AI is being used creatively by numerous companies, but Aircast.Tech aims to improve fan experiences at golf tournaments and other sporting events.

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Penn. — Startup founders, technology experts and golf industry insiders from around the world gathered in a hospitality tent perched above the 17th tee at Aronimink Golf Club on Tuesday to not only catch a glimpse of the players as they practiced on the long par 3, but also participate in the third-annual Golfweek Tech Lab.

If you have ever had an inconvenient blister while golfing, you know how painful and troublesome this can be.

Golf blisters are common; trust us, you’re not the only one. Even great players have a round or a practice session that results in a blister from time to time.

In our guide featuring the top ways to treat and prevent blisters from golfing, you will learn how to protect yourself before you head out to the golf course again.

Most Common Areas Golfers Get Blisters

There are two main areas where golfers will get blisters when playing golf, and that is on their hands and their feet. The skin friction in these two areas ends up causing blisters that can keep you off the course for several days.

Hands

The number one reason golfers wear golf gloves is to prevent blisters in their hands. Skin friction from one finger to another and between the grip and the fingers will create a blister on the hand. This is why you will see players with adhesive tape on their fingers to try and prevent this rubbing between these areas.

Feet

A typical 18-hole golf course covers about five miles of turf. This is a long time to wear golf shoes. Golf shoes have come a long way in regards to comfort, but a blister on one of your toes or the heel of your foot is a real nuisance. Foot blisters typically happen when golf shoes get wet or if they are not correctly fit to a golfer’s foot.

Best Ways to Treat Blisters Formed From Golfing

Once you get a blister, you must deal with the treatment to be able to enjoy a round of golf again. Here are a few of the best ways to treat blisters formed from golfing.

Wear a Golf Glove Consistently

Once you have a blister, try to keep your golf glove on to prevent it from making the blister worse. The glove provides a layer of protection you likely didn’t have earlier when the blister was created.

Use Golf Tape

Golf tape was made especially for golfers who struggle with two areas of their hand or fingers rubbing together as they swing. Golf tape can be wrapped around fingers or knuckles before the start of a round, and it can prevent a blister from getting worse.

Neosporin or Vaseline

Using Neosporin or vaseline to treat a blister will help ensure that it is adequately protected and healing. Always make sure to keep your blisters clean, so they do not get infected.

Take a Break

Sometimes the best way to treat a blister is to take a bit of a break from golf. It’s hard to accept this because we all want more time on the course. However, if you give a blister a few days, it may heal on its own.

Bandaids & Blister Bandages

There are many bandaids and blister bandages that you can apply to a blister on your hand or your foot. These help to protect as they offer cushioned protection and relief from the pain. Be sure to change them often, so they don’t get dirty.

Keep Hands Clean

The only thing worse than having a blister is having a blister that gets infected. The goal of blister treatment for golfers is to get back out on the golf course as soon as possible.

As soon as you feel comfortable enough to hold a golf club or putting your feet in your shoes, you will want to get out there; just be sure to keep the blister as clean as possible. Blisters will be faster healing if they are kept free from bacteria.

How to Prevent Getting Golf Blisters in The Future

Now that you know why golfers get blisters and how to treat golf blisters, it’s also helpful to know how to prevent them. Here are some of the top ways to prevent a blister from happening, so you never have to deal with this pain.

Keep Your Hands & Feet Dry

Wet conditions will absolutely cause blisters. I once played in a tournament with a very good pair of golf shoes that I assumed were waterproof. By the end of the round, my shoes were soaked; I had thin socks on and a bunch of blisters on my heel.

It was incredibly painful, and it took a lot of extra padding in my shoes the next day to even convince me to go on the course. If anybody tries to convince you rain gloves or waterproof golf shoes aren’t worth it, they are wrong!

Purchase Good Socks

Some companies sell anti-blister socks or acrylic socks with extra padding. The soft texture can help decrease some of the friction in the shoe. However, ensuring that your shoe fits are also an essential step in this process.

Make Sure Your Shoes Fit

Find a golf shoe that fits. If you are in any kind of pain when you get off the golf course, chances are your shoes are not a good match. With all the different brands and styles available on the market, it should not be hard to find a shoe that fits.

Remember that each golf shoe manufacturer will have slightly different sizing, so you have to be careful when switching from one brand to the next.

Use Foot Powder

A good foot powder can help create an environment in your shoes where a blister is less likely to occur. In addition, golfers that can find a great orthotic and wear that in their shoes will also experience fewer blisters on their feet.

Wear a Glove

Wearing a glove is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent blisters. When you wear a glove, you won’t have to worry about grip pressure as much, and many gloves are moisture-wicking to help keep your hands dry.

For beginners trying to keep blisters away, the idea of wearing winter gloves or rain gloves during a long practice session can help. Try to be realistic about the amount of time you spend practicing, so it doesn’t end up hurting you.

Regrip Often

New golf grips make it easier to release some grip pressure and get a better handle on the golf club. You won’t be as inclined to hold onto the club with the index finger or the right hand nearly as strongly as you do with an old grip.

