THE TDLR: If you’re in a rush, here’s our winner. The Titleist Players 4 is our golf expert’s top lightweight golf carry bag for 2025. It’s the lightest, the most spacious, super affordable and incredibly durable. Read on for an in depth, independent review!
What Is the Best Lightweight Golf Carry Bag?
Golfers know how important a lightweight, durable carry bag is when walking the course. You want something that won’t weigh you down. It also needs to handle the demands of travel, weather, and regular use.
At GolfTimes.co.uk, we’ve tested them all. We play thousands of rounds each year and travel across the UK and beyond. Our bags get thrown in cars, dragged across hills, and used in all weathers.
In this 2025 review, we’ve tested five popular models. Each one has been used across real golf courses by real golfers. Read on to find your new favourite lightweight golf companion.
How We Tested These Lightweight Golf Carry Bags
Every bag in this review was tested over at least three full 18-hole rounds. We carried them across courses in sunshine, rain, wind, and even light frost. Testing in all weathers ensures these bags perform year-round.
We packed them with real golf gear—waterproofs, extra gloves, food, rangefinders, and more. We checked how easy it was to access everything on the move. Some were carried; others were placed on standard two-wheel golf club trolleys.
We wanted to know how well they sat on trolleys too, for those who prefer not to carry every round. We also evaluated how easy they were to lift in and out of car boots. Real use cases matter more than showroom specs.
Durability was key—we looked for fraying straps, stiff zips, or wobbling stands. We paid close attention to comfort under load. And of course, weight distribution was a major factor across long walks.
These aren’t just test bench reviews. We live golf, travel for golf, and play in everything the British weather throws at us. Only the bags that passed all that made our list.
Did You Know? Some UK courses now charge extra if you don’t carry your bag. Light bags save your back and your wallet.
ROSS DAVIES – GOLF PRO
Best Lightweight Golf Carry Bag Comparison Table
| Bag | Weight | Price Range | No. of Pockets | Course Tested | Pro Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titleist Players 4 | 1.68 kg | £159–£210 | 7 | South Herefordshire GC | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ping Hoofer | 2.5 kg | £200–£230 | 11 | Vale Resort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Callaway Chev | 2.31 kg | £160–£190 | 5 | Ross-on-Wye GC | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| TaylorMade Select Plus | 2.5 kg | £150–£180 | 6 | The Belfry | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| MacGregor Paramount | 3.68 kg | £80–£130 | 4 | Rodway Hill GC | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Titleist Players 4 – Our Top Pick – £159.00 Amazon
We tested the Titleist Players 4 at South Herefordshire Golf Club. It weighs just 1.68 kg and feels featherlight. That makes it ideal for long rounds and travel.
Despite the low weight, it feels durable and well-built. The four-way top is sturdy and keeps clubs well-spaced. There’s zero rattle when you walk.
You get enough storage to fit everything in without bulk. It includes a waterproof valuables pocket and a drinks holder. The stand is also very stable on all surfaces.
The styling is clean and premium. The black and white model we tested looked smart and subtle. There are several colourways available too.
Overall, it hits the sweet spot between performance, looks, and price. The straps are comfy and easy to adjust. It ticks every box.
To read a more in depth review of the players4 lightweight golf carry bag, read our independent Players4 review here.
Golf Pro Verdict:
Ross Davies, PGA Professional, called it the best carry bag he’s ever used. “You forget it’s even on your back,” he said. “Perfect for busy golfers who travel a lot.”
He praised the build quality too. “It doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy despite the low weight. I’ve used mine in rain and sun.”
Ross added, “The four-way divider is great. My clubs never jam. That’s a small but underrated feature.”
Pro Tip: Always check the stand legs before buying. Wobbly legs are a red flag—even on big-name brands.
ROSS DAVIES – GOLF PRO
Callaway Chev – Stylish All-Rounder £180.00 Amazon
The Callaway Chev was tested at Ross-on-Wye Golf Club. It weighs 2.31 kg, which is still manageable. The balance makes it feel lighter than it is.
You get five pockets, including a lined valuables pouch. The layout is intuitive and everything is within easy reach. The dual strap system is nicely padded.
It has a modern look with bold Callaway branding. We tested the red and white version, which stood out nicely. The stand legs felt stable and secure.
