Golf Bag Basics: What Are The Different Types Called?

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Quick Answer

• Golf bags are named based on their intended use: cart bags for riding, stand bags for carrying, and tour bags for pros.
• The name tells you its main job – cart bag for the cart, stand bag for walking, tour bag for the big leagues.
• Knowing the lingo helps you pick the right bag for your game and your gear, no sweat.

Who This Golf Bag is For

• Golfers just starting out who need to know the basic terms for different types of bags.
• Anyone looking to upgrade their current bag and wants to understand the distinct features of each style.
• Players doing their homework to find the perfect bag, whether they walk the course or always take a cart.

What to Check First When Choosing a Golf Bag

• Weight and Size: How heavy is it empty? You don’t want to be killing yourself carrying a brick if you’re walking. Check the dimensions too, make sure it fits your trunk.
• Club Dividers: How many slots are there for your clubs? You need enough to keep your 14 clubs from banging into each other. Full-length is usually the way to go.
• Pocket Layout and Accessibility: This is huge. Are the pockets easy to open and close, especially when the bag is on a cart? You need dedicated spots for balls, tees, a rangefinder, your wallet, and maybe a rain jacket.
• Strap Comfort (for Carry Bags): If you plan on carrying, that strap needs to be padded and well-designed. Some are way better than others, trust me. A poorly designed strap can make a short walk feel like a marathon.
• Cart Strap Pass-Through: Even if you have a carry bag, if you use a cart sometimes, look for a strap that lets you secure it without interfering with the legs or pockets.

Understanding What a Golf Bag is Called: Step-by-Step

Let’s get down to brass tacks. It’s not complicated, but knowing the difference makes all the difference when you’re out on the course.

1. Identify the primary carrying method. Does the bag come with a substantial, padded strap that looks like it’s meant for your shoulder, or does it have a flat, stable bottom designed to sit on a cart?

• What to look for: A comfortable, adjustable strap with good padding and balanced weight distribution suggests it’s built for carrying. A wide, flat base with features to prevent rotation on a cart indicates its primary role.
• Mistake to avoid: Assuming every bag is meant for carrying. Some are just too big and heavy to be enjoyable on your back for 18 holes.

2. Look for club dividers and their configuration. How does the bag organize your clubs inside?

• What to look for: Count the dividers. Most golfers prefer 14 individual dividers, one for each club, to prevent shafts from scratching and tangling. Some bags have fewer, larger openings, which can be simpler but offer less protection. Full-length dividers are a big plus.
• Mistake to avoid: Underestimating the importance of dividers. Too few can lead to your clubs banging together, damaging grips and shafts. Too many can sometimes feel cramped or add unnecessary bulk.

3. Examine the base and legs. Does it have legs that automatically deploy when you set the bag down, or is the base solid and flat?

• What to look for: Retractable legs that are spring-loaded and lock securely when extended are the hallmark of a stand bag. A solid, stable base without legs is typical for a cart bag, designed to rest firmly on a trolley.
• Mistake to avoid: Assuming all bags have legs. Cart bags are specifically designed not to have legs, as they would get in the way on a cart.

4. Assess the overall size and weight. How much gear do you typically carry, and how much space do you need?

• What to look for: Cart bags tend to be larger and heavier, offering more storage for accessories and apparel. Stand bags are generally lighter and more compact for easier carrying. Tour bags are the biggest, built for maximum storage.
• Mistake to avoid: Picking a bag that’s too big or too small for your needs. A massive cart bag is a pain to carry, and a tiny stand bag might not hold your rain gear and extra balls.

5. Check for specialized features. What makes this bag stand out?

• What to look for: Insulated coolers, dedicated putter wells, ball retriever sleeves, umbrella holders, and magnetic closures on pockets are all features that add convenience. Consider how these align with your playing habits.
• Mistake to avoid: Getting dazzled by features you’ll never use. Focus on the core functionality – carrying clubs comfortably and storing your essentials effectively.

What is a Golf Bag Called? Exploring the Main Types

When you’re looking at golf bags, they’re generally broken down into a few main categories based on how you’ll use them. Knowing these names is the first step to finding the right one.

Cart Bags: The Riding Companion

Cart bags are built for golfers who prefer to ride in a golf cart for their rounds. Their design prioritizes stability and easy access when placed on a cart.

• Design: They typically have a wide, flat base that sits securely on a golf cart. The top cuff is often angled to make club access easier from a cart seat.
• Club Dividers: Cart bags usually feature a full-length, 14-way divider system. This keeps each club separate, protecting shafts and making it easier to find the club you need.
• Pockets: Expect a generous number of pockets, often positioned on the sides and front for easy access while on the cart. Many include insulated pockets for drinks and large apparel pockets.
• Weight: They tend to be heavier than stand bags because they aren’t designed for carrying.
• Carrying: While most have a strap, it’s often less padded and balanced than on a dedicated carry bag, as carrying is not their primary function. Some have a pass-through strap system to secure them to a cart without interfering with pockets.

Stand Bags: The Walker’s Best Friend

Stand bags are the go-to for golfers who enjoy walking the course. Their defining feature is the integrated legs that allow the bag to stand upright on its own.

