Trolley or carry? Make sure you have the right bag for you
Club golfers gather round. The big debate has arrived.
Are you a carrier or pusher? Traditionalist or modernist? And most importantly, why?
Whichever side of the fence you’re on, we’re here to settle it.
Place your bets
Spoiler alert: generally speaking, there isn’t a right answer.
It’s all subjective, like with most things in life. Some may feel passionate about carrying; others will disagree.
Most likely, players who carried as a junior golfer struggled to ever make the transition to a trolley bag.
And that’s fine, as humans we like our home comforts, but why do so many people prefer to push a trolley bag?
Keep it real
As with any argument, it’s important to keep it balanced. Don’t presume that just because you prefer one way of playing that it’s automatically better than the other way.
We’re going to weigh up the pros and cons of each option. After all, when you’re shopping for a new golf bag, it’s important to select one that meets your needs as a golfer.
We’ll also slide in what we think are the best trolley bags and carry bags your money can get you, so no matter which you prefer, there’s an option for everyone.
Carry bags: tried and tested?
If you’ve ever watched golf on television you might have noticed that most pros carry their bags around the course. Well, they don’t, their caddies do.
On one hand they’re very mobile; you can set them down in any given environment, even on slopes. So they’re especially handy for when you find yourself close to the drink or even near the beach.
Not to forget the health benefits of carrying a bag around too. Playing 18 holes is already decent exercise in itself, but add a golf bag to the picture and it’s even better for you.
Carry bags also offer golfers simplicity. As a golfer myself, I do like my trolley bag setup. But golly, setting it up can be time consuming. Putting it up and and taking it down takes me about ten minutes each way, and I could be using that time warming up over on the putting green.
Trolley bags: does diversity win?
They say there’s no such thing as bad weather in golf, only the wrong clothing. That may be true, but what I really like about trolley bags is how spacious they are.
No one round is the same in golf; one day it could be warm and the other it could batter it down. Whatever the weather, I know I’m alright with a trolley bag as I have the storage space to fit clothing in that is suitable for all climates. With a smaller carry bag, I’d struggle with that. And there’s more room for snacks. Never forget the snacks.
There is the argument that trolley bags are worse for your health as you’re not actually carrying them on your back, but remember that a lot of golfers might not be strong enough to carry a bag.
They also encourage organisation during your round. Most modern trolley bags will come equipped with slots for your scorecard & pencil, water bottles, umbrella and other golf accessories. So there’s less chance you’ll annoy that two ball behind you after fumbling about on the green.
A standout downside to trolley bags is you need a trolley to push one about. And they, like trolley bags in themselves, can be expensive, especially if you’re after an electric trolley, such as the PowaKaddy FX3 or Motocaddy S1 electric golf trolleys.
And the winner is…
No one, really. They’re both good – and sometimes not so good – in their own way.
Ultimately, it’s the golfer who has to decide what works best for them.
Golf is a game for all, which is why both options exist in the first place. And there’s certainly nothing wrong with giving both a try to see which you prefer.
Whichever side of the fence you’re sitting on, let’s unveil our pick of the best golf carry bags and golf trolley bags that your money can get you. And for those who are keen on getting a cart bag, we’ll throw in a few flashy electric trolleys in the mix too.
Best golf carry bags
TaylorMade FlexTech Lite Stand Bag
TaylorMade’s FlexTech bag line features a lighter design with a patented smooth release system and collapsible base system to improve ease of use and prevent club crowding.
Key Features:
- 4-Way Club Organiser (with internal dividers)
- 8 Pockets (including suede-lined valuables)
- Self Adjusting Strap System
- FlexTech Stand System
Callaway Golf Chev Dry Stand Bag
This fully waterproof stand bag offers all year round protection, organisation and stylish graphics for the golf course.
Key Features:
- 4-Way Divider Top (with integrated lift handle)
- 5 Pockets
- Comfort Tech Strap System
- Fully Seam Sealed Waterproof Design
Titleist Players 4 Plus StaDry Golf Stand Bag
This premium golf bag has been constructed to last, with high-grade aluminium legs and advanced hinged bottom for best-in-class stability and durability. Constructed with StaDry waterproofing and seam seals to protect your gear from the elements.
Key Features:
- 4-Way Full-Length Dividers
- 6 Pockets in Total
- Convertible Strap System
- StaDry Waterproof Construction
Ping Hoofer Golf Stand Bag
Golfers love the Ping Hoofer stand bag for its versatility, and in this re-design there’s even more to love. 11 pockets in total, a new back puck for fast single-strap conversion, added storage, more magnetic pockets, and an apparel pocket with full-length zipper.
Key Features:
- Adjustable shoulder pads
- Attached rain hood
- Cart-strap channel
- Five-way reinforced top
Wilson Golf Lite III Staff Bag
The Wilson Lite Carry Bag is sturdy and durable, so ideal for all condition s on the golf course. The valuables pocket features a lining that keeps your accessories dry and protected this bag also includes a large beverage pouch so you can store a drink on a hot day.
Key Features:
- 4-Way Dividers (2 full-length)
- 6 Pockets in Total
- 4-Point Shoulder Strap
- Easy-Operating Automatic Stand
Best golf trolley bags
Callaway Chev Dry 14 Waterproof Golf Trolley Bag
Golfers that play on a regular basis will often face inclement weather that further increases the challenges presented by an already testing sport. In order to give yourself the best chance of playing to your potential when such conditions arrive it is essential to keep your equipment as dry as possible. Historically, this was always extremely hard to do with golf bags offering no protection from the rain but thankfully this has changed substantially and the Callaway 2022 Chev Dry 14 Waterproof Golf Cart Bag is a great example of the quality now available.
