Different Types of Golf Bags Explained
Golfers use a specially designed bag to tote their clubs to, from and around the golf course every time they play a round. Just like clubs and balls, there are many different types of golf bags to choose from. More than a dozen companies make golf bags, and they're as different as the needs of the everyday player.
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Tour bags
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These are the types of bags you see carried around on the professional golf circuits, most notably the PGA Tour. They are generally large enough to carry the maximum 14 clubs, but also have plenty of pockets and room around the club carrying area for storage. The reason for this is because pros don't have the luxury of a pull cart of motorized cart during a round. Everything they have must be carried during the round. Most Tour bags are made of leather.
Cart bags
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The name says it all. Cart bags are designed for use on either motorized carts or pull carts. They're not as well-made as Tour bags, and are usually made with materials other than leather. They don't have as much storage as a Tour bag, either, but they are lighter than Tour bags. They usually come with a single strap for carrying, but are really not designed for players to carry around the course.
Carry bags
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Also called travel bags, players sacrifice size and storage for a bag that is lightweight, easy to handle and easy to carry around the course. Most come with double shoulder straps in 2009, so the bag may be carried like a backpack. They're usually made of light materials and there isn't much storage, but that doesn't matter. Most players that use these bags are interested in carrying the essentials--clubs, balls and a few other necessary items.
Stand bags
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Stand bags are the same as carry bags, but stand bags feature a device that allows you to stand the bag up when it's not being carried. The stand comes out when you place the base of the bag on the ground, and then retracts when the bag is picked up. Many players use the stand bag to decrease wear and tear on their back.
Buying a Bag
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When buying a Tour or Cart bag, take into account the potential weight of the bag with your clubs and accessories inside of it, plus how much you'll carry it. If you use a motorized cart, a Cart bag makes sense. If you typically walk, a lighter bag makes more sense. Take price into account, too. Some stand bags can cost less than $50, while Tour and Cart bags can cost more than $200.
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