Paul Liberatore is the founder of Golfers Authority, which reviews the world's best golf products and gear. This post contains affiliate links, where we may receive a percentage of any sale made from the links on this page. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication.
Let's be honest, you don't always need 14 clubs for every round of golf. And you definitely don't need a bag that weighs 10 pounds either.
Today, I'm talking about Sunday bags, those lightweight carriers that prove less really is more. These bags are revolutionary for golfers who want to keep things simple. A Sunday bag typically weighs between 2 to 4 pounds—that's about as heavy as a bag of flour compared to those 10-pound monsters most golfers carry around.
Here's the thing: walking is the way golf was meant to be played, but I'm not always up for hauling a full-sized bag around 18 holes. That's roughly 4 to 6 miles of walking, by the way. Even with a pushcart, it can feel like work instead of fun. That's where the Sunday bag lifestyle really shines.
Think of it this way: you grab maybe 6 or 7 clubs instead of the full 14, toss them in your lightweight bag, and suddenly you're playing golf how it felt when you were a kid. No extras, no fuss, just you and the course. These bags usually have just enough pockets for balls, tees, and maybe a water bottle. That's it, and that's perfect.
Let me walk you through the best Sunday bags of 2025. These aren't just any lightweight bags; they'll make you wonder why you ever carried anything heavier!
What Is a Sunday Bag?
Ever wonder what you'd take if you could only bring the fundamentals for a quick nine? That's basically the whole idea behind Sunday bags, they're the minimalist's answer to lugging around a tour bag. Think of these as golf's version of traveling light. You know how sometimes you pack for a weekend trip and realize you brought way too much stuff? Same deal here. These bags force you to pick your favorite 6-10 sticks and leave the rest in the garage.
Most of these bags tip the scales at less than 4 pounds. Some barely crack 2 pounds. Compare that to your typical cart bag that feels like you're hauling a sack of cement, and you'll see why your back will thank you. Sure, you're giving up those 14 pockets and insulated beverage holders, but when was the last time you actually used that umbrella holder anyway?
You've got three main flavors to choose from: 1) Super-skinny pencil bags that basically just hold clubs and maybe a couple of balls. 2) Slightly beefier versions with actual legs (so they stand up on their own) and enough pockets for your rangefinder and some tees, and 3) the Goldilocks option that provides more storage without requiring you to go full pack-mule mode.
Perfect for those twilight rounds, executive courses where the driver stays home, or when you're just working on your short game at the practice facility. Plus, if you're walking more to get in shape (good for you!), carrying 20 fewer pounds makes those hills less brutal.
Now let's explore this year's top seven picks that'll change how you think about carrying your clubs.
Best Overall Sunday Bag - Vessel Sunday III Stand Bag
The Sunday III is Vessel's no-compromise take on the minimalist carry bag. Whether you choose the original or the DXR version, you're getting what's probably the most polished Sunday bag available.
This bag is just flat-out awesome. If you're like me, you love the idea of a Sunday bag, but you don't want to give up all those features that come with a bigger bag. This one solves that problem better than any other I've encountered.
Each Sunday III Stand bag is sleek and comes with a three-way top which means three sections to organize your clubs. It has full-length club dividers, too, so your clubs won't bang together while you're walking. You can carry 10 clubs easily, and here's the point: you can even squeeze in all 14 if you really want to push it.
The bag has carbon fiber legs, which are lightweight yet strong. There's also a Rotator base that gives you extra stability when you set it down. The dual strap sits precisely where it should on your shoulders, making it comfortable even after 18 holes.
You've got five pockets total, and they really thought about what you'd need. There's a magnetic rangefinder pocket (no more digging around for it!), a beverage sleeve to keep your drink handy, and a zippered apparel pocket for extra gear. Essentially, it has everything a full stand bag would have, they've just optimized it.
So here's the big question: do you go with Vessel's tour-grade synthetic leather or their DXR ripstop? The original leather version feels soft to the touch and looks incredibly polished. But the DXR model uses Vessel's proprietary X-Pac fabric. This stuff is ultra-light, resists abrasion, and repels water — perfect for walking in all kinds of weather. The DXR version weighs just 4.15 pounds, which is ridiculously light for a bag this functional.
