Golf Bags for the New Season

By ED TRAVIS

Have you ever thought about how important a good golf bag is? Whether you walk or push or ride, playing from a bag that suits your needs and preferences makes the game easier and more fun.

Like any well thought out decision purchasing a new golf bag means you should consider a bag’s features such as how many pockets it has, how are they placed and are the closures strong and are easy to use? For a stand bag look at the legs and how they are attached plus they should open quickly when the bag is placed on the ground. For a carry bag weight is important but also remember any bag probably needs to be lifted in and out of the car trunk and a fully loaded cart bag, for example including clubs, balls and gear can be over 25 pounds or even 30 pounds.

Here are a few bags and headcovers we like plus one of the most innovative selfpropelled carts for those who want to walk but not carry.

Dormie Workshop Headcovers

MGI Zip Navigator Electric Golf Trolley

This electric trolley has the features one needs starting with the 24v 380Wh lithium battery and two 230-watt motors rated for 36 holes. With the battery installed it weighs 35 lb. and folds down to a manageable size for transportation. Steering and speed are adjusted with the remote control and downhill speed is automatically controlled. The carrier holds any size of bag and for additional stability there’s a foldable fourth wheel. $1,495

Srixon Premium Stand Bag

The latest from Srixon features lots of pockets handy whether walking or riding. There are seven in all and include an insulated one to keep drinks cool plus a valuables pocket that is waterproof. The convenient six-way top offers easy club access and the dual strap design is generously padded for carrying comfort. Choose from five color combinations such as the solid black with a red side stripe or the red and black duo. $250

Head covers not only protect your woods but also can make a statement of style and your interests. Dormie’s new Pacific Coast, Dream Team and Hollywood Boulevard headcovers are made from high quality top grain leather with a soft liner. The Pacific Coast driver cover mimics a license plate, while the Dream Team are Team USA’s colors, and the Hollywood Boulevard has asphalt pavement detailing. $140-$200

Vessel Player IV Stand Bag

Vessel’s previous success with their Stand bag model is recreated in the new Stand IV which is made from synthetic leather with their patented self-adjusting double strap in either a 6-way model (6.2 lb.) or 14-way (6.6 lb.) with full length dividers. The Rotator Stand base and carbonfiber legs make for stability when putting the bag down. Pockets include a large garment pocket and an antimicrobial-lined valuables pocket. $365

Sun Mountain Mid-Stripe Dual Strap Stand Bag

The Mid-Stripe line is made from vinyl for durability and the Stand Bag features a total of seven pockets all with rugged zippers and two are velour-lined for valuables plus there’s a handy beverage holder. The generous top of 9-inch diameter has an integrated handle and four club dividers all in a bag that weighs just 5.6 lb. The E-Z Lite Dual Strap can be easily switched out for the optional single strap. $370

Stitch Golf SL2 Fadeaway Golf Bag

A quick nine after work? Or how about a few holes with the kids? The full featured SL2 Fadeaway is just what you need to carry as many clubs as you need. Only 4 lbs. 10 oz., the 9.5-inch by 7.5-inch top has a 4-way divider and the entire bag is water resistant. Pockets include a full length one for a jacket plus a lined one for valuables. The strap is interchangeable, either double or single, and the legs provide stability when standing. $398

TaylorMade FlexTech Carry Bag

Very light at just 3 lbs. the FlexTech features a three-way top, is comfortable to carry and fixed self-adjusting straps that are removable when using a riding or a push cart. The legs lock in place when the bag is on your shoulder and quickly pop into position when you ground the base. Pockets include a water resistant one for valuables, a zip off ball pocket, and water bottle sleeve. Select from four colors. $260