Sunday Funday

Sunday golf bags have become a thing in recent years, and Vessel’s new Sunday IV might be the best we’ve seen

By: Tony Dear

Just as the lines between golf club or ball categories can get a little blurred at times, so the difference between Vessel’s new Sunday IV bag and a standard stand bag might not be immediately clear. At first glance, the Sunday IV looks roughly the same size as one of the company’s very highly-rated stand bags, but closer inspection and a little carrying will, indeed, enable you to identify which is which.

Today’s Sunday golf bags have their roots in the occasional bags of yesteryear’s golf-obsessed Scots who were determined to play on Sundays even if their regular caddie was unavailable because of his observance of the Sabbath. These Caledonians wanted their bags to be extra lightweight, so they were usually nothing more than a tube that could accommodate a few clubs. Pencil bags have long been available for juniors or the elderly, but modern Sunday bags have been revived in recent years. And though early models featured one or two more features than their predecessors – like stands, ball pockets, and a water bottle holder – they certainly sought to retain minimalist dimensions.

Vessel has created premium/custom-built golf bags since its founding in 2013, but it didn’t release its first Sunday bag until 2018. The Sunday 2.0 weighed in at about 4lbs, and though it was definitely meant for a more casual round or quick nine holes, it was appreciably bulkier than other companies’ Sunday models. The Sunday III, launched in 2023, likewise seemed to combine features of both Sunday and stand bags, weighing only 4.5lbs but offering as many as five zippered pockets. Also available was the Sunday III DXR (Diamond X-PAC Ripstop), which featured an ultralight, durable material that made the bag even lighter.

In March, the Carlsbad, CA-based company introduced its stand/leg-less Sunday Carry bag, which weighs just 2.5 lbs., and this week, it launches its latest Sunday bag, the Sunday IV, which it says “Introduces a series of meaningful upgrades, including a reimagined pocket layout, a full 360-degree zip-off ball pocket panel for personalization, genuine leather carry handles, and velour-lined dividers for premium club protection.”

While Vessel’s Sunday bags might not actually fit with many people’s idea of what a true Sunday bag looks like, there’s no doubting the quality of build we’ve come to expect from the company. And it acknowledges the differences between its bags and those of its competitors. “While many Sunday bags prioritize minimalism above all else, the Sunday IV delivers a more complete on-course experience through thoughtful organization and premium functionality,” it says.

That additional functionality includes a magnetic rangefinder pocket lined with antimicrobial velour; a cooler-lined bottle sleeve with expandable magnetic closure; a garment compartment; and multiple accessory storage options. The bag also features an integrated AirTag compartment, so you can keep track of it wherever the game takes you.
All these extra features come on top of Vessel’s patented Rotator Stand System, which is designed to enhance stability on all types of terrain, and the Equilibrium 2.0 Double Strap, which self-adjusts to balance the bag’s weight and keep you walking in comfort.

Weighing 6 lbs. and being capable of holding a full set makes this Sunday bag suspiciously like a standard stand bag, but it does have a noticeably more compact silhouette than a typical stand bag, so we’ll give it the benefit of the doubt and strongly recommend you give it a look if you’re in the market for something that facilitates a quick, easy stroll round your regular golf course.

$309
Colors – Black, Grey, White, and DXR Black
Available to Vessel VIP subscribers on Wednesday (6/3) and the general public on Thursday (6/4).
vesselgolf.com