Trying to find the best golf bag for you can often be just as difficult as buying a new set of clubs.
It’s not just about picking the “pretty one.”
There’s more competition than ever in the world of golf bags, with most brands having dozens of different products and styles to choose from.
The good news is that we’ve got you covered. Over the last year, we’ve reviewed a bunch of different golf bags, and have a really good sense of the pros and cons of the most popular bags on the market.
In this review of the best golf bags available in 2024, we’re going to help you choose a bag that will last you for years to come and fit right into your preferred budget.
What to Look for in a Golf Bag?
When trying to find the best golf bag for your needs and personal style, there’s a lot to consider. One golfer’s favorite bag may be one that simply doesn’t work for you.
The last thing you want is to buy a bag designed for the minimalist golfer who likes to carry, only to find that you don’t have space for that six-pack of beers you sneak onto the course during every round!
So how do you start?
First here are a few questions you should ask yourself to help narrow down what you’re looking for:
- Do you generally carry, push, or ride? Most stand bags will transfer well enough to a cart, but a cart bag? You’re not lugging that around the course on your shoulders.
- How important is storage? Be honest with yourself here.
- Do you like a throwback or modern vibe?
- Do you care about what’s “cool” or do you just want something super functional?
- How much do you want to spend?
Once you have answers to these, then the following recommendations will help you narrow down the best bag for you. I tried to cover both the highlights and lowlights of each bag to give you an honest assessment of what to expect.
Take our 20 second quiz and I'll give you my best recommendation for which golf bag is right for you based on your needs.
Best Bag of 2024: Vessel Player IV Pro
Over the last two years, I’ve used the Vessel Player III more than any other bag. It’s well-built, versatile, and looks fantastic.
But with the release of the new Player IV and Player IV Pro, there’s a new bag in town.
The new Player IV is very similar to the outgoing model, and is still a phenomenal bag.
But if you’re going all out on a luxury golf bag, then it’s worth the upgrade to the Player IV Pro. It’s not cheap, but it feels like the true successor to the Player III with size, material, and feature upgrades.
Yes, you’re paying for it.
But I continue to be extremely impressed with the quality that Vessel is putting out these days.
- Price: $435
- Where to buy: Buy at Vessel Bags.
- Solid Alternative: Sun Mountain Mid Stripe.
- Review: Vessel Player IV Review
The true successor to the wonderful Player III, the Player IV Pro is as comfortable versatile as it is good-looking. If you're looking for a bag that does it all, this is our pick.
Runner up for Best Bag of 2024: Jones Trouper 3.0
The Jones Trouper series is quite simply one of the coolest bags in golf.
It has a throwback style that feels like it’s truly an ode to the game, but has modern conveniences like a built-in cooler, that make it a great everyday carry bag.
It may just be the best “do-anything” bag in golf.
Want a bag with plenty of space for everything you need? Check.
Want a throwback style that gets respect everywhere you take it? Check.
Want to carry light with a single strap? Check.
Load it up and go double strap or cart? Check and check.
This is the Swiss army knife of golf bags, and gets my highest recommendation.
This and the Vessel duked it out for my top spot of the year. Despite the higher price, the Vessel narrowly edges it out currently, as it’s finally back in stock and has some higher-end finishes.
But for many people? The Trouper 3.0 will absolutely be the better bag.
I’ve reviewed the original Utility Trouper and the Utility Trouper 2.0, but have yet to get my hands on a Trouper 3.0. As soon as I do, I’ll do a dedicated review. But as I understand it, the changes are relatively minor.
- Price: $280
- Where to Buy: Buy at Jones Sports Co.
- Solid Alternative: Jones Rover Stand
- Review: Jones Utility Trouper 2.0 Review
The latest iteration of Jones' iconic Trouper Series. These have long been some of our favorite bags in golf. The marriage of style, function, and tradition are second to none.
Most Customizable Bag: Stitch SL2 MiY
I’ve always liked the look of Stitch bags, but with their latest SL2 MiY – they’ve truly gone above and beyond.
Not only is it a good-looking bag, but the modular aspect of it, allows you to mix and match features and colorway.
