2020 SUNDAY BAG BUYER’S GUIDE
Safe to say Francis Ouimet and Harry Vardon would not recognize today’s Sunday bags.
Last year, we remarked that modern Sunday bags sure aren’t the Sunday bags of old. Lighter materials and a wider definition of what constitutes a Sunday bag have changed the category dramatically.
That trend continues for 2020.
While Sunday bags are still little brothers to traditional stand bags, they are starting to take more cues from their heftier siblings. A number of participants in this year’s test even incorporated stands into their design.
So why wouldn’t those particular bags qualify for the stand-bag category? Well, they still lack other important components such as storage, have limited divider space and a more lightweight design. What we are seeing, however, is an evolution into a hybrid Sunday/stand bag that incorporates the essentials for a casual round.
The bags we tested run the gamut from almost entirely unstructured material that collapses on itself, to the classic tube design, to fully (well, nearly fully) functional ultra-lightweight stand bags. Some also feature a two-strap design.
The category is almost whatever you want it to be. So, whether you’re looking to buy a new Sunday bag today, are looking for some buying advice or just want a closer look at what’s on the market right now, this guide will help you find the right bag to fit your needs.
For Sunday and just about every other day.
How We Test
We're here to help you find the perfect Sunday bag to fit your needs.
To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no detail unchecked, and no stone unturned.
Our Metrics
Sunday bags are tested head to head using rigorous protocols.
The metrics we consider when rating Sunday Bag include Storage, Style, Weight, Walkability and Features.
SUNDAY BAG FEATURES THAT MATTER
STORAGE
If you’re using a Sunday bag, storage likely isn’t your main concern. But it’s still something to take into consideration. You’ll want at least one pocket to store essentials like your phone, a water bottle or a light jacket.
For maximum storage, the Burton ULT Carry is the one you should gravitate to.
Dividers
In the Sunday bag category, dividers are a matter of preference. Some bags have a single tube while others have four dividers, providing versatility approaching a stand bag.
If you just want simplicity, the Datrek Ranger is for you. If you prefer the four-divider option, choose the Ping Moonlite or Shapland.
Comfort
Nearly every bag is comfortable on your back when it’s empty but how does it feel when it’s filled with clubs? The Best Sunday Bags of 2020 take this into consideration. Some discard the time-honored one-strap design in favor of the increasingly popular backpack-style two-strap concept.
Tops for comfort are the Shapland Sunday and Titleist Carry bags.
Weight
Like comfort, weight is a critical consideration for the walking golfer. Every pound counts and while an ounce here or there might not sound like much, the extra mass can dramatically affect fatigue levels throughout a round.
Those who want the lightest bag need the Pro Active Sunday 7″. If you’re after a light bag with some feature-rich add-ons, consider the Ping Moonlite.
Best Walking Bag - Shapland Sunday
A newcomer to the category, the Shapland Sunday bag took first place honors. It comes fully equipped with a drink holder and multiple pockets for your essential items. Its most desirable feature is the exceptional comfort offered while walking. Its double strap design with extra padding makes walking a stroll in the park. For those looking to top it all off with a bit personality, customization options are available.
The Best Sunday Bags 2020 - Features
| Product | Weight | Dividers | Pockets | Stand | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Burton ULT Carry Check Price | 4 | 4 | 6 | Y |
 | Caddy Daddy Sunday Check Price | 3 | 1 | 3 | N |
 | Datrek Ranger Check Price | 2.3 | 2 | 2 | Y |
 | Jones Golf BGS Original Check Price | 3.1 | 3 | 3 | N |
 | Mizuno BR-D2 Check Price | 3 | 2 | 5 | Y |
 | Ping Moonlite Check Price | 2.3 | 2 | 5 | N |
 | Pro Active Sunday 7" Check Price | 1 | 2 | 3 | N |
 | Shapland Sunday Check Price | 4 | 4 | 5 | N |
 | Stitch SL1 Check Price | 5.2 | 2 | 4 | Y |
 | Titleist Carry Check Price | 2.6 | 2 | 3 | N |
EXPERT TIP - Waterproof Belly
If you're a golfer who chases the worms during the morning sunrise, you want to consider a Sunday bag with a waterproof belly such as Penfold and PING Moonlite. This will ensure your grips stay dry despite the AM dew.
Expert Tips
- If you’re considering a traditional “pencil” or unstructured bag, look for waterproof material on the bottom to prevent moisture seeping up and through.
- If your bag is almost always on your back, fatigue can be an issue. Consider sacrificing all but the minimum storage space in favor of a lighter and often more comfortable bag.
- Well-designed zippers can be your best friend when the bag is on your back the majority of the time. Look for a bag that has zippers that open and close easily with one hand and without snagging.
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The Best Sunday Bags 2020 - Results
| Product | Storage | Style | Weight | Walkability | Features | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shapland Sunday Check Price | 2nd | 5th | 7th | 1st | 3rd | 90.5 |
| Titleist Carry Check Price | 5th | 3rd | 3rd | 2nd | 4th | 89.5 |
| Ping Moonlite Check Price | 5th | 2nd | 1st | 3rd | 5th | 89 |
| Stitch SL1 Check Price | 4th | 1st | 9th | 6th | 1st | 88.5 |
| Jones Golf BGS Original Check Price | 3rd | 3rd | 4th | 6th | 2nd | 88 |
| Burton ULT Carry Check Price | 1st | 7th | 7th | 3rd | 7th | 84 |
| Mizuno BR-D2 Check Price | 7th | 5th | 4th | 4th | 5th | 79 |
| Datrek Ranger Check Price | 9th | 8th | 1st | 8th | 8th | 70 |
| Caddy Daddy Sunday Check Price | 9th | 8th | 10th | 9th | 9th | 56 |
| Pro Active Sunday 7" Check Price | 8th | 10th | 4th | 10th | 10th | 56 |
Stand or No Stand - Mizuno BR-D2
For those looking for the benefits of a stand while still saving some weight, the Mizuno BR-D2 warrants consideration. The bag boasts a compact, mini, half-length (give or take) stand that keeps your clubs and bag off the ground. The lightweight design along with the added functionality of the stand system makes the Mizuno BR-D2 a compelling option for golfers chasing the setting sun.
The Best Sunday Bags of 2020 – FAQ
Q: What is a Sunday bag?
A: Once upon a time, the Sunday bag was defined as a compact, easy-carrying bag with just enough room for the bare essentials: A sleeve of balls, a handful of tees and often fewer than the full complement of 14 clubs. The modern interpretation includes those traditional offerings as well as slimmed-down stand bags that maintain a compact footprint while offering greater functionality and light weight
Q: How do I know what type of Sunday bag to buy?
A: The Sunday bag category is exceptionally broad. If you’re looking to sneak in a few holes as the sun is setting, go small. If you plan on carrying 14 clubs, bags with dividers and stands are more versatile. With modern materials, most of the extra weight comes from what you choose to put in them.
Q: How much does the strap system matter?
A: If you’re going to carry regularly, finding a strap system that works for you is critical. The seemingly smallest details matter. Look for straps with ample padding. Curved designs are generally more comfortable. When possible, test the strap system with the bag fully loaded to see if it’s a good fit for your body.
Get the best bag, but fill that bag with the best clubs. Explore the best drivers of 2020, including drivers for slow swing speed, mid swing speed, or high swing speed. Get the best gear you can!
Professional Putter Changer
2 years ago
Nice rundown.
But at $275, why do I feel like I just watch an EAL video? lol