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What Are the Different Types of Golf Luggage?

Alex Tree
Alex Tree

Golfers use different types of luggage containers depending on how much they need to carry and whether or not they are on tour. A common type of golf luggage used by professional golfers is referred to as a tour bag. These bags have room for sponsor information and can hold nearly every golf accessory a professional golfer might want. The second largest type of golf bag is called a cart bag, and though it is not as spacious as a tour bag, it is large enough to usually require a golf cart to comfortably carry it around. Lastly, a carry bag is lightweight and not as spacious as the former containers but is designed to be carried comfortably, and sometimes includes a tripod-like device so that it can stand in the field.

Tour bags are golf luggage containers often used on professional golf tours and designed to display the logo, name, and colors of a golfer’s sponsor. This type of golf luggage is typically made from heavy, durable material and is sized to fit everything a golfer could possibly need. These bags are rarely transported by the golfer because of how heavy they are when full. They are most often handled by a golf caddy and transported across the green primarily with a golf cart.

A person playing golf.
A person playing golf.

In general, cart bags are surpassed in size only by tour bags. Like tour bags, these golf bags are not designed to be carried around by hand and are likely to remain on a golf cart or in the care of a caddy on the green. One difference between this golf luggage container and a tour bag is that a cart bag is not necessarily designed for professional tours and does not typically have the bulky designs that work well for displaying a sponsor’s logos. In addition, cart bags may not be able to contain as many golf accessories.

A golf course.
A golf course.

Carry luggage is a type of golf bag that is significantly smaller and lighter in weight than both tour and cart bags. This type of bag is designed to be carried around the course by the actual golfer rather than an assistant. Some types of carry golf bags include a tripod-like stand so the golfer does not have to set the bag directly on the ground and can access the golf clubs at a comfortable height. These bags include straps and can be slung over a shoulder, and can sometimes be worn similar to a backpack.

Discussion Comments

jmc88
@stl156 - I really see no reason for anyone to use a tour bag except if they are a touring pro.

In reality there is not reason for a person that is a novice player to have a tour bag and even touring professionals have multiple bags that they use depending on what they feel like doing on the golf course, whether they walk, ride, or bring a caddy with them

I would have to say that unless someone is a touring pro the only bag that they need is a stand up bag with dual straps. These can also be used if one wants to ride in a cart, but a cart bag cannot be used to walk. It can be about as bad as a tour bag and usually only has one strap, which will really strain the shoulder.

I have to say I think someone needs to decide what they want to do and choose the appropriate type of bag between the three.

stl156
@cardsfan27 - I once used a one strap bag for a round of golf and I immediately got rid of it and never used it again.

The way to go for someone that walks and chooses to carry their bag is the dual strap bag, but anymore I do not see people really wanting to carry their bags, they instead prefer to use a pull cart in order to carry their bags.

With a pull cart one could use a cart bag and be able to walk without carrying it, so if they do decide to ride in a cart they could use it for dual purposes.

I hear they do make pull carts anymore that are electronic and will move on their own in a straight line on level surfaces and all someone has to do is press a button.

cardsfan27

@titans62 - I will have to say that I see a lot of small caddies out there on the PGA Tour and that most of them were good golfers themselves and have fairly athletic backgrounds, so they probably have some strength in their small frames.

I have to say that a tour bag is definitely something that someone does not want to be carrying when they walk a round on a golf course for several miles.

The stand up, legged bag is the way to go as most of these bags weigh under ten pounds, without clubs, and usually are easy to carry because of the dual shoulder straps.

I really think that one strap bags, like tour bags, are a thing of the past and they are definitely something that has declined massively in popularity from the average player.

titans62

I have to say people do not realize how heavy and bulky tour bags are and caddies really do deserve a lot more credit than they usually get.

I once caddied for a golf professional in a tournament and the bag had to weigh between fifty and seventy five pounds! Unfortunately fatigue really set in after awhile as I carried this bag around the course and I gained a lot of respect for professional caddies afterwards.

I can also say that I am glad I am a big guy because this bag was so much larger than a regular golf bag and I can see how just by the size of it it would be very difficult for a small person to caddy for a golf professional.

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      Golf luggage varies depending on its purpose.