In theory, oversized golf bags are exceptional. They offer maximum storage space, durable construction, and a classy finish. However, when you have to carry it yourself, it is back-breaking work. That is why I suggest easing the load and reading our guide on the best lightweight golf bags.
I have compiled a list of the top 10 options available on the market this year. The golf bags on this list range from premium, comfortable carry bags to spacious golf cart bags. I will unveil the features and benefits of each design to help you identify the most suitable choice for your needs.
Overview Of The Best Lightweight Golf Bags
1. Titleist Players 4 Carbon Stand – Overall Best Lightweight Golf Bag
2. Mizuno BR-D2 – Best Budget Lightweight Golf Bag
3. Callaway Hyperlite Zero Stand Bag – The Lightest Lightweight Golf Bag
4. TaylorMade FlexTech Lite Stand Bag – The Most Comfortable
5. El Camino Golf Bag – Best Ultralight Golf Bag
6. Nike Sport Light – Best Looking Lightweight Golf Bag
7. Srixon Z Ultralight -Best Functional Carry Bag
8. Cleveland Golf Cart Bag – Best Lightweight Cart Bag
9. TaylorMade Quiver Stand Bag – Best No Frills Golf Bag
10. Izzo Ultra Lite Cart Bag – Best Budget Golf Cart Bag
What to Consider Before Buying A Lightweight Golf Bag
Budget
Lightweight golf bags rank among the most affordable options in this area of golf equipment. You can get away with less than $200 for an average lightweight golf bag. Nevertheless, if you desire more durable construction with maximum storage space, you’ll find golf bags that exceed $260.
To create your budget, consider your preferred features and the bag designs. If you are satisfied with a basic setup with minimal storage space, you can spend less than $150. Contrarily, golfers seeking additional pockets with maximum storage space will need to increase their budget beyond $200.
Type Of Bag
You’ll know there are three predominant golf bag constructions, with the most popular being a carry and cart design. A carry bag usually contains carbon fiber legs, which allow you to keep it upright between strokes. On the other hand, Sunday golf bags also fit into the carry bracket.
However, they generally do not have a stand and are best suited for trips to the range or the chip and putt course.
The final type of golf bag is a Staff bag, which is certainly not lightweight. This is the case the pros use on tour because it offers exceptional storage space and is highly durable.
Carry and golf cart bags are the most likely lightweight designs at your disposal. The way you navigate the golf course determines the best setup for your game. For example, a lightweight carry bag is ideal for those who prefer walking and carrying their golf clubs.
Conversely, those who push a trolley around the links are better placed for a light golf cart bag.
Top Dividers
Top dividers help keep your golf clubs in order and separated from each other. Along with improving your organization, it also prevents your shafts and grips from becoming entangled.
The most popular lightweight golf bags offer a 4-way top divider, sufficient to separate your woods, irons, wedges, and putter. A 6-way top is the pinnacle of lightweight carry bags, but you will find a 14-slot top on a golf cart bag.
Just because your bag has a top divider doesn’t mean the shafts and grips remain apart. Full-length dividers are essential to achieve this.
They run from the base of the interior to the top of the bag. This enables them to divorce your shafts and grips from one another. Making it easier to add and remove each club and minimizing the risk of scratching or bending your shaft.
Pockets/Storage
Storage is a vital factor when looking for a great lightweight golf bag. You need sufficient space to lug your golf equipment, rain gear, valuables, accessories, and beverages.
The fewer pockets connected to the bag, the lighter it is bound to be. So it is ideal for golfers who walk and carry their bags. The downside of minimal storage is it limits the equipment you can carry on the links.
That said, players who operate with a golf cart or push trolley may opt for a heavier design, with more compartments and storage space.
The Best Lightweight Golf Bags | Ranked
1. Titleist Players 4 Carbon Stand – Overall Best Lightweight Golf Bag
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely light
- Comfortable double carry strap
- 4-way top
- 5 pockets
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive
- The 4-way top can cause your shafts to tangle
The Titleist Players 4 Carbon Stand golf bag carries minimal weight with a total mass of 3-pounds, making it super easy to lug around the links. Additionally, it provides a comfortable double strap, carbon fiber legs, and five pockets. As a result, the general quality of this Titleist golf bag catapults it to the top of our list this year.
