So, you’ve been watching Rick Shiels, you love his content, and now you’re curious about his gear. It makes sense. He's arguably the biggest golf personality on the planet, and his bag is always front and center. The question What golf bag does Rick Shiels use? is a simple one, but the answer has a little more to it than just a brand name. We’ll cover the exact bags he’s using right now, touch on bags he's used in the past, and most importantly, break down the lessons you can apply to choosing the perfect bag for your own game.
The Direct Answer: Rick's Current Golf Bags
As of right now, Rick Shiels is a brand ambassador for Titleist, which means his bag, clubs, and ball come from the iconic "T" brand. Because he plays and films in various conditions, he actually rotates between two main bags depending on the situation: a stand bag for carrying and a cart bag for when he uses a trolley or buggy.
For Walking: The Titleist Players 4 StaDry Stand Bag
When Rick is walking the course, which you'll see in many of his on-course vlogs and challenge videos, his bag of choice is the Titleist Players 4 StaDry™ Stand Bag. This is a premium, lightweight bag designed specifically for the walking golfer who often faces unpredictable weather - something Rick knows all about filming in the UK.
Here’s what makes this bag a go-to choice for serious walkers:
- Waterproof Construction: The "StaDry" a isn't just a fancy name. It features seam-sealed zippers and a waterproof shell that keeps grips, gloves, and valuables completely dry in a downpour. For anyone who doesn't let a bit of rain cancel their round, this is a massive advantage.
- Lightweight Design: At just under 4 lbs (about 1.8 kg), it’s built to reduce fatigue over 18 holes. Every ounce matters when you're carrying your own bag, and this model prioritizes a lightweight yet sturdy build.
- Comfortable Straps: It features a premium double strap system that’s self-balancing and heavily padded. This design distributes weight evenly across your shoulders, making the walk far more comfortable and reducing strain on your back.
- High-Quality Stand System: The legs are strong, stable, and activate easily. You can confidently place it down on any lie without worrying about it tipping over, which is a small but significant quality-of-life feature.
For Carts & Trolleys: The Titleist Cart 14 Bag
When Rick uses his electric trolley, like a Motocaddy, he switches to a dedicated cart bag. Currently, he uses the Titleist Cart 14 Bag. It's designed to live on a cart, whether it's a push/electric trolley or a riding golf cart.
This bag serves a totally different purpose, and its features reflect that:
- 14-Way Full-Length Dividers: This is a key feature for cart bag users. Every club gets its own padded slot, running the full length of the bag. This prevents grips and shafts from getting tangled up, making it effortless to pull a club out and put it back in. It’s an organizational dream.
- Forward-Facing Pockets: All the pockets are designed to face forward when the bag is strapped to a cart. This gives you easy access to everything you need - balls, tees, a rangefinder, snacks, and extra layers - without having to unstrap the bag or contort your body to get to a specific pocket.
- Massive Storage: Cart bags aren't constrained by weight in the same way stand bags are. The Cart 14 has tons of storage, including multiple apparel pockets, a dedicated valuables pocket, and an insulated cooler pouch. It allows you to be prepared for literally anything.
- Cart Strap Passthrough: A clever design element is a built-in channel for the cart's strap. This secures the bag tightly to the cart without blocking access to any of the main pockets - a common frustration with older cart bag designs.
Rick's Bag Philosophy: Matching Your Gear to Your Game
Understanding why Rick uses two different bags is more valuable than just knowing the model names. It’s a core philosophy that every amateur golfer should adopt: choose gear that fits how you actually play golf. A golfer who almost exclusively rides in a cart has completely different needs than a player who walks 90% of their rounds.
When to Choose a Stand Bag
Think about the Titleist Players 4 StaDry. It's all about mobility and performance for the walker. If you primarily carry your clubs, prioritize these features:
- Weight: Look for a bag under 5 lbs. Anything heavier will become a burden on the back nine.
- Strap System: A comfortable, well-padded, and self-balancing double strap is non-negotiable. Try it on in the store if you can. It should feel balanced, not pull to one side.
- Durability and Stability: Quality construction and a sturdy leg mechanism are worth paying for. You want a bag that feels solid, not flimsy.
- Weather Protection: If you play in a damp climate, a waterproof or highly water-resistant bag like the StaDry keeps your gear in better condition and makes the round more enjoyable.
