The 2018 PING Hoofer is a 14 way carry and stand golf bag worth giving serious consideration. It is strong on function, quality, and style for a reasonable price tag. This bag will satisfy folks new to the game as well as seasoned players. In terms of a comfortable carry, this product exceeds expectations. If you are looking for the bag that will bring the enjoyment back to walking 18 holes, this may well be the one for you.
STAND OUT FEATURES
No-Nonsense Storage:
All 12 pockets are just where you would want them for an overall experience that is simply intuitive. Special pockets for a range finder, valuables, balls, gloves and pens are all the right size and easily accessible.
SensorCool Shoulder Straps:
PING made comfort a priority by featuring double, front adjusting shoulder straps that have thick padding and a special fabric to wick away excess moisture. This bag will allow you to stay focused on the pleasure of the walk.
Superior Style:
Available in five different two-tone colorways, this bag is heavy on curb appeal. In fact, it’s just downright sexy. PING brings it home on looks again this year.
QUALITY CONSTRUCTION
The mid-range price tag is very reasonable for what you get in terms of a well-made golf bag. The fabrics are durable, the hardware is solid, and the stitching is all reinforced at the major stress points. The legs are quite sturdy and pop in and out of use with no trouble, with a full 24” span to evenly distribute the weight for a stable stand you can trust.
The 14-way top will keep each of your clubs in place. The top handle is also well designed with plenty of room for even large hands, making this bag easy to maneuver. The additional handle in the front makes standing it up a breeze.
One downside, however, is that the dividers do not run the full length of the bag. This can create binding from the grips getting hung up on each other. As a consolation prize, there is an easy access pocket that will let you retrieve any small items that you may drop down the top. Full length dividers would have been better.
COMFORTABLE CARRY
If you are looking for a comfortable carry above all else, PING nailed it with the 2018 Hoofer. The double shoulder straps have plenty of padding and are designed to slip on and off easily. They adjust in the front for a perfect fit and a balanced load, every time.
The bag also features a hip pad that offers a decent cushion that can really make a difference over 18 holes. The thoughtful design also places the rain hood pocket in the same place for even more padding. You can also use this bag with just a single strap if that is your preference.
If you want to throw this bag on a cart, it does have a pass through so that you can tuck the strap around the bag without losing access to any of the exterior pockets, a very nice touch indeed.
CONVENIENT STORAGE
12 pockets and plenty of details give this bag high marks for organization. The roomy main pockets along the side will give you lots of space for extra garments and a towel. Smaller pockets give you a place for keys, valuables, and other odds and ends.
Another thoughtful pocket that really adds to the experience of this golf carry and stand bag is the insulated water bottle pocket. It is in just the right place for you to grab a drink while walking with your gear on, a major convenience. No more stopping halfway to grab a cool drink.
Finally, PING added some nice little details that really work. A small Velcro patch is convenient for hanging gloves without fussing with pockets, a perfectly positioned pen holder, and hoop pulls on the zippers for clipping keys or ID tags all add up to a smooth user experience.
SOLID ALL-AROUND CHOICE
The 2018 Hoofer by PING doesn’t disappoint. It has a sleek and elegant look, thoughtful features without extraneous extras, and plenty of space to pack all your will need for a full day on the links.
Where this bag really shines, however, is comfort. Heavy padding on the shoulders and ample hip support make this bag feel like it was actually designed by a golfer that has walked the links a time or two. If you are tired of losing a great day to aches and pains, this bag is definitely worth a try.