In addition, old grips can hold on to dirt, sand, and bacteria making it even worse to heal a blister should you get one. For avid golfers, regripping a few times a year is expected.

Don’t Practice For Too Long

Golf practice is important and something that you should be doing. However, there is absolutely a thing as too much practice. If you spend too much time practicing, expect to get blisters that will make your next rounds of golf even more painful.

One way to avoid blisters is to break up how you are practicing. Hit a few drivers, some iron shots, and then head over to the putting green for ten minutes. Once you are done there, go to the chipping green and then back to the driving range.

This type of practice routine takes some of the stress off your hands, and it will also help you bring what you have learned to the golf course.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children. Current Handicap: 1

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The putter grip is the area of the golf game where we can get a bit more creative. The standard golf grip does not have to continue down to the putter; you can change things up and go with something a bit more unique.

Fat putter grips are becoming increasingly popular both for amateur golfers and professionals. We are here to answer your questions as to why this is happening and whether or not it’s time for you to make the switch.

Why Some Golfers Use Fat Putter Grips

The three main reasons that golfers use fat putter grips are to loosen grip pressure, make their path more consistent, and keep their hands and wrists out of the putting stroke.

Lowers Grip Pressure

Golfers that use a larger grip tend to have lower grip pressure. The grip is larger, making it harder for players to wrap their hands, so the grip pressure is considerably lower.

When grip pressure is high in the putting stroke, it can lead to issues with the path and the direction of the putter head. I’ve struggled with this in my game, and when I can be conscious about lighter pressure in the hands, it pays off.

More Consistent Path

Consistency in putting is key. If you can keep the path relatively the same each time you putt it, your chances of lowering your score are much higher. However, to be a consistent putter, you must make sure that you are confident in your path and that you repeat it.

With the proper fat putter grip, it becomes easier to get the feedback you need to keep the putter on the appropriate path.

More Use of Larger Muscles

Some putters are great feel putters, and they can use their hands and wrists to get the ball in the hole. However, the one thing we know about this type of putting stroke is that it is very inconsistent.

Golfers that can incorporate their larger muscles will notice it’s much easier to get the golf ball in the hole. Using shoulders and arms as opposed to hands and wrists makes a big difference.

Are Fat Putter Grips Better?

Fat putter grips are better for golfers that struggle with grip pressure, too much hand and wrist action, and inconsistency in their putting stroke. There are, of course, downsides to a fat putter grip as well.

The weight of your putter can get thrown off a bit when you switch to a fat putter grip. In addition, players with small hands may find that they don’t have enough control with the fat putter grip in place.

The good news is that putter grips come in all different sizes and widths. For golfers with slightly smaller hands, a midsize putter grip could work better than a true fat putter grip.

The 4 Best Fat Putter Grips

There are hundreds of fat putter grips on the market. As the grips have become more popular, more golfers have become interested.

Let’s dive into our top picks…

SuperStroke Traxion (Best Overall)

Pros

• Tour proven design
• Significantly helps with consistency on the course
• Incorporates the larger muscles in the putting stroke
• Tacky feel that does fade

Cons

• Heavy putter grip, you may need to have a professional install it for you

The SuperStroke Traxion is the best overall fat putter grip on the market.

In fact, this putter grip is not just popular among amateur players; it is something that professional golfers will use as well. SuperStroke puts a lot of time, effort, and money into the engineering that goes into these golf grips.

When feel and playability matter to you, the SuperStroke Traxion will need to be on the top of your list. The only negative that you sometimes have to be aware of with the SuperStroke Traxion is the weight. To pack in all the technology they needed, this putter grip weighs in at 65 grams.

One of the technologies that really stands out on the SuperStroke Traxion is the Advanced Spyne Technology. It almost feels like a guide where you can put your hands on the back of the putter. I like having this reminder in place.

Flat Cat Tack Putter Grip (Best for Grip Pressure)

Pros

• Made for a comfortable and tacky feel
• Improved feedback and control
• Highly consistent

Cons

• High priced putter grips, not much variation in price from one model to another

Flat Cat is another brand that has made a strong name for itself when it comes to fat putter grips. This is meant to be a squared-off putting grip that allows players to grip the club in a variety of ways.

With all of the Flat Cat models to choose from, we picked the Flat Cat Tack to be on our list. I like the tacky feel this putter grip provides, and it certainly helps to lower overall grip pressure, and it holds up quite well over time.

Another feature that Flat Cat incorporated into this putter is the Easy Glide Cone technology. This helps you take the putter in and out of the golf bag without damaging the grip. When you pay for the fat putter grips, the last thing you want to experience is damage!

Champkey CT Pistol (Best for Those on a Budget)

Pros

• Pistol shape for better control
• Known for its lightweight design
• Very fair pricing

Cons

• Not quite as thick as the Super Stroke

Champkey is a value golf brand that has been doing a great job of giving golfers the technology they need for a very fair price. The Champkey CT Pistol is the best budget fat grip on the market. If you haven’t already noticed the high pricing on these putter grips, it’s certainly a thing.

