Adjusting to change is never easy—but as we age—we must learn to adapt the way we do things. In golf, this might mean reconsidering the 220-yard carry over water that once felt effortless but has become a challenge.
Then there's the effort of carrying a full set of clubs in a normal stand bag. Even some of the best push cart bags for trolleys can be difficult to maneuver as you approach old age. It isn't just on the course where this is important. Don't forget, you also have to lift that thing in and out of the car, as well as on and off the trolley. For the senior golfer, lugging a heavy bag around is not good for the health as it often doesn't take much to put a back or shoulder out. Lightweight bags are especially important on the course if you are using a push trolley rather than an electric one.
Most senior golfers do not (and probably should not) carry their bags, there are some exceptions and some of the fitter seniors may still opt to carry, especially those who do not use a full compliment of 14 clubs. Plus, it's also worth remembering that some courses restrict the use of trolleys in the winter due to course conditions. Thankfully the leading manufacturers all offer lightweight golf bags, which in some cases are little more than pencil bags with legs. The best pencil bags are often a little shorter and smaller with 7-inch tops and multiple pockets for a few items, making them ideal for the senior player who enjoys just taking a half set and a few balls out for a nine hole knock.
With that in mind, here is our list of the best golf bags for senior golfers and what you should consider when purchasing your next golf bag.
The Quick List
The Aqua Sport 360 has space for everything and is fully waterproof, making it an ideal choice for the golfer who errs on the side of caution over what they take with them out on the course.
The Dry Series bag from Motocaddy is exceptional in wet weather, highly functional in terms of its storage options and it has a very well thought-out design that made it a delight to use in our testing.
The Ultralight from Cobra is a cart bag that does everything you'd expect and more. If you're looking for a reasonably lightweight bag with plenty of storage space then this is a fine choice.
Overall, this is a well made and very impressive lightweight waterproof stand bag. The attention to detail is second to none and it's an ideal bag for avid walkers and those who seek class-leading waterproof protection.
The magnetic rangefinder pocket and sturdy legs are standout features of this well designed and lightweight bag. It can carry everything a golfer needs and comes in at a great price point.
One of the more striking options out there, but there is a lot more to the All Elements range than just the looks. This highly functional and versatile offering from Ogio is ideal for anyone who wants to carry all 14 clubs.
Load the next 3 models
The perfectly proportioned pockets, ultra-lightweight build and trendy look make this a class leader in the Sunday bag category and you can certainly tell that this bag has been designed by golfers.
A fully waterproof, incredibly lightweight bag that is very easy to carry. The Par 3 HD has micro legs that work perfectly to keep your clubs from clanking whenever the bag is placed on the ground.
The Titleist Premium carry bag is feature rich, lightweight and considering the relatively modest price is an ideal choice for a second bag when you need to travel light.
Best Golf Bags For Seniors
Best light cart bag
As the Aqua' name suggests this bag is fully waterproof. In fact, the Aqua Sport 360 is one of the best waterproof golf bags we've tested and offers terrific all round performance.
This ability to deal with any weather conditions brings peace of mind to the golfer as it will keep everything dry, from clubs to spare clothing and any valuables like wallet or car keys. It also happens to be lightweight as well, which makes it very easy to maneuver onto a cart or in and out of the car. The double grab handles at the top make this process even easier, which is ideal for the senior golfer.
In our testing we found that the best feature of this bag is that it has pocket space all the way around the bag (hence the 360 name). This extra space is very useful and it's the little things that make the difference, such as the extra-capacity drinks cooler pocket that can comfortably keep two drinks bottles plus some snacks too. We also liked the oversized putter well that fits larger grips, while another nice touch is that the 14-way divider is covered in soft, protective materials to prevent club crowding.
- Read our full Big Max Aqua Sport 360 Cart Bag Review
Best waterproof
There's no doubt the best waterproof option on this list is the Motocaddy Dry Series cart bag, which brings all kinds of functionality to the party. It's a lightweight bag that features a TPU Coated Nylon waterproof fabric which will keep your clubs and gear bone dry.
We tested this bag in torrential rainstorms and it kept all the water out, especially in the pockets thanks to the thermo seam sealed YKK zips. There is no amount of rain this bag can't keep out so if you live in wetter climates this is one of the best waterproof golf bags on the market and will therefore be ideal.
In terms of storage, there is ample space in the two large apparel pockets on each side, while easy-to-access front pockets feature a cooler pocket to keep your drinks nice and chilled when its hot outside. On that note, you should take a look at our guide on the best golf cooler bags too. There are lots of nice touches on this bag, such as a Velcro glove pad, a towel holder and grab handles at the top and bottom for easier lifting. There is also the excellent Easilock base system for use with Motocaddy trolleys that means you don't require a strap to hold the base of the bag in place.
- Read our full Motocaddy 2022 Dry Series Cart Bag Review
Best value cart bag
We loved testing the Cobra Ultralight Cart bag—it boasts an impressive amount of features and technology for its price point. It's an excellent option for the senior player who likes to have a lot of bells and whistles on their bag.