It’s the only bag I know of that allows you to customize the colors of different aspects of your bag. While the options are a little limited right now, the potential here is endless.
And the fact that the redesigned bag is more functional and has more storage than their signature SL2, makes it an even better pick in my mind.
- Price: $448
- Where to Buy: Buy on Stitch.com. Use the code BE20 to get 20% off!
- Solid Alternative: Stitch SL2 or SL2 Air Walker – an updated design to the original SL2.
- Review: Stitch SL2 Review: Is it the Best Walking Bag Out There?
Stitch already makes some of the most beautiful bags in golf, but now they make one of the most customizable as well. There isn't anything else like this one the market. Use code "BE20" to save 20%!
Editor’s Choice: Sun Mountain Mid-Stripe Bag
This bag from Sun Mountain doesn’t really fit into any other clear category, but let’s get one thing straight: this is currently one of my favorite bags in golf.
It’s every bit as good as the Jones Trouper 3 and the Vessel Player IV.
It’s one of the best-looking bags on the market, and is super functional and comfortable as well.
It’s kind of like if the Jones and Vessel bags had a baby. Its retro vintage style is similar to the Trouper series, but the Mid-Stripe also has more modern touches like the vinyl weather-resistant material of the Vessel bag.
And a huge bonus? This bag has been flying under the radar. You rarely see one out in the wild, but every time I take it to the course, I always get people asking about it.
- Price: $369.
- Our Review: Sun Mountain Mid-Stripe: A New Player in the Luxury Bag Market
- Where to Buy: Buy from Golf Galaxy
- Solid Alternative: Vessel Player IV or Jones Trouper 3.0
The Mid Stripe from Sun Mountain is the best example we've seen of throwback style with modern functionality. Quite simply, it's one of the best-looking and performing bags on the market.
Best Cart Bag: Vessel Lux Pro Cart Bag
This is one of those bags that makes me wish I was a dedicated cart golfer. The build quality is phenomenal, and the storage, oh the storage. There’s space for everything and anything you could want to have on a golf course.
And to have the quality, the functionality, and to do it all on a bag as beautiful as this?
This one hands down gets my pick for the best cart bag, and it’s not even close. The only downside? It’s not exactly cheap.
- Price: $455
- Our Review: Vessel Lux Pro Cart Review: It Makes Me Want to Become a “Cart Guy”
- Where to Buy: Buy from Vessel Here.
- Solid Alternative: Sunday Golf Big Rig
If you're someone who needs a cart bag, but doesn't want to sacrifice on quality, features, or looks, then the Vessel LUX Pro Cart is the bag for you.
Most Functional Golf Bag: Ping Hoofer
There’s a reason the Ping Hoofer has been around and celebrated for so long: It’s a fantastic golf bag that does everything well. You’ve got plenty of space, it’s lighter than the similarly featured Vessel golf bag above, and it’s less expensive too.
Downsides? I’m not a huge fan of the look of the Ping bags, as the branding is a little heavy for me.
But if you’re looking for a fantastic all-around bag, that has tons of storage at a reasonable price? This is absolutely a bag worth checking out.
- Price: $275
- Our Review: Ping Hoofer Review: A Classic for a Reason
- Where to Buy: Buy on Ping.com here. Buy the Hoofer on Amazon here.
- Solid Alternative: Vessel Player IV
- Related: Plugged in Golf goes more in-depth specifically on walking golf bags, if you’re looking for a comparison of some of the lightest bags on the market. You can find it here.
The Ping Hoofer is one of the most famous and respected bags in golf for a reason. It was good 20 years ago, and continues to get better with each and every new update.
Lightest Golf Bag: Sun Mountain 2.5+ Golf Bag
I’m sure you could get creative and find lighter golf bags out there, but at less than 3 pounds the Sun Mountain 2.5+ is a fantastic lightweight golf bag.
Sun Mountain has been around for years and has built a name for itself with highly functional and reliable golf equipment.
I used one of the precursors to this bag, the Sun Mountain Front 9 for 4 years and absolutely loved it.
Not only is the build quality great, but there’s more storage than you’d expect for a bag this light.
Downsides? You may or may not be a fan of Sun Mountain’s styling.
