MacGregor Principal 7 Stand Bag Review

Genelle Aldred tests out the new Principal 7 stand bag from MacGregor.

MacGregor Principal 7 Stand Bag Review
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)
Golf Monthly Verdict

This light carry bag may not look like much but it does a lot of heavy lifting if you like to bring lots of ‘stuff’ on the course with you. Five pockets and a lightweight high-mount automatic stand system for added stability make this a must-have for a quick evening round or range session. Great for the price and the only thing holding it back are the straps which could be a little more sturdy for this small, but mighty bag.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Lightweight

  • +

    Plenty of storage for its size

  • +

    Sturdy sitting on the ground

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Loop for towel not strong enough

  • -

    Straps could be a little sturdier

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When I first looked at the bag I immediately pegged it as a range only bag. How wrong I was! I have bought a couple of stand bags in my search for something light, but with all the pockets I need. 

Last winter my carry bag was often a little too heavy. I'm like Mary Poppins, if you need some random thing on the course I probably have it! Ibuprofen gel, wipes, tissues, insect bite stickers, golf aid. I’m here for you. My bag is packed with clubs and stuff, that does need to change. So I threw my range thoughts out and unpacked my too heavy winter carry bag. I decided to take this MacGregor out for a summer evening 9-hole round and I then realized this bag had five pockets. I could get all my stuff in and it was super light. Bonus.

MacGregor Principal 7 Stand Bag Review

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)

I might have to work on my club discipline as it’s a four-way and my previous carry bag was eight. As a newer golfer I find it hard to carry fewer clubs and that’s a confidence thing. But I took my irons, wedges and 4-hybrid and it was perfect. My jacket that was on and off also went in the bag. I hope by the end of summer I am a bit better at fewer clubs to save my back even more.

MacGregor Principal 7 Stand Bag Review

(Image credit: Golf Monthly)

The color way is nice as I do like a black bag with a zip of lime green, which golf brands seem to love. The straps are sturdy enough on the shoulders, but could be a touch wider? The loop for the towel is also a little weak and I ended up using the handle for that. Maybe I’m splitting hairs as it does the required job perfectly well.

Sturdy on the ground which is great as sometimes carry bag legs don’t spring out nicely and feel shaky. Not this stand bag, small, mighty and new firm favorite.

Genelle Aldred

Genelle Aldred has dived head first into the world of golf after starting on the greens in February 2022. She has two missions to get her handicap right down using PXG Gen 6 clubs and a Cleveland putter, and to get as many of her family and friends as possible to take up the sport. For over 15 years Genelle has worked as a Newsreader and Broadcast Journalist and is currently Deputy Chair of Women in Journalism. Now she gets to combine her passion with her work. Genelle was born in Birmingham, but her family quickly moved to Kent, Oxford and Sheffield before returning to the Midlands aged 13. For the past 20 years Genelle has lived between Birmingham and London before settling in north London where there are plenty of golf courses all around her!