A 4-way top cuff provides a simple separation for your clubs to improve order and reduce the risk of your shafts tangling. Hence, you can carry all 14-clubs comfortably in the Players 4 Carbon Stand bag.
Titleist placed 5 pockets around the golf bag, allowing you to carry your accessories, apparel, and valuables. Plus, there is an exterior mesh drink pocket to store your beverage of choice.
Furthermore, the design team employed a lightweight rip-stop material to construct this durable bag. This helps it resist tearing and increases its lifespan.
Overall, the Titleist 4 Carbon Stand bag is durable, comfortable to carry, and super light. It is an excellent option for mid and high handicappers who prefer walking the course.
Overall Score: 94/100
Check the price on the Titleist Players 4 Carbon Stand bag on Amazon here.
2. Mizuno BR-D2 – Best Budget Lightweight Golf Bag
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 4-way top cuff
- Dual shoulder straps
- Detachable Mod Pouch
- Ample storage space
- Super affordable
Cons
- The mini-stand legs require you to bend down to pick up your bag
- The 4-way top can cause your shafts to collide with each other
The Mizuno BR-D2 offers the average golfer an affordable, durable carrier with exceptional storage space. As a result //for this reason, it earns our nomination for the best budget lightweight golf bag for this year.
Mizuno added a 4-way top cuff with 2 full-length dividers to keep your shafts separated. It also enables you to structure your setup to easily find each club before a shot.
The storage space impressed me, considering it is a compact, light golf bag. It has 9 pockets on the BR-D2 to store everything from your golf balls to raingear and your mobile device. They even threw in a detachable Mod Pouch in case you doubted there was sufficient storage.
Moreover, the BR-D2 features Dual Shoulder straps with excellent padding to protect your joints on the golf course. Lastly, it contains a water-resistant underbelly preventing liquid from entering the interior and soaking your grips.
In summary, the Mizuno BR-D2 golf bag is suited to those players on a budget. It offers optimal space, a comfortable strap, and a 2-way top cuff. My only gripe is with the mini-stand legs. It forces you to bend down to pick your bag up frequently.
Overall Score: 92/100
Check the price for the Mizuno BR-D2 golf bag on Amazon here.
3. Callaway Hyperlite Zero Stand Bag – The Lightest Lightweight Golf Bag
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Incredibly light
- 4-way top-length dividers
- Impressive storage capability
- Padded OptiFit Comfort Strap
- Self-balancing technology
Cons
- Expensive for a stand bag
- Despite the full-length dividers your shafts can still entangle with other clubs in their compartment.
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Even though all the golf bags in this post are lightweight, the Callaway Hyperlite Zero Stand is our pick for the lightest of them all. It carries a total mass of 3-pounds without golf clubs and the works. Nonetheless, it still offers ample storage space and carries 14 clubs.
Like the other lightweight bags, the Hyperlite Zero is fitted with a 4-way top with full-length dividers. This means that the club shafts in one compartment are entirely isolated from the rest.
Despite its light weight, Callaway found space to add 7 pockets, including a velour line valuables slot. It is constructed to store your cell phone and carries a waterproof zipper.
In addition, a Padded Optifit Comfort Strap adapts to the contours of your shoulders to ensure protection and comfort. Plus, the Self-Balancing X-Act Fit Strap System keeps your bag level as you walk to prevent your sticks from falling out.
The Callaway Hyperlite Zero Stand bag is built for golfers looking to ease the load off their shoulders. If you want the lightest of the category, this is a great option.
Overall Score: 91/100
Check the price for the Callaway Hyperlite Zero lightweight golf bag on Amazon here.
