Having countless rounds under my belt, I’ve come to appreciate the convenience and efficiency that a top-notch golf shag bag brings to my practice sessions.
They are one of those underrated golfing accessories that can significantly improve your practice time at the range.
In 2023, golf shag bags have been reinvented with better durability, increased storage, and enhanced comfort for golfers.
The best one that stood out for me was the Golfers Club Metal Shag Bag due to its quality and functionality.
Featured Golf Shag Bags
| Best Overall | Best for Innovation | Best Budget Pick | |
| Product Name | The ORIGINAL Shag Bag | Callaway Pro Caddie Ball Shagger | Mizuno Golf Ball Practice Bag |
| Pros |
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| Cons | The bag may degrade over time if exposed to direct sunlight or high heat. | Can become heavy when full. | The zippers can be a bit tricky to use. |
| Price Score | 90/100 | 85/100 | 80/100 |
| Ball Capacity Score | 95/100 | 88/100 | 82/100 |
| Ease of Use Score | 93/100 | 90/100 | 81/100 |
| Durability Score | 91/100 | 86/100 | 84/100 |
| Rating | 4.9 Stars | 4.3 Stars | 4.2 Stars |
What Does A Golf Shag Bag Do?
This invaluable tool is designed to pick up golf balls off the ground efficiently, saving us golfers from the back-breaking task of bending down repeatedly to collect the balls manually.
The very best golf ball shagger does more than just collect golf balls; it’s a genuine game-changer. It expedites the process of retrieving balls, allowing us to focus more on perfecting our swing and less on tidying up the practice range.
Many shaggers come with a storage facility, too, capable of holding dozens of balls. This feature means we can continue our practice for an extended period without constantly stopping and collecting balls.
Moreover, some golf ball shaggers also can dispense balls one by one, making it easier for us to control the pace of our practice and keep track of the number of balls used. A shagger, in my experience, is an essential accessory for any serious golfer aiming for efficient and effective practice sessions.
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When researching this review, we considered these criteria:
- Cost
- Durability
- Storage capacity
- Ease of use
- Material quality
Read more: The Best Golf Training Aids
Best Golf Ball Shag Bag Review
1. The ORIGINAL Shag Bag — Best Overall
Pros:
- Allows for the quickest and easiest way to pick up golf balls without bending.
- Can hold up to 80 golf balls, with a durable construction featuring stainless steel clips, a solid brass zipper, and steel bag support plates.
- Equipped with a comfortable shoulder strap for easy carrying.
Cons:
- Some users find it slightly challenging to retrieve the last few balls due to the design
- The bag may degrade over time if exposed to direct sunlight or high heat
Key Features:
- Can hold up to 80 golf balls, with a durable construction featuring stainless steel clips, a solid brass zipper, and steel bag support plates.
- Equipped with a comfortable shoulder strap for easy carrying.
The ORIGINAL Shag Bag lived up to its name in my testing. It allowed me to pick up golf balls quickly and easily without bending over – a real back-saver. The bag’s capacity to hold up to 80 golf balls was more than ample for my practice sessions.
I admired the durable construction, which included stainless steel clips, a solid brass zipper, and steel bag support plates. The comfortable shoulder strap was another bonus, making it easy to carry around. I couldn’t spot any glaring cons other than when I tried to fill it to the brim, but this is easily avoidable.
For those seeking a bag with a higher capacity, the Proactive Sports Shag Bag could be a potential alternative. Overall, The ORIGINAL Shag Bag is a trustworthy tool that simplifies the process of collecting golf balls.
Rating: 4.9/5
Read more: The Best Golf Cart Bags
2. Callaway Pro Caddie Ball Shagger — Best For Innovation
Pros:
- Can hold up to 35 golf balls.
- Allows ball dispensing with a simple tap from your club, avoiding continuous bending.
- Equipped with a stand for easy setup on the green or practice area.
- Innovative design allows for more efficient practice sessions.
Cons:
- Can become heavy when full, a factor to consider for players with back issues.
