The 5 Best Golf Bag (& Cart) Coolers

Walking or driving around the course in the sizzling weather can be a thirsty business calling for some cool refreshments.

Some people will prefer to wait for the halfway house to replenish their liquid intake, but there is no harm in taking precautions and stocking up with ice and liquids or the odd energy bar. A solid golf bag cooler choice will enhance your enjoyment and, no doubt, your performance.

What’s the best golf bag cooler for you? How much storage do you need? What’s your budget?

Read on to learn the pros and cons of the best golf bag coolers. You can also find the best golf cart coolers if you prefer to drive around the course. Below the reviews you’ll also find a buyer’s guide. 

What Are Golf Bag Coolers?

Golf bag coolers are parts of the bag or separate golf bags that golfers bring out on the course with them to keep their drinks to hand.

The primary function of golf cooler bags is to keep your liquid refreshments chilled and enable you to remain hydrated no matter what the temperature is out on the course.

On the golf course, cooler bags are a treat, enabling you to bring your own beverages from home, thus saving money for not having to pay a premium for refreshments when you arrive at the halfway house.

It is also critical to keep yourself hydrated during your round of golf.

Organizing the contents of a golf bag can be full of tough decisions, but an added cooler can make the day much more enjoyable too for you.

What’s The Best Type of Golf Cooler For You?

Built-in

Several bag producers have incorporated their golf coolers into the larger bags in their range. This provides more convenience as you will not be required to purchase and carry 2 bags. However, this increases the bag’s volume substantially and may create difficulty loading it in the boot of your vehicle or on the golf cart.

Typically, these cooler bags are smaller and sufficient to carry drinks for a small group only.

Add-on

Some golfers prefer an add-on cooler bag as this reduces the difficulty of loading it into the vehicle, and the golf bags that do not contain the cooler bag are normally cheaper than one that includes the cooler bag. Besides, the cooler bag can then be utilized on other occasions too.

Since the coolers are detached and functional away from the golf course, the wall thickness and insulation materials are less constrained, and consequently, the cooling capacity improves considerably.

Golf Cart Coolers

The third category of cooler bags is larger and capable of hauling a larger load since they fit in the basket at the rear of the cart. These coolers are designed for events where a larger group of golfers must be catered for, as the best golf coolers can hold 12 to 18 cans. The flexible cooler bag could face a reduced ice life as the flexible bags have less insulation and cooling capacity.

How We Tested These Golf Coolers

Golfspan is independent and not pressured by manufacturers to recommend products. We were not paid for the reviews in this article. These golf coolers were selected by our team, who have over 100 years of experience playing golf and thousands of hours reviewing products. But we may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase something through our retail links.

Reviews of the Best Coolers for Golf

1. Coleman 24-Hour 16-Can Cooler – Best Overall Golf Bag Cooler

View on Amazon

Pros:

• Highly affordable
• Long cooling time

Cons:

• Need to use with a cart as a bit large

The Coleman Company was born after W.C. Coleman ambled after another tough day peddling typewriters. He noticed a different type of lamplight in a drugstore window in Brockton, Alabama.

W.C. was afflicted with weak sight and was fascinated by this continuous white light that empowered him to read even the smallest font. Coleman saw promise in the new light, making his name synonymous with outdoor living.

Storage Capacity

It is promoted as having a 16-can capacity which can provide for you and friends.

Design

The Coleman cooler is made from a durable nylon fabric with a top zipper and a zipper on the flank for straightforward access to the contents.

Verdict

Coleman is a well-known manufacturer of outdoor peripherals, and the sleeve is another in a long line of trusted products. It will keep your drinks cold even without ice for a full day if they are cold when loaded.

2. Caddy Daddy Golf Cooler – Best Budget Golf Bag Cooler

View on Amazon

Pros:

• Stealth – easy to hide inside your bag
• Side zipper allows for easy access when hidden inside our golf bag.
• Value for money
• Adjustable shoulder strap and top handle for better portability
• Ice pack comes as a standard
• Leak-proof liner
• Versatile for use outside of golf

Cons:

• Only 5 cans will fit comfortably.

Caddy Daddy Golf has a stellar reputation for producing cutting-edge products using top-quality materials and golf coolers that keep beverages ice cold. The company has experienced incredible growth over the past years and continues to develop an assortment of quality golf products.

Storage Capacity

The Caddy Daddy is manufactured from nylon, measures 16.1 x 6.3 x 2.4″, weighs in at 1 pound 8 ounces, and carries up to 5 cans with ample space to load ice. The compact size will make it easy to hide inside your bag if required. Ice will last between 3 and 5 hours.

