Typical bag used on Tour
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My first golf bag was a solid looking plain black leather version with a dodgy single strap and rusty clasp. It carried a 'Heinz-varieties' range of steel-shafted clubs procured from a Glasgow pawn shop. The job lot cost me £25 but got me to 17 handicap.
A few years later I spotted our local pro's attractive black and tangerine Mizuno Tour bag which he had discarded for an updated blue and white version. I made him an offer he couldn't refuse and when I became a golf editor, required to play in a succession of golf days and pro-ams (as part of my job!), I got my illustrator to replace the pro's name on the bag with mine. I did not realise this was in flagrant breach of R&A regulations and a compromise to my amateur status!
I have always preferred a bag sitting on my trolley to one I would lug on my shoulders but it's a personal choice and you have to decide whether you're a wheeler or a carrier.
Though either bag can be strapped to a trolley, the trolley bag tends to be heavier, made of more robust pvc material with a wider diameter (8in to 10in) at the top. They are designed to hold the full complement of 14 clubs, with several storage pockets to hold balls, tees, umbrella, gloves, waterproofs and even soft drinks.
On trolley bags a single shoulder strap is always provided for golfers who may have to carry their bags from transport to clubhouse, or for when there's a trolley ban in force.
What's a Tour bag?
The largest trolley bags are referred to as Tour bags because they are bags carried by the caddies of professional golfers. These are typically at least 10 inches in diameter, can store extra towels, gloves and socks and, when fully loaded, weigh in excess of 45lbs.
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Are carry bags much lighter?
Yes, carry bags are less bulky, lighter bags (weighing as little as 5lbs) that can be carried around a course by golfers of average strength, without the need for a trolley.
Usually fitted with built-in legs which spring out as supports to avoid the bag getting wet in damp conditions, they are typically 5 - 8.5 inches in diameter and achieve reduced weight through use of lightweight materials and fewer storage pockets.
Why are some bags referred to as Sunday or Pencil bags?
These are ultra-light pencil-slim bags designed to carry a handful of clubs for a social game at the weekend and not much else. Often there are no storage pockets at all other than to keep a few balls and tees tucked away.
So what sort of golfer typically carries a pencil bag?
The occasional golfer who only owns a few clubs and never plans to take up the game seriously or the golfer who likes the occasional rounds on the par-3 or pitch and putt course.
It can also be a useful accessory for the keen golfer who never wants to miss the chance of nine holes between business appointments, and who keeps a handful of clubs in the boot of the car.
Why are bags separated into compartments?
Dividers are placed in the bag to keep clubs separate and organised for easy identification and accessibility.
Driver and fairway metals are slightly longer and kept separate from long and medium irons, which in turn are separated from short irons and wedges.
A good feature to look out for is a separate slot for your putter, the shortest but most used club in the bag. You need it most so it makes sense to have it easy to find.
Why are some dividers fur-lined?
All dividers should be made of soft pvc, leather or even fur. This is to protect the graphite shafts which can easily become scratched and worn in a bag where the dividers are more brittle.
How important is a hood?
In the UK climate and when clubs are being transported, a hood offers extra protection and security. An excellent idea on some bags is a zip-up, stud-fastening hood that is permanently attached and folds away neatly into a pocket.
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