4. TaylorMade Flextech Lite – The Most Comfortable Lightweight Bag
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Protective shoulder strap
- Sufficient storage compartments
- Extended hip pad
- Stable stand system
- Super comfortable
Cons
- Expensive
- The 4-way top does not prevent your clubs from intertwining.
Our pick for the most comfortable lightweight bag this year is the TaylorMade Flextech Lite Stand Bag. I took a stroll the other day with this bag to see how it fared, and it is among the most comfortable bags I have experienced.
For starters, the self-adjusting strap system gives you the freedom to find the sweet spot on your shoulders before you start your round. We like that the double padding shields your shoulders from the weight of your equipment for a comfy day out. Complementing the comfort is an extended hip pad, which prevents your bag from inflicting bruises or discomfort on the lower body.
The Flextech Lite contains 8 pockets, including a precisely positioned top compartment for easy access to your valuables. It also includes a 4-way top to distribute your golf clubs for improved structure.
Lastly, its Flextech Stand System bolsters the stability of the legs to keep your bag upright on slopes and in the wind.
Overall, the TaylorMade Flextech Lite is a super comfortable bag that is easy on the shoulders. It is also a pleasure to walk off the links without unidentified bruising on the hips.
Overall Score: 89/100
Check the price for the TaylorMade Flextech Lite on Amazon here.
5. El Camino Golf Bag – Best Ultralight Golf Bag
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 4-way top
- Full-length dividers
- 5 pockets
- Sizeable Drink Pocket
- Velcro Glove Patch
Cons
- It does not fit 14 golf clubs
When you like to walk and carry, you really do want the lightest possible bag, which brings into play a small category of ultralight bags. As far as ultralight is concerned, our favorite bag on the market is the El Camino bag by Sunday Golf. This is a pretty fresh take on the modern golf bag, offering a few features you don’t typically see.
So what’s the big deal? This bag is loaded with uniqueness, from individual tee holders on the outside of the bag, to a velcro patch that holds your glove to prevent it from getting sweaty. The El Camino features a substantial range finder pocket, a mesh pocket, a storage pocket for valuables, and a very well sized drink pocket, given the size of the bag.
The El Camino features 5 pockets, a 4-way top and full length dividers, but cannot fit 14 clubs, which is important to note. They advertise that it can fit 12, but I found you can fit 13 without much hassle.
It’s not one specific feature that makes this ultralight golf bag special, but the culmination of a bunch of modern touches that make this a rare find. If you can stomach playing with 1 or 2 less clubs than usual, this is a great bag to have in your arsenal.
Overall Score: 87/100
Check the price for the El Camino Golf Bag at Sunday Golf here.
6. Nike Sport Light – Best Looking Lightweight Golf Bag
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Secure and comfortable shoulder strap
- 6 pockets
- 5-way top divider
- Stable stand system
- Attractive look
- Insulated drinks pocket
Cons
- Reduced storage space compared to some of its peers
- Only one available color
Golfers who care about their appearance may find our best-looking lightweight golf bag interesting. The Nike Sport Light Bag features a clean white appearance, making this bag look super sleek while out on the course.
This attractive golf bag is equipped with an anatomically correct band known as the Dual Nike Equaflex strap. The design offers maximum support to your shoulders, ensuring that the bag is easy and comfortable to carry around 18 holes.
In addition, a 5-way top divider improves the organization of your golf clubs by keeping your woods, irons, wedges, and putter apart.
6 pockets are visible around the Sport Light, which you’ll notice is sufficient to store your golf equipment, valuables, and refreshments.
Aside from the interior of the Nike Sport Light bag, the stand system is impressive. The dual system grips the turf providing optimal traction and stability on slopes and in the breeze. Ultimately, this is a suitable bag for the fashionable, walking golfer.
Overall Score: 86/100
Check the price for the Nike Golf Sport Light bag on Amazon here.
7. Srixon Z Ultralight -Best Functional Carry Bag
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 6-way top
- 5 accessible storage pockets
- Insulated cooler pocket
- Comfort mesh hip pad
- Protective double shoulder strap
Cons
- Fewer pockets than its peers
Weighing in at 3.48-pounds is our pick for the best functional lightweight carry bag this season. The Srixon Z Ultra Light Stand bag provides a padded double shoulder strap and a mesh hip pad for optimal comfort.
