Golf bags and trolleys: what to choose
How you get round the course should decide which bag you buy. A bag that suits a trolley can be miserable to carry, and the reverse is just as true.
Golf bags vary enormously in size and weight, from slim pencil bags with room for a handful of clubs to large cart bags with pockets for everything you could imagine. Start with one question: will you mostly carry your clubs, push or pull a trolley, or ride in a buggy?
Types of golf bag
Pencil and Sunday bags
Small, very light bags designed for a few clubs. They suit a quick nine holes, a par-3 course or the driving range. Most have a single strap and little storage.
Stand bags
The most popular choice for golfers who walk and carry. Two legs fold out when you set the bag down, keeping it upright and off wet ground. Look for a double strap that spreads the weight across both shoulders like a rucksack. Stand bags can also sit on a trolley, although the legs and stand mechanism may get in the way on some trolleys.
Cart bags
Larger and heavier, designed to ride on a trolley or buggy. They usually have a top divided into many sections, more pockets, and pockets placed on the front so you can reach them while the bag is strapped down. They are not designed to be carried for eighteen holes.
Tour and staff bags
Very large bags seen on professional tours. They are heavy, expensive and built to be carried by a caddie. For most amateurs they are impractical.
What to compare
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Weight | Every gram counts when you carry for four hours |
| Top dividers | More dividers keep grips from tangling; full-length dividers protect shafts |
| Waterproofing | Useful in the UK; some bags are fully waterproof with sealed seams, others only water-resistant |
| Pockets | A fleece-lined pocket for valuables, an insulated pocket for drinks, and room for waterproofs |
| Strap system | Double straps for carrying; a trolley-friendly base and strap pass-through for cart bags |
| Rain hood | Keeps grips dry; check it is included and easy to fit |
A bag with a top that has several dividers but no full-length dividers can still let shafts and grips tangle lower down. If that bothers you, look for full-length dividers.
Trolleys
Trolleys take the weight off your back and are very common at UK clubs, especially on longer and hillier courses.
Push and pull trolleys
Manual trolleys are relatively inexpensive and need no charging. Three-wheel push trolleys are pushed in front of you and are generally more stable than older two-wheel pull trolleys, which are pulled behind. Check:
- how small it folds and whether it fits in your car boot alongside the bag,
- how easily it folds and unfolds,
- whether it has a foot brake, useful on slopes,
- whether the bag sits securely and the straps hold a cart bag firmly,
- wheel width: wider tyres can help on soft ground.
Electric trolleys
Electric trolleys use a battery-powered motor, so you simply steer. Some offer remote control or modes that follow you. They are heavier and more expensive than push trolleys, and the battery needs charging after each round.
Things to consider:
- Battery type and range. Lithium batteries are lighter than older lead-acid batteries. Check that the stated range covers your course, including hills.
- Weight and folding. Lift the trolley and battery into a car boot in the shop before you buy.
- Brakes and downhill control. Some models have electronic downhill control to stop the trolley running away on slopes.
- Winter rules. Some clubs restrict trolleys on wet or frozen ground, or require winter wheels. Check your club’s policy.
- Servicing and spares. Find out how batteries and parts can be replaced if needed.
Buggies
Many clubs hire ride-on buggies. You will need a cart bag or a stand bag that can be strapped securely. Buggies are often restricted in wet conditions, so do not plan your bag purchase around them unless you will use one most of the time.
Travelling with clubs
If you fly with your clubs, a travel cover protects the bag in transit. Hard cases give the most protection; soft padded covers are lighter and easier to store. Airline rules and fees for sports equipment vary, so check with the airline before you travel. Some golfers put a stiff rod or a support pole in the bag, taller than the driver, to take the impact if the bag is dropped on its end.
Matching bag to trolley
If you use a trolley most of the time, a cart bag is easier to use, with pockets you can reach. If you sometimes carry and sometimes use a trolley, a lightweight stand bag with a flat base that sits well on trolleys is the best compromise. Before buying either, try them together if you can.
Keeping both clean and dry will make them last much longer. See our guide to caring for golf equipment.