Grant Horvat uses a Vessel Player IV Pro Stand Bag, a premium choice known for its quality construction and sleek, minimalist design. This article will not only detail the specific features that make this bag his go-to but also break down why gear selection - especially your golf bag - is a critical, often-overlooked part of playing better golf. We'll explore what you should look for in your own bag and how to organize it like a pro to bring more confidence and less chaos to your game.
A Closer Look at Grant Horvat's Vessel Bag
You can't watch one of Grant's videos without noticing his sharp, clean-looking gear. His choice of a Vessel golf bag is no accident. Vessel has built a reputation as the "luxury performance" brand in the golf bag space, focusing on meticulous craftsmanship, high-end materials, and tour-proven functionality. Grant's specific model, the Player IV Pro, is the perfect example of this philosophy.
What makes it stand out? It's all about the details:
- Premium Materials: The bag is made from tour-grade synthetic leather, which is durable, abrasion-resistant, and incredibly easy to clean. It provides the look and feel of genuine leather without the high maintenance or weight. This keeps his gear looking a "10 out of 10" on camera, video after video.
- Rock-Solid Stability: The Player IV Pro features carbon fiber legs. This makes them incredibly lightweight yet extremely strong and stable. Whether on a flat lie at the range or a sidehill slope on the course, the bag isn't going to tumble over - a small detail that removes a hugely annoying distraction.
- Purpose-Built Pockets: This is where Vessel really shines for a serious player. It includes features like a magnetic, velour-lined rangefinder pocket for quick access, an insulated cooler pocket for drinks, and a valuables pocket with a combination lock. Every pocket has a clear purpose.
- Smart Club Organization: Grant's bag features a 6-way top with full-length, enclosed dividers. This prevents club grips from tangling and makes pulling a club a smooth, one-handed operation. It's a small quality-of-life feature that makes a big difference over 18 holes.
For a player and content creator like Grant, this bag ticks every box. It looks phenomenal on camera, withstands the rigors of constant play and travel, and provides the organization necessary to stay focused on making great shots (and great content).
The Evolution of Grant's Gear: From Good Good to GH
If you've followed Grant's career, you know he hasn't always carried a Vessel bag. During his highly popular tenure with Good Good, he - along with the rest of the crew - often used bags from major brands like Ping, which were frequently customized with Good Good branding. The Ping Hoofer stand bag, a longtime staple among amateurs and pros alike, was a common sight.
The Ping Hoofer is a fantastic bag, renowned for its balance of lightweight design, comfort, and practical features. It’s a workhorse. His transition from a great all-around bag like the Hoofer to a premium, specialized bag like the Vessel Player IV Pro reflects the evolution of his career. As he established his own brand, his equipment choices followed suit, aligning with his personal style and the professional image he wanted to project.
This is a natural progression for many golfers. As you get more serious about the game, your needs change. You might start with a simple, functional bag, but as you begin to appreciate the finer details - how a bag feels to carry, how easily you can access your gear, how well it protects your clubs - you might find yourself upgrading. It’s less about a name and more about finding equipment that truly fits your game and solves on-course problems.
Is a Premium Bag Like Grant's Right for You?
So, the big question: should you run out and buy the same bag as Grant Horvat? The honest answer hinges on how you play the game. From a coaching perspective, a bag is a tool, not just an accessory. The right tool makes the job easier.
Let’s break down whether a premium stand bag is the right fit for your game. Ask yourself these questions:
1. Do You Mostly Walk or Ride?
This is the most important starting point. The Player IV Pro is a "stand bag," meaning it's designed to be carried. Vessel and other brands have poured R&D into making carrying more comfortable with features like:
- The Equilibrium 2.0 Strap: A self-adjusting, padded dual-strap system that distributes weight evenly across your shoulders.
- A Cushioned Hip Pad: This provides comfort and helps the bag rest securely against your back as you walk.
If you're a dedicated walker, the comfort and weight of a bag are paramount. A premium stand bag like this will make your walk noticeably more enjoyable. If you almost exclusively ride in a cart, you might be better served by a "cart bag," which often offers more storage and larger club dividers since weight and carrying comfort aren't factors.
