There Are Many Types Of Golf Bags... Which One Is Right For You?

There are so many types of golf bags available it can be very difficult to choose the right one for you without some more detailed information. The following is all the information you will need to be sure you chose the golf bag that is just right for you.

Don't Underestimate the Importance of a Great Golf Bag!

There are two types of golfer-good and bad-no wait, I meant walkers and riders and both types need some basic equipment; a golf bag, golf clubs, golf balls (some need more than others), and golf shoes. Having the perfect equipment may not take your score from 10 strokes over par to ready for the PGA but good equipment can give you a definite advantage.

A great golf bag is often thought of as the least important piece of equipment to help improve your game but that is not true. Using the right bag for your needs can help your score and can definitely help your confidence and how seriously you are taken when out with your friends or colleagues for a round of golf.

I can remember my first golf experience around twenty five years ago at the age of ten. My step-father was a golf pro at a small local country club but he didn't understand that kids (and for that matter adults) were as concerned with how cool I looked golfing as they were with how well I played. I was given an old set of clubs and a small, dingy, canvas one shoulder junior bag. I went and teed up on the first hole and as tried to focus and remember everything I had been taught before I took that first drive in front of all my friends, I heard roars of laughter. The entire game was a disaster because I couldn't focus on the ball because I was too ashamed that I was carrying an antiquated golf bag that was bulky, heavy, and extremely awkward to handle. I never played as a child in a group again. Without that experience I may have become a member of the junior PGA!

Golf Bags for Golfers Who Choose to Walk and Those Who Choose the Comfort of a Golf Cart

Carry Bags - When choosing the right carry golf bag for your needs you will want to take several things into consideration. Maybe you walk for exercise or maybe you walk simply because you don't feel the need to pay to buy or rent a golf cart. These golfers are going to want to find a great bag that is easy to carry, doesn't add too much extra weight, and typically stands on its own making retrieval of your clubs simple. Many junior golfers also choose these bags because they tend to be less expensive and perfect for the beginner who isn't yet ready to make a huge investment.

Cart Bags - in contrast to carry bags, are meant to be secured to a cart and driven around that way. Obviously, then, they are meant for the golfer who has too much to carry around comfortably with just a shoulder strap. Because the cart is taking up much of the burden, many cart bags are also equipped with tons of extra storage for things like your phone or extra supplies.

Stand Bags - are rather unique types, in that they can come either in the carry or cart variety, but are equipped with a fold-out arm, sort of like the kickstand on a bike, that allows the bag to stand up on end. This means that the usual strain of having to bend over and sort through your clubs is a thing of the past; all your clubs will be right at your fingertips with a stand bag!

Travel Bags - for the most part, are intended more as covers than bags themselves. However, for the golfer who does a lot of travelling, or has trouble transporting his or her bags to and from the course, a travel bag can be a real blessing. With a travel bag, you can zip your standard bag up inside for easy carrying whether it's just across town or across the whole country. This not only keeps one's gear all in one place, it also has the added benefit of giving one extra storage.

That said, there are some travel bags that are intended as golfing bags in their own right rather than as covers. Typically, these are made of the lightest weight material to facilitate easy carrying on or off the course!

Women's Bags - aren't very different from other bags, functionally speaking, but fashionably speaking - that's a different story! Nowadays, there are many designed strictly with women in mind. From carry bags to cart bags, all types are available, and usually come in a variety of colors and fashions, which are sometimes coordinated with high quality women's golf footwear and accessories as well. Women who love golf but don't want to be stuck with the same old fashions owe it to themselves to check out a selection of women's bags today!

The following is a list of things to look for in the best golf bags.

• Weight - You will want to find the golf bag that is as light as possible and has all your other needs. Remember there is only going to be much more weight added to the bag, so if the bag feels heavy empty, it is definitely too heavy for you to use. Look for bags made from nylon and other durable yet light materials for a golf bag that will not break your back and will not fall apart in one season. If you plan to place your bag in a golf cart, don't underestimate the need to still keep your bag light. You will still need to get the clubs to the course and to the cart and the last thing you want is an injury right before a great game!


• Compartments - You will want to make sure you have plenty room to keep all the items you will have with you and be able to easily access them. Look for golf bags that have waterproof pockets for your valuables. On the higher end of the price scale, you can also find accessories such as cooler pockets, apparel pockets, special pockets for quick access to your golf balls, and rain hoods. You can even find varieties with special compartments for your tees, gloves, and even a pen. Along with compartments to hold all your items, make sure you pick a bag with the right number of dividers for your clubs. These vary from fifteen dividers down none. The number of club dividers you find you will need is very much a personal preference. Bags specifically designed for a golf cart should have compartments that are all accessible while the bag is in the cart and you can even find ones where the strap is attached in such a way that all the compartments are accessible whether you are carrying the bag or have it strapped into the golf cart. Many of the high end golf bags include a putter well so that your putter is protected and you don't even have to think to be able to find it when you get to that all important green.


• Dual Straps and Stands - The day of the single strap carry bag is dead. Especially if you are a walker, be sure you find a bag that has easily adjustable padded dual straps and you can even find bags with retractable straps. Try on several bags to be certain you find the one that feels best on you. Some golf bags are intended to be carried vertically and some horizontally. Horizontal carry bags carrying system are designed much like state of the art hiking bags so that the weight is distributed evenly and as comfortable as possible These types of carry bags are becoming very popular but may or may not be the best bag for you. Most all name brand carry golf bags will have durable kick stands, but the height and stability will vary. Make sure you choose a golf bag that is most comfortable for you to use when in the standing position and that makes it easiest to retrieve your items from your golf clubs to your golf balls to your range finder.


• Pull Carts - Remember that just because you choose to walk when you golf, doesn't necessarily mean you have to carry your bag. If you are a professional golfer or extremely rich, you can have a caddy follow you-but this isn't what I mean. There are great pull around carts out there that allow you to walk while not actually carrying your clubs. These are exceptionally great for senior golfers, golfers with an injury, and those who just want a brisk walk without carrying around so much weight.


• Other - There are many other features on golf bags you may want to consider. Some of these include a padded hip rest, an umbrella holder, a special cold drink holder with a draining well, the color and the ability to personalize the bag. All these extras are great to have but cost versus use must be taken into account. If you are a junior golfer, or just picking up the sport, you may want a bag that is less expensive and has fewer bells and whistles. If you find yourself on the golf course at least once a week or more, you may care less about the price difference and want to find a bag with every accessory possible. If you are always a cart rider, make sure your bag has study rubber feet so that it stands squarely and securely in the cart and that the orientation of the club compartments are such that you can easily retrieve the club you are looking for. Also if you are only sometimes a walker, look for golf bags that easily convert into cart bags.

The great thing about golf is that it is truly a sport that can be enjoyed by all; young and old, men and women, amateur and professional. Today there is no set rule as to which golf bag is right for you. You will need to think about your needs-whether you are a walker or a golf cart rider or both, whether you are all about style and ever neat gadget you can get or all about getting the most bang for the least money. Take all things into consideration when choosing a new golf bag for you or for a gift. With so many options out there, you are sure to find one that is just right for you and your game.