Take it from someone who lives out of a pencil bag in the summer: having an easy, compact carry bag that you can chuck on the back seat and walk a quick nine after work with is ideal. However, on those dewy mornings or dark-clouded summer days, the pencil bag can sometimes be a hindrance. In the past, my pencil bag might have just managed to squeeze in a jumper, a couple of sleeves of balls and some loose tees—while the water bottle would be forced in beyond the zipper’s capabilities, or just carried separately.
The OGIO Funday, however, takes the pencil bag in a new direction—reimagining a fan favourite without overcomplicating things. You still get the easy portability of a pencil bag, but with just the right amount of clever design and customisation to make it feel purpose-built rather than stripped back.
The removable modular pockets are a bit of a game-changer. Whether it’s a practice day, quick nine or a full Sunday stroll, you can pretty much kit yourself out for the day. The main pocket looks small, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much it holds. I’ve been gaming the bag since April and can regularly fit a jumper, waterproof jacket, personal belongings, golfing bits and bobs, and even a second, smaller water bottle in there.
There’s a dedicated accessory (ball) pocket and bottle holder that clip on or off with ease—and it’s worth noting that I carry a 32oz bottle, which fits perfectly in the holder, so there’s no worry about it being too small. The Funday also features a full-length MOLLE strip, allowing you to reconfigure the layout however you like, which is ideal if you’re a bit particular about where you want things to go.
One thing I really appreciate is how well it handles wet ground. As mentioned, early mornings and sporadic showers can often be the bane of a pencil bag’s existence. The ultralight stand legs might be short, but they’re surprisingly sturdy and keep the bag just high enough to save your grips from any damp or dew. A little thing like that makes a big difference over time.
Design-wise, OGIO has pushed the boat out in the best way. The hydro-dipped top means no two bags look the same, making each Funday one of a kind. And if you like a splash of colour, options like Rocket Pop and Tropical Punch will definitely turn heads on the first tee, while the Magnolia version will earn nods of approval from Augusta National fanatics. That said, there’s also a classic black for those who like to keep it low-key.
Despite the features, it’s still impressively lightweight thanks to the recycled ripstop polyester construction. Add in the breathable foam shoulder strap and ergonomic hip pad, and it’s genuinely comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded.
And, for those wondering whether it can handle a full set, I carry all 14 clubs, maybe 10 balls, tees, a glove, a layer or two of clothing, a towel (which clips on the side with ease), and my rangefinder, which lives happily in the mesh pocket on the front. So if you want to live out of it for the summer like I do, you’re more than covered. That said, it also more than suffices for simple range sessions or casual practice days.
There have only been two little things I’ve noticed in my regular use of the Funday. One is that the stand sometimes gets caught on the main pocket’s zip strap, which—if you haven’t noticed before attempting it—can stop the legs from pulling down. However, it’s a short-lived and minor inconvenience that’s easily sorted the moment you spot it.
The second is that when the main pocket is fully loaded, it can droop slightly from the weight. This doesn’t affect things while you’re carrying it, but when placing it down, the pocket can tilt to the side and bring more surface area into contact with the ground, which might dirty the bag on gravel or damp grass. Once again, though, there’s a quick fix: just move the pocket higher up the MOLLE strap to keep it clear—one of the perks of having adaptable storage.
Other than that, I genuinely can’t fault it. The OGIO Funday Carry Bag more than delivers when it comes to storage; the materials and build are top quality, and on more than one occasion, I’ve been complimented in person on my set-up.
At £144 RRP, it offers exceptional value for money.
