Your golf bag is the perfect companion for every visit to the green and finding one that is lightweight and comfortable is essential for every golfer. The best lightweight golf bags work for you and have the job of keeping your clubs organised, your possessions safe, as well as making the trek between holes one that won’t tire you out.
Golf brands such as Callaway and TaylorMade have used technologies to make some of the best lightweight golf bags with straps that feel weightless while carrying them, and other brands like MacKenzie and Link Soul have used premium materials for that classic look, but not without the function of a modern golf bag.
Features to look for in a lightweight golf bag
The best lightweight golf bags need to, at their very core, be lightweight. This is achieved through the use of innovative materials that help save weight wherever possible. After this, you want to look out for extra features such as pockets for personal items or other essential golf accessories such as your golf glove or even a golf towel.
Choosing the right lightweight golf bag for you
There are many types of golf bags but some are heavier than others and come with unique features such as the cart bag. However, if you’re looking to lighten the load, you can’t look past the carry and stand options of a lightweight golf bag.
Another type of lightweight golf bag that you will come across regularly as you shop around, is the stand bag. They come with two retractable legs that cause them to stand, making it easy to access your golf clubs between holes.
Callaway
Price: From $160
Origin: Carlsbad, California
Always creating innovative and high-performing golf equipment, Callaway has a deep understanding of the game of golf and of those who play it. Ever since its founding in the early ’80s, the brand has used intelligence and a little bit of imagination to craft some of the best golf products available and that has helped them stay at the top of the game.
The commitment to quality carries on with the Callaway Hyper-Lite Zero double strap stand bag, which combines the most technologically advanced materials with a padded ‘OptiFit Comfort’ strap that conforms to the shape of your shoulder. The strong carbon fibre legs of the Hyper-Lite Zero will ensure that the bag remains in place no matter what and after only weighing a little over 3lbs, it’s their lightest bag yet.
Ogio
Price: From $220
Origin: Carlsbad, California
Founded in 1987 by Michael Pratt, OGIO began as an athletic luggage brand and is actually an acronym for, ‘Our Gear Is Organised’. After years of developing products with unique designs that came with various problem-solving features, the brand was acquired by Callaway in 2017, and joined their family of brands, adding golf bags to their range.
The ‘Fuse Stand Bag 4’ is one of the company’s best lightweight golf bags that you’ll be able to easily carry all the way to the 18th hole. To make their golf bag so lightweight, they’ve used their ‘Integrated Fit Disc’ strap system to distribute weight across the shoulders which are complemented by intuitively placed pockets that can be used comfortably even with the bag around your back.
Sun Mountain
Price: From $240
Origin: Missoula, Montana
Established in the picturesque mountain town of Missoula, Montana in 1981, Sun Mountain has a special place in the development of the golf bag. Founder Rick Reimers was the first to innovate the golf bag with backpack technology to create a non-collapsible carry bag, and in 1986, he made Sun Mountain the first brand to develop a bag with legs.
With their ‘2020 4.5 LS 14-Way’ stand lightweight golf bag, the innovation has not slowed down and is built for golfers that ride and walk between holes. The E-Z fit dual strap system is adjustable for a custom fit and the straps themselves have a three-way construction for maximum comfort. However, it is the 14-way top with full-length dividers that maximises organisation for your clubs that sets it apart.
Maxfli
Price: From $180
Origin: Buffalo, New York
One of the largest suppliers of golf equipment, Maxfli’s dedication to creating premium products for all levels of golfers has seen the brand be recognised by some of the biggest companies in sports. From Dunlop, and Slazenger, to TaylorMade-Adidas, Maxfli has acquired a reputation for supplying the very best golf gloves, balls, and even bags.
The ‘Air 2020’ stand lightweight golf bag uses the lightest materials, strongest carry straps, and integrated utilities all finished with a clean, streamlined look. With a nylon construction, velour-lined interior for the materials, a comfortable EVA foam over the carry strap, and pockets for your clubs and a water bottle, this lightweight golf bag is making this an ideal companion on the course.