Design

Designed to fit into most larger golf bags, the Caddy Daffy has a heat-sealed liner to prevent leaks and comes with a reusable ice pack. Entry to the contents is via a side zipper, making accessing the contents easier when the bag is concealed within a compartment of the main golf bag.

There is an adjustable and removable shoulder strap, and a top handle to carry the bag. A further zipped pocket for storage of smaller items on the exterior rounds off the complete package.

Verdict

A good product from a well-respected manufacturer that will carry 5 cans comfortably and is easy to hide inside our golf bag.

3. Athletico Golf Cooler Bag

View on Amazon

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact
• Discreet, easily fits into golf bags
• Versatile
• Strong insulation, keeps drinks cool for the full round
• Durable materials

Cons:

• Smaller carrying capacity than some
• More expensive than most bags of this size.

Athletico is a well-known sports bag manufacturer based here in the US, offering handy accessories for various sports, from lacrosse to skiing, to scuba diving. They strive for quality in everything they make, and their golf cooler bag makes no exception.

Storage Capacity

The tote measures 16” tall, 6.3” wide, and 3” – easily enough space for six 12oz cans of soda or beer, or two bottles of wine, also leaving adequate space for ice.

In addition to the main storage, there’s also an exterior zippered storage pocket – very handy for packing those extra little bits and bobs.

Design

This lightweight, conveniently compact cooler is highly portable and easy to hide away in your golf bag. The side pocket placement provides quick access to your drinks, causing a minimal disturbance as you go about your round.

The material is durable, tear-resistant, and water-resistant, utilizing thick foam insulation with silver PEVA lining. Not only is this built to last, but it’s also there to provide superior insulation, keeping your drinks ice cold and refreshing until the 18th hole.

Taking this a step further, Athletico has cleverly sealed the seams of this bag with heat, making them superior to the conventional seams and stitches seen on other tote bags. When it comes to insulation, every tiny detail has a big impact; these heat-sealed seams make a huge difference.

The bag also comes with a removable padded strap. This comes in handy when you’re using it separately from a golf bag, for instance, for a picnic, a campout, or another sporting event.

Verdict

A high-quality, precisely measured, well-designed golf cooler that should fit nicely into your golf bag, providing easy access to a stack of ice-cold beverages. It’s a touch more expensive than some, but the assurance of Athletico’s commitment to quality is well worth the price tag.

4. ClicgearProActive Pushcart Cooler Tube

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Pros:

• Ice can be placed directly into the tube.
• Best suited for Clicgear and Rovic carts
• Exterior mesh pockets
• An ideal shape for tins and bottles

Cons:

• Caters for individual needs only

Clicgear is a company that designs and manufactures high-quality and innovative sports products at their factory in Hong Kong. Although renowned for their pushcarts, they also produce many different accessories to fit their key product lines.

The Clicgear’sProActive Cooler Tube is no exception. As a simple and compact cooler bag, it is designed to fit seamlessly onto your Clicgear pushcart and works effectively to retain the coolness required to quench your thirst.

Storage Capacity

2 X 12-ounce cans fit perfectly into the bag, measuring 4.75″ x 11″ and weighing in at an extremely light 6.7 ounces and measuring 4.75 inches by 11 inches, making it the smallest bag under review.

Design

It uses watertight nylon and an insulated liner shaped in a tube format to facilitate storing both tins and bottles. Ice is inserted directly into the tube and as a result, it is in direct contact with the contents. Access to the interior is via a zipped lid on the top side of the tube.

On the outside, you will find 2 mesh pockets, one on either side of the tube, to store smaller items.

Verdict

A well-designed and crafted golf cooler bag from a reputable manufacturer that will not weigh you down with superfluous bulk and weight. This is ideal for someone that looks after his own needs and can replenish again at a halfway house.

5. Caddyswag Par 6 Pack Golf Bag Cooler

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Pros:

• Versatile
• Keeps drinks cold for long periods
• Compact size, lightweight
• Discreet, easy to fit into the golf bag’s side pocket
• Good storage capacity
• Comes with ice packs
• Adjustable shoulder strap

Cons:

• Leaks if normal ice used

An unusual company appeared on Shark Tank and produces a cooler bag for thirsty golfers.

Storage Capacity

The Caddyswag is capable of storing 6 x 12 oz cans weighing 13 ounces, and dimensions of 19” X 8” will enable it to fit easily inside the compartment of a large bag.

Design and Convenience

Fabricated from lightweight but durable 300 x 600D polyester with a one-ounce PU layer and a dense, closed-cell foam lining to keep drinks cold. A standard issue with a reusable malleable gel pack is that the bag tends to leak if you use normal ice. The slender shape fits neatly into the pocket of a golf bag.

