In Golf Rules handbook, Section 4.1 discusses different golf gear including golf bags. In this post, I have provided key details of what each golf bag is and specifically highlighted the differences between staff bags vs cart bags vs stand bags.
Table of Contents
What is a Staff golf bag?
A staff bag is the heaviest and bulkiest option of the three golf bag types. It is designed to be carried by a caddy or hoisted onto a shoulder and cart. As a result, they have the most features and pockets compared to the other two golf bag types. They usually come with a rain hood and an integrated stand as well as several large compartments for storage.
Staff bag pros:
- -More storage space: Most staff bags have at least 10 pockets, which provide plenty of room to store all of your gear.
- -Better organization: The additional pockets also help keep your gear organized and easy to find.
- -Higher quality: Staff bags are generally made with higher quality materials than cart or stand bags, which makes them more durable.
Staff bag cons:
- -Heavier: The extra features and materials make staff bags the heaviest of the three types, which can make them more difficult to carry.
- -More expensive: The higher quality materials and additional features also make staff bags the most expensive option.
Do staff bags fit on golf carts?
Yes, staff bags are designed to be carried by a caddy or hoisted onto a shoulder and cart.
Staff bags are suitable for which golfers?
Staff bags are suitable for any type of golfer. If you prefer a bag that you can carry, a staff bag may be a good option. They are also a good choice for golfers who want the most storage space and features.
However, because they are the heaviest and most expensive option, they may not be the best choice for beginner golfers or those on a budget.
What is a Cart golf bag?
A cart golf bag is designed to be strapped onto a riding cart or pulled behind a push cart. They are smaller and lighter than staff bags but still come with plenty of features and storage options. Most cart bags will have a designated putter well and individual full-length club dividers.
Cart Bag Pros:
- A lot of space: You can cram a lot of stuff into a cart bag. If you like to bring along extra gear, spare clothes, snacks, etc., a cart bag is a good option.
- Designed for use with carts: Cart bags are designed to be used with push carts or riding carts. They have features that make them easy to attach and remove from a cart, such as straps, Velcro patches, and handles.
Cart Bag Cons:
- They can be bulky and heavy: Even though they’re smaller than staff bags, cart bags can still be quite bulky and heavy. If you plan on carrying your bag for any significant distance, a lighter option might be a better choice.
- They’re not as stable: Cart bags are not as stable as staff bags or stand bags. If you’re looking for a bag that won’t tip over easily, one of the other two options might be better.
Cart bags are suitable for which golfers?
Cart bags are suitable for golfers who use push carts or riding carts. If you are looking for a bag that is easy to attach and remove from a cart, a cart bag is a good option.
When to use: When you are playing on a course that requires the use of a cart.
What is a Stand golf bag?
A stand golf bag is the smallest and lightest option of the three golf bag types. They are designed to be carried on your back or shoulder and come with dual strap systems for comfortable transport. Stand bags also have two legs that pop out to support the bag when it is set down. Most stand bags will have a designated putter well and individual full-length club dividers.
Stand bag pros:
- -Lightweight and portable: Stand bags are designed to be carried, so they’re usually the lightest option of the three. This makes them easy to transport and perfect for walking courses.
- -Affordable: Stand bags are often the most affordable option, which makes them a good choice for budget-conscious golfers.
- -Stable: The dual leg design makes stand bags more stable than cart bags. This is helpful when you’re setting the bag down on uneven ground or in windy conditions.
Stand bag cons:
- -Less storage space: Stand bags have fewer pockets and compartments than staff or cart bags. If you need a lot of storage space, one of the other two options might be better.
- -Design limits use with carts: The dual leg design can make it difficult to strap stand bags onto carts. If you plan on using a cart frequently, a different bag type might be a better choice.
Who is a Stand bag made for?
A stand bag is made for golfers who want a lightweight and portable option that is affordable. They are perfect for walking courses but can also be used with carts. Stand bags are not as spacious as staff or cart bags, so they might not be the best choice for golfers who need a lot of storage space.
When to use a Stand bag:
Stand bags are most commonly used on walking courses, but they can also be used with carts. If you’re looking for a lightweight and affordable option that is easy to carry, a stand bag might be the right choice for you.
Key Differences:
-Size and weight: Staff bags are the largest and heaviest option, followed by cart bags, with stand bags being the smallest and lightest.
-Storage space: Staff and cart bags have more storage space than stand bags.
-Price: Staff bags are the most expensive option, followed by cart bags, with stand bags being the most affordable.
-Design: Staff bags are designed to be carried by caddies, cart bags are designed to be used with carts, and stand bags are designed to be carried on your back or shoulder.
-Stability: Staff bags are the most stable option, followed by cart bags, with stand bags being the least stable.
Key Similarities:
-All three bag types have individual full-length club dividers to keep your clubs organized and protected.
-All three bag types come with a designated putter well.
-All three bag types are available in a variety of colors and designs.
Staff bags vs cart bags:
- -The biggest difference between staff and cart bags is their size. Staff bags are the largest and heaviest of the three golf bag types while cart bags are smaller and lighter.
- -Another key difference is that staff bags are designed to be carried by a caddy or hoisted onto a shoulder and cart while cart bags are designed to be strapped onto a riding cart or pulled behind a push cart.
- -Staff bags usually come with a rain hood and an integrated stand while cart bags do not.
- -Staff bags also have more pockets than cart bags.
Cart bags vs stand bags:
- -The biggest difference between cart and stand bags is their size. Cart bags are larger and heavier than stand bags.
- -Another key difference is that cart bags are designed to be strapped onto a riding cart or pulled behind a push cart while stand bags are designed to be carried on your back or shoulder.
- -Cart bags usually have more pockets than stand bags.
- -Stand bags have two legs that pop out to support the bag when it is set down.
Which one to get, cart bag or stand bag?
If you are a golfer that never wants to carry your golf bag, get a cart bag and you can always use a push cart or riding golf cart. If you want a bag to take on vacation with you or when you walk the course, get a stand bag. If you have your own caddy and play mostly at country clubs, then get a staff bag. They are the biggest but also have the most features like an integrated rain hood and full-length club dividers.
Staff Bag vs Stand Bag:
- Size: Staff bags are the largest and heaviest of the three golf bag types while stand bags are the smallest and lightest.
- -Another key difference is that staff bags are designed to be carried by a caddy or hoisted onto a shoulder and cart while stand bags are designed to be carried on your back or shoulder.
- -Staff bags usually come with a rain hood and an integrated stand while stand bags do not.
- -Stand bags have two legs that pop out to support the bag when it is set down.
Staff bags vs cart bags vs stand bags;
- Staff bags are bigger than cart and stand bags. Cart bags are in the middle, and stand bags are the smallest.
- Staff bags are designed to be carried by a caddy or hoisted, while cart bags are for carts or pulled behind a pushcart, and stand bags are meant to be carried on your back or shoulder.
- Stand bags have two legs that pop out so it can stand, staff bags come with a rain hood and integrated stand, and cart bags don’t have these features.
- Staff bags usually have the most pockets, then cart bags, and stand bags have the least amount of pockets.
Hi there! I am Justin, one of the founders here at Golf Bagsy. I have been golfing since I was 12 and have participated in over 50 tournaments since 2018. When COVID took over the golf tournament schedules during the lockdowns, I spent a good amount of time doing research and writing about golf. I also provide part-time coaching for those looking to learn how to play golf and can be reached at justin@golfbagsy.com.