An essential putter grip may be in the $5 to $8 range. The high end fat grips start at around $12 and increase to close to $30. Of course, this is more material included, but it’s also just the fact that these grips are very popular right now.

Champkey CT Pistol is made with a comfortable polyurethane material that feels good in the hands and has just enough tack to keep from slipping on the club. In addition, this is a lightweight design that helps to lower your grip pressure. If you happen to struggle with putting but want to make a quick improvement to your stroke, this one is a good choice.

Winn Pro X Putter Grip (Best Premium Option)

Pros

• WinnLite Technology for a lighter overall feel
• Stable during the putting stroke
• Easy to keep the putter in the palm of your hands
• High-quality tacky texture for lower grip pressure

Cons

• Winn grips tend to wear out because the grip material is softer
• Priced higher than other options on the market

The Winn Pro X Is the best premium thick putter grip on the market. Winn takes a lot of time to ensure that its technology is better than others on the market. In addition, they look for the surface texture to be comfortable yet tacky.

With the Winn Pro X putter grip, you will be able to keep the face of the putter on the proper path, as the grip is designed to eliminate movement in the stroke. This rectangular feel takes a bit of time to get used to, but it does keep your hands in the position that you want them for your entire stroke.

If you have the Winn Dri Tac grips on your golf clubs, you may find that this Winn Pro X is an excellent complement to that.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children. Current Handicap: 1

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As part of an exclusive new series focusing on the next generation of young talent in the south-east, Golf News introduces James Herne, a three-year-old from West Sussex who is already attracting national attention for both his precocious talent and his sheer love of the game

While golf has seen its fair share of prodigies – Tiger Woods shot 48 on a 9-hole course aged three, and Rory McIlroy was filmed chipping balls into his mum’s washing machine on a TV show as a nine-year-old schoolboy – it is still pretty rare to find someone who has only just learned to walk demonstrating a preternatural talent for a sport as technically demanding as golf.

That is what makes James Herne’s story so compelling. The youngster from Worthing in West Sussex has only just celebrated his third birthday, but he is not only already able to swing a golf club with impressive consistency, but he’s already driving balls 40 yards down the fairway and registering ball speeds of more than 45mph on a simulator.

INSPIRED BY WATCHING THE PROS ON TV

The spark that ignited James’s love of the game was first lit watching golf on television while visiting his grandparents. James’s dad, who is also called James, remembers the moment clearly. “One day we were round my in-laws and they had the golf on the telly,” explains James Snr. “He was immediately drawn to the TV and started to mirror the swing of the golfers.”

From there, his interest only deepened. James’s grandfather, John Black, a keen golfer himself, first took him down to the putting green at the local club shortly after his first birthday and bought the youngster his first set of clubs.

“He was hitting the ball properly, even at that young age,” Black recalls. “Every time we ask him what he wants to do, he says he wants to play golf.”

Now a junior member at Worthing Golf Club in West Sussex – where he could well be the youngest member in the country – James practices three or four times a week on the range and out on the club’s par-3 course, where he regularly plays alongside kids two or three times his age.

KEEPING IT FUN

To help guide this early promise, James is being coached by former tour player, and Worthing Golf Club’s resident PGA Head Professional, Peter Tarver-Jones, who has introduced many young players to the game, but has never taught anyone quite so young.

Tarver-Jones, who joined Worthing when he was just 12, is unequivocal in his praise for his youngest ever pupil. “James’s enthusiasm and his understanding of the game are great,” he says. “Difficult things like his putting pace control – he’s got it. For such a young age, his co-ordination is exceptional. I’ve never heard of anyone as young as James doing this well. It’s really impressive.”

Despite the attention, both coach and family are determined to keep things in perspective. Tarver-Jones emphasises that the priority is enjoyment: “You just want to make sure he has fun and enjoys it at the moment. It’s not all about golf, we also working on his balance, jumping, agility, even throwing and catching. It all helps develop the physical skills and the co-ordination required to swing a club.”

James’s father echoes that sentiment. “There is no ‘Project Tiger Woods’ at work here – we’re just supporting a child doing what he loves. Initially, my wife and I thought his ability was normal, but then every time someone would see him, they would say ‘wow’.

“With kids these days everything now is with a mobile phone or a games console – but I’d like to keep him away from that for as long as possible. The main thing is that he enjoys it, it keeps him outside, and it keeps him loving golf.”

Whether James becomes a household name to rank alongside Tiger or Rory, or even matches the talents of home-grown Worthing Golf Club stars such as Marco Penge and Gary Evans, remains to be seen, but for now, his story encapsulates exactly what the Next Generation series hopes to celebrate: a genuine passion for the game, fostered in the right environment, and grounded in fun, family and fresh air.

