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Since the game of golf first emerged in the misty highlands of Scotland, men and women around the planet have enjoyed the many benefits of this unique sport. Soon, even the King of England could not resist this engaging sport, and had his tradesmen craft a series of different clubs, as well as a few hapless peasants to carry them.
Nowadays, golfers spend hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars on precision-engineered golf clubs. In order to keep them organized, protected and within easy access during a round of golf, golfers rely on a quality golf bag.
What is a Golf Bag?
Contents
The designs of the original golf clubs are lost in the mists of history but today most golfing experts divide clubs into three basic categories: woods, irons and putters. All three types of golf clubs can be neatly stacked, organized and protected in a golf bag, a specially-designed long soft-sided carrying case for transporting golf clubs and other accessories. While technically any longer duffel bag can be used as a golf bag, the term “golf bag” specifically refers to a bag designed to carry, organize and store golf clubs. Most of today’s modern golf bags are fabricated from advanced nylon and other synthetic materials, while many older models were made from canvas or leather.
Golf bags usually have a variety of exterior pockets to allow quick access to smaller accessories such as golf tees and range finders. Golf bags are often constructed with a rigid top opening to make it easier for a golfer to access the clubs.
While the old king had a retinue of servants to carry his clubs, today’s golfers know that a good golf bag should do more than just store their clubs, but also provide unique features that help enhance the rewards of playing golf. Resistant, advanced fabrics and strategically-located pockets allow modern golf bags to neatly and efficiently carry clubs, balls, range finders and other golf accessories. A good golf bag distributes weight equally across the back and shoulders when carried, and is well-designed internally to organize access to clubs and other golf accessories. When not in use on the course, golf bags can be used to safely store and protect valuable golf clubs.
What are the different types of Golf Bags?
While many variants of golf bags exist, including specialized travel bags meant for transporting clubs to staff bags that are designed to be used in professional golf competitions, the general term “golf bag” as it will be used in this review refers to what many golfers refer to as a “carry” bag, precisely because it is designed to be carried by one or more shoulder straps, as well as a “cart” bag, meant to be transported by golf cart.
Some golf bags are nicknamed “Sunday bags” because they are designed to be simpler, more streamlined models, light weight and lithe without being burdened with extra pockets and accessories. Other more heavy-duty carry bags are referred to as “stand bags” because they come equipped with a self-supporting stand for use during play. By forming a tripod, a stand bag allows the user to prop the bag nearly upright and easily sort through golf clubs or find accessories. Some bags are called “cart” bags because they are designed to be primarily transported via golf carts or trolleys.
What are the advantages of owning a Golf Bag?
Quite simply put, any golfer who owns more than one club would be hard pressed to play a full 18 holes without having a golf bag or some other method of transporting a full complement of clubs. Golf bags allow players to independently carrying their own clubs and other golfing equipment and accessories, freeing them from relying on caddies or other forms of assistance. A good golf bag allows a dedicated player to safely and securely store all of their golf clubs and golfing accessories in one convenient package, making them easier to transport and store.
Many dedicated golfers keep their golf bag in the trunk of their car or in other easily-accessible areas in order to be able to take maximum advantage of opportunities to play. Golf bags allow players to keep their valuable clubs, accessories and other items in a padded, custom-designed bag to protect clubs from scratches, dents and other forms of damage.
Which models are the contenders for the Best Golf Bag?
Nike Golf Air Sport Carry Stand Bag – This elegant and stylish black golf bag from Nike is designed to be the perfect accompaniment to any dedicated golfer’s game. The Nike Golf Air Sport comes with a durable tripod style stand that allows players easy access to their clubs. With a special insulated cooler pocket, the Nike Golf Air Sport is ready to make the most out of every outing on the links.
Nike 2014 Performance Cart II Golf Bag – This elegant two-tone golf bag has a generous 9.5-inch oval opening at the top to improve access to clubs. Designed to be carried by either left or right-handed golfers, the Nike 2014 Performance Cart II features advanced TPR injected side handles for ease in transportation.
