Whether you love to have a few beers during a social game of golf or keep your lunch as fresh as possible, a golf bag with a cooler pocket is the perfect solution.
Which of the best golf bags with a cooler is best for you?
There are plenty available on the market. So many that making a decision can be an overwhelming task. Below you’ll learn the features and specs of the best golf bag with a cooler pocket for your needs.
Read on to learn everything you need to know.
The Best Golf Bags With Coolers
1. Bag Boy Chiller Golf Bag – Best Overall
Pros
- Durable, lightweight design
- Affordable
- Available as a stand bag or cart bag
Cons
- No front lift handle on the cart version makes it a little difficult to load onto the cart.
Rating: ★★★★★
Features
- 9 pockets with zips
- Patented Top-LOK bag to cart attachment technology
- Insulated removable chiller/cooler (six 12-ounce)
- Full-length organizer with 14 dividers
- Total weight of 5.4 lbs
- Dual access umbrella and matching hood
- Color options:
- Black & Charcoal (combined with either Red, royal, or lime.)
- Red, white and blue combination
- Navy, Charcoal, and Orange combination
- Durable design
Bag Boy is one of the best golf bag brands in the industry. After some time with their latest Bag Boy Chiller, it becomes clear why this is so.
At just slightly under $240, you get nine zippered pockets, all designed for different golf accessories you might need while on the course. The cooler bag packs enough space for six 12-ounce cans, which is definitely enough to keep you hydrated for an entire round. In addition, you can even remove it for use while you are outside the course.
At the top of the bag is a full-length organizer with dividers for up to 14 clubs. The putter well is rubberized for protection against damage. It also has an umbrella holder and rain hood just in case you need something for the bad weather. With a total weight of just 5.4 lbs and its Top-Lok bag to-cart attachment technology, you can easily move this bag around without breaking your back. For the average golfer, there’s no reason not to opt for a Bag Boys Chiller Golf Bag. Its quality-to-cost ratio is impressive.
You can get these as a golf cart bag with a cooler pocket or a stand golf bag with a cooler.
For More: Read The Best Golf Bag Coolers on the Market
2. The Bucket II Collegiate – Best for College Players and Fans
Pros
- Drain on the cooler helps with cleaning and draining spillage
- You get to rock your team’s colors
Cons
- There are no options without the team colors
Rating: ★★★★☆
Features
- 8 pockets with zips
- 14- Club organization divider
- Insulated cooler with drain hole
- Exclusively Collegiate colors
- Rubber padded handles
- Round pocket holes for easy accessory access
- Umbrella pocket, rain hood, and pen sleeve
- Unique cart strap pass-through system for easy access to pockets
- Total weight of 7.8 Pounds
This golf bag with a built-in cooler comes with different collegiate trademark colors so fans can support their favorite college teams. Manufacturers opted for 2D nylon as it is durable and makes the bag have an overall lightweight and compact design. When moving the bag around, you will also notice that the handles are molded with rubber for ultimate comfort levels.
One positive thing you will notice about this cooler is its unique integrated drainage hole. This feature can come in pretty handy when there is spillage or simply when one wants to clean their cooler. It has eight zippered pockets with some waterproofed using velour lining. This bag is the ultimate course management partner with an integrated pen sleeve and a special rangefinder pocket.
For the organization of clubs, there is a 14-club divider at the top. Equally, rounded tops on the pockets allow golfers to access their accessories while on the course quickly.
A unique cart strap pass-thru system gives easy access to the pockets even when the bag is on the cart. Additional features such as an umbrella pocket, a rain hood, and a towel ring add to the entire Bucket II Collegiate experience.
3. MacGregor Golf VIP Deluxe – Best Budget-Friendly Option
Pros
- Lots of features
- Good price
Cons
- Dividers are not full length
- Heavy
- Unstable when placed on the ground
Rating: ★★★★☆
Features
- 9 pockets.
- 14- Top club organization divider (Not full length)
- Color options- Various combinations of black, blue, and green
- Insulated cooler (Five 12-ounce cans)
- Buckle clip (can be used for towels or to attach GPS)
- Umbrella holder and Velcro glove holder
- Total weight of 7.7 lbs
If you are looking for a wallet-friendly golf bag option packed with just enough features, including a cooler, the Macgregor Golf Cooler is the way to go. This bag has a removable insulated cooler pouch that can store up to five 12-ounce cans.
It has nine pockets for storage, including a valuables pockets, two full-length apparel pockets, and a golf ball compartment. Additionally, 14 top dividers help you keep your clubs organized. But, it is important to note that the dividers are not full length.
At just 7.7 lbs. it isn’t that heavy to pull behind you. Easy handling comes with quick access handles that make loading onto a cart easy. Additional features such as an umbrella holder, a buckle clip that can be used for towels or to attach GPS, and a Velcro glove holder are also included.
This is one of the best golf bags with built-in coolers, especially considering the cost.
4. Cobra Golf Ultralight Cart Bag – Most Cooler Space
Pros
- Surplus cooler storage space
- Lightweight design
Cons
- The club grips tend to get cold near the cooler
- Expensive
Rating: ★★★★☆
Features
- Made with 100% polyester
- 13 pockets
- Insulated oversize Cooler (Up to twelve 12-ounce cans)
- Cart strap pass-through system for easy access to pockets
- Antique Bronze black color
- Shoulder strap (Single) and rain hood included
- 14- Club organization divider
- Total weight of 5.3 lbs
For those with a high drinking capacity, the Cobra Golf Ultralight Cart Bag will likely keep you satisfied every time you head to your local course for a social game. This bag comes with a maximum storage of up to twelve 12-ounce cans.