- Price: $249
- Where to Buy: Buy from Golf Galaxy
- Solid Alternative: Sunday El Camino Bag.
Sun Mountain has been making fantastic golf bags for decades now. And the 2.5 is continues to be one of the best choices on the market for people looking for a lightweight bag.
Coolest Golf Bag: Jones Rover Stand
Obviously “coolest” golf bag is a bit subjective. But right now, many of the most fashionable, in-the-know golfers around are rocking a Jones Rover Stand right now.
But here’s the good news. It doesn’t just look good. When it comes to a minimalist carry bag, this thing delivers in a big way. I generally prefer to use a push cart, but ever since getting my Rover I’ve been carrying every chance I get.
It’s that good, and is one of the best new bags of the year.
- Price: $275
- Our Review: The Jones Rover Stand is the Best Minimalist Bag of the Year
- Where to Buy: Buy from Jones Here.
- Solid Alternative: Vessel Player Air
Looking for a bag that looks great and is easy to carry? If you're looking for a light stand bag, this is our favorite pick on the market.
Best Bag for Juniors: Sunday Golf Ryder Bag
The Ryder Bag is Sunday Golf’s first foray into making a full-size golf bag. It’s got a number of features, but still retains its smaller, svelte profile they’ve become known for.
We’ve found this makes it perfectly suitable for younger golfers looking for a bag that’s easy to carry, feature heavy, and branded to be all about fun with your friends.
If you’re a golf pack rat, you may find the bag a little too tight for your needs, but if you just need a few cold drinks, a sleeve of balls, and a very carryable bag – then the Ryder Bag is an excellent choice.
- Price: $229.99
- Where to Buy: Buy from Sunday Golf.
- Coupon: Use our Sunday Golf coupon code “BE15” to save 15%.
- Review: Sunday Golf Ryder Bag Review: Not Just for Sundays Anymore
The Ryder from Sunday Golf is a solid golf bag with lots of great features. It's perfect for those wanting a full-size bag, that's still on the lighter and smaller side. Use code "EIGHTY15" to save 15%!
Best Golf Bag Under $100: Wilson QS Carry Bag
The Wilson QS Carry bag is certainly not the coolest or trendiest golf bag out there. But you know what? It has all the basic features you want (like a stand), has a clean look to it, and it only costs $80!
That’s a third or even a fourth of what some of the bags on this list cost. So if you just want a solid functional golf bag from a reputable brand, that won’t break the bank? I think this is a fantastic option.
- Price: $80
- Where to buy? Buy on Wilson.com here.
- Solid Alternative? Titleist Carry Bag.
This bag retails for $120 but lately, it's been on sale for $80. For that price, this is a fantastic, full-featured bag that will get the job done on the course. Very light, and perfect for the younger golfer new to the game.
Best Heirloom: MacKenzie Golf Bags
Do you want something more than just a golf bag? Something special that’s customized to you, tells a story, and has the potential to be passed down to a family member in the future?
Then you want a MacKenzie bag.
You won’t find fancy technology, tons of space, or even a double strap – but if you want something special, then Mackenzie is absolutely the first place I’d look.
- Price: Prices start around $425 for a nylon bag, and go way up from there.
- Where to Buy: Buy on their website here.
- Solid Alternative: FlagBag.
Readers Choice: Titleist Linksmaster
When I recently posted a review of another bag, I asked Breaking Eighty readers what bag they would recommend, and a surprisingly high number of people came back raving about the Titleist Linksmaster.
As I understand it, the Linksmaster was built to directly compete with the Stitch SL2. It’s the highest-end carry bag from Titlelist, and I’ve gotta say it looks great.
This bag is an investment, but I’ve had enough people I respect rave about it, that it’s worth adding to this list.
Downsides? It can be tough to get your hands on one, as they aren’t as easy to buy as most of the ones on this list.
- Price: $375
- Where to Buy: Check your local pro shop or Titleist.com
- Solid Alternative: Stitch SL2 – Use code BE20 for 20% off.
Best Sunday Bag: Sunday Golf Loma Bag
We all know that golf can take up a lot of time. In fact, it’s not a stretch to say it can be a full 8 hour day from when you leave your house to when you get back home.