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Latest Darrell Survey Confirms Overwhelming Trust in Bushnell Among the World’s Best Golfers 

Overland Park, KS – Bushnell Golf, the #1 rangefinder in golf, once again proved its dominance on the PGA Tour according to the latest findings from The Darrell Survey, the industry’s leading independent equipment tracking authority. At the 2026 PLAYERS Championship, an overwhelming 98.3 percent of players surveyed relied on a Bushnell Golf laser rangefinder for accurate yardages.

In a survey of 121 players, 119 confirmed Bushnell as their preferred distance-measuring device during the tournament. Since the Darrell Survey began tracking rangefinder usage on the PGA Tour in 2006, Bushnell has maintained the No. 1 position every year, reinforcing its reputation as the trusted choice of the game’s best players.

“These Darrell Survey results continue to validate the Bushnell Golf laser rangefinder performance story,” said Derek Schuman at Bushnell Golf. “Our laser rangefinders continue to deliver the precision Tour players need to perform at their highest level week in and week out.”

Building on its legacy of innovation and performance, Bushnell Golf has the Pro X3+ LINK, the most powerful and precise rangefinder in the company’s lineup. Featuring LINK-Enabled Technology, the Pro X3+ LINK seamlessly integrates Foresight Sports launch monitor data with Bluetooth-enabled Bushnell Golf rangefinders, giving golfers real-time, personalized course management insights. By combining advanced environmental adjustments with industry-leading compensated distances, the Pro X3+ LINK delivers a new level of accuracy, intelligence, and performance designed to help golfers make more informed decisions on every shot. 

Key Features of the Pro X3+ LINK:

• MyBag Technology – Provides real-time, personalized club and “Play As” recommendations
• Slope with Elements Compensation – Adjusts for home elevation to deliver precise distances
• Dual Display Technology – Optimized visibility in all lighting conditions
• Patented Locking Slope-Switch – Quick and easy slope function toggling
• PinSeeker with Visual JOLT Technology – Confirms target lock with vibration and flashing indicator
• Integrated BITE Magnetic Cart Mount – Offers convenience to mount your device right on the cart bar
• IPX7 Waterproof & Rugged Design – Built for durability in all weather conditions
• Ranges 600+ Yards to a Flag – With 7x magnification for enhanced clarity
• Bluetooth Connectivity – Syncs with the Bushnell Golf Mobile App for seamless integration
• Wind Speed & Direction – Syncs with the mobile app for enhanced shot planning
• Premium Carry Case & CR2 Battery Included

 With the Pro X3+ LINK, Bushnell Golf continues to advance rangefinder technology, delivering a powerful combination of precision, intelligence, and performance for golfers seeking greater confidence in every distance they measure.

The new Pro X3+ LINK is available at select golf retailers and BushnellGolf.com.

About Bushnell Golf

Bushnell Golf is the #1 electronic measuring device choice of golfers and offers a full array of laser rangefinders, handheld and wrist worn GPS, audio GPS and the Launch Pro and LPi personal launch monitors. All Bushnell Golf products continue to change and improve the way golfers assess distances, ultimately improving performance. For more information on the Bushnell Golf family of products, visit the company’s website at www.bushnellgolf.com.

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Updated on January 4, 2026

As any golfer knows, improving your putting stroke is the quickest way to lower your handicap.

But practicing putting can be difficult, especially if you don’t always have time to drive to a golf course or green. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 putting mats with ball returns, so you can practice your putting skills from the comfort of your own home or office.

These putting mats come with automatic ball returns, so you won’t waste time chasing after golf balls. At the end of this article, we also offer up our favorite alternative to ball return putting mats.

1. Crestgolf Putting Mat Indoor / Outdoor (Best Overall)

Surface material: Premium Quality Velvet

Dimensions: 9.84” Wide x 109” Long (Ball Return is 10.62”)

Ball return system: Raised Incline Made of Wood

Pros

• The velvet material of the putting surface leads to a putting experience that’s very similar to an actual green
• It can be used indoors or outdoors, which makes this practice mat highly versatile
• It can be folded up and stored without any fear of wrinkles, which is something not many brands can claim
• The wooden ball return system has lots of durability and will save you a ton of time
• Works well in a yard, office, garage, or bonus room
• Golfers can practice on 2 different holes. One is smaller to increase putting accuracy.

Cons

• The price is a little steep, but that’s understandable because of the quality materials
• It could be a bit longer and wider

For a putting surface that’s nearly identical to a green on the golf course, consider choosing the Crestgolf putting mat. It’s 8 feet long, which makes it ideal for practicing short or medium-length putts. Crestgolf also went to great lengths to make sure that your putts would roll well on this surface.

With the wooden ball return feature, the high slope rolls each putt back to you. This means you can spend less time gathering your golf balls and more time practicing your putting stroke.