2. How Much a Role Does Aesthetics Play For You?
Let's be honest: part of the appeal of a Vessel bag is its stunning looks. It’s like the difference between a functional, reliable sedan and a performance sports car. Both get you there, but one does it with an undeniable sense of style. If you take pride in the appearance of your gear and want a "tour" look, a premium bag like Vessel, Titleist's Linksmaster, or G/Fore deliver on that front. There's nothing wrong with wanting to have gear that makes you feel good, that confidence can spill over into your play.
3. What's Your Budget?
Vessel bags represent a significant investment, often costing two to three times as much as a standard bag from other major brands. If you're on a tight budget, excellent, highly functional bags are available from brands like Sun Mountain (their 2.5+ is an ultralight classic) and the aforementioned Ping Hoofer. These bags have been trusted for decades for a reason. You don’t need to spend top dollar to get a quality bag that performs well.
The decision comes down to value. For Grant, a durable, stylish, and highly functional bag is a business asset. For an amateur, the value comes from enhanced enjoyment, better durability over the long term, and the confidence that comes with high-end equipment.
How to Organize Your Golf Bag Like a Pro
Regardless of what bag you use, you can take a lesson from pros like Grant in how you set it up. A well-organized bag isn't about being fussy, it's about removing mental clutter. The last thing you need in your pre-shot routine is to be digging around to find the right club, scrambling for a tee, or realizing your rangefinder is buried at the bottom of a pocket. An organized bag promotes a calm, organized mind.
Here’s a simple, pro-level system for setting up any golf bag:
Club Organization 101
The general rule is "longest clubs at the top, shortest clubs at the bottom." Using a 6-way top like Grant's as an example:
- Top Two Slots (by the carry handle): This is for your driver, fairway woods, and maybe hybrids. Placing the longest clubs here prevents their shafts from getting tangled with your irons and makes them easy to grab.
- Middle Two Slots: These are for your irons. The best practice is to arrange them numerically. For example, your 4, 5, and 6-irons in one slot, and your 7, 8, and 9-irons in the other. You'll always know exactly where to reach.
- Bottom Two Slots: This is wedge territory. Your pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge go here. Many players also put their putter in one of these bottom slots if the bag doesn't have a separate putter well.
This layout means that when you're carrying the bag, the shorter iron heads Ecan't clang against the graphite shafts of your woods and driver, helping protect your gear
Pocket Strategy: A Place for Everything
Don't just randomly stuff things into pockets. Assign each pocket a role. This builds routine and muscle memory.
- Large Apparel Pocket: This one is easy. It’s for your rain jacket, a windbreaker, or an extra sweater. It should remain empty on a perfect day to keep weight down.
- Front Ball Pocket: This is for your primary stock of golf balls. Keep one or two sleeves in here. Don’t weigh it down with 24 loose balls you found in the woods. Keep a few favorite ball markers in here as well.
- Side valuables" Pocket: This is for your phone, keys, and wallet. Most modern bags have a waterproof zipper and a soft, velour lining in this pocket.
- Quick-Access Pocket: This is where modern bags have innovated. The magnetic closure on Grant's Vessel bag is perfect for a rangefinder. You can open and close it with one hand silently. If your bag doesn't have one, dedicate an easily reachable side pocket for it.
- Tee &, Tool Pocket: Use one of the smaller accessible pockets for your tees, divot tool, and maybe some spare change.
- Insulated Pouch: For your water bottle or sports drink. Keep it separate so any condensation doesn't get your other gear wet.
Final Thoughts
To sum things up, Grant Horvat's choice of a Vessel Player IV Pro bag is a perfect reflection of his brand: professional, high-quality, and detail-oriented. By looking at *why* he uses it - for its durable materials, smart organization, and stable design - we can learn how to assess our own needs and choose gear that solves problems and inspires confidence.
This philosophy of simplifying the game to boost performance is what we’re all about. A tidy, well-organized bag removes a layer of thought, letting you focus on the shot. Similarly, we built Caddie AI to take the guesswork out of your on-course strategy. When you're facing a tough hole or unsure about a club choice, our app gives you an instant, expert recommendation, allowing you to trust your decision and swing with commitment.