- Dispensing system might be problematic if not handled carefully.
Key Features:
- Designed for efficiency, reducing the need for continuous bending during practice.
- Unique ball dispensing feature sets it apart from other models.
Upon testing the Callaway Pro Caddie Ball Shagger, I was particularly impressed by the unique ball dispensing feature. As an expert golfer, any equipment that reduces strain during practice is a big plus for me.
The fact that I can dispense balls with a simple tap from my club allows for a smooth and efficient practice session. However, I noticed that the bag could become quite heavy when full, which could concern players with back issues.
The dispensing system could also be problematic if not handled carefully, sometimes dispensing more than one ball. I’d suggest looking at the Titleist Golf Shag Practice Bag for golfers looking for a lightweight alternative.
Rating: 4.3/5
Read more: The Best Golf Stand Bags
3. Mizuno Golf Ball Practice Bag — Best Budget Pick
Pros:
- Lightweight design with a comfortable carry strap.
- Mesh construction offers excellent ventilation for your golf balls.
- Capable of accommodating a significant number of balls.
- The simple, practical design makes it easy to use.
Cons:
- The zippers can be a bit tricky to use, potentially leading to issues with access.
- Bulkier design compared to other shag bags.
Key Features:
- Durable fabric construction designed for resilience in various weather conditions.
- Aesthetically pleasing with great practicality, ideal for fans of Mizuno products.
After spending some time with the Mizuno Practice Ball Bag, I was immediately drawn to its attractive two-tone blue colorway. This bag stands out as an expert golfer who values aesthetics and functionality.
The bag’s durable fabric construction, designed for resilience in different weather conditions, was a plus, and the plastic base provided great stability. However, I did find the zippers a bit tricky to use, potentially leading to access issues.
I also found the bag bulkier compared to other shag bags. If you prefer a shag bag with easier access and a more streamlined design, the Titleist Golf Shag Practice Bag would be a worthy alternative.
Rating: 4.2/5
4. Titleist Golf Shag Practice Bag –– Best For Travel
Pros:
- Offers a sleek, Tour-quality aesthetic and is composed of durable polyurethane.
- Weighs just 1lb before adding golf balls, emphasizing portability.
Cons:
- May not offer the most comfortable handle.
- The handle could use some improvement in terms of ergonomics.
Key Features:
- Composed of durable polyurethane, ensuring a long-lasting product.
- Lightweight design offering portability and ease of use.
Testing out the Titleist Golf Shag Practice Bag was a great experience. The sleek, Tour-quality aesthetic immediately appealed to me, and the bag’s durable polyurethane composition assured me of its longevity.
The lightweight design is a bonus, making transportation hassle-free. However, I did find the handle a little less comfortable than I’d prefer, which could affect usability over extended periods.
If you’re looking for a bag with a more ergonomic handle design, the TaylorMade Performance Practice Ball Bag is an excellent alternative that does not compromise on quality.
Rating: 4.5/5
5. Ping Range Bag –– Best Quality Pick
Pros:
- Unique design with a large handle running down the back for easy carrying.
- Constructed from premium materials similar to those found in high-quality Ping golf bags.
- Features a secure zipper and a sturdy Ping Hoofer bottom.
- Elegant design adds a touch of class to your practice sessions.
Cons:
- May not be the best design for carrying many golf balls.
- A larger capacity variant could enhance its practicality.
Key Features:
- Unique design with a large handle for ease of carrying.
- The high-quality construction similar to premium Ping golf bags.
The Ping Range Bag was a delightful product to use. Its unique design with a large handle running down the back made carrying the bag effortless. The premium material construction, similar to those used in high-quality Ping golf bags, reassured me of its durability.
The elegant design also added a class touch to my practice sessions. However, I found that it might not be the best design for carrying many golf balls.
The Golfers Club Metal Shag Bag would be a better option with its higher capacity for golfers who typically carry a larger number of balls.
