Find the Right Golf Bag - Play Better Golf!

In the past decade manufacturers have made considerable improvements in how golf bags are produced including the materials used and subsequent durability of those bags has increased substantially. The colours, styles and variations now available from golf retailers is truly mind-blowing - with many golf retailers now offering free personalisation on specific brands - players now have the opportunity to coordinate their entire golfing outfit from clothing to equipment.

Golf bags come in different guises from the Sunday / Pencil bag which is designed to hold a reduced number of golf clubs and golf equipment - ideal for a quick nine holes after work, these bags are constructed from lightweight materials and are not suitable for carrying a complete set of clubs.

The stand bag has perhaps witnessed the greatest degree of evolution in the past decade with many golfers now choosing to carry a full set of clubs - thanks to new lightweight nylon based materials and dual padded straps to distribute the weight evenly across the back and shoulders. Most stand bags now feature lightweight, retractable legs which are spring loaded and extend automatically when the bag is placed down. This process allows straightforward access to your golf clubs at a comfortable angle which is natural for the body.

The trolley or cart bag is typically larger than a carry or stand bag and is designed to carry a complete set of golf clubs - most trolley bags include 14 'graphite-friendly' dividers to provide excellent protection in transit. Typically the largest of all golf bags - excluding the Tour bag - the trolley bag is designed for use with a push, pull or electric golf trolley. The trolley bag will also feature an array of pockets which can be accessed without removing the bag from the trolley. Like the stand bag - some trolley bags can be customised with a logo, text or both in your choice of colours - this provides the ultimate gift for any golf enthusiast and would make the perfect addition to a corporate golf day.

There are a number of features to look out for when purchasing a golf bag - these include amongst others:

-Divided Club Compartments to help arrange and organise your set of golf clubs - modern trolley bags feature graphite friendly dividers to protect delicate graphite shafts.

- External putter holder for convenient access.

- External umbrella holder for quick access in the event of a sudden downpour.

- Velcro glove holder

- Detachable zippered rain hood

- Insulated cooler pocket to maintain the temperature of hot/cold drinks.

- Multiple accessory pockets (front facing) with curved pocket openings for easier access.

- Hidden valuables pocket for the safekeeping of keys, wallet and money.

Travel covers are designed to protect your golf clubs and bag from the perils of long distance travel - many airlines recommend golfers protect their equipment with such covers. Brands such as Forgan of St. Andrews produce deluxe travel covers featuring inline wheels to provide a convenient means of transporting the golf bag from the airport to your car. This model also features extra thick padding to provide additional security during baggage handling.

The perfect addition to any golf trip is the holdall or duffle bag. These bags offer substantial storage space for golf accessories including golf shoes, clothing, gloves and golf balls. The Palm Springs Boston Bag for example provides a separate compartment with enough room to protect wet clothes or shoes from spoiling the remaining contents. This particular bag can also be customised to match your entire outfit and provides a convenient way for spotting your luggage on conveyer belt at your destination.