Callaway Hyper-Lite 5 Stand Bag – This stylish bag from Callaway comes with an advanced traction system to allow it to remain stable on any terrain, giving golfers easy access to their clubs no matter how far out in the rough their previous shot landed. With a convenient five-way interior divider and ergonomic exterior handle, the Callaway Hyper-Lite 5 is featherlight and yet durable enough to provide years of reliable service.
Considerations for Choosing the Best Golf Bag
- Design – While every golf bag must be a minimum length and width to hold a full set of clubs, the overall design of the bag, including exterior pockets and interior dividers, greatly affects the quality of the bag.
- Material – Golf bags must be able to stand up to years of outdoor use while transporting heavy loads of metal clubs and other bulky items.
- Special Pockets – Unique exterior pockets on some models allow users quick access to special accessories such as range finders or drinks.
- Other Features – Many advanced golf bag models come loaded with a plethora of additional features including ergonomic designs and balance stabilizers.
Design
The Nike Golf Air Sport Carry Stand Bag – The outstanding tripod system is stable, and the Nike Golf Air Sport comes with the manufacturer’s special EquaFlex double strap system for maximum comfort when carrying the bag.
The Nike 2014 Performance Cart II Golf Bag – The Nike 2014 Performance Cart II is a very futuristic and elegant two-tone bag in gray and black with an advanced injected handle that allows it to be easily transported in trolleys and golf carts. With an included integrated putter well and an interior 14-slot full-size club divider system, the Nike 2014 Performance Cart II makes accessing the right club simple and easy.
The Callaway Hyper-Lite 5 Stand Bag – With an explosion of exterior pockets tastefully blended into the classic design and ultra-comfortable straps, the Callaway Hyper-Lite 5 offers golfers both convenience as well as ergonomic maneuverability. The tripod stand design is incredibly stable and the interior mesh padding protects valuable clubs from dings, dents and scratches.
Material
The Nike Golf Air Sport Carry Stand Bag – The exterior of the Nike Golf Air Sport is made out of a durable synthetic material designed to keep clubs safe and dry. The interior of the Nike Golf Air Sport features a special valuables pocket that is lined with waterproof fleece to protect phones, watches and other electronics.
The Nike 2014 Performance Cart II Golf Bag – The Nike 2014 Performance Cart II is made out of a futuristic synthetic material that wicks away moisture while keeping this bag looking clean and modern.
The Callaway Hyper-Lite 5 Stand Bag – The Callaway Hyper-Lite 5 is made out of an advanced material that is both water resistant as well as incredibly light, as the entire bag, when empty, weighs less than five pounds. An ergonomic carrying handle is molded into the exterior of the bag.
Special Pockets
The Nike Golf Air Sport Carry Stand Bag – The Nike Golf Air Sport comes with one exterior cooler pocket perfect for keeping snacks and beverages handy during a long round of golf. The Nike Golf Air Sport also has one interior waterproof pocket for valuables.
The Nike 2014 Performance Cart II Golf Bag – The company’s patented Flip N’ Grip exterior pocket allows for quick access to a range finder while protecting it in a waterproof pouch when not in use.
The Callaway Hyper-Lite 5 Stand Bag – The Callaway Hyper-Lite 5 features eight generous exterior pockets, including an insulated pocket to keep drinks or snacks cold. The bag also features a waterproof pocket for valuables.
Other Features
The Nike Golf Air Sport Carry Stand Bag – Engineers at Nike spent years developing their patented double strap air curved EquaFlex system to improve comfort and reduce user fatigue when carrying the golf bag.
The Nike 2014 Performance Cart II Golf Bag – The dual-sided handles of the Nike 2014 Performance Cart II makes it easy to use and maneuver for both left and right-handed golfers.
The Callaway Hyper-Lite 5 Stand Bag – The tripod stand of the Callaway Hyper-Lite 5 uses the company’s patented Xtra Traction Technology to detect subtle variations in the terrain to provide maximum stability when deployed.
