One of the challenges associated with playing 18 holes of golf involves carrying your bag while on the course. This is why it is important to take its overall weight into account. So, how much does the average golf bag (along with the clubs) weigh? The short answer to this question is that the combined weight is approximately 13.6 kilograms (30 pounds).
However, we also need to keep in mind that this is merely a rough estimate. Many other factors will come into play. Accessories, the golf balls and whether the apparatus is wet or dry can also play crucial roles. This brings us to an important question. What is a good bag weight and how might you be able to lighten the load in order to enjoy your time on the course? Let’s take a closer look.
| Bag | Weight (Pounds) | Weight (Grams) | Weight (Kilos) |
| Full Bag Dry (Approx) | 30 lbs | 13600 g | 13.6 Kgs |
| Full Bag Wet (Approx) | 33 lbs | 15000 g | 15.0 Kgs |
The Approximate Weight of the Golf Bag
The good news is that modern golf bags weight much less when compared to models toted around the course in the past. Experts estimate that the average bag weighs somewhere between 1.4 and 2.3 kilograms (roughly between three and five pounds). Having said this, there can be other factors that may add weight to the bag.
A typical example involves using a larger staff bag as opposed to a smaller stand model. Other issues such as wheels and any possible metalwork (an example could be the presence of a series of monograms or steel reinforcements within the design) will also impact the weight of the golf bag.
Dealing with Club Weights: The Factors to Take Into Account
Now that we have taken a look at the average weight of a golf bag, what about the clubs? After all, these are the primary contents that will be present on the green. The weight of clubs will vary depending upon the materials utilised as well as the type of club. Assuming that your bag will be loaded with a set of 14 clubs, how will this impact its weight?
Industry experts agree that most clubs weigh an average of 0.33 kilograms (0.73 pounds). This will equate to a total weight of 10.22 pounds (463 kilograms). Still, we need to keep in mind that some irons may weight significantly more than a composite model. This is why it is a good idea to assume that the weight of each club is just under half of a kilogram (one pound). This can help to make up for any discrepancies between different club models.
We also need to address the weight of the average golf iron, as this club tends to represent the most commonly used while on the course. The majority of 9 irons weigh roughly 434 grams (0.44 kilograms). As you may have already imagined, this weight will decrease as we descend through the irons. A 6 iron weighs approximately 0.92 pounds (0.41 kilograms) while a 3 iron weighs in at 0.88 pounds (0.4 kilograms).
One example of how club weight will come into play can be seen when examining Callaway Golf Men’s Strata set. The combined weight of these ten clubs is 8.72 pounds (3.95 kilograms). Still, different manufacturers can often be associated with higher or lower weights. For instance, the set of Cobra F-Max One irons weighs a total of ten pounds (4.53 kilograms). This brings up another point that deserves a closer look.
| Club | Weight (Pounds) | Weight (Grams) | Weight (Kilos) |
| 9 Iron | 0.95 lbs | 434 g | 0.44 kg |
| 8 Iron | 0.94 lbs | 429 g | 0.43 kg |
| 7 Iron | 0.93 lbs | 422 g | 0.42 kg |
| 6 Iron | 0.92 lbs | 417 g | 0.41 kg |
| 5 Iron | 0.90 lbs | 409 g | 0.40 kg |
| 4 Iron | 0.89 lbs | 407 g | 0.40 kg |
| 3 Iron | 0.88 lbs | 402 g | 0.40 kg |
A Look at Graphite Versus Steel Shafts
Anyone who has golfed for an extended period of time is likely aware that graphite shafts have become quite popular on the course. This mainly arises from the fact that they are extremely light while still able to exhibit the same flexibility and tensile strength as steel. Those who are looking to lighten the load when walking between holes should therefore consider graphite clubs as a useful alternative. Some of the other benefits associated with graphite models include:
- They may be able to add as much as five yards to your driving distance.
- Their lightweight design makes them easier to swing (hence the notable increase in momentum).
- Graphite is able to absorb the shock of hitting the ball. This leads to less vibration and fewer shoulder issues over time.
The only possible drawback is that graphite clubs and shafts are more expensive than their stainless steel counterparts (sometimes as much as 20 per cent higher). Be sure to take this into account before committing to a purchase. Of course, it is also wise to test out each club in order to get a feel for its swing as well as to determine if you are comfortable with the overall design.
The Weight of Golf Balls (and How Many are Present)
Another interesting factor to address includes the balls that are present within your bag. While their weight might not seem like much, we need to remember that every little bit counts. Most golfers will carry a total of nine balls within their bag. Every ball must weigh in at exactly 45.93 grams. Assuming that you plan on taking along nine, this will lead to a total weight of 413.37 grams (just under half of a kilogram). So, we can see that small additions can very well make a noticeable difference.
Wet Versus Dry Golf Bags: Is There a Difference?
Up until this point, we have provided weights under the assumption that all of the equipment is completely dry. It is still a fact that not all games are played during ideal conditions. What happens if the golf bag becomes wet? This is a rather broad question, as different materials will absorb water at different rates.
Let’s go back to the original assumption that the standard golf bag weighs somewhere between three and five pounds. If the bag is primarily fashioned from canvas or nylon, it will tend to absorb more water when compared to a unit primarily constructed from plastic or composite materials. There can even be times when extremely absorbent materials can add an extra kilogram or two to the total weight of the bag. This is why it could be a good idea to examine what is involved with the manufacturing process if you happen to be playing within a region associated with a significant amount of rain and humidity.
Other Accessories to Possibly Take Into Account
To quickly summarise, we have taken a look at some important variables in terms of the weight of a golf bag. These include:
- The weight of the bag alone (known as the “dry weight” throughout the industry).
- The average weight of the clubs.
- The differences between graphite and steel clubs.
- The presence of golf balls (assuming that you are carrying a total of nine).
- How a wet bag could increase its weight.
Still, you might plan to bring along other common equipment. Examples can include an extra pair of shoes with spikes, a full water bottle, golf tees, and an umbrella if rain is predicted. Depending upon these and other objects, it should be obvious that the weight of the bag will naturally increase. You might even want to weight these in advance to determine how much.
A Look at Some of the Lightest and Heaviest Golf Bags on the Market
Manufacturers are always looking for ways to lighten your load while on the course. This is why modern bags are extremely lightweight. Some of the most impressive models which are currently on the market include:
- The Callaway Golf Hyper Lite (2.5 pounds).
- The Sun Mountain Golf 2.5+ (2.8 pounds).
- The TaylorMade FlexTech Lite (4.3 pounds).
- The Cobra Golf 2018 Ultralight (4.5 pounds).
This brings us to the final point. What is a good bag weight? In truth, this is a very subjective question. Players who are younger and fitter might not mind bringing along a bag and its contents which weigh up to 40 pounds. However, golfers who may have smaller frames or mobility issues should always choose a lighter model. Not only will this lead to a greater level of comfort, but we need to keep in mind that carrying an exceptionally heavy bag can cause fatigue and cramping (especially if you happen to be playing on a very warm day).
Although performing online research in order to determine factors such as the design of the bag and professional reviews is important, you still need to get a feel for its ergonomics. This is why it is normally prudent to visit a physical retail centre and ask to see a number of different bags. You will then be able to make a much more informed choice than would otherwise be possible. There are numerous factors which will impact your performance while on the course and the weight of a golf bag should never be taken “lightly”. As always, be sure to refer back to this article for guidance or for reference purposes.