Key Features:
- 100% Waterproof When Used With Rain-Hood
- Large Apparel Pocket
- Appealing Modern Aesthetics
- Velour Lined Valuables Pocket
- 14-way Top With Integrated Putter Well
TaylorMade Deluxe Golf Trolley Bag
TaylorMade Golf have been making some stunning golf bags in recent seasons and the arrival of their feature laden 2021 Deluxe Golf Cart Bag looks set to continue this trend. With a large 14-way top, 3 full length dividers and separate dedicated putter well that can house even the largest putter grip, your clubs will be well protected as you traverse the golf course.
Key Features:
- 14-way top with 3 full length dividers
- Constructed from a lightweight, waterproof fabric
- Weighs just 3.8kg
- Thermo-sealed zips
- Ample storage with seven pockets
- Large, dedicated putter well
PowaKaddy X-Lite Edition Golf Trolley Bag
The new PowaKaddy X-Lite Bag provides excellent club organisation with 14-way individual dividers. It’s the perfect lightweight all-rounder giving exceptional value for money.
Featuring a lightweight construction in a stylish design it has a total of 7 pockets to help store all your essential equipment and accessories.
This includes 2 full-length apparel pockets, drink cooler pocket as well as the PowaKaddy anti-twist Key-Lock™ base to stop your bag from twisting and PowaKaddy’s unique lift handle for easier handling. Complete with rainhood for total club protection in adverse weather conditions.
Key Features:
- 14 Individual dividers
- 2 large apparel pockets
- Storage pocket with soft lining
- 7 storage pockets in total
- PowaKaddy Key-Lock™ anti twist system on the base
- External umbrella loop
- Towel Holder
- Anti-wear patch on rear of bag
- Quick fixing rain hood
- Easily accessible carry handles
Motocaddy Pro Series Golf Trolley Bag
Motocaddy’s new Pro Series Cart Bag is feature-loaded, spacious and sleek in a premium design targeting all golfers. Crafted from long-lasting PU and Nylon fabrics, Pro Series bags feature 14 full-length dividers to easily accommodate each club, as well as a jumbo putter well that’s designed to be compatible with oversized grips. Pro Series Bags have a total of 9 pockets. This includes space for apparel, balls, tees, drinks and snacks, valuables and more. If you’re a Motocaddy trolley user, you’ll benefit from the innovative EASILOCK compatible anti twist base which locks your bag in place to prevent falls on uneven slopes or terrains. With added extras such as ergonomic carrying handles, umbrella sleeve, scorecard + pen holder and a handy towel hook, the Pro Series is a stand out offering for the cart bag player.
Key Features:
- Premium Nylon & PU materials
- 14 full-length dividers
- 9 spacious pockets
- 2 dry valuables pockets
- Jumbo putter well
- Internal umbrella sleeve
Best electric golf trolleys
Powakaddy FX7 Electric Golf Trolley
The Powakaddy FX7 is driven by a powerful, yet whisper quiet 30v 230w motor which is housed in a low profile Powaframe and ensures that the Powakaddy will charge round even the most hilly courses even when a heavy Tour Bag is being used. The highly convenient Plug’n’Play lithium battery system has been improved to house the supremely powerful 30volt Lithium battery. Simple lower the battery into the Plug’n’Play housing so the connectors align and away you go.
Key Features:
- Stunning new 3.5” full colour widescreen display
- New high power 30-volt speed controller system
- New LCD backlight control system
- New High-Power Plug ‘n’ Play™ 30v battery system
- New battery top isolator switch with LED indicator
- New Whisper quiet powerful 30v 230w motor
PowaKaddy CT6 18 Hole Lithium Electric Golf Trolley
The all-new CT6 is now the easiest compact folding cart in its class with an intuitive Simple-2-Fold system that can be folded in seconds.
Our equipment editor Hannah Holden was certainly impressed with its mobility and discrete nature…
Key Features:
- 2.8” Midsize Full-Colour Widescreen Display
- Simple-2-FoldTM System / Exclusive Trims
- Plug’n’Play™ 30 Volt Battery System
- Powerful 30v 230w Whisper Quiet Motor
Motocaddy S1 DHC Standard Range Lithium Electric Golf Trolley
This award-winning trolley offers a fully‑integrated GPS built into a super-responsive 3.5” touchscreen display. Boasting 40,000 pre‑loaded courses with pin-point accuracy, it can also connect to the Motocaddy GPS app for smartphone alerts and offers built-in WiFi for instant Over‑the‑Air course and system updates.”
Key Features:
- 3.5” LCD High-Resolution Touch Screen
- Fully Integrated, High-Performance GPS
- Simple, Compact-Folding Aluminium Frame
- High Power 28.8V System / Powerful 230W Motor
MGI Zip X1 Lithium Electric Golf Trolley
This innovative trolley allows you to walk to under control and park on any terrain while your trolley does the hard work. It is a newly engineered trolley with a new zip fold 4-wheel design which is easier to fold and more compact to place in transportation. Includes a FREE umbrella holder.
Key Features:
- Zip Fold Design
- FREE umbrella holder
- Fixed Front / Foldable Rear Wheels
- 24v Lithium Battery
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Ben Outhwaite
Ben is National Club Golfer's Marketing Editor and the latest addition to our golf equipment review team.
He specialises in testing golf bags, beginner golf club sets, apparel and golf accessories. He also collates our buying guides so you know which are the latest and greatest bits of golf equipment on the market.
Ben picked up his first golf club when he was five years old – which was in fact a left-handed set of clubs!
He is a member at Rudding Park Golf Club and has a handicap of fifteen.