The modifiable shoulder strap also makes it handy to take it on other occasions.

Verdict

A sleek design that fits securely in your golf bag pocket and is for use elsewhere than golf too. Ensure you use the supplied ice packs as it leaks when normal ice is used.

Conclusion: What’s The Best Golf Bag Cooler?

Numerous distinctive cooler bags in various sizes allow you to carry anywhere from 2 to 48 cans. We have targeted this piece at the smaller cooler bags available that will be more to the benefit of the individual to small groupings of golfers.

Cooler bags that will keep your refreshments cool for the duration of 18 holes and will retain the molten ice without leaking will be the safest bet to ensure you get home dry and well-hydrated on the inside.

As more and more golf courses are exploring options to boost their revenues by banning the use of cooler bags, manufacturers have discovered imaginative ways to counter that by producing smaller cooler bags to fit in your golf bag and make them discreet.

If you’re on a budget, the Caddy Daddy Golf Cooler is a solid option to subtly carry a handful of cans. It will do the job nicely.

Our vote for the best cooler bag goes to Coleman Can Cooler Sleeve since it will maintain the chilliness of your beverages even if you do not add ice to the sleeve.

Reviews of the Best Golf Cart Coolers

1. Drive-Up Golf Cart Ice Cooler Plus Mounting Bracket – Best Pick

View on Amazon

Pros:

• Easy to put on and take off
• Doesn’t get in the way of clubs
• Allows for a refreshing drink anytime

Cons:

• Rather expensive
• Only suitable for 2-seater cars

Golf cart cooler bags are a luxury, and Drive-up does them very well. This bag fits the Club Car Precedent, TEMPO, and Onward. The package includes one ice cooler, one bracket, and two cross-flange screws.

Storage Capacity

The cart cooler measures 8” tall, 12.99” wide on one side, and 7.8” on the other side, so it caters to several small bottles or cans with ice.

Design

The cooler can be installed onto the side of the cart easily and looks smart when in position too. The high-quality material also keeps the drinks cool on the inside and allows for no coolness to leave, keeping you hydrated across the round.

It can also be used for other purposes such as a picnic and camping. When doing so, it can be transported and used easily.

Verdict

This effective, easy-to-use cooler is ideal for a pair enjoying a round of golf together. It can also be used for other activities too. It is quite expensive, but the quality and potential for varying uses make up for that as it is one of – if not the – best golf cooler bag

2. In The Zone Golf Cart Cooler – Best Budget

View on Amazon

Pros:

• Won’t leak
• Insulation keeps drinks cold
• Access hatch allows you to get refreshments quickly
• Can be conveniently stored and is practical

Cons:

• In heavy rain, it could struggle to stay rain resistant

Based here in the USA, In The Zone prides itself on products to keep your drinks fridge-cold when out on the course, and its golf cart cooler is a clever product that does exactly that.

Storage Capacity

It is 11.5” tall and 9” wide and is made to fit nicely in a cart basket on the fender secured to the cart with the shoulder strap. The cooler can keep 8 bottles cool or 10 – 14 cans, depending on how packed.

Design

The cooler is meant to be used with ice, and In The Zone guarantees that the heat-welded liner won’t leak. The outer shell is also resistant to light rain. The access hatch means you do not have to unzip and re-zip, which maximizes cooling time for your drinks.

It is also portable and folds away nicely by compressing it and attaching the straps. That means it can also be packed in suitcases, cars, and beach bags.

Verdict

In The Zone’s golf cooler bag is a wise purchase for a golfer looking for a bag to add to their cart. It is very practical for many uses, and for the price, the cooler would represent a great pick to join you on your cart.

3. Callaway Soft Cooler Bag Gift Set

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Pros:

• Collapsible
• Comes with two magnetic koozies to attach to the frame of the cart
• Very easy access to drinks
• Durable material

Cons:

• Doesn’t hold lots of cans

The renowned Callaway produces a range of golfing items, including several types of coolers, including this soft cooler bag set.

Storage Capacity

The cooler is 8” x 6” x 6”. It is built to safely hold a 6-pack of 12-oz cans with ice.

Design

The cooler is constructed from durable nylon. Additionally, forget a beer sleeve for the golf bag. The beer bottle koozies are equipped with magnets strong enough to securely hold a full can without dislodging or sliding, so you can take it whenever you like while it stays cool.

Verdict

The set makes for a great gift for a special occasion as, for a respectable price, the cooler bag can sit comfortably on the golf cart, and the magnetic koozies make having a drink whenever you like as easy as can be.

4. McNick & Company Golf Cooler

View on Amazon

Pros:

• The cheapest of the recommendations
• Extra storage space
• Easily accessible

Cons:

• Not fully drip/leak proof

With products made in the USA, McNick & Company produces golf accessories like golf coolers.