Both versions cost the same amount. Both look premium and carry like a dream. Either way, you're getting the gold standard for serious golfers who want to travel light.
Best Lightweight Midsize Bag - Sunday El Camino Superlite
So the next bag on my list isn't technically a Sunday bag. It's a mid-sized bag that's meant to carry less than a full set. But just like with the Vessel Sunday III, I think it makes the perfect minimalist setup that's still comfortable and functional.
The Sunday Golf El Camino Superlite is made for the walking minimalist who appreciates function over flash. And allow me to share, it absolutely delivers on that promise.
At just 3.2 pounds, this might be the easiest carry you'll ever experience. To put that in context, that's lighter than most laptops! The nylon ripstop build feels like something straight out of a camping gear catalog. It's featherlight yet impressively tough—it's the same material they use for lightweight tents and backpacks. There's nothing luxurious about it, but that's kind of the whole point. This bag isn't about bells and whistles. It's about throwing six to 10 clubs over your shoulder and just cruising.
It's not pushcart-friendly, meaning it can't be easily strapped to a golf cart. It's not built for full 14-club rounds either. And while the pocket setup is thoughtful, you've got a velour-lined valuables pocket, a rangefinder pouch, and a ball compartment, it's definitely in the "just enough" category. This bag rewards restraint, not excess.
If you're building out your golf bag collection and want something that's light, easy, and perfect for casual walks, this one hits the mark.
Best Minimalist Sunday Bag - Vessel Pencil Stand Bag
If you're looking for the cleanest Sunday bag out there, the Vessel Pencil might be what you need. There aren't any extras or distractions here. It's just a beautifully built, ultra-light carry bag that brings golf back to basics while still feeling premium.
At only 3 pounds, the Pencil is Vessel's lightest bag. When you sling it over your shoulder, you'll barely notice it's there. This is the kind of bag you'd grab for a casual afternoon round where you're more interested in enjoying the walk than keeping a perfect scorecard.
Don't think this is some flimsy piece of canvas, though. The bag is wrapped in Vessel's Tour-grade synthetic leather, which means it retains its shape, cleans up easily, and feels luxurious. The clean stitching and subtle branding give it a classy appearance instead of a cheap one.
The 2-way top comes with full-length dividers, so your clubs won't bang together. You'll get three pockets, which gives you exactly the storage you need – nothing more, nothing less. The bag includes a single padded strap that's comfortable on your shoulder, plus carbon fiber legs and a stand system that works way better than you'd expect from such a minimal design.
Let me tell you, if you want a simple but polished way to walk the course, this bag's as good as it gets. It's perfect for golfers who believe less is more.
Best Ultralight Sunday Bag - Sunday Golf Loma Bag
If you're looking for the lightest way to carry a few golf clubs, the Sunday Golf Loma might be what you need. At just 1.95 pounds, this bag's about as minimal as it gets—it's lighter than a half-gallon of milk! But the reality is: it's still functional enough to become a useful part of your golf gear.
Let me be clear about what this bag's designed for. You won't load it up with 14 clubs, and you definitely won't stuff it full of gear. This isn't the bag you'll bring on that week-long golf vacation to Myrtle Beach. But for what it's meant to do? It's great.
You can fit six to eight clubs, though seven seems to work best. Why seven? Well, that gives you enough room to avoid the annoying club tangle that happens when these small bags get overloaded. Trust me, nothing's worse than trying to yank your wedge free while your playing partners wait on the tee box.
The storage is limited on purpose, but Sunday Golf laid everything out smartly. You get five pockets, including a cool "Frosty Pocket" cooler sleeve that holds two cans. They've added tee holders and Velcro for your glove, plus just enough room for the basics like balls, tees and maybe a rangefinder.
The downside: it only has one strap. The strap is quite long, and for many golfers, it causes the bag to ride awkwardly low and tip sideways while walking. They could have added a dual-strap system, but that would have added weight and increased the price. At least you get legs included, which isn't always guaranteed with Sunday bags.
If you enjoy casual nine-hole rounds, par-3 courses, or quick practice sessions at the range, it's tough not to love this little bag. Plus, at just over $100, it won't break the bank either.
Best Full-Featured Sunday Bag Alternative - Vessel Player Air Stand Bag
So, here's the thing: the Vessel Player Air isn't technically a Sunday bag. But if you're someone who loves the idea of carrying less weight without feeling like you're using cheap gear, you'll want to check this out.
