Photo by Benny Hassum on Unsplash The PGA Championship is the second major of the calendar year, typically played in May. Organized by the PGA of America (distinct from the PGA Tour), it carries full major championship weight and a rich history that includes some of the sport's most dramatic finishes. Here's a complete guide to what the PGA Championship rewards, who historically performs best, and what to expect in upcoming editions. The PGA Championship's Unique Identity Among the four major championships, the PGA Championship is sometimes unfairly dismissed as the "fourth" major — the one that follows the Masters, US Open, and Open Championship in prestige. This is an undeserved reputation. The PGA Championship has produced some of the sport's greatest moments and is played at world-class venues on a rotating basis. What makes it distinct is its field composition: unlike the other majors, the PGA Championship traditionally includes the top 20 players from t...
Walking the golf course is one of the game's great pleasures — 18 holes of fresh air, exercise, and unhurried golf. But after 5 miles with the wrong bag digging into your shoulder, it's less pleasurable. A quality walking bag transforms the experience. Here are the best golf bags designed specifically for golfers who prefer to walk, covering carry bags, stand bags, and push cart bags.
Carry Bags (Sunday Bags)
Carry bags, sometimes called Sunday bags, are the lightest and most minimal option — typically 1–3 pounds with a single shoulder strap and space for 5–8 clubs. They're ideal for casual twilight rounds, Par 3 courses, and golfers who travel light. The Titleist Players 4 is the gold standard: just 3.8 pounds, a dual strap for balanced weight distribution, and thoughtful pockets including an insulated cooler sleeve. It looks sharp and carries everything you genuinely need.
If weight is the absolute priority, the Bag Boy Chiller Hybrid comes in under 3 pounds and still offers a stand, making it one of the lightest stand bags available. For golfers doing 36 holes in a day, every ounce matters.
Stand Bags
Stand bags have retractable legs that prop the bag up on the fairway, keeping your clubs clean and easily accessible. They're the most popular choice for walking golfers who carry their full sets. The Callaway Fairway 14 offers a 14-way top with full-length dividers (preventing club tangling), padded dual straps, and a hip pad — all in a package under 5 pounds. It's exceptionally well organized for a walking bag.
The Sun Mountain 4.5 LS is the premium choice for serious walkers. Sun Mountain has refined stand bag design for decades, and the 4.5 LS combines the lightest materials with a bombproof stand mechanism and ergonomic strap system that distributes weight evenly across both shoulders. If you walk 3–4 times per week, it's worth the investment.
Push Cart Bags
If you prefer a push or pull cart rather than carrying, a dedicated cart bag is the better choice. These are typically heavier than carry bags but offer more storage and organization since weight isn't the primary concern. The Titleist Cart 15 and Callaway Org 14 are both excellent choices with 14-way tops, abundant pockets, and stable bases designed to lock into push carts securely.
Push carts themselves deserve a mention: the Clicgear Model 4.0 and Sun Mountain Speed Cart V1R are both easy to fold, stable on hills, and well-built. Walking with a push cart combines the health benefits of walking with the back-saving advantage of not carrying weight — many golfers find it the perfect compromise.
Features That Matter Most for Walking Golfers
Dual shoulder straps (versus single) are essential for anyone walking a full 18 holes. Single straps create uneven stress on one shoulder over 5 miles that accumulates painfully. A hip pad improves balance and reduces shoulder stress dramatically. Automatic stand legs that open reliably on uneven terrain are worth verifying before purchase — cheap stands fail at the worst moments.
Pocket organization matters for walking: you need easy access to balls, tees, your rangefinder, and snacks without unzipping your whole bag. Look for external ball pockets, a dedicated valuables pocket (lined and waterproof), and a beverage sleeve large enough for a full water bottle.
Choosing the Right Bag Weight
A general rule: if you carry your bag, aim for under 5 pounds empty. Every pound you add to the bag adds roughly a quarter-mile of carrying load per round. Beginners often overload bags with unnecessary gear — pare it back to what you actually use and your back will thank you by hole 14.
Our top overall recommendation: the Sun Mountain 4.5 LS for serious walkers who carry, or the Clicgear 4.0 cart paired with a Callaway cart bag for those who prefer to push. Either way, the right bag makes walking golf a joy rather than a burden.
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