Before even stepping onto the course for the first time, it’s essential that every golfer knows their golf bag weight. It doesn’t matter whether you’re riding or walking the course–nobody likes lugging extra weight around. Whether you’re playing a par-3 course, quick 9, or full 18, every golfer’s going to need a different bag, one with a weight best fit for their style of play.
With that in mind, we’re going to share everything you need to know about golf bag weight and what type of bag is best fit for you. Let’s get started.
Types of Golf Bags and Their Weight
Sunday Bags
Sunday bags are perfect for both new and experienced golfers looking for a quick day out on the course. Typically weighing two or three pounds, Sunday bags are a lighter, sleeker alternative to the larger stand or cart bags that golfers usually sport. Sunday bags are best fit for beginner golfers as they usually hold 6-8 clubs, perfect for walking a local par-3 course or practicing the fundamentals on the range.
If you’re looking for a specific Sunday bag, make sure to check out the Sunday Golf Loma bag. Weighing under two pounds, the Loma is even lighter than your typical Sunday bag, yet still holds up to six clubs for your round. Throw a drink in its insulated drink pouch and have yourself a day.
Carry Bags
One step above Sunday bags are carry bags, a medium-weight bag similarly used for (you guessed it) carrying around the course. Most carry bags weigh around four to five pounds, yet can still hold up to ten clubs, rather than six.
Similar to Sunday bags, carry bags are perfect for golfers who like to sneak out after work for a quick nine, yet don’t want to lug around their whole set. With room to hold all of your key clubs–driver, irons, wedges, putter–carry bags are best fit for golfers looking to put in their reps on full-length courses.
While carry bags tend to hold more clubs than Sunday bags, it doesn’t mean they have to be heavier, however. The Loma XL bag from Sunday Golf weighs only 3.4 pounds (the weight of a typical Sunday bag), with room for eight clubs and a frosty pocket for on-course drinks. A dream bag for the minimalist golfer.
Stand Bags
Most casual golf bags fall into the category of stand bags, landing right in between the lightweight nature of carry bags and the bulkier feel of cart bags. Named after its classic two-prong support, stand bags can hold between 10-14 clubs and are perfect for golfers who don’t want to sacrifice any aspect of their game on the course. Stand bags are slightly heavier than carry bags, typically weighing between six and seven pounds, yet come with the benefit of extra room for clubs and accessories for your round.
Sunday Golf has a wide variety of stand bags that cater to every golfer’s needs. On the smaller end, the El Camino bag holds up to ten clubs and weighs only 3.9 pounds, while the Ryder stand bag is similarly lightweight, at 4.9 pounds, yet carries up to 14 clubs. The Ranger premium stand bag is slightly larger, holds all 14 clubs, and is finished with a depth of outdoor-inspired materials to protect your bag from whatever the course throws at you.
Cart Bags
Not all golfers are interested in walking the course, and if you’re one of them, then a cart bag might be the right fit for you. Cart bags usually weigh eight pounds and can hold up to all fourteen clubs, yet don’t come with the two-prong stand that all the prior bags do. Known for strapping right into the back of your cart, cart bags are best fit for intermediate to experienced golfers looking to play full-length, 18-hole courses.
Sunday Golf is most famous for its lightweight bags, and despite the size of typical bags, the Big Rig cart bag is no different. The Big Rig weighs 7 pounds and comes with twelve pockets, including a seven-can cooler pocket, perfect for golfers who carry more accessories than strokes on the scorecard.
Tour Bags
By far, the largest of the bunch is the tour bag, the one you see professional golfers strolling around with on TV. Tour bags weigh between 10-15 pounds without clubs, and are typically made with heavier materials like leather. Due to the potentially overwhelming weight and feel, tour bags are best fit for advanced-level golfers who want to carry as much equipment as possible.
Travel Bags
Looking to take your game on vacation with you? You might need a travel bag. Designed to fit a whole set of clubs, spikes, and other accessories, travel bags are made for transporting all your golf equipment in one organized space. Travel bags typically weigh between 7 and 10 pounds, not too far off from the weight of stand or cart bags.
If you’re traveling with a Sunday Golf bag, make sure to check out the Mule travel bag, designed specifically for comfortable travel with our Loma, Loma XL, and El Camino bags.
What Affects a Golf Bag Weight?
There are many factors that can affect how much your golf bag weighs. Here are a few to be mindful of before packing your bag this weekend:
- Materials: The primary material used in the golf bag itself greatly determines how much it weighs. Lightweight materials such as nylon or polyester will result in light, casual bags, while premium materials such as leather will add a few extra pounds to your bag.
- Style: As we talked about before, different styles of golf bags will have different weights attached to them. Sunday bags will always be the lightest, designed for walking a quick round, while tour bags are significantly heavier, with increased club space and features.
- Clubs: The most obvious determiner of golf bag weight to the casual golfer is how many clubs you decide to pack for your round. Bringing your whole bag to a par-3 course or local muni is not only not practical, but also forces you to lug around an extra 15 pounds for your round. Only bring the clubs that’ll allow you to be successful for your round and skill level.
- Balls: Perhaps the most underrated factor in determining golf bag weight is how many balls you have lying around in there. If you’re one that shanks them often and carries extra 20-something balls in your bag, you’re actually adding almost three pounds on your back–almost doubling the weight of the bag itself.
Common Golf Bag Essentials to Bring to Your Round
We know it may be hard to choose what and what not to bring to your round, but here are five things we believe are absolute essentials for your game:
- Tees: Always make sure to have a few extra tees in your bag before hitting the course. These lucky bamboo tees are extra durable, so you’ll only need a few per round.
- Golf Balls: Don’t be that person who always asks their playing partner for balls. Make sure you have enough to get you through your round, especially if you’re prone to finding the water.
- Towel: A nice microfiber towel is essential to ensuring your clubs stay clean throughout your round, maximizing your spin and distance out there.
- Divot Tool: Clean up after yourself and carry a divot tool to repair your ball marks on the green–the group behind will thank you.
Importance of Choosing the Right Golf Bag Weight
At the end of the day, choosing the right golf bag depends on the individual golfer’s preferences, skill level, and conditions. For example, if you’re a golfer who doesn’t prefer walking or has a bad back, a lightweight golf bag would serve you best.
However, if you’re walking a full-length course and don’t want to sacrifice any clubs, a stand bag is likely the better option. Choosing the right bag is an important decision that all golfers must make, as it affects not only their comfort on the course but their performance as well.
How Much Does A Golf Bag Weigh? FAQs
How to make a golf bag lighter?
Other than purchasing a lightweight bag for different rounds, the best way to make a golf bag lighter is to remove any clubs or equipment you won’t need. Holding onto three extra clubs and an extra box of balls during your round adds a lot of weight to your bag, and removing that extra gear can easily make your bag lighter.
Is it bad to carry your golf bag?
Never. The average golfer walks about 900 miles per year, most of that (presumably) with a bag on their back. Carrying your bag is a cost-effective way to get the most out of your round and take in the course around you.
How heavy is a golf bag for a flight?
A typical golf bag weighs between 30 and 50 pounds when packed with clubs and accessories for travel. Make sure to check with your airline before traveling, however, since some carry restrictions on baggage over 50 lbs. If need be, make sure to remove any unnecessary accessories to save some weight for your flight.