MacKenzie
Price: From $399
Origin: Beaverton, Oregon
In the summer of 1985, MacKenzie’s founders, Peter and David Jacobsen, spent a weekend in the historical ‘home of golf’, St Andrews in Fife, Scotland. The course there is known as the ‘Auld Grey Toon’ and dates all the way back to medieval times. They were inspired by the history and sophistication of the course and put that energy into the creation of their golf bags.
If it’s one of the best-looking lightweight golf bags on the course you’re after, then their entire range of golf bags have the classic designs of old, and are crafted using fabrics commonly seen in modern bags but with added leather to complete that timeless feel. With the ‘Ballistic Nylon Original Walker’ bag, you’ll find high-grade ballistic nylon that is a material previously used in flak jackets, and trimmed with full-grain leather on the straps and base.
TaylorMade
Price: From $190
Origin: Carlsbad, California
When Gary Adams founded TaylorMade in 1979, he started by taking out a $24,000 loan on his home and rented a 6,000 square-foot building that at one time was a television assembly plant. Thankfully, the risk paid off and the brand has grown into a household name on tour and their products help golfers of all levels play their best game.
Providing comfort and organisation is just one part of that, and their lightweight golf bags will bring much convenience to your next round. With the ‘2019 LiteTech 3.0’ stand bag you’ll get a durable, thin-tuff fabric that is 75-denier, which is the measurement for how thick a tent’s fabric is, and a 5-way top with full-length dividers for organising your clubs.
Titleist
Price: From $225
Origin: Fairhaven, Massachusetts
The story behind how Titleist began is an interesting one and involves, of all things, an x-ray machine. When founder Phil Young played a game with his friend who was the head of the x-ray department at the local hospital in 1932, he disputed that his golf ball was faulty. To prove it and settle the argument, they x-rayed the ball and found that the ball had an off-centre core.
The brand then entered the market with golf balls and today their range includes golf bags. With their ‘2020 Players 4 Carbon’ stand lightweight golf bag, you’ll get lightweight construction (naturally) and premium materials. Featuring carbon fibre legs that include an automatic stand system for added utility and shoulder straps that come padded with dual-density foam for comfort instability.
PING
Price: From $245
Origin: Redwood City, California
Alongside a career in engineering, PING founder Karsten Solheim began making putters in 1959 in his own garage in Redwood, California. He officially left his job at General Electric to focus on his brand that would officially become known as PING in 1967, and grow into one of the most trusted golf equipment brands today.
They show the same dedication to their golf bags as well and are among the most comfortable, multifunctional bags available. The ‘2020 Hoofer Craz E-Lite’ stand bag is the best lightweight golf bags on offer with carbon fibre legs, high-tensile strength fabric and armed with multiple pockets for a variety of uses including a slip pouch and even a key clip.
Mizuno
Price: From $210
Origin: Osaka, Japan
Being leaders in the sports equipment industry since 1933, there isn’t a sport that Mizuno hasn’t graced with their expertise, and golf is among them. With almost an entire century under their belt, Mizuno’s golf equipment has been used by the best on tour and enjoyed by golfers of every play style and skill level.
Mizuno’s lightweight golf bags maintain their position at the top and feature industry-leading technologies to create products that are lightweight and comfortable. With the ‘K1-L0’ stand bag they guarantee that you will be shocked when you pick it up and feel almost weightless, thanks to features such as the 4-way top cuff, carbon fibre legs, and dense foam shoulder straps.
Vice Golf
Price: From $179
Origin: Germany
A young brand, Vice Golf was founded in 2012 by Ingo Duellmann and Rainer Stoeckl, and originally only sold golf balls inside their native Germany before expanding into the U.S market in 2015. In such a short time, the brand’s range has expanded from golf balls to high-quality apparel, and the latest addition is their golf bags.
The ‘Force Black’ lightweight golf bag is designed to be the perfect companion in all weathers as it comes with waterproof materials that cover the entire body of the bag and even the zips. Its functionality meets the same standard, with full-length, 6-fold compartment divisions that stretch right through to the base for practical and flexible storage.
