What is a Cooler Pocket On a Golf Bag?
On those perfect, sunny days out on the course, the only thing that could make them better is a refreshing cool beverage.
The fact of the matter is that while golf appears leisurely, it is still a strenuous activity, and it requires hydration as any other sport. Making sure you have easy access to a cooler while playing the rounds is vital.
Coolers for golf come in various forms, including built-in cooler pockets and external pockets that you can attach to your golf bag. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of each so that you can find the ideal accessory to satisfy your thirst while playing 18 holes.
What Is a Cooler Pocket on a Golf Bag?
A cooler pocket is a handy pouch that functions as a beverage cooler for your traditional golf bag.
Golf can put you at risk of overheating and sunstroke due to the long hours spent playing in the sun. Bringing along the proper hydration is crucial for golf safety yet often gets neglected due to inconvenience.
The cooler pocket feature relieves those worries by providing a space for beverages. With cold, refreshing drinks right by your side, you’ll never have to go parched on the golf course again.
The best thing about cooler pockets is that they let you combine what you need to carry into one bag. Some golf bags come with built-in cooler pockets, and for those that don’t, outside cooler pockets are available as add-ons. Either way, they’re the ideal accessory to quench your thirst.
Which Type of Cooler Pocket Should You Use: Inside or Outside?
Of all the golf accessories, one that lets you stay in control of your health and hydration on the course should be top of your wish list.
While the concept of the cooler pocket sounds simple enough, making sure the design meets your specific needs is essential for easy and convenient usage. You don’t want a pouch that takes up too much room in your bag and crowds other compartments, but you also don’t want one so small that you can’t carry enough hydration.
The sheer number of cooler-friendly bags on the market can seem a little overwhelming when you first begin your online search, so we’ve broken down the options here. Use the guide below to make the best decision for you and your golf game.
Inside Cooler Pocket
Pros
- Built-in design
- Easy to transport — no extra arms needed!
- Not bulky
These cooler pocket bags come with the cooler built-in, so they are not visible from the outside. What appears to be an ordinary golf bag opens up to reveal a hidden cooler.
The main benefit of this design is that they tend to be easier to carry. With symmetrical weight distribution, the bag feels less bulky and awkward to carry. No loose parts hitting you in the legs as you try to make your way confidently across the course.
There’s also the factor of easy access to consider. Just unzip and grab your choice bottle. Most built-in options will either have a vent or insulated lining to keep the beverage cool.
Cons
- Adds to the bag’s weight
- Requires hands-on cleaning
While the inside cooler option seems like an obvious choice for its ease of use and carry, there are still downsides to having all your drinks tucked snugly inside beside your clubs.
The first and most apparent is that the cooler adds to the bag’s weight and size. Golf bags with this addition tend to have increased dimension compared to a standard golf bag, adding to the overall weight. If you prefer walking the course, interior coolers may not be your best option.
Also, there’s the issue of maintenance and cleaning. Since the cooler is inside the golf bag, there’s not an easy way for the water to drain without compromising your clubs. Leakages could very well be disastrous for them. Some bags will have drain ports, but not all.
If you do go the inside cooler route, you’ll just want to make sure that the lining is highly durable and water-resistant to prevent leaks from happening.
Outside Cooler Pocket
Pros
- Detachable design
- Easier to clean
- Does not take up additional storage space
External cooler pockets can either come as detachable pouches or as added compartments on the front or the sides.
Since they are somewhat separate from the bag’s interior, where all the most essential storage happens (the clubs!), the issue of leaks and improper drainage is no longer a factor. They are much easier to dump and clean, and therefore protect the quality of the rest of your golf gear.
Since they are an addition to the traditional bag, they also eliminate any storage and weight problems.
Outside cooler pockets don’t take up valuable storage real estate within your golf bag, so you won’t be forced to make difficult choices about what to take and what to leave at home.
Cons
- Adds bulk to the bag
- Uneven weight distribution
Outside cooler bags have a couple of disadvantages compared to built-in options. First, they tend to create more difficulties when it comes to carrying the bag around. Their design as an attachment device means that they add bulk to the bag while also upsetting the ideal weight distribution.
For instance, if the attachment is top-heavy, you might have trouble keeping your bag from toppling over when trying to prop or stand it. Also, for those who prefer walking rather than riding a cart, carrying unevenly distributed weight for long distances can take a toll on the body.
So before you go with this space-saving option, think about what you’ll be more inclined to want to carry around with you on the golf course.
Conclusion
Stitch Golf carries a wide selection of cooler options, including the line of SL2 Golf Bags with a built-in insulated cooler pocket and SL1 Golf Bags with vented pockets for beverages.
Check out our cooler options today to stay refreshed and hydrated on the course.
