Do You Need A Waterproof Golf Bag? — (and is it Bad to Get it Wet?)
-
Patrick Corley
- 02/11/2023
Golf is a sport that is heavily impacted by weather conditions, and getting caught in a rainstorm is a common occurrence for golfers who love in certain areas.
While the thought of playing in the rain scares some golfers away from the course, there are others who don’t mind getting wet and have no issues playing in the rain. Being prepared with waterproof gear is one of the best ways to be set up for success in the event of a rainy round, and a waterproof golf bag is one of the best tools to keep your golf equipment safe.
Are Waterproof Golf Bags Worth The Extra Money?
The team of experts at Tell Me More Golf understands that many golfers who are shopping for golf bags do so with budget in mind, and that putting together a full set of golf equipment can get expensive.
With that being said, the cost of upgrading to a waterproof model is usually less than ten percent of the bags total cost, and can be a worthwhile investment.
While it may cost a bit more upfront, a waterproof golf bag can protect your valuable equipment, and can pay for itself by saving a rangefinder or cell phone from being damaged during a rainstorm.
For golfers who live in areas that experience frequent rain during golf season, being prepared with a solid waterproof bag and rain gear can drastically improve the quality and frequency of golf rounds played in the rain.
If you already own a bag that is not waterproof, it is possible to improve the water resistance of your existing golf bag using products like Kiwi Camp Dry or Scotch Guard. These waterproofing products are typically used to waterproof outdoor equipment like tents and canopies, and work great on golf bags as well.
SUBSCRIBE for FREE GOLF TIPS from our EXPERT INSTRUCTORS!
Is It Bad If Your Golf Bag Gets Wet?
A soaking wet golf bag can be a golfer’s worst nightmare for a number of different reasons. Once a golf bag becomes waterlogged, it can be extremely difficult to get dry, and if it stays moist for too long it will end up developing mold and mildew.
While there is no perfect solution for drying out a golf bag, there are a few techniques that have been developed over the years.
Completely emptying out the bag of all contents and golf clubs is the first step, then the bag should be flipped upside down to make sure all water and soggy debris is removed.
Once the golf bag is emptied, it can be placed in front of or under a fan to begin the drying process. If it has stopped raining outside, letting the bag sit in the sunshine will also help remove moisture. Another golfer’s trick for drying a golf bag is using a hair dryer to blow hot air on the bag, although this is a less effective solution than a box or ceiling fan.
SUBSCRIBE for FREE GOLF TIPS from our EXPERT INSTRUCTORS!
Which Golf Bags Stay Dry?
While there are many different brands and styles of waterproof golf bags on the market today, the team of experts at Tell Me More Golf take a look at some of the most popular options that are currently available for purchase.
Titleist, Taylormade and PING make some of the most premium waterproof bags available, and each offer both stand bag and cart bag options.
Titleist
Cart 15 StaDry
This fully waterproof cart bag features 15 individual full length dividers that run the entire length of the golf bag. This is extremely helpful in keeping your clubs organized and preventing snags. This is a larger bag that is primarily designed for use on a golf cart or push cart. The integrated cart straps ensure that all pockets stay accessible while secured.
All of Titleist’s waterproof bags feature their patented “StaDry” technology, and all of the zippers are “seam-sealed” to ensure a watertight seal. The Cart 15 StaDry has all of the storage and pockets expected from a full sized cart bag. The front pocket is molded to provide a harder shell intended to protect your belongings, and the valuables pocket is lined with velour.
Players 4 StaDry Stand Bag
The Players 4 StaDry is the waterproof version of Titleist’s most popular stand bag. It weighs in at just under four pounds, making it a great option for golfers who prefer to walk the course and often play in rainy conditions. It also features a premium adjustable double strap that is designed to distribute weight evenly on a golfer’s back.
This bag also offers plenty of storage for a stand bag, and includes seven separate pockets as well as an integrated drink holder pocket. Its hinged legs are made of “high-grade” aluminum to provide strength while keeping weight down. There are four full length dividers to help keep clubs organized, as well as a Velcro glove holder and magnetic accessory pocket.