Conclusion: Our Golf Bag Reviews Are In
The Nike Golf Air Sport Carry Stand Bag – Best Low-Cost Golf Bag
This classic black golf bag from Nike is perfectly designed to serve all your golf-related needs. Clubs are safely stored inside, and the Nike Golf Air Sport comes with an advanced-engineered strap system to make carrying even the heaviest laden bag comfortable. With plenty of exterior pockets, and a well-built rugged exterior, the Nike Golf Air Sport will continue to offer stylish service even after years of use.
Pros:
Insulated cooler pocket is great for a friendly round of golf with friends. The big strapping system looks complex and futuristic but is super comfortable when carrying the golf bag. Fleece-lined interior pocket will keep phones and other valuables from being scratched or damaged by moisture.
Cons:
The Nike Golf Air Sport has no interior dividers, and weighs in at a total of 10 pounds when empty, which is heavier than some other models.
The Nike 2014 Performance Cart II Golf Bag – Best Golf Bag for the Money
This futuristic golf bag from Nike is designed to be quickly and securely strapped to a trolley or power cart using special IPR injected side handles. With a big 14-slot full-size club divider system and a dedicated putter well, the Nike 2014 Performance Cart II makes organizing clubs simple and intuitive. Special pocket for the range finder makes using it even easy even in wet weather.
Pros:
Looks sleek and futuristic, and the soft but durable exterior is designed to last for years. Big 9.5 opening on top and 14-slot interior divider for clubs plus an integrated putter well makes finding and organizing clubs super easy. Handles make this bag easy to carry by hand or put onto a golf cart. Flip and Grip waterproof pocket for the range finder is a great touch. Other exterior pockets are roomy and easy to access.
Cons:
Although this bag is designed to be stable and includes tiny supports at the bottom so it can be stood up in a freestanding position, it is not equipped to remain upright on hilly or uneven terrain.
The Callaway Hyper-Lite 5 Stand Bag – Best Golf Bag Overall
From the outside, the Callaway Hyper-Lite 5 is a full-size, stylish golf bag with a classic two-tone color design and sturdy straps. When empty, it weighs less than five pounds, most of that in the form of the ultra sturdy tripod stand with the company’s XXT traction technology. Although light as a feather, the Callaway Hyper-Lite 5 is incredibly durable, designed to give years of hard service during outdoor use. With an advanced padded strap system, the Callaway Hyper-Lite 5 is comfortable to carry. Special interior padding and a rigid five-way full-size divider keeps clubs organized and protected from dings, dents, and scratches.
Pros:
While it looks like a leather golf bag from decades ago, but is made out of a space-age lightweight material that weighs next to nothing. Tripod stand is incredibly stable and the unique XXT traction system allows golfers to set it up anywhere rough terrain. With eight big pockets, you can easily pack in everything from your expensive range finder to enough cold drinks for everyone in your foursome. Molded handle makes it easier to get in and out of cars.
Cons:
Some users have stated that the rain cover is somewhat thinner than optimal, potentially exposing clubs inside the bag to moisture when playing golf in inclement weather.
In Conclusion
A quality golf bag is a good investment for any dedicated golfer, as it will transport all of the essential elements necessary for an enjoyable 18 rounds of the timeless game. Today’s golf bags are made out of durable, lightweight materials to protect clubs against the weather while using ingenious interior dividers and padding to secure clubs against dings, dents and scratches. Exterior pockets on a quality golf club can hold enough cold beverages and snacks for a full 18 holes, as well as storing essential accessories such as tees, gloves and range finders.
With a classic and elegant design made from space-age lightweight materials, the Callaway Hyper-Lite 5 is an outstanding golf bag. With an ingenious interior divider system with soft mesh padding, golfers can easily find and use any club with the Callaway Hyper-Lite 5. With a very durable and advanced-engineered traction tripod system, the Callaway Hyper-Lite 5 allows golfers access to their clubs on even the most uneven and canted terrain. An integrated molded handle allows the Callaway Hyper-Lite 5 to be conveniently transported in car trunks or on airline flights.