By Scott Kramer
Many golf bags are standing longer these days. Literally. Their legs are more durable than ever, as are the rest of the materials used in production.
For example, Ping uses “quality materials, and employs extensive research and testing to ensure our bags provide long-lasting performance,” says Pete Samuels, the company’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “Golfers can expect several years of use from them. We run the designs through a myriad of testing, everything from the bag stand mechanism to weather-testing the fabric colors to help guard against fading. A lot depends on how many rounds the golfer regularly plays and how properly he or she cares for the bag.”
One material being used a lot now from many companies is faux leather, which brands also refer to as PU leather. With regular care, a quality PU leather bag should last at least five years. A quick wipe-down after rounds, avoiding extreme temperatures and storing it properly can really help.
“PU leather has come a long way in recent years,” says Jim Jamison, Vice President of Sales at Ghost Golf. “It offers durability, weather resistance and a consistent, clean look that’s harder to achieve with traditional leather. It doesn’t crack, fade or absorb moisture as easily, which is a big plus in varying golf conditions. There’s also a sustainability benefit with fewer environmental impacts than leather tanning processes. For golfers, it means their gear looks sharp and holds up over time without requiring a lot of maintenance.”
Vinyl used in bags like Ping’s popular DLX and Hoofer Tour present a high quality, premium appearance along with durability. The vinyl holds up in most conditions without losing its premium look and style.
As for bag types, lightweight stand bags remain very popular with golfers – especially those models with multiple, high-volume pockets that are easy to access while walking. Golfers want storage options, including a magnetic pocket for their rangefinder and a cooler space for a water bottle. And Sunday-style minimal bags remain the bag of choice for golfers wanting a smaller, lighter stand bag with simplified features.
Plus, some of the full-featured stand bags and hybrid bags that cross over into cart-bag size with 14-way tops are also popular sellers, according to industry experts. Golfers want versatility. They want a single bag that works just as well walking nine as it does on a golf car or push cart. This demand for all-in-one functionality is growing fast. So, if a bag is lightweight and offers balance, storage and durability, it likely sells.
“For players who walk often, quieter divider tops that reduce club rattle are increasingly being requested,” says Jamison. “The trend overall is toward features that genuinely improve the playing experience, not just flashy add-ons.”
But you still have to sell the golf bags. And depending on your golf shop layout and size, one of the best ways to merchandise them in your shop is to keep the display aligned with the season and your course’s aesthetic – colors that reflect the environment or limited-edition drops timed with majors tend to attract more attention. Set up at least one bag fully loaded with clubs and headcovers so that your members and customers can get a sense of the full look and feel.
Show divider top options, as well. Some players are very specific about their preference for 7-way vs. 14-way tops. Also, have a couple of custom course logo samples out so members can see how their club or event branding might look. And don’t underestimate the value of a small sign or card that explains a bag’s design inspiration or key features – it can add context and encourage conversation.
“We recommend trying to elevate bags above eye level on a shelf or table to create more visibility in the shop and allow the buyer to see the entire bag and its features,” explains Samuels. “We also suggest shops bring in a variety of color options and patterns to create more eye-catching presentations that can lead to incremental sales of some unique colorways.”
Finally, if you carry bag lines from club brands, try merchandising a bag with a set of that brand’s clubs. Samuels says Ping’s G Le3 ladies’ line includes both a cart and carry bag that match the product colors.
• Bag Boy’s Loop Lite Carry Bag ($120) sports a minimalist style without sacrificing storage. Weighing just 2.5 pounds, it holds 14 clubs and has three zippered pockets.
• Datrek’s Ranger Sunday Bag ($90) has a two-way top and weighs 2 pounds. It includes a stand, integrated carry handle, soft-grip rubberized top and shoulder strap.
• Ghost Golf’s Anyday Katana ($415) is a 6.5-pound stand bag with velvet-wrapped dividers. Offered in a 7-way or 14-way top, it is full of features.
• Mackenzie’s 8-inch Nylon Mac ($470) is made from black nylon and trimmed in white leather. It has an 8-inch opening with two pockets, is lightweight and durable.
• Motocaddy’s EliteFLEX Hybrid ($319) blends functionality and premium craftsmanship. Works seamlessly with the brand’s trolleys or simply as a carry bag.
• Ping’s Hoofer Tour ($370) is fully featured and weighs just 6.2 pounds. Organization includes a roomy 5-way top and 10 pockets, while the bag’s exterior is made of a soft, durable high-grade vinyl.
• Stitch Golf’s SL2 Air Walker ($298) weighs 4.5 pounds. It sports a double strap, plenty of storage space, stretch pockets, magnetic ball pocket and new tough zippers.
• Sun Mountain’s Eclipse E-Series E-3.5 14-way bag ($280) has an 8.75-inch, 14-way top and 11 pockets. Its Internal Compression Bottom uses a unique, two-piece hinged bottom to easily activate the legs.
• Sunday Golf’s The Big Rig cart model ($300) weighs 7 pounds, is roomy and rugged. A 14-way top with an anti-catch putter slot complements full-length dividers.
• Titleist’s Players 4 Carbon stand bag ($310) weighs slightly more than 3 pounds. It’s made with durable polyester rip stop material, and has a double strap and carbon fiber legs.
• Vessel’s Lux Looper Stand bag ($369) features crosshatch-textured, tour-grade synthetic leather that’s detailed with hand-stitched leather accents. Includes water-resistant zippers, antimicrobial personal items pockets and hip pads.