The bag features a 14-way divider plus a detachable rain hood but it was the storage options that really stood out to us. There's a total of 13 pockets so it really caters for everything you could possibly need. In addition, there's a fleece-lined valuables pocket as well as an insulated cooler pocket for your drinks. While some may see 13 pockets as overkill, for us it was the opposite and we loved how much room we had for various belongings when we took it out on the golf course.
In terms of practicality, the base is compatible with most of the best push carts and best electric golf trolleys out there and there is also a very handy pass-through slot for the cart strap. Not all bags feature this but they should, as it is a lot more secure than passing the strap around the bag. We were still able to access all of the bags pockets and features too. The only downside is that it’s not totally waterproof (it will be fine in showers but will struggle in heavy rain), but it's a lightweight option with plenty of storage options at a great price.
- Read our full Cobra 2021 Ultralight Cart Bag Review
Best stand bag
We're big fans of Sun Mountain at Golf Monthly. The brand's been making premium, high-end bags for years and the H2NO Litespeed continues that trend as we think it's an excellent bag. In testing, we immediately noticed the pockets. These are thoughtfully designed with a cool aesthetic and pattern available too. We think this is one of the most complete and considered stand bags we've tested in a while. It's lightweight, waterproof and just a great all rounder.
As the Litespeed name implies, it is very light and comes in at just 4.4 pounds/2kgs so it's a joy to carry and barely makes an impression on your back. It's portability and ease of carrying is bolstered by the new bubble design hip pad and the X-strap system, so senior golfers who like to still carry their bag will benefit greatly from all of this.
It's fully waterproof too, as the fabric is given a waterproof treatment on both sides and have seamed seals. Therefore it's impossible for water to penetrate through the bag so you can feel safe that all of your belongings will still be dry at the end of the round regardless of how bad the rain has been.
- Read our full Sun Mountain 2024 H2NO Litespeed Stand Bag Review
Best value stand bag
Wilson are one of the most reliable brands in the market and their new Exo Lite Stand Bag is precisely that. It's a premium golf bag at an impressive price point that delivers both functionality and style.
In testing, this bag performed well, starting with the legs that kick out nicely when placed on the ground. It's sturdy enough withstand winds without toppling over too. To be honest, we have tested better straps but ultimately these do the job just fine—they're comfy and easy to adjust. The hip pad offers additional comfort and, crucially, this bag reduces strain on the shoulders and back, which important for any golfer but particularly those getting on in years.
Our favorite feature in testing was the magnetic rangefinder pocket which is not only extremely convenient but also feels super-premium. If you prefer to house something else in this pocket instead, then there are plenty of other pockets for your rangefinder, or even an accessory clip that you can utilize. Our only qualm was that bag isn't fully waterproof. That said, it's showerproof and has a fully waterproof, fleece-lined valuables pocket so you need not worry about your phone, wallet and keys getting soaked in monsoon conditions.
- Read our full Wilson Exo Lite Stand Bag Review
Best color choice
Ogio make eccentric looking golf bags which will definitely split opinion. Nonetheless, we think th Ogio All Elements Hybrid Stand Bag is one of the best looking bags on the market right now. Aesthetically, it's a cool and stylish design that offers a choice of some excellent colorways—a fantastic choice if you want to stand out on the course.
There is a lot more to this bag than mere aesthetics. The first thing to note is this is a hybrid bag meaning it can equally be carried on your back or on your cart. The eight-way divider gives you the freedom to carry all your clubs or leave some behind. One feature we particularly enjoyed was the ball silo on the back. Some golfers might think this is gimmicky but we found it super useful as it enabled us to house a full packet of the best premium golf balls.
It's worth noting that the material is fully waterproof so you can keep you golf gear and your valuables dry with seam sealed zips. The storage space is impressive and there is plenty of room for all of the best golf accessories that you may want to stash in your bag, plus there is also plenty of room for some of the best golf waterproofs too.
- Read our full Ogio All Elements Hybrid Stand Bag Review
Top pencil bag
Sunday Golf are known for producing some of the best golf pencil bags on the market and we think the Loma XL continues that reputation. Aesthetically, this bag looks awesome and there are nine colors to choose from so there should be something for everyone.
As its thin silhouette suggests, it is extremely light, weighing just 3.4lbs (1.5kg) which is quite impressive given its size and the fact it has a full-length stand that many pencil bags do not have. We liked the thoughtful 3-way divider which neatly stores up to 8 clubs and there is a double strap which offers extra comfort. Our tester only really needed to wear over one shoulder, but you can put it over both if you prefer.
There are a total of five pockets including two valuables pocket, as well as the ‘Frosty Pocket’ which is perfectly sized for keeping a water bottle or two cans nice and cool.
This bag has been designed by golfers and you can really tell. We think this is an excellent option for senior golfers who like to carry their bag and only use half a set.
- Read our full Sunday Golf Loma XL Stand Bag Review
Best waterproof pencil
We're big fans of the Par 3 HD pencil bag from Callaway. Of course, it's slightly heavier—weighing 4.4lbs (2kg)—but this is due to the high quality, fully waterproof materials used. It weighs more compared to standard pencil bags but we still found it very light when carrying for 18 holes.
