A golf bag is very convenient to have on the golf course as it allows you store your equipment and accessories. Having a golf bag can save you a lot of money because you’d be carrying around your clubs in it instead of paying $20-$40 every round for a golf cart ride.
If you are thinking of getting a golf bag or perhaps you own one yourself, then you may want to know how long they last for. Not to worry, I did a little research and here is what I found.
Data gathered from a number of golf bag owners shows that a good golf bag last between 2 to 5 years with normal use. Heavy use golf bags typically last no more than 2 years, but if you are a weekend only golfer then you should expect a little longer from it, like 5 years. Therefore, it all depends on how well you treat the bag.
A carry golf bag that gets chucked in and out of boots, hoofed round a golf course 100’s of times a year won’t last that long. The same goes for a regular stand bag if you strain the legs on the stand with too much weight, rag it out of the car boot and bash it on the floor when you get to your ball.
I know of a few golfers who kills off 3 bags in a year who plays more often and chucks their bags around a lot more. These players don’t take the time to look after their golf bag, so they won’t get much years out of it.
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How Golf Bag Material Affects Life-Span
Most golf bags are made from nylon, leather or canvas. They are reinforced and framed with plastic or metal. Their design features several pockets at the side and front of the golf bag to carry around small items like golf balls, tees and other supplies.
Nylon Golf Bag
When we look at nylon, we see that it last for many years before it completely breaks down, usually between 30 to 40 years. As a result, many golf bag manufacturers prefer to make golf bags from nylon material due to its durability and longevity.
Nylon is stronger and stretchier than most other fabric materials such as polyester or cotton, so expect it to last longer.
Leather Golf Bag
Although Nylon is a great choice material for golf bags, most tour bags are fashioned from leather. You will find most professional golfer carrying them around the golf course. PGA tour players choose leather golf bags not just because of their size, but for weather resistance and overall quality.
The downsize to leather golf bags are they are heavy and require the assistance of a golf cart.
Leather is four more times durable than fabric, and if taken good care of, top grain leather piece can last 10 to 20 years or longer. Leather in itself will can last for 100 years before it starts to disintegrate.
Canvas Golf Bag
The life expectancy of canvas last between 8 to 10 years when maintained properly. This fabric is durable, steady and heavy duty, thereby making it one of the best choice material for golf bags.
Golf bag manufacturers will sometimes blend cotton with synthetic fibers to make canvas waterproof or water resistant, thereby making canvas bag a great choice for golfing in the rain.
Cheap Vs Expensive Golf Bags
The price you pay for a golf bag will tell you how long you can expect it to last for. An expensive golf bag will simply last longer than a cheaper bag because they are designed with higher quality material.
Cheap golf bags used for 3 or 4 days a week can be seen as a bi-annual consumable. Meaning, you’ll be wasting two bags in one year.
On the other hand, a more expensive golf bag could last you 4 times the number of years when compared to a cheap golf bag.
If you’re buying a golf bag for $30, then you may want to reconsider your purchase. You should not mind investing in something that is fit for your purpose. A high priority golf bag should include comfort, good stand condition and good club protection.
Go for a $200 golf bag instead of a cheap $30 bag that would only last you for a few months at best. Good golf bags that last a long time are usually priced in the $200 range.
Some of these bags can go as high as $600, but be careful not to overspend. A $200 golf bag can get the job done just as same as a $600 expensive golf bag.
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How to take care of your golf bag so it last longer?
One of the worst things you can do to deteriorate your golf bag is to allow moisture to remain in and outside the bag. Moisture such as sweat and rain will help destroy the vinyl and composite stuff. Not only that, your equipment can get damaged from rust as a result of being exposed to moisture.
You want to ensure that you take good care of your golf bag by drying the inside and outside of the bag. Every once a week, allow the bag to air out under the warm sun. This will dry up all the moisture inside of the golf bag.
You should also ensure that your golf bag is washed clean so as to prevent germs and bacteria from deteriorating the material. Cleaning the golf bag is simple:
- Empty out all the contents of the golf bag
- Vacuum the inside and pockets or dry wipe.
- Lightly wash the golf bag with water.
- Use a clean cloth to scrub with soap.
- Thoroughly rinse the golf bag with a hose.
- If you have any lingering stains, scrub with a stain remover.
By ensuring your golf bag is clean and dry, you’ll get a longer life-span from it, thus saving you money.
Final Verdict
Spending the extra money for a good golf bag is worth it. The number of years it lasts for will depend on how well it is taken care of. Having a golf bag will not only protect your clubs during your rounds, but it will allow you to enjoy the game of golf better.
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