Rating: 4.4/5
6. ProActive Sports Square Shag Bag
Pros:
- Capacity for up to 125 golf balls.
- Extra storage pocket.
- Durable PVC construction.
- Easy ball pickup.
Cons:
- Not the sturdiest.
- Difficult to pick up balls at times.
Key Features:
- Made from Nylon and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).
- Comes in two colors: Black and Red.
- Equipped with a single pocket for storage.
As an avid golfer, I’ve found the ProActive Sports Square Shag Bag to be a useful addition to my golf gear. The capacity to hold up to 125 golf balls is impressive, eliminating the need for frequent refills. The additional storage pocket is handy for keeping small items. I also really liked the bag’s PVC construction for its durability.
However, there was one thing wrong here. I found it slightly challenging to pick up balls on some occasions. It could be sturdier, as the handle slides sideways when pressing a ball down. This might cause concerns for longevity.
The Callaway Practice Caddy Golf Bag, synthetic leather material, would be a worthy alternative if you frequently practice in wet conditions. They make pretty good golf gifts.
Rating: 3.8/5
7. Intech Ball Bag
Pros:
- Time-saving design that enhances practice sessions.
- Sturdy aluminum tube equipped with spring clips aids in ball assistance.
- Durable nylon bag is ideal for storing in the trunk loaded with golf balls.
- Large capacity, capable of holding up to 80 balls at once.
Cons:
- Aluminum tube can feel a bit bulky during transportation.
- Spring clips may not work as smoothly with excessively dirty or muddy balls.
Key Features:
- A heavy-duty nylon bag with a high storage capacity.
I find that the Intech Ball Bag greatly facilitates my practice sessions. Its large capacity means I can hit more shots before replenishing my supply. This ball bag’s durable nylon construction is ideal for storing a load of golf balls in the trunk, ready for any impromptu practice session.
However, I noticed that the sleeve could benefit from enhanced durability. Over time, it seemed to lose its tightness, leading to a few balls slipping out occasionally. As an alternative, the Callaway Pro Caddie ball shagger addressed this issue with a more robust design, although at a slightly higher price point.
The aluminum tube, while sturdy, felt a bit bulky during transport. But it’s a minor quibble when considering the overall utility of the bag. I did find that the spring clips struggled a bit with muddy balls, but a quick wipe before using the shagger largely solved this problem.
Rating: 4.3/5
8. Club Champ Chip Shag Bag Combo
Pros:
- Extremely versatile
- Easy storage with its foldable design allows golfers to carry it around conveniently.
- No assembly is required, making it user-friendly and time-efficient.
- The package includes a chipping net and a shag bag
Cons:
- Low-quality materials used
Key Features:
- Full zip front for easy access.
- Includes a chipping net and a shag bag for comprehensive training.
As a golf expert, I had the opportunity to test the Club Champ Chip and Shag Golf Combo. I must say, I was quite pleased with its overall functionality. The ambidextrous orientation and regular golf flex offer versatility that is useful for golfers of any skill level.
Its foldable design made it incredibly easy to store and carry around, which is a significant advantage for me. I found it convenient that the product requires no assembly – I could use it right out of the box, saving a lot of time.
However, I did notice that the materials used in the product seemed somewhat cheaper in quality. While this didn’t affect its performance during my testing, I do have concerns about its long-term durability. For golfers willing to invest a little more for higher quality materials, you might want to consider alternatives such as the Original Shag Bag, which has received rave reviews for its robust construction.
Rating: 3.5/5
9. Callaway Practice Caddy Golf Bag
Pros:
- Made from durable synthetic leather material with traditional Callaway styling.
- Simple to clean, useful after rounds in muddy or wet conditions.
- Hardwearing build, designed to withstand rough treatment and adverse conditions.
- Features a neoprene storage pocket for additional items.
- Offers a large zipper opening for easy access.
Cons:
- Handle design may not be the most comfortable.
Key Features:
- Made from durable synthetic leather material.
- Features a neoprene storage pocket for additional items.
