Best Golf Bags of 2023
Paul Liberatore is the founder of Golfers Authority, which reviews the world's best golf products and gear.
If you’ve been playing golf for a long time, chances are you’ve gone through a fair share of golf bags. After a while, they just wear out. The colors fade, the edges fray, the zippers stop working and the list continues.
I know that’s been the case for me. For a while, when I was playing multiple times a week, it seemed like I was buying a new golf bag every year. Over the years, I’ve had almost every type of bag imaginable—heavy-duty cart bags, single-strap Sunday bags and countless stand bags. Some have been more practical and held up better than others, but I’ve never been 100% happy with any bag I’ve ever owned.
So, I made 2023 the year I was going to find a bag that suited my needs, was efficient for the type of golf I play and looked sharp. I started researching and looked at dozens of bags, trying to find the perfect one. After a while, it got to the point that I could help some of our readers and share my thoughts on what I consider to be the best golf bags in 2023.
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What to Consider When Buying a Golf Bag
If you’ve read any of my other golf equipment buying guides, you know that I stress budget as the most crucial factor to consider when making a purchase.
Golf bags are no different. They can range in price from just a few bucks to hundreds of dollars. Before buying a new golf bag, make sure it’s one you can afford. It’s that simple.
Once you’ve determined how much money you can spend, you must think about how you usually get around the golf course. Do you prefer to carry your clubs or have them on a push cart if you walk? Do you ride most of the time?
As an example, let’s say you prefer to walk and carry your clubs. In this case, buying a great big cart bag doesn’t make much sense. You’ll get sick of taking it between your car and the pro shop, alone, throughout 18 holes.
Conversely, if you take a power cart when you play, a single-strap Sunday bag probably isn’t your best choice. It will limit your storage space and likely sag on the back of the cart.
Next on the list of things to consider are the tech and features you want in a golf bag. It might not be that obvious, but today's golf bags are more high-tech than ever. Pockets close in different ways; some come with portable chargers that allow you to plug in your smartphone, and some even have solar panels that will enable you to charge your charger. How much of this stuff do you need?
Last but certainly not least is the durability of your golf bag. No matter whether you walk or ride, your golf bag is going to take some abuse. The sun can fade colors quickly, zippers can break, seams can fray, etc. If you play a lot of golf, you’ll probably want a bag that can stand the test of time. On the other hand, if you only play a few times a year, chances are you can go with something cheaper that might not be as well-built.
Now that we’ve established some things to remember when buying a new golf bag let’s look at the best ones for 2023.
Best Overall Golf Bag - Vessel Player IV Stand Bag
I can’t get enough of Vessel golf bags. They’re the choice of virtually every pro on the PGA and LPGA Tours, and it’s for a reason. No other company sets higher standards for craftsmanship, quality materials and functionality than Vessel.
The Player IV stand bag is no exception.
Made from the finest Tour-grade synthetic leather, this bag not only turns heads with its aesthetics, it’s meant to stand the test of time. Not to mention, it’s available in colors of black, white, grey, navy, crimson red, and astral.
There’s a lot more to the story than sexy looks, though. This bag is full of cutting-edge tech and features that set it apart from the competition.
As someone who likes to walk and occasionally carry my clubs, I’ve never encountered a better strap system than the self-adjusting Equilibrium 2.0 on Player IV. The straps are super comfortable and self-adjust whenever you pick up the bag. No more having to yank on the straps and readjust until you find the right length of each. This system does it all for you.
The low-profile stand system is excellent. The base rotates to find the most stable position whenever you set the bag down, even if you’re on a slope. Not once have I had this bag tip over.
For a bag of its size, there’s a surprising number of pockets and plenty of storage room. Even more, each pocket has a specific function. The two cooler sleeves are insulated and have a magnetic closure that expands. The valuables pocket is lined with antimicrobial velour so small items like your phone won’t get scratched. The oversized garment pocket has an internal lock pocket to secure your most sacred valuables.
Other amenities include a matching rain hood, carbon fiber legs, an internal base divider, glove patch, bottle opener, cushioned neoprene back panel, and the ability to have the ball pocket personalized.
You can also get this bag with a six or 14-way divider top. Like anything else in golf, you get what you pay for. Even though the Vessel Player IV stand bag is a little more expensive than other brands, it’s more than worth the investment. (Get the Player IV through SI's partner, PGA TOUR Superstore)
Best Golf Bag for Most People - Titleist Players 4 Stand Bag
Titleist
Like everything Titleist makes, their golf bags are of the utmost quality. The Players 4 stand bag is all-new for 2023 and has been praised for its versatility by golfers who like to walk and ride.