The adjustable double strap contains padding that cushions your shoulders to reduce pressure on your back. Complimenting the protection of your shoulders is a comfortable mesh hip pad. I cannot count the number of bruises I have notched up on the hip from clubheads bashing into me.
Furthermore, a 6-way top graces this case to improve the structure of your club setup. There is a compartment for your woods, long, mid, and short irons, wedges, and putter. This keeps your bag organized and makes it easier to find your desired club.
Srixon fitted the Z Ultra Light Stand bag with 5 easily accessible pockets. There are sufficient pockets to store your balls, tees, apparel, and valuables. Plus, it features an insulated cooler section to keep your beverage refreshed.
Overall, the Srixon Z Ultra Light Stand bag promotes comfort and organization and holds enough pockets to carry your essentials. It ticks all the boxes for a reliable carry bag.
Overall Score: 84/100
Check the price for the Srixon Z Ultralight stand bag on Amazon here.
8. Cleveland Golf Cart Bag – Best Lightweight Cart Bag
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Maximum storage space
- 14-way top divider
- Insulated cooler bottle pocket
- 6 grab handles
- Promotes optimal club organization
Cons
- The single strap makes it uncomfortable to carry
Up to this point, I have focused on carry bags best suited to the walking player. However, this section presents our first golf cart bag of the review. The Cleveland Golf Cart bag is our most spacious lightweight cart bag this season.
11 compartments exist on the bag to provide advanced storage, including an insulated cooler bottle pocket and a valuables space. In addition, the bag can hold your golf balls, tees, rangefinder, and apparel.
Moreover, Cleveland sculpted a 14-way top to ensure each club enjoys maximum privacy. This type of organization keeps the clubs neatly in place in your bag, and easily accessible at all times.
Functionally, this bag is a breeze to lift. The design team added 6 grab handles around the bag for you to remove it from your trunk or the cart.
Although the Cleveland Golf Cart bag is light, it is not built to carry around the course. You´ll notice that it features a single strap making it an uncomfortable option to lug around 18 holes. Overall, it is spacious and well structured, which makes it ideal for players who love to ride in a golf cart, or use a push cart.
Overall Score: 83/100
Check the price for the Cleveland Golf Cart Bag on Amazon here.
9. TaylorMade Quiver Stand Bag – Best No Frills Golf Bag
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Crush resistant construction
- 6 pockets
- Self adjusting strap system
- Excellent for windy conditions
- Extended grab handle
Cons
- The 3-way top does not keep your clubs as organized as other lightweight bags
- You need to bend over after each shot to pick up your bag.
If you believe you were an archer in your past life, the TaylorMade Quiver stand bag may pique your interest. This unique design contains mini-retractable legs, and using this bag as you carry is similar to laying your bag flat out on the ground.
Aside from the stature of this golf bag, it carries a 3-way top to separate your woods, irons, wedges, and putter. This is not the best for organizing your golf clubs, but it is the sacrifice you make for a lighter design with a lower center of gravity.
Furthermore, TaylorMade added 6-pockets to the Quiver, enabling you to carry the bare necessities.
The team also included a self-adjusting strap system to alter the band’s position for added comfort. Plus, the strap contains padding to cushion your shoulders for improved support.
The final feature that impressed me was the crush-resistant construction of the Quiver stand bag. It makes it ideal for traveling when your case may lie under other luggage in transit. Overall, this is a sleek bag that will probably get you a few compliments while you’re out playing. If you want a no frills option, this is a great bet.
Overall Score: 82/100
Check the price for the TaylorMade Quiver stand bag on Amazon here.
10. Izzo Ultra Lite Cart Bag – Best Budget Golf Cart Bag
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional durability
- 14-way top divider
- Waterproof valuables pocket
- Smart grip handle
- Available in 4 colors
Cons
- Reduced storage space for a golf cart bag
- The single shoulder strap does not make it suitable for walking golfers.
