When it comes time to buy a new golf bag (or your very first bag, if you’re new to the sport), it’s worth it to put a little time and energy into making sure you make the right decision. Here are three concrete things to think about when you’re looking to buy a new bag. They should help you determine what matters most to you, which will make it easier to shop because you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for.

1. How will you use it?

This may seem like a silly or simplistic question, but it’s an important one. The first thing you need to decide is which type of bag you’re looking for, and that depends on how you plan to use it. Will you be walking the green when you play? If so, then you need a carrying style bag. Will you use the golf cart? If so, then a cart-style golf bag is better for your purposes. And if you’re looking to travel (especially if you’re going by plane), then a travel bag is something you should look into.

2. How big should it be?

Size directly corresponds to how much (and what type of) gear your bag will hold. Consider how many clubs and what sort of supplies you like to have with you on the course. If you are someone who wants to be prepared for everything, and then some, then a larger bag with greater dimensions and more pockets is something to look for. If you like to keep things clean and simple, and not have extra ‘stuff’ that you won’t use, a more streamlined golf bag may be more your style.

3. How much are you looking to spend?

When it comes to golf bags, you can spend anywhere from a couple hundred or several thousands dollars . Before you go to buy, have an idea of how much you are willing to spend, and which preferences hold more priority for you. If you find a bag in your price range that gives you everything you’re looking for, then great! If you have to adjust up in price to get the features you want, or down in features to get the price you want, have your priorities set ahead of time so you don’t get overwhelmed, and are able to make the best decision.