it, but at the same time, most golf bags from reputable brands are well-made with quality materials. If you take care of the bag, keep it clean and dry, and maintain it diligently, you should expect it to last between 5 and 10 years, if not longer.

14. How many golf balls can a pro carry?

While you’re limited in the number of clubs you can carry, a PGA tour player can carry as many golf balls as desired. However, most will carry around 10 or so.

15. What should I replace first in my golf bag?

Wedges are usually the hardest-used and fastest wearing clubs in a golf bag, and most recommend replacing your wedges every two to three years.

You can gauge the condition of a wedge by looking at the grooves milled into the face. Run your nail down the face, and it should hang up a little on each groove. If it slides by them without stopping at all, it’s time for a new wedge.

16. Is it alright if I leave my bag in the trunk or garage?

Actually this is not a good idea, especially in the summer. For one, high humidity can cause your clubs to rust and can prematurely degrade the golf bag, and worse than this, high temperatures can break down the epoxy that secures your golf club head to the shaft.

17. Is there a right way to lift or carry a golf bag?

Yes, there is. Get close to the bag, bend your knees, and lift using your legs and hips, not your back.

As for carrying, make sure the straps are properly adjusted to your dimensions so as to distribute the weight for optimal comfort.

Your Next Golf Bag Is Here: We Have the Top Brands

Dallas Golf Company is proud to offer the top brands in the business, including those listed here and many others. Take a look through our full collection of golf bags and see if you can find one that works for you today, and if you have questions or would like personalized recommendations, get in touch with our customer service at 800-955-9550.