Tour Bags

Finding the Right Tour Bag

A tour bag, also known as a staff bag, is the large, premium bag you see carried by caddies on the professional tours. Built for maximum storage, durability, and a standout look, it is the choice for golfers who want tour-level presence and have the room to carry it, whether on a buggy, a sturdy trolley, or as a statement piece at the range and clubhouse. At Tony Valentine Golf we stock tour and staff bags from leading brands across our range.

Below you will find everything you need to choose with confidence, from understanding who a tour bag suits to the features that set them apart from everyday cart and carry bags.

What Is a Tour Bag?

A tour bag is the largest type of golf bag, designed to carry a full set of clubs with room to spare alongside generous storage for apparel, accessories, and everything you might need for a round or a practice session. The materials are typically premium, with heavy-duty zips, plush dividers, and a finish built to last and to look the part. This is the same style of bag the professionals use, paired with their tour branding.

The trade-off for all that space and quality is size and weight. A tour bag is not built to be carried for 18 holes on your back, so it suits golfers who travel by buggy, use a robust trolley, or simply want the premium look for the range and clubhouse. If you walk and carry, a lightweight option will serve you far better day to day.

Who Should Buy a Tour Bag?

Tour bags suit a few specific golfers. If you ride in a buggy or use a heavy-duty trolley, the weight is a non-issue and you gain enormous storage and a premium look. They are popular with players who want their bag to make a statement, with golfers who like to carry plenty of gear, and as a smart choice for keeping clubs organised and protected in storage between rounds. They also make an impressive gift for the golfer who has everything.

If you mostly walk the course, a stand bag will be far more comfortable, and if you use a trolley but want something more practical day to day, a cart bag offers similar organisation with less bulk. A tour bag is the right call when presence and storage matter more than weight.

Features to Look For

Storage is the headline feature, with multiple large pockets for apparel, balls, valuables, and accessories, plus insulated pockets for drinks. A generous divider top, often with full-length channels, keeps a full set organised and the shafts protected. Premium materials and reinforced stitching give the durability that justifies the price, and many models carry the same branding as the tour staff bags.

Practical details to check include a comfortable carry handle for lifting the bag on and off a buggy, a rain hood for protection, and a base that sits securely on your transport of choice. If you travel with your clubs, it is also worth protecting a premium bag with a padded travel cover.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tour Bags

What is the difference between a tour bag and a cart bag?

A tour bag, or staff bag, is larger, heavier, and more premium, built for maximum storage and the professional look. A cart bag is more compact and practical, designed to sit on a trolley with forward-facing pockets for everyday use. Both work on transport rather than your back, but a tour bag prioritises size and presence while a cart bag prioritises convenience.

Can you carry a tour bag?

Tour bags are not designed to be carried for a full round. They are large and heavy, with most having a single carry handle for lifting on and off a buggy or trolley rather than a comfortable dual strap. If you need to carry your clubs, a stand bag is the right choice. Tour bags are best for buggy and trolley use, storage, and the range.

Why are tour bags so expensive?

Tour bags use premium materials, heavy-duty hardware, and a high standard of construction to match the bags the professionals use, which is reflected in the price. You are paying for durability, generous storage, and the staff-bag look and branding. For golfers who want that presence and quality, the investment is worthwhile, and a good tour bag will last for many years.

Will a tour bag fit on a trolley?

Tour bags fit many trolleys, but because of their size and weight they suit sturdier, heavy-duty trolleys and buggies best. Lighter push trolleys can struggle with the bulk. If you plan to use a tour bag on a trolley, it is worth checking it is rated to handle the size and weight, and our team can advise on suitable combinations.

Need Help Choosing? Visit Tony Valentine Golf

If you would like help deciding whether a tour bag is right for you, our team is happy to talk it through. Browse our full range below, or get in touch and visit us in store at our Corsham or Swindon centre.