As the name suggests, this bag is pretty lightweight as it’s made of 100% polyester. It has a total weight of just 5.3 lbs. Also, the bag comes with dual padded handles and a single shoulder strap which can come in handy when loading it into your cart. You could also use it as a carry bag for 9 holes.
While earlier versions only had three full-length dividers, Cobra Golf has since upgraded the latest ones to include dividers with 14 spaces.
With 13 pockets, you can have plenty of space to store anything. It also comes with the latest Cart strap pass-thru technology, which allows easy loading and easy access to the pockets even while on the cart. To safely store your rangefinder, the bag comes with a dual fleece pocket for extra protection.
5. TaylorMade Supreme Cart Bag – Premium Option
Pros
- Extra club space, including a polymer patch, protected the putt well
- Extra storage space
- Durable with a lot of features
Cons
- Considering its price, the dividers should be full length
- Expensive
- Heavy
Rating: ★★★★☆
Features
- 11 pockets
- Insulated cooler with an automatic, integrated drain
- Multiple Color options
- 15-way top dividers
- Extra strength waterproof zippers
- Two micro-suede zippers
- Shoulder strap (Single) and rain hood included
- Weighs 7 lbs
For a premium choice, the TaylorMade Supreme Cart Bag is a durable, reliable option packed with extra features. The bag has a 15-way top organizer, including a dedicated putter fitted with a polymer patch for additional protection.
You will notice immediately that the interior space is perfect for all types of TaylorMade clubs.
The bag has 11 pockets, more than enough storage for most golfers. The pockets are deep with forward-facing designs to enable maximum storage capacity and easy access.
While the zippers are all durable, there are two micro suede ones for extra protection when storing valuables.
A sturdy design ensures that the bag remains stable no matter where you place it and keeps items intact even when traveling.
The cooler storage is large enough to carry a few drinks and snacks while on the course. Also, an automatic integrated drain system in the cooler removes the extra spillage water that might build up in the compartment.
Benefits of Using a Golf Bag With a Cooler
While a golf bag with a cooler may not have any technical benefits when it comes to the actual game, there are some benefits to having one.
For one, if you plan on spending a lot of time on the course, this can be a good way to stay hydrated. This will impact your mental state and help you stay focused while taking shots.
Another advantage is it might make the game even more enjoyable. There is nothing like a cold drink to keep your energy levels high while you are on your round.
Golf Bags With A Cooler FAQ
Can You Carry Your Own Food To The Course?
You will find that most clubs will recommend that drinks and food can only be purchased from their restaurants or clubhouse. Even then, some clubs will allow players to carry drinks and snacks from home.
How Do You Keep Beer Cold in a Golf Bag?
While there are multiple ways you could think of to keep drinks cold in a bag, the best way is to invest in a bag with a cooler. These bags have insulated cooling systems that will keep your drink’s temperature down while you are at the course.
Even then, you might need an ice pack to keep the drinks cold for more extended periods, even with this method. This is because these systems don’t generate cold or hot conditions. Rather, they maintain temperature.
Can You Drink at the Golf Course?
The rules on food and snack consumption while on the course vary with golf clubs. However, most clubs will allow you to drink or carry a light snack while on the course. Many clubs that allow food and drink on the course still don’t allow alcohol, so you should check first.
Do I Really Need a Golf Bag With a Built-in Cooler?
This is mostly dependent on you. Suppose you are looking to have a cold drink now and then while on the course; very few options are as convenient as a golf bag with a built-in cooler. In addition, when you consider the other options allowed by your specific club, you may find that a bag with a cooler is the best-allowed option.
Does A Cooler Make the Bag Heavier or Bulkier?
Generally, a cooler pocket, especially when loaded with drinks, will make the bag heavier. You may also notice that golf bags with in-built coolers tend to be bulkier than those without. This is because of the extra space needed to accommodate the cooler. So you should consider this when making your choice. But, few other options are as simple as having the cooler bag built into your bag. You could consider getting a bag cooler instead.
What Is the Storage Capacity of Built-in Golf Bag Coolers?
This varies depending on the brand and type of bag. Commonly, you will find that the cooler storage capacity is measured in terms of how many 12-ounce cans it can fit when full.
Final Thoughts – Picking the Right Golf Bag With a Cooler
The benefits of having a golf bag with a cooler are seemingly endless. Golf bags with coolers take the entire golfing experience to the next level. Depending on your preferences, we believe the bags on this list can accommodate all types of players.
For an all-around balance of golfing features and a cooler experience, we recommend the Bag Boy Chiller.
However, if you are looking for a cheaper option you can use occasionally, the Mcgregor Golf Cooler is a good option too.
Chris's love for golf is only rivaled by his wanderlust. A globetrotter at heart, He’s played courses throughout Europe and Asia and at home in NSW, Australia. With a writing style as smooth as his golf swing, he’ll help you find the right gear to match your skill level and style. You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn.