The Callaway Practice Caddy Golf Bag impressed me with its hardwearing build and durable synthetic leather material. Being a professional golfer, I found the Callaway styling pretty appealing. Another remarkable feature that I really appreciated was the large zipper opening, which made accessing my golf balls a breeze during practice sessions.
The bag was also relatively easy to clean, a trait that became particularly handy after muddy rounds. The only thing I found a little less comfortable was the handle design.
In case you’re particular about handle comfort, the TaylorMade Performance Practice Ball Bag might be a more suitable alternative.
Still, for its durability and ease of access, I found the Callaway Practice Caddy Golf Bag to be a great companion on the course.
Rating: 3.8/5
10. Kollectaball Bag Buddy Ball Collector
Pros:
- Picks up to 40 balls without stress on arms or back.
- Can collect balls from putting greens, muddy areas, water hazards, long grass, and uneven ground.
- Environmentally friendly, leaving no marks on the ground.
Cons:
- Requires some time for assembly before use.
Key Features:
- Picks up to 40 balls without stress on arms or back.
- Can collect balls from a variety of surfaces, including muddy areas, water hazards, long grass, and uneven ground.
The Kollectaball Bag Buddy Ball Collector emerged as a versatile and eco-friendly accessory during my golfing sessions. I found this tool particularly helpful with the capacity to pick up to 40 balls without causing any stress on my arms or back.
Moreover, its ability to collect balls from varied surfaces such as greens, muddy areas, water hazards, and long grass was commendable. The only con I observed was the time required for assembly before use, which could be a deterrent for some.
If quick assembly is a priority, consider the Callaway Pro Caddie golf ball shagger bag. However, if you can overlook this minor inconvenience, the Kollectaball Bag Buddy Ball Collector is a superb, eco-friendly golf ball-collecting solution.
Rating: 4.1/5
11. HOW TRUE Golf Ball Retriever
Pros:
- Efficiently collects golf balls with minimal effort.
- Made from high-quality, lightweight, and durable plastic.
- Features an ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip.
Cons:
- Might be challenging to use in high grass.
Key Features:
- Made from high-quality, lightweight, and durable plastic.
- Features an ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip.
I found the HOW TRUE Golf Ball Retriever to be a handy tool on the golf course. Its efficiency in collecting golf balls with minimal effort proved quite beneficial during my practice sessions. Furthermore, the high-quality, lightweight, and durable plastic construction added a sense of reliability to this tool.
The ergonomic handle design also offered a comfortable grip, which I valued a lot. However, its functionality in high-grass areas seemed a bit challenging. In such instances, the ASENVER Golf Ball Retriever Shagger could be a better alternative.
Nevertheless, the HOW TRUE Golf Ball Retriever is a practical golf accessory offering an effortless way to collect balls.
Rating: 4.2/5
12. ASENVER Golf Ball Retriever Shagger
Pros:
- Lightweight, durable, and portable golf ball collector.
- Can hold up to 40 balls of various sizes.
- Excellent time-saver for golfers, allowing quick collection of balls after practice.
Cons:
- Some users have reported difficulties picking up certain balls.
Key Features:
- Lightweight, durable, and portable golf ball collector.
- Can hold up to 40 balls of various sizes.
The ASENVER Golf Ball Retriever Shagger impressed me with its lightweight, durable, and portable design. It was a pleasure to discover that it could hold up to 40 balls of various sizes, making it an excellent companion during my practice sessions.
Moreover, it acted as a fantastic time-saver, allowing a quick collection of balls post-practice. However, I found some difficulties picking up certain balls, which could be a minor setback for some. If ball compatibility is a concern, you might want to consider the ALMOSTGOLF Practice Stick Shag Tube.
But for the most part, the ASENVER Golf Ball Retriever Shagger is a proficient golf accessory for easy ball collection.
On a side note, we’ve also got a list for the best golf stand bags if you’re interested.