2. I&K Pro Indoor Golf Putting Green (Best Value)

Surface material: High-Quality Crystal Velvet

Dimensions: 1.28 Feet Wide x 8 Feet Long

Ball return system: Raised Incline Made of Plastic

Pros

• One of the cheapest practice putting greens on the market
• Automatic Ball Return System works beautifully
• Works well for both beginner and seasoned golfers to hone their putting skills
• Easy to set up in any home or office
• The backing is designed to limit slippage, which reduces the chances of injury and overall aggravation

Cons

• The plastic ball return won’t hold up as long as other materials
• Some have had issues with the material getting creases in it
• A few folks have had problems with the ball return

If you need to improve your putting game but are short on cash, the I&K Pro putting mat is just what you need. This is arguably the most cost-effective option out there. Golfers will love how this practice mat easily stores 3 golf balls and provides 2 different holes to practice on.

3. Club Champ Super Sized Putting Mat (Best Option with Hazards)

Surface material: Non-Directional Turf

Dimensions: 1.8 Feet Wide x 9 Feet Long

Ball return system: Raised Incline with Electronic Return

Pros

• Very affordable practice mat with a nice ball return
• The electronic ball return system doesn’t require any batteries
• It shoots the ball back to you, whether you hit it in the hole or one of the hazards
• The water hazard and sand trap will help you practice hitting straighter putts
• It comes with a 2-year warranty, which is the longest one we’ve seen in the industry
• It can be used on almost any surface, including carpets or wood floors
• Easy to keep clean, which isn’t the case for all practice mats on the market

Cons

• Some golfers think the ball returns too fast, which may make it unsuitable for small kids
• The hazards are made of thin plastic, which means that they may not hold up well over time

Burned out on standard practice mats with incline ball returns? Check out the Club Champ Super Sized putting mat if you want to try something new. The ball return is electric, and it works even if you putt into the bunker or water hazard. That’s a neat feature that makes this practice mat worth trying.

4. Loowoko Indoor Putting Green (Best Alignment Lines)

Surface material: Crystal Velvet

Dimensions: 9.8” Wide x 122” Long

Ball return system: Raised Incline Made of Wood

Pros

• Easy to assemble right out of the box, which is a nice plus
• It folds up easily to make transportation or storage a breeze
• A great putting training aid for any level of golfer
• The turf is meant to simulate real grass for a more realistic roll
• It comes with a 1-year warranty, which gives buyers peace of mind
• It comes with 2 alignment aids and some distance markers
• The automatic return portion is sturdy and made of wood

Cons

• It can be hard to work kinks out of the material, which can cost you some practice time
• The automatic ball return system sometimes gets hung up

Struggle to line up a putt correctly? If so, this golf mat will take your putting game to the next level.

It has 2 alignment aids to ensure your feet are in the right place while practicing. You’ll be shocked to learn how much proper alignment has to do with making good putts.

5. Britenway Golf Green Mat (Easiest to Assemble)

Surface material: Crystal Velvet

Dimensions: 15” Wide x 123” Long

Ball return system: Raised Incline Made of Wood

Pros

• Engineered to give golfers an experience that’s similar to a real green
• It makes a fantastic gift on any occasion for golf lovers
• One of the best auto ball returns in the industry that’s made of solid wood
• It can easily be moved from your home to your office and vice versa
• Built to last for several seasons of putting practice
• It comes with 2 different size holes to increase your putting accuracy
• The crystal velvet material gives you a very realistic roll
• There is no battery to have to worry about recharging

Cons

• The marketing materials show someone putting with a wedge, which is kind of annoying
• Some have had issues with getting the mat to lay flat
• There is no mention of any kind of warranty, which is a little bit disappointing

This high-quality putting practice mat is super easy to put together. The solid wood ball return frame snaps together in a flash thanks to the magnetic suction of the material. This mat is a little pricier than others on our list, but the quality is top-notch.

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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Armitage stresses the importance of keeping your stroke short and efficient.

“If your stroke gets long, it’s wrong,” Armitage says. “Because then you have to manipulate the face too much or you slow down.”

In the video above and below, he says you can use your toes as a guide on 3-footers. Simply take the putter back, stopping at your trail toe. Then, on the follow-through, finish at your front toe. 

“Now that putter is moving efficiently,” Armitage says. “You don’t need a long stroke for a 3-footer, unless you’re playing on greens that are very, very slow.”

This simple guide will help you produce a short, efficient stroke that keeps the face stable and prevents any decelerating through the ball.

Listen for the ball to go in

One of the most common mistakes amateurs make on short putts is picking up their head to watch their putt drop. However, Armitage offers a simple alternative that, when mastered, will improve your performance on these short, pressure-packed putts: listen for it to go in.

“That sound, for me, is something that I want to hear,” he says. “And the key is if I don’t hear that sound, I missed it. So, I don’t need to look up to know if I missed it or holed it.”

This approach can look different for every player. Armitage notes tour pros who have won tournaments by keeping their eyes closed over putts. To practice listening for your putts, you can find a spot on the green just in front of the ball to focus on, or even keep your eyes closed. Whatever you decide, the key takeaway is the same — keep your head still and trust your stroke.

Expect to make these putts

The final key to making pressure-packed putts, is to expect to have to make them.

“Always expect to have to hole this putt,” he says. “Always look forward to holing it. Want to hole it.”

