Generally, there are five styles of golf bags. The market is a spectrum, with some models being sort of hybrid builds, but these are the five general types of golf bags, and when to use each.

Tour Bags or Staff Bags – The most pro-level options. They’ll have a bunch of pockets, multiple dividers up top, and space for a full set of clubs. They’re heavier, but not so heavy that they are cart-exclusive. The caddie you pay for would gladly schlep one of these around.

Cart Bags – Like a tour bag, but heavier and made to be on the back of a cart. There are more pockets and space, but no double carry straps to make hauling it any easier. If you hired me as a caddie and handed me a cart bag, I wouldn’t say no, but I would talk shit about you behind your back.