Do you remember the days when a premium golf bag was $100?
Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. Along with most other things in the sport, golf bags are getting more expensive. A lot of this comes down to the type of golf bag you choose, the brand, and the features you are looking for.
We have put together a guide to help you understand how much to pay for a golf bag and a few of our favorite picks for the best golf bags on the market.
How Much Does a New Golf Bag Cost?
A new golf bag can cost anywhere from around $50 to well over $500. The average golf bags are in the $150 to $300 range. One of the biggest indicators of golf bag pricing is the details of what you are looking for in the bag.
Value Bag
A value-priced golf bags are those in the $50-$100 range. The things you will quickly notice about these golf bags are that they are not feature-rich, and they are typically smaller.
Many Sunday golf bags fall into this category. They are low in price but won’t even have enough storage for all 14 of your golf clubs.
You can expect that with a value bag, the color will probably fade, and there will be issues with fabric and zippers at some point that cause you to need a replacement. However, for those on a budget or golfers looking for an extra bag, this is a good choice.
The value bag is also smart for beginners that are not sure they plan to stick with the game.
Average Bag
The average golf bag ranges from around $100 to $200. At the higher end of this range, you may see some premium bags that are a year or two old, and their pricing is starting to drop.
In this price range, you will notice that the cart bags are more expensive than the stand bags. Most cart bags are bigger and have some extra features that the stand bags don’t have. This makes them a bit more expensive.
Although this is not a cheap price range for bags, it is where most golfers will end up when they decide on something to purchase.
Premium Golf Bag
Premium golf bags are for golfers that are not willing to sacrifice features and functionality. If you want magnetic pockets, a place to store all of your valuables, and a removable ball pocket that can be customized, this is the category you will end up in.
Premium golf bags are known to last for a long time and often have fabric that does not fade or rip.
These golf bags are made by some of the best manufacturers in the game, and they often come with warranties. Expect the costs here to be over the $200 mark, with most getting closer to $300.
Luxury
A luxury golf bag will have many of the same features as a premium golf bag, except the fabric will typically be a bit more advanced. Many of these bags are leather or hand sewn and are ordered more as specialty items.
Although we consider this category to be in the $400-$500 range, there are some bags that can go into the $1000 range.
With luxury golf bags, you typically get something that is more of a one-of-a-kind piece. You will
also notice that many tour-style golf bags can be considered more of a luxury item.
The 2 Main Types of Golf Bags
There are two main types of golf bags a stand bag and a cart bag. Although you can use a stand bag for various purposes, using a cart bag for anything other than riding on a cart can be a bit of a nuisance.
Stand Bag
A stand bag is meant for walking the golf course. Most of these will come with a strap on the back that allows you to carry the golf bag almost like a backpack. The stand bag is typically sleek looking and a bit more lightweight than a cart bag.
One of the best things about stand bags is that if you choose not to walk the course and you want to ride for one round, the stand bag can work for you.
Most of the time, stand bags are a bit lower in price than cart bags.
Cart Bag
A cart bag is a golf bag designed specifically for a golf cart. When you put the golf cart bag into the cart, it straps in tightly and won’t move much as you play. Cart bags are great for protecting your golf clubs as well as allowing you to store all of your golf gear.
One thing that you have to watch out for with cart bags is that they are a bit heavier, and they can also be more money.
If you are a player that does not have much gear and doesn’t want much gear, you may not need a cart bag.
What You Should Expect to Pay for a Golf Bag (Based on Skill Level)
Another factor that comes into play when looking for a golf bag is how your skill level will impact the bag you choose. Of course, it’s fine for any player to choose a bag that they love; there are some things here to keep in mind.
Remember also that regardless of your handicap, you must consider whether you like to walk or ride the golf course. Walking the course with a big heavy cart bag is not fun at all!
Beginner/High Handicap
Beginners and high handicappers should look for golf bags that are lightweight and cheap. If golf ends up being a sport that you don’t stick with, there is no sense in owning a $400 golf bag. Stay in the $75 to $150 range.
If you go for a stand bag, walking becomes an option, and that can save some money as well.
Mid Handicap
The mid handicapper makes up the majority of the golfing population. This is the group of players that typically spend between $100 and $250 on a golf bag. If you play golf on a cart, most of the time, tour cart bags are a great solution; tour bags are not necessary at all.
With mid handicappers, make sure to have full-length apparel pockets to be able to fit golf in all year long and have the proper equipment with you.
Low Handicap
Low handicap players tend to look for golf bags that have a few extra features. Things like a cooler pocket, full length dividers to protect golf gear, premium shoulder strap, and easy lift handles. Low handicap players are often the most particular of golfers and spend $250 and up on new golf bags.
The type of golf bag that works best for low-handicap players will vary depending on whether you prefer to walk or ride the course.
Our Top 3 Golf Bags to Consider
Here are some of the best golf bags on the market in various price ranges. New bags come to the market every year, and they offer technology that you may not have even known about.
Things like swivel tops and magnetic pockets have been some of the more recent additions to golf bags in the last few years.
Best Overall for Beginners/High Handicappers: Snake Eyes Golf Ultra Premium Cart Bag
Pros
- Velour lined valuables pocket
- Rangefinder pocket
- 2 Full length garment pockets
- 14 Way top
Cons
- Not the best choice for the beginner that likes to walk the course
- Limited color selection
For a beginner golfer who is new to the game but wants to feel well-equipped to spend some time out on the golf course, the Snake Eyes Golf Ultra Premium Cart Bag is a great option to consider.
This 10” top has 14 full-length dividers making sure that all of your clubs are adequately protected as you ride around the course. This bag also works well on a push cart for those that want to walk and push their clubs.
There are a total of 9 pockets to accommodate a wide variety of your gear. In addition, an insulated hydration pocket makes sure you are always feeling hydrated before you swing.
Best for Golfers on a Budget (Izzo Ultralight Stand Bag)
Izzo Ultra Lite Stand Bag
Available in 6 different colors to choose from and some of the more lightweight technology on the market. Made of high-strength polyester, and only weighs 2.3 pounds.
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Pros
- Customizable ball pocket
- Dual strap carry system
- 3.2 pounds total weight
Cons
- The bag will fade over time
- Full-length dividers are not all that durable; not very many of them
With 6 different colors to choose from and some of the more lightweight technology on the market, this is a great budget golf bag. With budget golf bags, players have to be willing to give up a feature or two, and with the Ultra Lite Stand Bag, you won’t have to sacrifice much.
The bag is made of high-strength polyester, and it only weighs 2.3 pounds. The dual carry strap works well to balance the weight between your two shoulders. If you are walking the course, the Izzo Ultralight Stand Bag has enough room to accommodate everything you need.
Best Premium Golf Bag: Sun Mountain C-130 Cart Bag
Pros
- One water-resistant pocket
- Ventilated cooler pocket
- Separate putter compartment
- More than 8 colors to choose from
- Fourteen individual club dividers
Cons
- Sun Mountain has always made some of the higher-priced golf bags on the market
Sun Mountain makes some of the most premium golf bag choices on the market. With the Sun Mountain C-130, expect fourteen individual club dividers, a dedicated putter compartment, and velour-lined valuables pockets for all of your belongings.
The Sun Mountain brand always seems to tap into exactly what players are looking for. They break down the things that matter most for golfers, like organization and ease of use, and build premium quality golf bags that touch on all of these points.
There are a total of 13 pockets in this golf bag, making it incredibly easy to put all of your gear where it belongs. In addition, players of all levels love the dedicated putter compartment that holds your most used golf club.
Brittany Olizarowicz
Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children.