It doesn’t matter whether you’re playing alone or in a tight match with a friend. By expecting to have to execute these putts, you face the pressure head-on and become more comfortable under it. No matter the outcome, this will help you build confidence that carries over to every round.

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Do you remember the days when a premium golf bag was $100?

Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. Along with most other things in the sport, golf bags are getting more expensive. A lot of this comes down to the type of golf bag you choose, the brand, and the features you are looking for.

We have put together a guide to help you understand how much to pay for a golf bag and a few of our favorite picks for the best golf bags on the market.

How Much Does a New Golf Bag Cost?

A new golf bag can cost anywhere from around $50 to well over $500. The average golf bags are in the $150 to $300 range. One of the biggest indicators of golf bag pricing is the details of what you are looking for in the bag.

Value Bag

A value-priced golf bags are those in the $50-$100 range. The things you will quickly notice about these golf bags are that they are not feature-rich, and they are typically smaller.

Many Sunday golf bags fall into this category. They are low in price but won’t even have enough storage for all 14 of your golf clubs.

You can expect that with a value bag, the color will probably fade, and there will be issues with fabric and zippers at some point that cause you to need a replacement. However, for those on a budget or golfers looking for an extra bag, this is a good choice.

The value bag is also smart for beginners that are not sure they plan to stick with the game.

Average Bag

The average golf bag ranges from around $100 to $200. At the higher end of this range, you may see some premium bags that are a year or two old, and their pricing is starting to drop.

In this price range, you will notice that the cart bags are more expensive than the stand bags. Most cart bags are bigger and have some extra features that the stand bags don’t have. This makes them a bit more expensive.

Although this is not a cheap price range for bags, it is where most golfers will end up when they decide on something to purchase.

Premium Golf Bag

Premium golf bags are for golfers that are not willing to sacrifice features and functionality. If you want magnetic pockets, a place to store all of your valuables, and a removable ball pocket that can be customized, this is the category you will end up in.

Premium golf bags are known to last for a long time and often have fabric that does not fade or rip.

These golf bags are made by some of the best manufacturers in the game, and they often come with warranties. Expect the costs here to be over the $200 mark, with most getting closer to $300.

Luxury

A luxury golf bag will have many of the same features as a premium golf bag, except the fabric will typically be a bit more advanced. Many of these bags are leather or hand sewn and are ordered more as specialty items.

Although we consider this category to be in the $400-$500 range, there are some bags that can go into the $1000 range.

With luxury golf bags, you typically get something that is more of a one-of-a-kind piece. You will

also notice that many tour-style golf bags can be considered more of a luxury item.

The 2 Main Types of Golf Bags

There are two main types of golf bags a stand bag and a cart bag. Although you can use a stand bag for various purposes, using a cart bag for anything other than riding on a cart can be a bit of a nuisance.

Stand Bag

A stand bag is meant for walking the golf course. Most of these will come with a strap on the back that allows you to carry the golf bag almost like a backpack. The stand bag is typically sleek looking and a bit more lightweight than a cart bag.

One of the best things about stand bags is that if you choose not to walk the course and you want to ride for one round, the stand bag can work for you.

Most of the time, stand bags are a bit lower in price than cart bags.

Cart Bag

A cart bag is a golf bag designed specifically for a golf cart. When you put the golf cart bag into the cart, it straps in tightly and won’t move much as you play. Cart bags are great for protecting your golf clubs as well as allowing you to store all of your golf gear.

One thing that you have to watch out for with cart bags is that they are a bit heavier, and they can also be more money.

If you are a player that does not have much gear and doesn’t want much gear, you may not need a cart bag.

What You Should Expect to Pay for a Golf Bag (Based on Skill Level)

Another factor that comes into play when looking for a golf bag is how your skill level will impact the bag you choose. Of course, it’s fine for any player to choose a bag that they love; there are some things here to keep in mind.

Remember also that regardless of your handicap, you must consider whether you like to walk or ride the golf course. Walking the course with a big heavy cart bag is not fun at all!

Beginner/High Handicap

Beginners and high handicappers should look for golf bags that are lightweight and cheap. If golf ends up being a sport that you don’t stick with, there is no sense in owning a $400 golf bag. Stay in the $75 to $150 range.

If you go for a stand bag, walking becomes an option, and that can save some money as well.

Mid Handicap

The mid handicapper makes up the majority of the golfing population. This is the group of players that typically spend between $100 and $250 on a golf bag. If you play golf on a cart, most of the time, tour cart bags are a great solution; tour bags are not necessary at all.

With mid handicappers, make sure to have full-length apparel pockets to be able to fit golf in all year long and have the proper equipment with you.

Low Handicap

Low handicap players tend to look for golf bags that have a few extra features. Things like a cooler pocket, full length dividers to protect golf gear, premium shoulder strap, and easy lift handles. Low handicap players are often the most particular of golfers and spend $250 and up on new golf bags.

The type of golf bag that works best for low-handicap players will vary depending on whether you prefer to walk or ride the course.

