Golf equipment is expensive, and golf bags are no exception. When you purchase a new golf bag you are making an investment for years to come. Or at least golfers hope their new golf bag will have its place on the golf course for many years.
Unfortunately, for some golfers, their bag will start to show wear as soon as a year after purchase. Why is it that some bags seem to last forever while other bags need to be replaced after just a couple years of use?
Golf bag longevity depends on a couple different factors, all of which are in your control. In the article below, we are going to cover all you need to know about how long golf bags should last, how to extend the life of your golf bag, and what bags will last the longest. We have a lot to cover, so let’s get started.
How Long Should Golf Bags Last
Golf bags on average should last 3 years depending on their use and how they are taken care of. Golf bags that experience excessive use or that get stored in sub-optimal conditions will typically have a shorter lifespan.
Luckily for us, there are many ways to keep our golf bags looking like they are brand new. We’ll cover how to extend the life of your golf bag in the last section, but first lets look at the 5 main issues that will lead to you buying a new bag.
5 Signs You Need A New Golf Bag
Golf bags should last several years. However, not all bags will have a long-life span on the course. Golfers will buy several new golf bags throughout their time golfing. It is important to know when to ditch the old bag and upgrade to a new one. Below we have listed out the 5 main signs it’s time to upgrade to a new bag. Let’s take a look.
1.) Structural Damage to Bag
The main reason to buy a new golf bag is due to structural damage to the core of the bag. Issues such as broken interior structural rods or a broken handle are typically hard to fix in an effective way.
This type of damage is usually caused by substantial force. Running over your bag with a cart or slamming the car door shut to squeeze in your bag are two ways this damage can happen. It is also common to see this damage in very old or poorly made bags. If this is your current situation, its best to move on and buy a new bag.
2.) The Bag Has Large Rips
Golf bags are made from a variety of material. Leather, canvas, and nylon are some of the materials to name a few. All these material types are prone to ripping which can be a major problem.
While most types of golf bag materials can be repaired, the size and shape of the rip do matter. The smaller and straighter the rip, the easier it is to repair. Long tears or unusually shaped rips can be very difficult to replace. If you want to repair your bag instead of replacing it, it may be best to take your bag to a seamstress to fix it instead of doing it yourself.
3.) The Stand Legs Are Not Working
Another common issue with golf bags is the malfunction of its stand legs and its parts. For the kick stand to work properly, all of its parts need to be working properly. Even slight damage to any of these parts can affect how the kick stand works.
Fixing the legs of a stand bag is possible, but it can be difficult. Replacement parts can be bought online but each bag’s mechanics are unique. This is another project you may want to reserve for a professional or make the upgrade to a new bag.
3.) The Bag Starts To Fade
In some situation, a weathered bag might actually look aesthetically appealing. Unfortunately, in most cases a discolored bag will be an embarrassment on the golf course. If you bag starts to fade or lose its coloring, it may be a sign for a new bag.
Before your bag fades, take steps to slow the fading process. Check out our article on 5 Easy Ways To Stop Your Golf Bag From Fading for a complete guide.
5.) Zippers Stop Working
A broken zipper does not make a bag unusable. However, it does make it a lot less practical on the course. If enough zippers or the main zippers you use break, it may be time for a new bag.
What Types Of Golf Bags Last The Longest?
The type of golf bag you choose to buy will be a major factor on its lifespan. Walking bags with extendable legs typically have the shortest lifespan whereas tour and cart bags will last the longest.
Cart and tour bags are made from stronger, more durable material since weight is not a factor. Standing and Sunday bags, on the other hand, are typically more susceptible to damage as they need to use light weight materials in their design. For golfers looking for a golf bag that lasts a long time, look for strong durably made bags and avoid light weight designs.
Another reason golf bags become unusable is when certain parts of the bag start to fail. Any bag with extendable legs or other movable parts, such as zippers, will have an increased malfunction rate. While these parts breaking may not make the bag unusable, they will take away from the functionality of the bag.
How To Extend The Life Of Your Golf Bag
The adage of an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure applies when it comes to golf bag longevity. Taking care of golf bag from the date of purchase is the best way to increase your bags lifespan.
Proper storage of your bag throughout the year is the best way to prolong the life of your golf bag. Frequent maintenance and care of your bag also goes a long way to prevent your bag from deteriorating. In the next section, we will cover bag repair that can help extend the lifespan of your bag.
Can I Repair My Golf Bag?
Sentimental about your bag? Repairing your golf bag is also an option. However, it is important to note that some repairs are easier than others. Structural issues and large rips in the bag can be difficult to fix.
Less severe issues such as zipper issues, standing legs not working, and small rips are fixable. For these types of problems, your first step should be to try and fix your bag before ditching it for a new bag.
Final Thoughts
A golf bag is an essential piece of golf equipment. They are an expensive purchase, but buying a bag is an investment in your game. The good news is that golf bags should last you a long time, especially if you take care of it.
At the same time, golf bags won’t last forever. Play with a broken bag and you will suffer unnecessarily when playing on the course. Know the signs of when its time to upgrade bags, you will thank yourself on the course.
If you are taking the plunge in buying a new bag, check out our article on How to Choose the Right Golf Bag.
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