Carrying a Jones golf bag is more than just getting your clubs from hole to hole, it’s an experience that connects you to the purest form of the game. This guide will walk you through the a few different methods for carrying both the classic single-strap and modern dual-strap Jones bags, helping you make every round a comfortable and enjoyable walk.
The Soul of a Jones Bag: More Than Just Simple
Before we learn how to carry it, it helps to understand why a Jones bag is different. Born in Portland, Oregon, these bags were created with a simple philosophy: to make walking the course a joy, not a burden. They represent minimalism, tradition, and a focus on the game itself rather than a ton of gear. When you choose a Jones bag, you’re choosing to be a walker. You’re trading 14 dividers and a cooler pocket for a lighter feel and a closer connection to the rhythm of the course.
The beauty of a Jones bag is in its simplicity. The clean lines, the durable materials, and the unstructured design are all intentional. It encourages you to walk, to feel the terrain, and to carry only what you need. Mastering the carry honors this heritage and transforms a simple golf bag into a trusted companion on the course, making your round feel less like a competition and more like a great walk, spoiled or otherwise.
Choose Your Carry: Single-Strap vs. Dual-Strap
Jones offers a few primary carry styles, and the right way to haul your bag depends on which one you have. Each has its own distinct feel and best use.
The Classic Single-Strap
This is the iconic Jones look. The single strap over the shoulder is the way golf bags were carried for decades. It’s a statement of classic cool and embodies the minimalist spirit. Paired with an unstructured body, the single-strap Jones molds to your walk.
- Best For: Golfers who love tradition, play quick 9-hole rounds, or carry a half-set of clubs. It’s for the purist who doesn’t mind the focused pressure on one shoulder.
- The Reality: While it looks amazing, carrying a single strap for a hilly 18 holes can be tiring if you're not used to it. The key is technique and a willingness to switch shoulders.
The Modern Dual-Strap (The Rover &, Trouper Series)
Jones smartly blended modern comfort with their classic design in bags like the Rover R and Trouper series. The dual-strap system distributes the bag’s weight evenly across both shoulders, much like a backpack.
- Best For: The dedicated walker playing a full 18 holes. If comfort over a long-distance is your priority, the dual-strap is the clear winner. It reduces fatigue and makes even the hilliest courses more manageable.
- The Reality: You give up a tiny bit of the old-school aesthetic for a large gain in ergonomic comfort. For most modern walkers, it's a worthwhile trade.
Mastering the Classic Single-Strap Carry
Carrying a single-strap bag is an art form. Get it right, and you'll look and feel like a seasoned pro. It's all about balance, rhythm, and packing smart.
Step 1: Pack Like a Minimalist
The first step happens before you even leave the clubhouse. A heavy bag is a miserable bag to carry with one strap. Be honest with yourself about what you truly need.
- Clubs: Do you really need all 14? Most weekend players can score just as well with 10-12 clubs. A lighter set makes a massive difference.
- Balls: Carry a sleeve (3 balls) and a few extras in a pocket, not an entire box.
- Accessories: A few tees, a ball marker, a divot tool, a rangefinder, and a water bottle. That’s it. Leave the extra towels, the rain gloves (unless it's cloudy), and the training aids in the car.
Step 2: The E_asy Pick-Up
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Don't just bend at the waist and heave the bag up. Over 18 holes, that repetitive motion can strain your back. Instead, approach it like you’re lifting a weight at the gym.
- Stand beside the bag and grab the central handle or the top cuff.
- Bend at your knees and hinge at your hips, keeping your back relatively straight.
- Lift with your legs, hoisting the bag up to your hip.
- From here, you can easily swing the strap onto your shoulder.
Step 3: Find the Sweet Spot
The way the bag sits on your shoulder is everything. You're looking for the balance point, where the bag feels almost weightless and doesn’t want to tip forward or slide off your back. The padded part of the strap should rest comfortably on the meaty part of your shoulder, near the Trapezius muscle, not out on the bony part of your joint.
The bag should hang so that the clubs are angled slightly downwards behind you. If they are pointing up or sitting perfectly level, the bag will likely be off-balance. Adjust where you grip the strap with your hand, or how it sits on your shoulder, until you find that effortless equilibrium.
Step 4: The Art of the Switch
This is the most important skill for a single-strap carrier. Do not carry the bag on the same shoulder for 18 holes. You’ll end the round with one side of your body feeling tight and exhausted. A simple rule of thumb:
- Odd Holes: Carry on your right shoulder.
- Even Holes: Switch to your left shoulder.
It will feel a bit awkward at first on your non-dominant side, but your body will adapt quickly. This simple discipline will keep you feeling fresh all the way through the 18th green.
How to Carry a Dual-Strap Jones Bag
A dual-strap bag shifts the focus from balance and art form to pure ergonomics. The goal here is to make the bag an extension of your body, evenly distributing the load for maximum comfort.
Step 1: Adjust the Straps Properly (The #1 Priority)
Most golfers carry their double-strap bags far too loose, causing the bag to sag down near their lower back. This puts a ton of pressure on your shoulders and spine. A correctly adjusted bag should ride high between your shoulder blades.
How to Dial it In:
- Put the bag on both shoulders.
- Pull the adjustment tabs on a each strap so the bag rises up your back.
- The top of the bag should be just below the back of your neck. The bottom should be resting on your mid to upper back, not your lower back.
- It should feel snug, but not constricting. You should still have a full range of motion in your arms for walking naturally. If there’s a sternum strap, clip it to keep the shoulder straps from sliding outwards.
Step 2: Putting the Bag On Effortlessly
Don’t awkwardly struggle with the straps. Use this simple method:
- Set the bag upright on the ground.
- Grab the top lifting handle with your right hand.
- Slide your right arm through the right strap like you're putting on a jacket.
- Slightly lean forward and swing the bag across your back, then slide your left arm through the left strap. It will quickly become a single, fluid motion.
Step 3: Walk with Good Posture
With the weight evently distributed on your back, it's easier to maintain great walking posture. Keep your chest up and your shoulders back. Let your arms swing naturally. With a correctly fitted dual-strap bag, you should start to almost forget it’s there. You’re simply walking, allowing you to save energy and focus completely on your next shot.
Final Thoughts
Mastering these carry techniques will transform your relationship with your Jones bag and deepen your enjoyment of walking the golf course. Whether using the classic sing-strap style or the comfort of a a dull-strap setup, a properly carried bag prevents fatigue and keeps you focused on hitting great shots.
As a walking golfer, you’re already more engaged with strategy and decision-making on the course. That’s where we come in. On those tough holes where you need a second opinion, or when you find yourself in a tricky lie unsure of the play, Caddie AI acts as your personal, on-demand caddie. You can instantly get strategic advice or club recommendations, giving you the confidence to play smarter and enjoy the walk even more.