Our Top 3 Golf Bags to Consider

Here are some of the best golf bags on the market in various price ranges. New bags come to the market every year, and they offer technology that you may not have even known about.

Things like swivel tops and magnetic pockets have been some of the more recent additions to golf bags in the last few years.

Best Overall for Beginners/High Handicappers: Snake Eyes Golf Ultra Premium Cart Bag

Pros

• Velour lined valuables pocket
• Rangefinder pocket
• 2 Full length garment pockets
• 14 Way top

Cons

• Not the best choice for the beginner that likes to walk the course
• Limited color selection

For a beginner golfer who is new to the game but wants to feel well-equipped to spend some time out on the golf course, the Snake Eyes Golf Ultra Premium Cart Bag is a great option to consider.

This 10” top has 14 full-length dividers making sure that all of your clubs are adequately protected as you ride around the course. This bag also works well on a push cart for those that want to walk and push their clubs.

There are a total of 9 pockets to accommodate a wide variety of your gear. In addition, an insulated hydration pocket makes sure you are always feeling hydrated before you swing.

Best for Golfers on a Budget (Izzo Ultralight Stand Bag)

Pros

• Customizable ball pocket
• Dual strap carry system
• 3.2 pounds total weight

Cons

• The bag will fade over time
• Full-length dividers are not all that durable; not very many of them

With 6 different colors to choose from and some of the more lightweight technology on the market, this is a great budget golf bag. With budget golf bags, players have to be willing to give up a feature or two, and with the Ultra Lite Stand Bag, you won’t have to sacrifice much.

The bag is made of high-strength polyester, and it only weighs 2.3 pounds. The dual carry strap works well to balance the weight between your two shoulders. If you are walking the course, the Izzo Ultralight Stand Bag has enough room to accommodate everything you need.

Best Premium Golf Bag: Sun Mountain C-130 Cart Bag

Pros

• One water-resistant pocket
• Ventilated cooler pocket
• Separate putter compartment
• More than 8 colors to choose from
• Fourteen individual club dividers

Cons

• Sun Mountain has always made some of the higher-priced golf bags on the market

Sun Mountain makes some of the most premium golf bag choices on the market. With the Sun Mountain C-130, expect fourteen individual club dividers, a dedicated putter compartment, and velour-lined valuables pockets for all of your belongings.

The Sun Mountain brand always seems to tap into exactly what players are looking for. They break down the things that matter most for golfers, like organization and ease of use, and build premium quality golf bags that touch on all of these points.

There are a total of 13 pockets in this golf bag, making it incredibly easy to put all of your gear where it belongs. In addition, players of all levels love the dedicated putter compartment that holds your most used golf club.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children. Current Handicap: 1

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Want to know more about some far-flung golf course that most people have never heard of? Want to dig into the details of the Golfweek’s Best course rankings, or those of other publications? Or just want to sit and listen with fascination as one of the most well-traveled players in the world speaks with incredible intelligence about great golf holes, long walks and dream vacations? 

There is a lot of information out there on how to putt and how to putt better. After all, putting is, without a doubt, the most important part of the game.

For many amateur players, it can be difficult to narrow down which information is worth following.

With putting tips, you don’t necessarily need to follow them all. Instead, it’s about getting a simple thought or feeling that can change the way you look at the game. Sometimes all it takes is one tip, and things start to fall into place on the golf course.

Putting has always been the weakest part of my game; however, by working through issues with routine, rhythm, and alignment, it’s become one of my strong points. With putting, there is always room for improvement.

Dave Stockton: How To Sink Putts

As a kid, Dave Stockton was my favorite golfer. He was at the top of the leaderboard week after week, was a solid player to watch, and for the time being, won more money than any other player on the senior PGA Tour.

When it comes to winning money on tour, one thing that seems to be a trend is being a good putter.

In this video, Dave Stockton goes through all of his best tips on how to approach putting. There is a lot of information here, and I recommend going through it in steps.

However, the tip most golfers will benefit from is how Stockton relates putting to shooting pool. He talks about standing behind the ball as you approach. In pool, you never come from beside the ball to line up your shot; you must be behind it, looking down the line.

Clay Ballard: 2 To 1 Putting Stroke

Clay Ballard is a top instructor and great golfer that knows how to instruct the best golfers in and around the putting greens. One of the best tips that Clay gives is that the pendulum putting stroke can be a little misleading.

With a pendulum type stroke, golfers often think you will take the club as far back as you swing it forward. This is not the case.

After doing quite a bit of studying of professional golfers, they found that these players take the club back about half as far as they swing the putter forward. If you were going to time this, it wouldn’t be one for the backswing and one for the follow-through; instead, one on the backswing and two on the follow-through.

We learn from this tip that acceleration in the putting stroke is incredibly important and something that professional golfers focus on.

For you, as an amateur player, it will feel like a shorter backswing and extended follow-through. The putts should come off the clubface with a bit more jump.