Storage Capacity

It is promoted as a cooler that fits up to 24 12-oz cans.

Design

This cooler is made from a nylon blend and polyester.

Verdict

The cooler, said to fit perfectly into most golf cart racks, can also keep your accessories in too with two zips. It is the cheapest option and is just leak and drip-resistant rather than proof, so there is always the chance it could leak. It is a handy option if you’re on a budget and don’t mind this.

5. Judogolf Golf Cooler

View on Amazon

Pros:

• Tear and leak resistant
• Extra storage space
• Quick access top
• Versatile use

Cons:

• No add-ons from brand

Judogolf is a brand that has made positive waves with golfers who have opted for its cooler. 

Storage Capacity

It can hold either 14 12-oz cans or 8 16-oz bottles.

Design

It’s made with 8mm of foam insulation and is tear resistant. The hot pressing liner also makes it leak-proof. There are also two opening options, including a velcro top so you can just grab a beer without unzipping anything. It is also designed with a side mesh pocket and small slots to store small golf accessories.

Verdict

This cooler would be a great pick-up to sit inside your golf cart basket. It has everything you would wish for in a cooler for this price.

Conclusion: What’s The Best Golf Cart Cooler? 

If you have a golf cart for your round, then you can afford to perhaps take a larger cooler than you would if it attaches to your bag. The golf bag cooler can bring lots of cans or bottles for you to enjoy.

Our recommendation for the best cooler for golf when using a cart is the Drive-up golf cart ice cooler, as it can keep numerous drinks cool with solid insulation and fits easily on the bracket to keep it in place.

If you are on a budget, though, our tip for the best golf cooler bag to use on a cart is the In The Zone golf cart cooler because it has everything you could want for a cooler at that price.

Considerations When Looking for the Best Golf Bag Cooler

Stealth

Some golf courses have regulations to curb the use of cooler bags while out on the course as they want to compel golfers to use their amenities at increased prices and boost their revenue. Under these circumstances, your cooler bag ought to be virtually indistinguishable from the club.

Cost-Effective

Your budget for the cooler bags ought to consider the number of times you will use it and the money you will save by bringing your own refreshments from home. Should the bag be detached and utilized in other instances, your investment will be recouped more easily than a dedicated bag that is only used for golfing. Luckily, even for the best golf cooler, the price isn’t overly excessive. Thus, you are unlikely to miss out on the return on your investment.

Lightweight

Unless you use a golf cart, the cooler bag should be produced from lightweight material. You are already increasing the load to your bag by adding the refreshments, and taking a heavyweight cooler bag will render it virtually insufferable to carry the additional weight.

Compact

Keep the size of the cooler bag down to a convenient size. There is no need to take a colossal bag that will keep your refreshments cool for days when you will barely spend more than 5 hours on your excursion.

Good Storage Capacity

Make certain that the cooler bag will provide the capacity to hold the number of cans you consume for the duration you are out on the course. There is no necessity to acquire a cooler bag that can hold 12 beers when you only consume 4 during your round.

Durability

As you are likely to use the cooler bag occasionally and you don’t want to buy a new one every year, make sure that the cooler bag will be able to remain unused for long periods without losing its capability to keep your refreshments cool or perish in your garage.

Effective Cooling Capacity

The aim of the cooler bags is to keep your refreshments cool. You will be out in the heat of the day for 5 hours or more on a slow day, so your cooler bag must be able to withstand the heat. 

FAQs

Does Yeti Make a Golf Cart Cooler?

The brand is renowned for making great inventions to keep your drinks cool. Though Yeti doesn’t make a golf cart cooler – it focuses on cups, coolers, bags, and other outdoor equipment.

Can You Take a Cooler on a Golf Course?

It depends on the golf course as to whether you can take a cooler on a golf course as they set their own rules. The golfer can choose between a golf bag cooler, an add-on bag, and a golf cart cooler.

How Do You Keep Drinks Cold in a Golf Bag?

In a golf bag, drinks are kept cold by adding ice packs or cooler packs to the drinks compartment. That way, the drinks stay cool despite the conditions that you are golfing in.

Can You Store a Cooler Bag in Your Stand Bag?

There is potential for you to store a cooler bag in your stand bag if one of the side sections is big enough. If it is, then feel free to add a cooler bag packed with a few cold cans while you head around the course.

Can You Take Your Own Water on a Golf Course?

Golfers must stay hydrated, especially when it is hot on the course. That is why golf courses usually allow players to bring their own water on the course. They could have a bottle to hand in their bag or use a golf bag cooler to keep it cold.