At around 4.5 pounds fully loaded (that's with the strap, rain hood, everything), the Player Air uses something called Cordura, a super-light nylon fabric that won't tear or wear out easily. Vessel usually makes their bags with synthetic leather, but by switching to Cordura, they've cut nearly a whole pound off the weight. Trust me, your back will notice the difference after 18 holes.
Now, here's where it gets interesting: You're not really giving up much for that weight savings. You still get to pick between a 6-way or 14-way top, and both come with full-length dividers to keep your clubs from tangling. The bag has carbon fiber legs, a stable Rotator base that won't tip over, and the Equilibrium 2.0 double strap system. It carries like a dream and looks sharp, too.
It's not made for just tossing in six clubs and playing a quick nine at the local par-3. But if you want something lighter than a regular bag without going all the way down to those tiny Sunday bags, this one hits the sweet spot.
Best Sunday Bag with Extra Storage - Sunday Loma XL Stand Bag
Love the Loma bag's ultra-minimalist vibe but wish it could carry just a bit more? The Loma XL's your answer.
At 3.4 pounds, it remains incredibly lightweight. But here's what's different: it scales up with more club capacity, fitting up to 8 clubs comfortably. You'll also get a dual-strap system that balances weight and feels comfortable, plus slightly larger pockets that make everything more practical.
You're still working with a smaller club set, but now you've got enough room for an extra layer, a water bottle, and those random things we all tend to stuff into our golf bags.
The insulated "Frosty Pocket" is still here, just big enough for two cans. You'll find a cherished pocket, spots for tees and balls, a Velcro patch where your glove goes, and a few well-placed clips for your towel, brush, or speaker.
Let me tell you, those dual straps make a huge difference. The original Loma sometimes struggled with balance and comfort on longer walks. But the XL's backpack-style carry spreads the weight evenly and sits higher on your back—way more comfortable for 18-hole days.
This still isn't a full-featured bag. You're making the same compromises you always make with a Sunday bag. However, the Loma XL adds just enough extras that it becomes a realistic option if you plan to use it regularly, not just occasionally.
It won't turn heads with flashy colors. It won't break the bank either. But it's smart, functional and fun to use.
Best Sunday Bag for Junior Golfers - Sunday Golf Recess Kids Golf Bag
Sunday Golf calls this the "Recess" bag, and honestly, it's the perfect name. This is precisely what a junior golf bag should be light, functional and designed to make the game feel like pure fun.
At just 3.9 pounds, the Recess is a proper Sunday-style carry bag. It's built specifically for kids between 5 and 10 years old, and let me tell you, it's one of the few junior bags that doesn't feel like a cheap toy or afterthought.
The bag features a 4-way top that comfortably holds six to eight junior clubs. You'll find an adjustable dual-strap system that's been perfectly sized for smaller shoulders, so you no longer have to watch your kid struggle with adult-sized straps. The base sits flat and stable, the legs deploy easily, and everything about it feels reliable and well-made without being overly fancy. It's precisely what you'd want for a junior golfer or even your own Sunday setup.
When it comes to storage, they've included just the right amount of pockets. There's a Frosty Pocket (because yes, kids need to stay hydrated too!), a valuables pouch for their treasures and a full-length apparel pocket for extra gear. The glove patch, tee holders, and towel loop all work together to provide younger players with the authentic golf-bag experience they're looking for.
This isn't some cartoon-themed junior bag with dinosaurs or princesses plastered all over it. It's actually stylish. It looks like a proper golf bag, just scaled down to kid-size. For a lot of kids, the Recess might just be the perfect way to get them excited about the game. They'll feel like real golfers carrying real equipment, and that confidence boost can make all the difference on the course.
Every Golfer Should Own a Sunday Bag
If you've never tried walking a round with half your clubs and half the weight, trust me, you've gotta give it a shot. It makes the game fun and easier, especially if you're someone who likes walking but doesn't always love the workout that comes with it. And you'll start to realize something pretty cool: most of the time, you don't even need all 14 clubs, anyway. If you pick the right Sunday bag, you might just find that less isn't only lighter. It's actually better for your game and your back.
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Best Lightweight Carry Golf Bags for 2025.