A slight downside was the rain hood design. It was fiddly and didn’t fit as snugly as others. That said, it’s not a dealbreaker.
The Chev is ideal for those who want function with flair. It’s well made and comfortable. A good mid-range option.
Golf Pro Verdict:
Ross Davies liked the Chev’s comfort and finish. “It’s smart and has good weight distribution. I carried it all day with no problem.”
He felt the stand system was sturdy. “It never slipped on damp grass, which is a big plus. That’s a confidence booster.”
Ross’s only gripe was the rain hood. “It took longer to attach than it should. I’d tweak that in future versions.”
TaylorMade Select Plus – Reliable Performer – £129.00 American Golf
We tested this bag at The Belfry on the Brabazon course. It weighs 2.5 kg, which is average. That said, it’s well balanced and easy to carry.
It has six pockets, including a cooler pocket. That’s ideal for summer rounds. There’s also a large apparel pocket on the side.
The stand system is responsive and quick to deploy. The straps felt strong, if a little stiff at first. They softened up after a few rounds.
Design-wise, it’s a modern-looking bag. Ours came in black and grey with bold logos. It matches well with most golf gear.
It’s a solid all-rounder from a trusted brand. You won’t be blown away, but it won’t disappoint. A dependable choice.
Golf Pro Verdict:
Ross Davies was pleased with the TaylorMade option. “It’s got everything you need without being flashy. Very dependable for all seasons.”
He liked the cooler pocket. “More brands should include this. Keeping drinks cool on a hot day makes a difference.”
Ross noted the straps needed breaking in. “First few rounds they felt firm, but they’ve loosened up nicely now.”
Ping Hoofer – Feature Packed – £179.00 GolfOnline
We tested the Hoofer at the Vale Resort. It weighs 2.5 kg and feels compact. The 11 pockets are the real standout here.
You can organise everything with ease. There’s even a magnetic rangefinder pocket. Ping really thought of everything.
The material feels soft but tough. The stand legs are springy and solid. It’s a well-made, premium option.
The shoulder straps are among the most comfortable we tested. They distribute weight very well. Even on long walks, it felt manageable.
One issue was the fabric zip pulls. A couple came loose during testing. It’s a small fault on an otherwise excellent bag.
Golf Pro Verdict:
Ross Davies was impressed with the Hoofer. “It’s packed with useful features. Great for golfers who carry lots of kit.”
He loved the strap system. “Comfort-wise, it’s unbeatable. But those zip pulls need rethinking.”
Ross ranked it second overall. “Fix that one flaw and it’d be my number one. Nearly perfect.”
MacGregor Paramount – Great Value – £125.00 Amazon
We tested the MacGregor Paramount at Rodway Hill. It’s the heaviest here at 3.68 kg. That’s a noticeable difference on longer rounds.
It looks more basic than others but feels strong. The stand is firm, and the bag stays upright well. The pocket layout is simple but effective.
There’s a decent-sized clothing pocket. Also included is a drinks pouch and ball pocket. Enough for most casual players.
The straps were comfortable, though a bit bulkier. You notice the extra weight over time. It’s not ideal for hilly courses.
Still, it offers real bang for your buck. Ideal for beginners or budget-conscious golfers. Durable and surprisingly solid.
Golf Pro Verdict:
Ross Davies appreciated the value. “You get a lot for your money. It’s a good choice for those just starting out.”
He liked the stand system. “It’s stable and doesn’t wobble. I’ve seen worse from more expensive brands.”
Ross did flag the weight. “You feel it after 18 holes. But if budget’s key, it’s worth considering.”
Final Verdict: The Best Lightweight Golf Carry Bag in 2025
So, what is the best lightweight golf carry bag in 2025? The clear winner is the Titleist Players 4. Light, durable, stylish, and spacious.
The Ping Hoofer is our runner-up. It’s packed with features but loses marks for those flimsy zip pulls. Still, a brilliant bag.
Third place goes to the MacGregor Paramount. Heavier, yes, but great value for money. Especially good for new or casual golfers.
If you play year-round or travel to golf, carry bags are ideal. Lightweight, flexible, and far easier than bulky cart bags. Choose well, and your back will thank you.