A stand bag gives you the freedom to walk wherever your ball goes without being tied to a cart path. It’s for the purist, the fitness-focused golfer, and anyone who loves the simplicity of grabbing their bag and heading out.
When to Choose a Cart Bag
Now consider the Titleist Cart 14. Its design is based on organization and convenience. If you always use a pushcart, electric trolley, or riding cart, you should be looking for:
- Club Organization: A 14- or 15-way top is the gold standard. It makes finding clubs a breeze and keeps your expensive shafts and grips from banging against each other.
- Storage Capacity: One of the biggest perks of a cart bag is the ability to carry more. You can pack a full rain suit, an extra towel, a dozen balls, and drinks without a second thought.
- Pocket Accessibility: Ensure the pockets are arranged logically for cart use. A forward-facing layout is ideal. There’s nothing more annoying than realizing your rangefinder pocket is jammed against the trolley frame.
- A Solid Base: The base of the bag needs to be flat and sturdy to sit securely on a trolley or in the well of a riding cart without twisting or shifting.
Don't make the mistake of buying a cart bag if you plan to carry it, even occasionally. They are too heavy and bulky, and their single-shoulder straps are not ergonomic for carrying over long distances.
What About Bags Rick Has Used In The Past?
Before his major partnerships, Rick, like many golfers, used equipment from a variety of leading manufacturers. In many older videos, you can spot him using bags from other highly respected brands, most notably PING.
The PING Hoofer stand bag is an absolute icon in the golf world and has been for decades. It's often been the benchmark for what a high-quality, durable, and practical stand bag should be. He's also used bags from Motocaddy, a brand that specializes in electric trolleys and matching cart bags designed to lock perfectly onto their trolleys.
The takeaway here is that while his current sponsor is Titleist, his history shows an appreciation for quality no matter the brand. Great golf bags from brands like Titleist, PING, Sun Mountain, and Vessel all share common DNA: they are built with the golfer's experience in mind, using premium materials and intuitive designs.
How to Pick Your Next Golf Bag (The Rick Shiels Way)
So, let's turn this into actionable advice. Instead of just buying the exact bag Rick uses, ask yourself the same questions a professional would to find the perfect fit for you.
1. How Do You Primarily Play? Walking or Riding?
This is the first and most important question. Be honest with yourself. If you walk 75% of the time,a lightweight stand bag is your best bet. If you ride in a cart 9 out of 10 rounds, lean into the organizational benefits of a cart bag. If you do a true 50/50 split, you might consider a "hybrid" stand bag, which has more features than a stripped-down stand bag but still has legs and a good strap system.
2. How Organized Do You Need to Be?
This comes down to the dividers. A 14-way top is fantastic for keeping things neat and tidy. You'll never pull out two clubs at once. However, some players find the individual slots a bit restrictive, especially with oversized putter grips. A 4, 5, or 6-way top is lighter and offers more freedom, but your clubs might get tangled occasionally. There's no right or wrong answer - it's Tidy vs. Simple.
3. What's Your "Must-Have" Feature?
No bag is perfect at everything. You have to prioritize what matters most to you.
- Is it waterproofing? If you play in the rain like Rick, a StaDry-style bag is a game-changer.
- Is it maximum storage? Look for a cart bag with large apparel pockets and a big cooler pouch.
- Is it minimal weight? Seek out an ultralight "Sunday" or minimalist stand bag built purely for carrying.
- Is it budget? Many brands offer fantastic, durable bags at a lower price point if you're willing to give up some of the premium features like full-length dividers or 100% waterproof materials.
Final Thoughts
While Rick Shiels currently uses Titleist bags - specifically the Players 4 StaDry and the Cart 14 - the bigger lesson is in his approach. He uses the right tool for the job. Your goal should be the same_ to find a bag that complements how you play, eliminates annoyances, and makes your time on the course easier and more enjoyable.
Getting your equipment dialed in is a huge step toward playing with more confidence. Once that's sorted, the focus shifts to making smarter decisions on the course, which is exactly why our team built Caddie AI. We wanted to give every golfer access to the kind of on-demand strategic thinking that used to be reserved for the pros. Instead of guessing on club selection or feeling lost about how to play a new hole, you get clear, simple guidance in seconds. So, while your new bag holds your clubs, we’re here to help you use them with more confidence and strategy than ever before.