Because of that more and more people are enjoying shorter rounds. 9 holes, maybe even 6 holes, 3 holes – enough to get your fix without having to burn a whole day to do it.
And when you’re playing shorter rounds, sometimes you don’t need as much gear. A light bag for a half set of clubs and a couple balls?
Perfect.
And Sunday Golf has the perfect bag for this, or for the younger or novice golfer who isn’t carrying a full set.
- Price: $120.
- Our Review: Is this Sunday Golf Bag Any Good?
- Our Score: 7.8
- Where to Buy: Buy from Sunday Golf.
- Coupon: Use the Sunday Golf Coupon Code “BE15” to save 15%.
- Solid Alternative: Sunday Golf El Camino bag. Need a little more space for all your stuff? Try the El Camino
Looking for an unbelievably lightweight Sunday bag for those casual rounds out on the course? Check out the Loma from Sunday Golf. Use code "EIGHTY15" to save 15% as well!
Best Duffel Bag: Jones Weekender
The first thing you notice about the Jones Weekender is that it’s a fantastic-looking duffel bag. It looks rugged and ready for anything you could throw at it. The second may be, “well, can it hold all my stuff?”
Yes, yes it can.
I was shocked after my first trip with it. I took it down to Pebble Beach for 5 days, and couldn’t believe how much just kept fitting in it.
It turns into a backpack which is a nice touch. My only wish is that it also had a shoulder strap.
- Price: $160
- Where to Buy: Buy at Jones Sports Co.
- Solid Alternative: Holderness and Bourne Byers. If you want an elegant bag, this is about as good as it gets.
- Review: Jones Weekender Review: My New Favorite Travel Duffel?
Best Travel Bag: Club Glove Last Bag
When I first started traveling for golf, I picked up a $100 travel bag from Golf Galaxy. Worst. Move. Ever.
Within 5 trips, it was already ripping.
So I spent a bit more money and picked up a Club Glove Last Bag.
Over the past 9 years it’s been on over 50 golf trips, been to half a dozen countries, and is still performing like the day I got it.
This truly is the last bag you’ll need, and while it’s on the expensive side, it’s well worth it to know your club will make it to your destination safely.
- Price: $289+ depending on which size and style you get.
- Where to Buy: Buy on Amazon.
- Solid Alternative: Sun Mountain CLUBGLIDER
- Review: Club Glove Last Bag Review: Is It the Best Travel Bag Out There?
There You Go, the Best Golf Bags of 2024!
So there you have it, the best golf bags currently available. I’ll continue to update this post as new products hit the market later this year.
Have something you want me to try? Drop a comment or shoot me a note and let me know!
Take our 20 second quiz and I'll give you my best recommendation for which golf bag is right for you based on your needs.
Recent Updates:
August 15th, 2024: Updated links to newer products, fixed typos, added links to Golf Galaxy, updated name of “Vessel Lux Pro Cart”, added Jones Rover Stand video, removed Jones Weekender video, added “recent updates” section
This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.
3 Comments
If I may make a comment on the travel bag – I love my club glove bag. I went out on a limb and bought the “sungold” color one as my latest one – which is like a yellow/orange color – and it takes one flight for it to get ruined. Marked up to all hell with black markings from the various conveyor belts, etc. And I havent found a good way to clean it. Love the bag, but Ill be getting a new one soon, and it will certainly be a dark color.
Would love to see a review on a smaller vessel bag – specifically the VLX 2.0?!?!
Love the sight and the new videos on Youtube – just hoping to get a comparison between the Pro IV and VLX 2.0 before buying one
I am in the market for a new stand bag. I am transitioning from a Sun Mountain C130 cart bag, but find it too heavy and cumbersome. Currently, I am torn between the Vessel Player IV Pro and the Jones Trouper R. I love the looks of the Jones bag, but the Vessel seems like it has a better pocket layout. I mainly cart ride, but on occasion I will use a push cart. I am not a minimalist by any means. I tend to carry quite a bit of stuff, but that is also what I am trying to change. My current bag is too damn heavy.
Which bag do you recommend and why? Do you recommend any other brands for my needs?