• Design: They are lighter and more compact than cart bags. The key feature is the pair of retractable legs, usually made of aluminum, that deploy when you set the bag down, keeping it stable and off the wet ground.
• Club Dividers: Stand bags often have 4 to 7 dividers, with 14-way dividers becoming more common in higher-end models. The focus is on balancing club organization with weight savings.
• Pockets: They have a good selection of pockets, but generally fewer than cart bags to keep the weight down. Pockets are designed for easy access whether the bag is standing or slung over your shoulder.
• Weight: Lightweight construction is a priority. Many are made with durable nylon or polyester fabrics to shave off ounces.
• Carrying: They feature well-padded, often dual straps, designed for comfortable weight distribution across both shoulders. Some have single strap options as well.

Tour Bags: The Professional’s Choice

Tour bags, sometimes called staff bags, are the largest and heaviest type of golf bag. They are primarily used by touring professionals and their caddies.

• Design: Massive and robust, built for maximum storage and durability. They have a very wide base and a substantial top opening.
• Club Dividers: Usually feature a 9-way or 14-way divider system, full-length, offering ample space for a full set of clubs.
• Pockets: They boast an enormous number of pockets, including large garment pockets, cooler pockets, and numerous smaller accessory pockets for every conceivable item a pro might need.
• Weight: Extremely heavy, even when empty. They are not designed for carrying by amateur golfers.
• Carrying: While they have straps, they are primarily meant to be transported by caddies or on specialized tour carts.

Common Mistakes When Identifying Golf Bag Types

• Mistake: Assuming all golf bags are the same.
• Why it matters: You might end up with a bag that’s a real pain to use. A heavy cart bag is awkward to carry, and a lightweight stand bag might not have enough space for all your gear if you decide to use a cart.
• Fix: Get familiar with the main categories: cart bags, stand bags, and tour bags. Understand their intended use before you buy.

• Mistake: Not considering how you play (walking vs. cart).
• Why it matters: This is probably the biggest one. A cart bag is built for stability on a cart, not for slinging over your shoulder for 18 holes. Conversely, a stand bag’s legs can be awkward on a cart, and it might lack the storage you need.
• Fix: Match the bag type to your primary mode of transport on the course. If you walk most of the time, a stand bag is your best bet. If you ride, a cart bag makes more sense.

• Mistake: Overlooking the number and type of club dividers.
• Why it matters: Too few dividers mean your clubs might rattle around, leading to damaged shafts and grips. Too many can sometimes feel cramped or add unnecessary weight and bulk.
• Fix: Check the product description or manual for the divider count and configuration. Most golfers find 14 individual, full-length dividers ideal for organization and protection.

• Mistake: Forgetting about pocket organization and accessibility.
• Why it matters: You’ll be fumbling around for tees, ball markers, and your GPS if the pockets aren’t logically laid out and easy to reach. You also need space for essentials like rain gear, extra layers, and snacks.
• Fix: Look for dedicated pockets for specific items (like rangefinders, water bottles, or valuables) and ensure they are easy to access from both a cart and when carrying.

• Mistake: Not checking the bag’s overall weight when empty.
• Why it matters: Even without clubs, some bags can be surprisingly heavy. This extra weight adds up, especially if you’re walking or loading it into your car.
• Fix: Always check the bag’s listed weight. If possible, pick it up in the store to get a feel for its heft.

• Mistake: Ignoring the strap system on carry bags.
• Why it matters: A poorly designed strap can cause discomfort, chafing, and uneven weight distribution, making carrying a chore rather than a pleasure.
• Fix: Look for padded straps, adjustable buckles, and a balanced design. If you can, try on a bag with some weight in it to feel how the strap system performs.

FAQ

• What is the most common type of golf bag called?

The most common types are generally referred to as cart bags and stand bags. These two cover the vast majority of golfers’ needs, depending on whether they prefer riding or walking.

• What is the difference between a cart bag and a stand bag?

A cart bag is designed to sit securely on a golf cart, featuring a flat base and ample pockets easily accessible from the cart. A stand bag has built-in legs that deploy when set down, making it ideal for walking golfers who need the bag to stand upright on its own.

• Are tour bags suitable for amateur golfers?

Generally, no. Tour bags are massive, heavy, and built for professional caddies to manage. They offer huge storage but are impractical and often overkill for most amateur players due to their size and weight.

• How many dividers should a golf bag have?

Most golfers find 14 dividers, one for each club, to be ideal for keeping clubs organized, preventing shaft damage, and making club selection easier. Some prefer fewer dividers for simplicity, while others opt for specialized designs like individual wells for each club.

• Can I use a stand bag on a cart?

Yes, you can. Many stand bags are designed with features that make them cart-friendly, like a flat base or a pass-through strap. However, they might not sit as stably as a dedicated cart bag, and the legs can sometimes be a minor inconvenience.

• What is a “pencil bag”?

A pencil bag is a very lightweight and compact type of stand bag, often with fewer dividers and minimal pockets. They are designed for quick trips to the driving range or for golfers who carry only a few clubs.

• Do cart bags have straps?

Yes, cart bags typically come with a strap. However, this strap is usually less padded and balanced than on a stand bag, as the primary mode of transport is intended to be a golf cart. Some cart bags also feature a pass-through strap to secure them to the cart more effectively.