2020 Cart Bag Buyer’s Guide

How would you improve your cart bag? More storage, easier access to important pockets, new features or perhaps a total reimagination of the golf bag?

Among the best cart bags for 2020, you’ll find some of all of the above and then some. This season’s offerings feature subtle upgrades to steady performers, significant improvements to under-performers of the past and some features that are, shall we say, unique. With the variety of bags on the market, we’re confident there’s absolutely something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking to buy a cart bag today, looking for some buying advice or just want a closer look at what’s on the market right now, we’re here to help.

Cart Bag Features That Matter

Storage

While the quantity of storage is an obvious consideration, for many golfers, more isn’t always better. While the best cart bags for 2020 feature ample storage, it’s important to consider your individual needs. If you don’t carry training aids, an abundance of miscellaneous stuff or play in a climate where rain is seldom a factor, you may be able to forgo some storage space in favor of weight savings or other features. Golfers who find themselves frequently challenged by the elements will not only need space for a rain suit, waterproof hat and rain gloves, but you should also consider a lined isolation pocket that allows you to keep the wet gear away from the rest of your bag.

Water-bottle pockets should be easily accessible and large enough to accommodate as much water as you need. With insulated pockets, bigger is almost always better, especially if you’re a constant snacker.

Magnetic closures have become the standard for GPS pockets. They provide easier access to your device while eliminating the need to clip one more thing to your bag.

For those looking for the absolute maximum functional storage a cart bag can offer, there’s no better option than the Ping DLX. It’s a larger bag best suited for riding carts, however. Push-cart users and other golfers looking for plenty of storage with less bulk should consider the Ogio Convoy SE.

Dividers

Typically, cart bags offer between 14 and 16 individual slots. Some bags offer multiple dedicated putter wells. While few of us keep two putters in the bag, the extra spot can provide alternative storage for your driver or perhaps a ball retriever.

The best cart bags for 2020 feature tightly pulled individual liners. These designs pose fewer problems than partial or loose liners, which are more prone to snagging. While many divider configurations look similar, some make it much easier to pull clubs in and out of the bag.

If club organization and snag-free access to your gear are your primary concerns, the Ping Pioneer and the Titleist 15 are the best of the best.

Cart Strap Pass-Through

For frequent riders and many push-cart users, the cart strap pass-through is a necessity. Assuming a competent bag design, a pass-through channel helps ensure full access to all your pockets when the bag is on a cart. Bags without pass-throughs force the straps to hug the pockets, which invariably limits access, rendering some pockets almost entirely inaccessible.

PING bags, most notably the Pioneer, feature a flawless implementation of a strap pass-through. The Srixon Z85 is also excellent in this regard.

More Tips

• Don’t just count pockets. Consider the quality and functionality of the storage space. A pocket with limited accessibility has next-to-no value. Look for pockets that are easily accessible and can hold everything you need them to hold.
• Do you carry a GPS or rangefinder? While many will choose to keep it in the cart with them, the best cart bags of 2020 have a thoughtfully placed magnetic pocket to provide easy access to your preferred electronic distance-measuring device.
• If you have an oversize putter grip, a separate putter well is beneficial. Be sure the bag you choose can accommodate the diameter of your putter grip.
• If you frequently play courses with limited or no water stations, consider a bag with dual water bottle pouches or larger insulated pockets.
• While waterproof bags can help, if your bag gets wet over the course of a round, wipe it down, empty it completely and put it in a warm place. Allow it to fully dry before using it.
• A bag’s color will fade. To help retain its original color longer, keep it out of direct sunlight whenever possible.

Best Cart Bags of 2020 – FAQ

Q: How much should I spend on a bag? 

A: While there’s no definitive answer, we’ve found well-designed, fully featured cart bags for avid golfers generally start at $159.99, with the majority of our top choices being in the $250-$300 range. The cost of some bags within the category approaches $450. Golfers who play just a few times a year may be able to find a suitable offering for less.

Q: Do I need an insulated pocket?

A: You may be able to get by without an insulated pocket. However, if you’re on the course for the full 18 and travel with a selection of snacks, an insulated pocket is essential. In general, when it comes to insulated pockets, bigger is better.

Q: Should I buy a bag from one of the big equipment brands?

A: While it’s true that the top performers in our tests often come from names you know, many equipment OEMs source their bags from third parties like Sun Mountain and Vessel. However, rarely do these white-label offerings match the performance of the top bags in the supplier’s own lineup.

Q: Does the cart strap pass-through matter?

A: The short answer is yes. Cart strap pass-throughs ensure access to key storage spaces within the bag (assuming the bag is otherwise well designed).

Q: Do dividers really matter on a cart bag?

A: Dividers are one of the most important features. Dividers that don’t have much space between each slot will cause snagging when taking your clubs out. Spaced-out dividers allow for easy extraction of your clubs.