The final lightweight golf bag on our list is more of a budget option for a lightweight cart bag, to be used while riding or using a push cart. The Izzo Ultra-Lite Cart bag won us over thanks to its 14-way top with full-length dividers and durable 4200 polyester fabric.
Although the Ultra-Lite cart bag offers minimal storage space, it makes up for it with its 14-way padded top. This standard golf cart case structure makes it easy for you to organize your clubs. That way, you waste minimal time finding the club you need before your next shot.
Now, 6 pockets are enough to haul your basics around the links. For example, you can fit your golf balls, tees, apparel, refreshments, and valuables. Therefore, this falls below par for a cart bag, which usually possesses exceptional storage space. However, that is the price you pay for fewer pounds.
Lastly, the Callaway subsidiary Izzo employed a smart grip handle simplifying the lifting of the bag. That makes it easier to remove it from the trunk of your car.
Overall Score: 80/100
Check the price for the Izzo Golf Ultralight golf bag on Amazon here.
FAQs
What is the best lightweight carry golf bag?
The best lightweight carry golf bag this year is the Titleist Players 4 Carbon Stand. It weighs slightly less than 3-pounds and features a padded double strap and 5 pockets. Plus, a 4-way top cuff helps you keep your golf clubs organized, while a lightweight-durable rip-stop material increases its lifespan.
Overall, the Titleist Players 4 Carbon stand bag is comfortable, durable, and offers sufficient storage space for the basics. That is why it is the best lightweight carry bag this year.
What is the lightest golf bag made?
The Callaway Hyperlite Zero and Titleist Players 4 Carbon Stand bags are the lightest made. Both equipment giants suggest that the bags hit the scales under 3-pounds a piece, which is extraordinary for a non-Sunday golf bag.
What is the lightest Ping golf bag?
Ping suggests that the Hoofer Craz-E weighs 3-pounds, making it the lightest bag in the range. However, they do not clearly state which is their overall lightest bag they’ve ever made.
What is a good weight for a golf bag?
Although every pound helps, the total mass of your golf bags with equipment, apparel, and valuables matters most. Golf Magazine provides a helpful 20% rule. In other words, your bag should never exceed 20% of your total body weight.
For example, I weigh 167-pounds which means my golf bag should tip the scales no further than 33.4-pounds. The reality is that I will do everything possible to bring it closer to the 30-pound mark. If I carry my maximum weight for 18-holes, I will be making a call to my chiropractor.
What is the point of a Sunday golf bag?
The purpose of a Sunday golf bag is to store a handful of golf clubs. They are generally employed on trips to the driving range when you do not intend to swing your full complement of golf clubs.
Sunday golf bags are slimmer and lighter than standard designs and offer limited storage space. In addition, these designs do not feature a stand or a double strap, so it is uncomfortable to carry for 18 holes.
Another common place where Sunday golf bags are abundant is at chip and putt golf courses. These layouts do not require woods, long or mid irons, rendering it unnecessary to lug your complete set around.
Final Thoughts
Those are your picks for the best lightweight golf bags for this year. Whether you walk the golf course or own a cart, there are numerous products for every taste, preference, and budget.
Naturally, lightweight golf bags do not offer the storage space of heavier carts or staff bags, but a few on this list punched above their weight in that regard. For example, our best budget pick is the Mizuno BR-D2, a lightweight bag that possesses 9 pockets for ample storage.
Furthermore, the light Cleveland Golf Cart bag contains 11 compartments to store everything you need, from golf balls to valuables and refreshments.
Despite my appreciation for excess storage space, comfort is essential for golf bags. Especially when you are carrying them and walking around the links.
Therefore, the most comfortable lightweight golf bags often contain the least storage space. That remains the case with the Titleist Players 4 Carbon Stand bag, which only offers 5 pockets. However, the winner of our overall best lightweight golf bag review is durable, comfortable, and practical.
