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 2025, 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 for Most People: 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.
Jones and Vessel have always duked it out for the top spot. If you can find a Vessel Player IV Pro, I still think that might be my favorite overall bag. But with the new Vessel Player V being considerably heavier, and more expensive, the Jones bag takes over this position.
- Price: $295
- Target Price: $265.50. You can find a 10% off coupon code on their site for your first purchase. Expect a bigger discount once or twice a year during holidays.
- Where to Buy: Buy at Jones Sports Co.
- Solid Alternative: Vessel Player V
- 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.
Best Hybrid Bag: Vessel Player V Pro
Starting with the Vessel Player III, this line of bags has been my personal favorite, and is the bag I use on the course the most.
Vessel just released the Vessel Player V and it’s one of their best bags yet – for the right person.
They added about a pound of weight with the V, bringing it to over 7.5 pounds – which is heavy.
It doesn’t feel that heavy when you’re wearing it, but it’s still not insignificant.
However this new design makes it the ultimate hybrid golf bag.
If you’re looking for a bag that’s just as home on a golf cart, as it is on push cart, or on your back, this is the bag to get.
The materials are all insanely high quality, and everything about it is done thoughtfully.
If you’re someone who wants the best of the best, but only carries your clubs some of the time – this is one of the best bags you can buy.
- Price: $469
- Target Price: $469. Since this is brand new, don’t expect to find many discounts. You may find for slightly less during Black Friday
- Where to Buy: Buy from Vessel Golf
- Solid Alternative: Sun Mountain Mid Stripe
- Review: Why the Vessel Player V Pro is the Best Hybrid Golf Bag Ever
This is a bag that doesn't compromise on materials or quality. It's also the perfect bag for the golfer who likes to vary their experience via carrying, pushing, or riding in a cart. The Player V Pro might be the best all-around hybrid golf bag ever made.
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
- Target Price: $358.50 – Using our coupon code, you should be able to drop down. Expect to potentially find for less during sale periods.
- Discount: Use Code BE20 to get 20% Off
- Where to Buy: Buy on Stitch.com.
- 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%!
Most Underrated: 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 V.
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.
But here’s the catch, Sun Mountain is discontinuing this specific line, in favor of the new Matchplay bags. Those are also great, but these have a little bit more style, and they’re selling at a discount.
- Retail Price: $369
- Target Price: $279 – Since it’s being phased out, we’re seeing big sales on it. Some colorways even as low as $219 on Amazon.
- Our Review: Sun Mountain Mid-Stripe: A New Player in the Luxury Bag Market
- Where to Buy: Buy from Golf Galaxy
- Solid Alternative: Sun Mountain Matchplay.
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.
Biggest Surprise: Sunday Golf Ranger
Sunday has been slowly building their reputation in golf for functional bags with cool branding, at an affordable price.
So to see them tackle a higher end golf bag came as a huge surprise.
They basically went to their lead designer and gave him carte blanche to do whatever he wanted – cost wasn’t an issue.
The result?
A remarkably good, high end bag that exceeded all of my expectations.
And since it’s been sold out since launch, apparently it exceeded theirs as well.
It should be back in stock soon, but if you want a bag that hits the right balance of materials, cost, and performance – this is definitely one to consider.
- Retail Price: $399
- Target Price: $322 – Use code “EIGHTY15” to save 15%. You may even see this a little less during sales (once it’s back in stock.
- Our Review: The Sunday Golf Ranger is One of the Best Bags of the Year
- Where to Buy: Buy from Sunday Golf
- Solid Alternative: Vessel Player V
The Ranger from Sunday Golf is hands down the best stand bag they've ever made. It's not cheap, but with our discount it comes in quite a bit less than comparable bags from dedicated luxury brands.
Best Luxury Cart Bag: Vessel Lux Pro
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
- Target Price: $240 – Keep an eye on some larger golf retail outlets like Golf Galaxy for occasional sales.
- 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
- Target Price: $249 – maybe a little less during sales from larger retailers
- 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.
Best Golf Bag for Walkers: Jones Rover Stand
We could also call this the “Coolest” golf bag.
Right now, many of the most fashionable, in-the-know golfers around are rocking a Jones Rover Stand.
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: $285
- Target Price: $256.50 through 10% code on their site. Some of last seasons models can be found under $200 with that code.
- 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
- Target Price: $195 or less. Use the code below to immediately save 15%. But they have frequent sales that could drop this potentially as low as $150.
- 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 "BREAKING15" to save 15%!
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 “EIGHTY15” 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 "BREAKING15" to save 15% as well!
Money is No Object: Vessel Player V Pro Carbon
What happens when you take one of my all time favorite golf bags, and cover it in flexible carbon fiber?
You get the Player V Pro Carbon Edition. It’s the coolest golf bag you’ll never buy.
This might lead you to ask, “if it’s so cool, why wouldn’t I buy it?”
Well, because it costs 2 grand. And it’s basically the same bag as the regular Player V Pro which you can get for under $500.
But if money is no object, and you want an insanely cool golf bag that no one else is going to have?
- Price: $1,999
- Our Review: Coming Soon
- Where to Buy: Buy from Vessel Bags.
- Solid Alternative: Vessel Player V Pro. Almost exactly the same bag, sans carbon fiber. Also 75% less expensive.
Have plenty of cash and want an insanely cool golf bag that no one else will have? The Vessel Player V Carbon Edition is the bag for you.
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?
This is one of the most well-designed duffle bags we've ever used. You can fit enough clothes for a week, and look really good doing it. Highly recommend.
Best Travel Bag: Sun Mountain Club Glider Meridian
For 10 years I’ve used a Club Glove Last Bag – and it’s been excellent.
But after using the unique “Club Glider” feature of this Sun Mountain bag, I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to go back.
It’s made carrying my clubs through airports and hotels easier than I ever could have expected.
The Last Bag is still an excellent choice, but the convenient of the Club Glider has me giving it the nod. It’s what I’m currently using.
- Price: $339
- Target Price: $339 – Maybe cheaper during major holiday sales.
- Where to Buy: Buy from Golf Galaxy
- Solid Alternative: Club Glove Last Bag
- Review: Why the Sun Mountain Club Glider Completely Changes the Game
Looking for more options? Check out my full review of the best golf travel bags out there.
There You Go, the Best Golf Bags of 2025!
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:
May 15th, 2025: Added link to full review of the best golf travel bags on the market.
March 14, 2025: Added the Vessel Player V Carbon Edition. Updated pricing for Jones Rover Stand. Added updates to Sun Mountain Mid Stripe.
December 19th, 2024: Updated pricing. Updated dates. Added video for Sun Mountain Club Glider.
October 28th, 2024: Added new “Best Golf Bags” video version of post.
October 21st, 2024: Major Update. Added “Jones Trouper 3.0” as “Best Bag for Most People.” Added Vessel Player V Pro as “Best Hybrid Bag.” Added Sunday Golf Ranger as “Biggest Surprise.” Removed Club Glove and added Sun Mountain Meridian as Best Travel Bag. Removed Wilson bag. Added “Target Price” for all bags.
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.
4 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?
Hi all,
I purchased the VESSEL Pro Cart Bag a few years ago and it still looks great and gets lots thumbs up. But too big and heavy for travel, so I purchased the Titleist Linksledgend in blue and it looks great as well. It fits nicely in my PING rolling travel bag. Used Sean’s reviews for my decisions.