PING Hoofer vs
Hoofer Lite
Here's What I'd
Actually Tell You.
Both bags. Same family. Different golfer. Co-founder Rick breaks it down.
I get asked this one a lot.
Someone walks in, heads straight to the bags wall, picks up the Hoofer, picks up the Hoofer Lite, looks at the price difference, then looks at me like I'm supposed to settle it for them.
So here's exactly what I'd tell you if you were standing in front of me at Alexandria or Canberra right now.
They're Both Good Bags. That's Not the Question.
PING has been making the Hoofer for a long time, and there's a reason it keeps selling. It's not flashy. It just works. The Hoofer Lite came along for golfers who wanted that same reliability but with less on their back — and it became a best seller almost immediately.
So the question was never "which one is better." It's which one is right for how you actually play.
Walk Me Through Your Round
When someone's deciding between these two, the first thing I ask is: how do you walk?
Not do you walk — most carry bag buyers walk, that's obvious. I mean how. Do you pack your bag like you're going on a two-week holiday? Or do you keep it lean and only carry what you'll actually reach for?
The Hoofer: For the Golfer Who Doesn't Want to Leave Anything Behind
PING Hoofer
The standard Hoofer has 16 pockets and a 5-way top divider. At 2.5 kg empty it's still genuinely light, but you're getting cart-bag levels of storage in a carry bag — which is a pretty impressive thing when you think about it.
Two valuables pockets (one velour-lined, which is a nice touch for your watch or sunglasses). A magnetic rangefinder pocket — no fumbling with a zipper, you just grab and go. Twenty-two litres of total pocket volume. There's room for a spare glove, an extra layer, a rain jacket, snacks, the works.
If you're the type who likes to be prepared for anything — and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that — the Hoofer is your bag.
Golfers who walk regularly but want their gear properly organised. Players who carry a full kit — rangefinder, spare glove, extra layers — and don't want to leave anything behind. Anyone upgrading from a cart bag who still wants comparable storage.
The Hoofer Lite: For the Golfer Who Moves Fast and Packs Smart
PING Hoofer Lite
The Hoofer Lite earned its Best Seller tag for good reason. Nine pockets sounds like a step down on paper, but in practice, it covers everything a walking golfer actually reaches for during a round — balls, rangefinder, valuables, rain gear, and apparel.
At 2.3 kg, the 200g difference over the Hoofer might sound minor. It isn't — especially across a full 18 holes, or if you're doing back-to-back walking rounds. The slimmer, stacked pocket configuration also means you're faster in and out without a full rummage.
The trade-off is real: one valuables pocket instead of two, a zippered rangefinder pocket instead of magnetic, and a 4-way top rather than a 5-way. If you tend to pack light and keep your bag lean, you'll never miss what you gave up.
Walkers who prioritise feel and efficiency over maximum storage. Golfers who know exactly what they need on the course and don't carry anything extra. Players who walk frequently and feel every gram by the back nine.
So Which One Should You Buy?
Ask yourself one question: do you tend to overpack your bag, or do you carry only what you need?
If you're the type who has two gloves, a rain jacket, a hat, snacks, three sleeves of balls, and a tube of sunscreen in your bag at all times — get the Hoofer. You'll use every pocket.
If you carry a rangefinder, a sleeve of balls, one glove, and your phone — the Hoofer Lite will feel like it was made for you.
Come In and Have a Look
Both bags are on the floor at Alexandria and Canberra. Pick them up, feel the difference, and we'll help you decide. Or shop online and we'll ship Australia-wide.