Wilson
Price: From $120
Origin: Chicago, Illinois
Wilson Staff is the golf division of Wilson Sporting Goods and was founded a year after the company went public in 1913. The 20th century saw the brand create the equipment that would be the first choice of some of the best players on tour, including Arnold Palmer, Walter Hagen, and Sam Snead. This dominant legacy has continued today and their equipment is now among the first choice of all golfers.
The ‘Quiver’ stand lightweight golf bag is a simple and easy-to-use solution for carrying your clubs that lets you focus on your game, round after round. With an automatic stand and flat base for stability, and a range of features that enhance the versatility with pockets, an umbrella holder, and a towel ring.
Vessel
Price: From $295
Origin: Carlsbad, California
A custom bag brand that is known for its functional yet elegant designs, Vessel was founded in 2012 when they noticed a demand for custom golf bags. They wanted to give customers the option of being in charge of the look of their golf bag, to create a product that is unique and special to them.
The ‘VLS’ stand bag is a ridiculously lightweight golf bag, coming in at under 2kg in weight. It’s quite a feat, considering it’s made from heavy-backed nylon twill. You get six pockets for storing all your essentials, along with a golf towel loop, an umbrella holder and a pen holder, as well as has a 4-way top with enclosed dividers to keep your golf clubs separated.
Nike
Price: From $200
Origin: Beaverton, Oregon
Entering the golf industry in 1984, Nike stayed true to its roots and first began developing golf shoes but didn’t transition into equipment until 14 years later. So technically, their golf-specific division has not been around for very long, but thanks to their reputation and standing as one of the premier sports brands of all time, they have achieved a technical quality like no other.
The ‘Air Hybrid’ lightweight golf bag allows you to walk the course or take the pushcart without having to switch bags over between holes. It’s versatile construction features detachable but comfortable ‘Equaflex’ dual straps and the strap-through design makes for easy attachment to your cart. It’s defining feature however is the massive 14-way divider to keep your clubs organised.
Link Soul
Founder John Ashworth was involved in men’s lifestyle apparel brands for decades before he created Linksoul in 2005. He sought to separate the brand from the rest and develop golf products that fit more within their personal philosophy and lifestyle of simply enjoying the game first. They even have their own mantra, ‘Tempus Fugit’, which in Latin translates to ‘time flies’.
Their range of lightweight golf bags includes legless carry bags and your conventional stand bags, and with the ‘Linksouldier’ golf bag, you’ll find the very best in style and function. Featuring a dual strap and carry handle system that makes transporting a breeze, and side-pockets for your accessories that are protected by storm flaps for protection against the weather.
Cobra
Price: From $129
Origin: Carlsbad, California
Founded by club designer and former amateur champion, Thomas Crow in 1973, Cobra began as a small company but with a history of developing golf clubs that were used by some of the best professionals on tour, they were acquired by sportswear giant Puma in 2010. This dedication to innovation has followed into their apparel and equipment, including their golf bags.
The ‘Ultralight’ stand bag remains the best on offer and has been designed to cover all of the bases so that you are never distracted while carrying it. Starting from the bottom, the ‘EASYflex’ base allows greater turf contact when the legs are activated for stability, and at the top you’ll find 8 pockets and a ‘CoolFlow’ hip pad for added comfort and breathability.
PXG
Price: From $275
Origin: Scottsdale, Arizona
Established by billionaire and GoDaddy founder, Bob Parsons in 2014, PXG has access to some of the very best materials and technologies. Standing for ‘Parsons Xtreme Golf’, the brand began with the goal of designing golf clubs and the technology they used to innovate saw them be recognised in 2019 as one of the fastest-growing brands in the U.S by Inc Magazine.
The expansion into golf apparel and equipment was a no brainer and their range of golf bags easily hold their own against the big brands. With the ‘Lightweight Carry’ stand lightweight golf bag, you’ll find polished details in functional, lightweight construction. Featuring 4-point carry straps with quick disconnects, cart strap passthrough and carbon fibre legs, this is one of the best lightweight golf bags on the market.