Weighing just 3.7 pounds, this bag is super lightweight yet has plenty of storage. We’re talking no fewer than six pockets. The four-way divider top makes it easy to keep your clubs organized.
In terms of construction, the Players 4 is much better built than many other bags mass-produced by the major OEMs. The zippers and seams both seemed incredibly sturdy. What I also like about this bag is its variety of colors. They include black/red, black, grey, white/navy, royal/grey, blue, navy, white/red, navy/red, red/grey and green/grey. Titleist is a name you can trust, as is the Players 4 stand bag. (Get the Titleist bag here through our partner, PGA TOUR Superstore)
Editor’s Choice - TaylorMade FlexTech Crossover Stand Bag
TaylorMade FlexTech Crossover Stand Bag
TaylorMade
The TaylorMade FlexTech Crossover stand bag is one of the most versatile. It comes with self-adjusting straps that make it comfortable to carry. However, if you want to ride, the straps are easily removed so they won’t get in the way.
The bag’s 14-way top creates an individual space for each of your clubs. Say goodbye to tangled shafts and clubheads that bang together.
The Easy Chill insulated drink pocket keeps your favorite beverage cold for the entire round. This is a must in the Arizona summer heat, where I play much of my golf. The valuables pocket is water-resistant and positioned at the top of the bag for easy access. Numerous pockets give you plenty of storage and make keeping all your gear in order easy. Weighing just 5.5 pounds, this bag has everything going for it: versatility, ample storage and comfort. Color choices are black, gunmetal, navy, white and launch. The FlexTech Crossover was an easy pick for the editor’s choice in 2023. (Get the TaylorMade FlexTech here)
Best Cart Bag - Ping DLX Cart Bag
Now that we’ve covered some of my favorite stand bags, let’s talk about what I consider to be the best cart bag this year. It’s the Ping DLX.
I pack a lot of stuff when riding in a cart. Snacks, drinks, training aids, camera gear, apparel, extra balls, an umbrella, I could go on and on. But there’s one thing: I will never run out of room to store stuff in the Ping DLX cart bag. It has an astounding 15 pockets. Heck, the bag even comes with two detachable shoe pouches!
It’s also surprisingly lightweight, considering its size. Empty, it only weighs 7.5 pounds. The 15-way divider top and exterior putter will separate your clubs and give you easy access. I’m also a big fan of the needle-texture vinyl this bag is constructed of. This stuff is tough and won’t wear out.
Plenty of storage, effortless organization, and lightweight and sharp looks make the Ping DLX a complete package. (Get the Ping DLX here)
Best Stand Bag - Ping Hoofer Stand Bag
Not only did Ping get my vote for this year’s best cart bag, but it also earned recognition for the best stand bag. It’s the Hoofer.
The Hoofer has been around for decades and is one of the most recognizable golf bags. This year’s iteration has seen some notable upgrades, though. The base of the bag has been redesigned to prevent tangling while providing more stability. A slimmed-down pocket configuration centralizes weight for a lighter, more comfortable carry.
At least 16 pockets is unheard of for a stand bag. You have more than enough room to store everything you need. Sleeker, more efficient, and available in eight different color schemes, there’s a Hoofer out there for everybody. (Get the Ping Hoofer bag here)
Best Tech Golf Bag - MNML MR1 Golf Bag
MNML Golf Bags
Having become good friends with the guys at MNML, passion, sustainability and quality are at the heart of everything they do. Those traits shine through with the MNML MR1 golf bag. Carrying this bag around the course is a breeze. It is super lightweight and made out of 100% recycled material.
The MNML Golf MR1 bag catches your eye with its sleek look and innovative features. I noticed right away that there weren’t any zippers. Each one of the pockets closes magnetically. Not only does this provide an extra layer of security, it makes access extremely efficient.
Technologically, this bag is unlike any other. It has a built-in solar power bank, iPhone and Android charging ports and a Bluetooth speaker to play your favorite music during the round.
What’s also cool is that you can have the ball pocket customized with a logo of your choice. MNML’s in-house graphic artist paints it by hand.
The story begins with MNML, but I think it’s one we will be telling for a long time.
Most Comfortable Golf Bag - Callaway Chev Stand Bag
Callaway
When most golfers think of Callaway, they think of premium clubs and balls above all else.