For $40 more, this bag is also available in the “Plus” version, which is essentially the same bag but features more storage. The full length apparel pocket on this version is expandable to accommodate extra rain gear, and there is also an additional Velcro glove holder.
Taylormade
Storm Dry Waterproof Cart Bag
This waterproof cart bag from TaylorMade is available in five colors and is considered to be an “entry level” waterproof cart bag. While there is a 14 way organizer on the top of the bag, there are only three full length dividers to keep clubs separated.
Additionally, the Storm Dry does not feature a cart strap passthrough, which will leave some pockets inaccessible when strapped to a golf cart. Overall, the bag features a clean and simple design, which will appeal to golfers who prefer a minimalistic look.
Flextech Waterproof Stand Bag
The Flextech waterproof stand bag is Taylormade’s waterproof stand bag offering, and is one of the best golf bags for walking in the rain. It also comes standard with a cart strap pass through, which makes this bag extremely versatile as it works great when walking, riding, or using a push cart. It also has a stretchy valuables pocket and waterproof seals on the pockets.
It also features an umbrella holder, which is a very helpful feature for golfers who live in rainy areas. Its double straps are also self adjusting, which keeps the bag evenly distributed across a player’s back. This is a very stylish golf bag with a clean design, and one of the most versatile waterproof options available.
Ping
Pioneer Monsoon
The Pioneer Monsoon is a larger waterproof cart bag featuring a 15 way divider top with a dedicated putter well. Six of its pockets are seam sealed to ensure that they are water tight, and there are also two ventilated mesh pockets for storing soggy clothes and jackets.
It is designed with a cart strap pass through, which is a favorite feature among the experts at Tell Me More Golf. It also has a designated beverage holder to keep drinks handy, as well as generously sized valuables and golf ball pockets.
Hoofer Monsoon Stand Bag
Ping’s very popular Hoofer stand bag is available in a waterproof version called the Monsoon which is coated in a polyurethane resin. This is considered by many to be the most comfortable walking bag, as it features a hip pad that also doubles as storage for the rain hood.
One of the most unique and convenient features of this bag is Ping’s newly re-designed back puck which holds the shoulder straps together. This new back puck makes converting the Hoofer from backpack style to single strap style quick and easy.
TellMeMoreGolf.com – Frequently Asked Questions
Should you get a waterproof golf bag?
If you live in an area where it rains frequently, it usually makes sense to choose a golf bag that is waterproof, or at least water resistant. They don’t cost very much more, and can go a long way in protecting your valuable golf equipment.
Do you need a waterproof golf bag in the UK?
Since the UK is known for rainy days during golf season, a waterproof golf bag is highly recommended. If you live in the UK, and already own a bag with no water resistant properties, a tent waterproofing solution can be applied.
How do you protect your golf clubs in the rain?
Most golf bags come equipped with snap on rain hoods that are stashed away in the pockets. Rain hoods are draped over the clubs to keep them dry in the rain, and they are usually equipped with a zipper or magnet for access to the clubs.
There is also a product called the Drizzle Stick that is great for covering golf clubs during a rainstorm. The Drizzle Stick is essentially a small collapsible umbrella that is shaped like a golf shaft. The butt end sits in the bag like a golf club, and the umbrella is easily deployed when it starts raining. This is especially helpful for golf bags that do not accommodate rain hoods.
Is the ping pioneer golf bag waterproof?
While the original Ping Pioneer bag is not waterproof, there is a waterproof version available. The Ping Pioneer Monsoon is the waterproof version of this extremely popular cart bag.
Conclusion: Research by Tellmemoregolf.com
A waterproof golf bag is a worthwhile investment for protecting your golf equipment, and they usually don’t cost too much more than their non-waterproof counterparts.
Titleist, TaylorMade, and Ping all produce high quality waterproof bags. All bags can easily be treated with waterproofing materials made for camping tents to increase their water resistance as well.
SUBSCRIBE for FREE GOLF TIPS from our EXPERT INSTRUCTORS!