Matt Ballard: Keep Moving To Make Short Putts

Mall Ballard is another PGA Teaching Professional that has a unique approach to teaching the game of golf. We loved his tips in this video about making those shorter putts that matter even when money, scores, or trophies are on the line.

One of the issues that players face when trying to sink shorter putts is tension. You know in your mind that you must make the putt, so tension starts to creep in. Instead of your stroke feeling smooth and confident, it feels forced and almost jerky.

The best way to deal with this is to learn to get the tension out.

Of course, you can tell yourself to relax, but we know that doesn’t work all that well. Instead, Matt Ballard says to keep moving. Don’t stand over the ball for so long that you feel locked in and stuff.

Move your feet around, get the blood flowing, and keep yourself more dynamic. This is the best way to ensure that your golf putting stroke has less tension. Even in your hands, the tension will decrease.

Lag putts are important and help you get close to the hole, but these short putts allow you to score, and Mall Ballard’s tip makes it much easier to get that done.

Dave Pelz: Circle Putting Drill

Dave Pelz is a short game and putting expert. His information and knowledge have led to some of the best putting drills in the game. Pelz talks about everything from distance control to speed control to alignment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nk8ma48F-UE

However, in this particular drill, Pelz wants players to work on making a series of 3-foot putts. These putts are set up in a circle around the hole from a distance of about 3 feet. Try to get ten golf balls to fit in this circle.
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have been known to do this drill and have had tremendous success with it.

When making these putts, you will immediately know your putting stroke and alignment are correct. When you miss one, there is a chance that your putter face is not lined up correctly or your stroke is not consistent.

One of the most important aspects of becoming a better player is knowing where your mistakes come from; this drill will help narrow that down for players. If you get really good from 3 feet and want to move to 4 feet, it’s only going to help you the next time you try to shoot lower scores on the course.

Rickie Fowler: Take The Same Amount of Time

We know that consistency in putting is important. You will want to ensure your putting stroke is about the same each time you swing it. In addition, making sure the setup is perfect will help increase the number of putts that go into the hole.

However, there is another important aspect here, and that is the timing of your routine. In this video, Ricki Fowler talks to coach Butch Harmon about his putting routine and how he does it the exact same way every time.

What is so important about this video is that the putting routine does not change even on the shorter putts. The time it takes to line up, get into the address position, stare down the hole, and eventually make a stroke is the same for short putts as it is for long putts.

For golfers to get the feel of the putt down and shoot lower scores, this consistency in the timing of the routine is incredibly important. This is what trains our brains to make more putts. If you watch golf professionals on the putting green, you will see that they remain incredibly consistent in their actions and motions.

Tiger Woods: Right Hand Only Putting

Tiger Woods is arguably one of the best putters the game of golf has ever seen. In fact, his putting under pressure was something that didn’t even seem human for a while. One thing we know about Tiger is that he puts a lot of time on the putting green. He knows that this is where tournaments are won.

One of the most important aspects of putting, according to Tiger, is ensuring that the putter’s face is square at the address. Some golfers take an arc-style stroke and rotate the putter head open and the square at address.

Others will take the club straight back and straight through.

Tiger’s point is that it doesn’t matter which way you take the club back as long as you can consistently return to square every time.

He sets up a drill on the putting green using two tees that will be a guide for a square putter face. In addition, Tiger likes to start with a drill that allows him to make putts with just his right hand on the putter.

This putting drill encourages a better start line and more putts that roll the way you expect them to. In addition, when you can properly incorporate the right hand into your golf stroke before you get out to the course, you will notice more consistency.

Some golfers will even add a few right-hand-only practice strokes to their putting routine when they get this feeling down.

When Tiger works on a drill like that, he will do it from about 4 feet away. Although you can do it longer, the putter head may start to wobble on some of the longer putts, and this could defeat the purpose of the drill.

Tiger has plenty of other important information to share about putting, but you have to find the tidbit of information that works for you.

Britt Olizarowicz: Look Before You Go

With all of these great tips from some of the best golfers and instructors in the game, I was inspired to share one of my own. I’m not sure of the origin of this tip, but I know that it has helped me in my ability to make more putts on the golf course.

One thing that amateur golfers struggle with in putting is focusing on hitting the ball. Of course, we need to make contact with the ball, but in putting, our main goal is to roll the ball into the hole.

In order to roll the ball into the hole, we need to focus on the hole more than on the golf stroke.

Most putting routines have players stand over the ball for much too long. They don’t look down the line at the hole after being set up to putt. I feel as though this technique allows our brains to forget the original goal.

The goal is to roll the ball to the hole, and the last thing I do before I make a stroke looks at the hole. This has become so effective that I have incorporated it into my full swing. The last thing I do before I pull the trigger on any shot is looking at the hole.

I look at the hole, look back down at the ball, and go.

Of course, you will have to establish timing on this that works for your game. It’s intended to happen slowly and with a smooth feel, but if you can be smart about allowing your brain the time it needs to look at the hole, you will putt better.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children. Current Handicap: 1

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