That’s why I was a little shocked when I filled the Callaway Chev stand bag with all my clubs and gear and threw it over my shoulders. Wow! Instantly, I knew it was the most comfortable golf bag I had tried all year.
While there’s nothing remarkable about this bag on the immediate surface, the combination of its profile and carry strap distributed weight across my back and shoulders like no other bag did. As I walked down the fairway, I hardly knew I was carrying anything. Besides a comfortable fit, this bag has some other stuff going for it.
The four-way top is simple but makes it easy to keep your clubs organized and prevents them from becoming tangled. The accessory loop and glove patch are subtle yet essential touches, too. Add in the fact that this bag only weighs five pounds, and you’ve got a winning combination that flies well under the radar in 2023. (Get the Callaway Chev through our PGA TOUR Superstore partners)
Best Lightweight Golf Bag - Sun Mountain 2.5+ Stand Bag
Sun Mountain
Located in Missoula, Mont., of all places, Sun Mountain has been making quality golf bags for more than 40 years. Their newest release for 2023 is the 2.5+ stand bag.
Much like the Callaway Chev bag, the 2.5+ is super comfortable to carry. The straps are contoured and packed with high-density foam. Unlike many bags with straps that dig into your shoulders, you barely notice you carry the 2.5+. The industry-leading comfort hip pad only adds to the comfort equation.
Six pockets, including an insulated beverage pouch, give you plenty of storage room for all the essentials. Four internal dividers run the entire length of the bag. This prevents your clubs from becoming tangled and keeps them organized.
What’s most remarkable is that this bag only weighs 2.5 pounds. So, if you like to carry your clubs and pack the lightest load possible, the Sun Mountain 2.5+ stand bag is the way to do it. (Get the Sun Mountain 2.5+ at PGA TOUR Superstore)
Best Budget Golf Bag - IZZO Ultra-Lite Golf Bag
Golf bags are no different than any other piece of golf equipment. Most of them are relatively expensive, but there are some budget options. If you’re looking for a budget bag, you’ll get the most bang for your buck with the IZZO Ultra-Lite.
This single-strap stand bag lacks the frills of other bags on this list, but it has all the necessary components to store your gear and get around the course. The ergonomic Smartgrip handle and padded strap make it easy to pick this bag up and slide it over your shoulders.
The four-way top is padded, so your clubs won’t get scratched when you remove and put them back in. Four pockets provide adequate storage, and the bag has a matching rain hood.
Once again, the IZZO Ultra-Lite isn’t going to knock your socks off, but it more than gets the job done for the golfer on a budget. (Get 25% off the IZZO Ultra-Lite here)
Best Sunday Golf Bag - Sunday Loma Golf Bag
Sunday Golf
My first golf bag as a kid was a single-strap Sunday bag. I’ve still got it buried somewhere in storage. I’ve always loved these small bags because they’re simple and efficient. They're perfect if you’re just headed out to the range or for a quick nine holes before the sun sets. The Sunday Loma golf bag is like the one I grew up with, with a few upgrades.
To start, this bag only weighs two pounds. Its dimensions are 4.25 by 3.25 by 17 inches. But unlike my old Sunday bag, the Loma has a kickstand that prevents you from constantly bending over and picking it up off the ground.
It can comfortably fit seven clubs and four pockets give you enough room for balls, tees, your valuables and an extra layer or two. The Sunday Loma probably isn’t the best bag for a 36-hole day, but it’s perfect for casual rounds or a trip to the driving range. (Get the Sunday Loma here)
Best Junior Golf Bag - Vessel Junior Stand Bag
Vessel Golf
It’s only fitting that Vessel golf bags bookend our list of the best in 2023. The quality and craftsmanship of their products are second to none.
The Vessel Junior stand bag is no exception. It’s made of the same Tour-grad synthetic leather as all the other Vessel bags. Again, this material doesn’t just look great; it’s durable and meant to last.
The bag also incorporates the same self-adjusting Equilibrium double strap and rotating stand systems. All the zippers are waterproof, and the garment pocket has an additional internal valuables pocket.
Available in black or white, you also have the option to have the ball pocket customized for your junior. We’ve come to expect nothing less than the very best from Vessel, and that’s precisely what we get with their Junior stand bag.
Final Thoughts on the Best Golf Bags for 2023
At no time in the history of our great game have golf bags been so advanced as they are now. The variations in design, style, tech and features are remarkable.
The key is finding a golf bag that suits your needs. And that varies from one individual to another.
To find the perfect bag for you, consider the factors we discussed early on, do some research and, as always, try before you buy.