Rating: 3.6/5
13. Divot Premium Shag Bag
Pros:
- Durable construction with aluminum shaft, base, and handle
- Heavy-duty zipper ensures long-lasting use
- Easy storage and transport
Cons:
- Some users find it difficult to empty the bag.
Key Features:
- Designed for easy retrieval of golf balls without strain on back or knees
- Durable construction, including an aluminum shaft, base, and handle
As a seasoned golfer, I recently tried the Divot Premium Shag Bag and was impressed. The sturdy construction of the aluminum shaft, base, handle, and robust zipper confirms its durability for frequent use.
The bag significantly reduces strain on the back and knees while retrieving balls – a key comfort feature. But it lacks personalization, a small drawback for golfers seeking a unique touch.
The bag’s portability is excellent, and it is easy to carry and store. The only hiccup is the price, which is slightly high compared to alternatives like the Ping Stars and Stripes 2023. But considering its durability and user comfort, it’s a solid investment for dedicated golfers.
Rating: 4/5
What To Consider When Buying A Golf Shag Bag?
Capacity
From my practice sessions, I know that the amount of balls a shag bag can hold is crucial. Do some introspection about your practice routine – how many balls do you typically go through? Remember, a bag brimming with balls will weigh more, but it also means fewer trips to refill.
Durability
You’re probably like me – we want our gear to last. A well-constructed, sturdy bag is a must-have. Peek at what materials they use. Is it a robust nylon or perhaps durable polyurethane? Take a good look at those zippers and clips too; they’re the small details that matter.
Ease of Use
Golf is about enjoyment and improving your game, not fumbling with equipment. Check if the bag has a comfy handle or strap. Does it have a simple retrieval system to pick up the balls? A stable stand? All these contribute to a seamless practice session.
Weight
As someone who enjoys a good walk on the course, I know that every ounce matters. Opt for lighter bags if you plan to roam around a lot during practice. They might compromise a bit on capacity or sturdiness, but your back will thank you for it.
Price
Last but not least, your budget. High-end bags often have more bells and whistles, but that doesn’t mean a budget-friendly option won’t serve you well. Set your budget, stick to it, and always assess what value you’re getting for your hard-earned money.
FAQs — Bag For Golf Balls
How Many Balls Can You Fit In A Shag Bag?
The capacity of a golf shag bag largely depends on its design and the specific model you choose. Typically, these bags can comfortably hold between 50 to 100 golf balls. Some larger models even boast a capacity for more. As such, it's an ample amount for most practice sessions or a leisurely day on the range.
Why Would I Need A Golf Shag Bag?
Golf shag bags are essential tools for those who regularly practice their golfing skills. They streamline the process of collecting golf balls, which can be tedious and strain your back and knees due to constant bending. A shag bag also provides a secure and convenient way to store and transport your golf balls.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, all the golf shag bags reviewed have unique features and advantages, catering to a wide variety of needs for golfers. However, this comes from an expert golfer who’s spent countless hours on the course that The Original Shag Bag truly sets itself apart.
It provides an excellent combination of durability, convenience, and ample storage capacity, making your practice sessions more efficient.
In general, having a reliable golf shag bag is not just about convenience; it’s about making the most of your time on the course. It aids in quick pick-up and storage of balls while also minimizing physical strain, especially on the back and knees.
Clint is PGA-certified and was a Head Teaching Professional at one of Toronto's busiest golf academies. He was also featured on Canada's National Golf TV program, "Score Golf Canada," twice. He graduated with a degree in Golf Management from the College of the Desert in California and studied under Callaway's co-founder, Tony Manzoni.
He has a handicap index of 6.2 and spends the winters near Oaxaca, Mexico, where he plays twice a month at the Club de Golf Vista Hermosa. He's written over 100 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. You can connect with Clint at LinkedIn, FB, his website, or Clintcpga@gmail.com.
- Best score: 68
- Favorite club: Odyssey White Hot Two-Ball Center-Shafted Putter
- Favorite ball: Titleist Pro V1x
- Favorite food at the turn: Hot dog