The Par 3 HD isn't a stand bag as such but it does feature micro legs. These are short and need to be extended manually before you set the bag down on the ground. At first, we thought this might cause issues but in testing it really wasn't. The bag is thoughtfully designed so the legs remain extended when you carrying and you don't even notice. This lets you pick up and place the bag down easily with minimal hassle.
We think this is one of the best Callaway golf bags on the market and has a lot of good design features that elevate it from most other pencil bags. An example of this is the double shoulder strap which is super comfortable and can be adjusted easily. The biggest selling point of this bag though is that it is 100% waterproof, something that is rarer than it should be in the pencil bag market.
- Read our full Callaway Par 3 HD Pencil Bag Review
Best premium pencil
Weighing in at just 2.2lbs/1kg, the Titleist Premium Carry Bag is an ultra-light bag that we think is ideal for senior golfer's who enjoy a quick summer round or nine holes in the evening with a half set. Sure, it won't fit all of your gear but if you don't tend to fill your bag with non-essentials then this should be perfect. There's room for a waterproof jacket, balls and some accessories.
We found the ergonomically designed double strap made this very comfortable to carry in testing, but it’s pretty solid too and the mini stand legs keep it nicely off the ground to stop it getting wet. We'd recommend that using the Premium Carry Bag as a second bag for travelling light in summer or squeezing in a quick nine holes. We wouldn't recommend it 18 holes in the winter, but it serves a purpose and we like this bag so much we also included it in our guides on the best lightweight golf bags and the best Titleist golf bags too.
We really enjoyed hitting the fairways with a pencil bag like this. It just feels great—there's a sense of freedom about being unencumbered by bulky equipment and you can just focus on enjoying the walk and your game.
- Read our full Titleist Premium Carry Bag Review
How we test golf bags
We take product testing very seriously here at Golf Monthly and our reviews and buyers' guides are based on a rigorous testing procedure as well as the knowledge and experience of the test team. All members of the Golf Monthly team contribute to golf bag testing and are qualified to convey the pros and cons of each item eloquently. We test golf bags outdoors on premium golf courses to get a thorough understanding on what design features each bag offers, and when possible we look to test in different weather conditions too. We aim to be as insightful and honest as possible in our reviews and it is important to stress here that no manufacturer can buy a good review. Our team tells it how it is. To learn more about our methodology, see how Golf Monthly tests products in our guide.
How to choose a golf bag
When choosing the right bag for senior golf you should start by asking yourself these questions.
1. Do you use a golf trolley?
If the answer is no, then you need either a lightweight stand bag or perhaps even a pencil bag if you are happy using a half set to save weight. If you use a trolley then a lighter trolley bag means pushing less weight around the course. That also means less weight to lift into and out of the car and on to your trolley. Combine this with one of the strap-free connectors on the base of the trolley and you won’t have to bend down to attach the bag either.
2. Do you play in wet weather?
If you continue to play during the wetter months of the year, having a waterproof bag is essential to keep your clubs well protected and dry. The best waterproof golf bags are made of a more advanced materials than standard golf bags, so that can make them more expensive but they will keep your clubs safe and well protected from the elements. For the fair weather golfer though, a standard bag will suffice for you.
3. How many pockets do you need?
How much extra clothing, balls, waterproofs, gloves, food and drink do you normally take on the course? If its a lot then you need a bag that can handle it. A trolley bag offers space to take it all but it will make the bag heavier. Think about what you need on the course and then buy the bag with the right storage for you. If you need a few then we recommend taking a look at some of the best golf cart bags.
4. How many clubs do you carry?
Do you regularly take between 7 and 10 clubs to lighten the load? If you do, then a cart or stand bag is probably overkill and you're carrying more weight than necessary. Consider a pencil bag that has enough room for the essential clubs you need to get around the course. Also think about limiting the number of balls you take in your bag to ensure you're not carrying too much. If you carry a lot of equipment then maybe one of the best tour golf bags is right for you.
5. What's your budget?
As always cost is a factor and the main brands have a deserved reputation for quality. The better trolley bags can last for a long time so the investment could pay off in the long run. If you are on a budget and don’t play often look around for good deals as there are plenty of good value options.
For some more excellent options on some of the best golf bags in the game, why not check out our guides to the best TaylorMade golf bags, best Titleist golf bags and the best Callaway golf bags.
FAQs
What are the lightest types of golf bags?
Golf pencil bags, or Sunday bags, are the lightest bags in golf. They are smaller than a stand bag and have enough room for between seven to 10 clubs. That means they are a great option for senior golfers looking to minimize the amount of weight on their back when playing a round of golf.
Does brand of golf bag matter?
Not necessarily. As a general rule, the more recognisable brand names in golf are without a doubt some of the more reliable manufactorers. That means their products are durable and come with a certain level of quality. However there are plenty of other brands on the market providing excellent quality golf equipment that can help you enjoy your round.
Can you fit 14 clubs in a pencil bag?
Generally, you can fit 14 clubs in a golf pencil bag, but it is unadvisable to do so. Pencil bags are designed to carry between seven and 10 clubs, so the more you pack into them the heavier they will become and the harder it will be to pull a club out from that cramped pencil bag.
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