Many golfers have likely heard of MacKenzie Golf Bag company. MacKenzie manufactures premium golf bags based out of Beaverton, OR. They create custom, high quality golf bags designed specific to golfer’s style and taste. This blog post describes the process and customizations options when building your MacKenzie golf bag.
MacKenzie golf bag owners are golfers who enjoy carrying their golf bag when playing. I discovered the MacKenzie Golf Bags brand on Instagram. I quickly realized there is a community of like-minded golfers with a love for MacKenzie golf bags. And they use their golf bag as a matter of self-expression. MacKenzie offers a couple different styles, materials and customizations making deciding on a design a touch overwhelming. In the next section, I will cover finding inspiration for your MacKenzie golf bag.
Finding Inspiration for Your MacKenzie
MacKenzie golf bags offer a golfer several customization options to make the bag personal. Multiple combinations can be applied to truly express your personality. But, this ideation phase may be overwhelming.
Below are some suggestions when seeking inspiration for your new MacKenzie golf bag.
- MacKenzie Gallery – View dozens of bags designed and built by MacKenzie sent to customers.
- MacKenzie builder – Use this interactive bag builder to test different color combinations.
- Instagram Accounts – For inspiration, check out MacKenzie’s company and Creative account.
- Instagram Hashtags – Top Instagram hashtags include #MacKenzie, #MacKenziegolfbags.
- Ask questions – Send direct messages to MacKenzie golf bag owners on Instagram. I have found everyone to be very helpful with key insights during my build process.
The Basics: Type and Material
Now that you have found inspiration, it is time to start making decisions. The first decision is the golf bag type. MacKenzie offers two types of golf bags; Original Walker and Sunday Walker.
Original Walker
The Original Walker is exactly what it sounds like; the original. The Original Walker will hold a full set of clubs, has an 8″ opening, single divider with MacKenzie’s signature silhouette. For the Original Walker, choose between a single or double pocket configuration. The single pocket configuration will work well for the golfer who only brings the necessities. The double pocket option offers more room to store extra layers when playing in unpredictable climates.
Sunday Walker
The second bag type by MacKenize, the Sunday Walker, is geared for the golfing minimalist. The bag has a 7” opening and single divider. The Sunday Walker bag can still hold a full set of clubs, but is suited for those that like a slimmer silhouette and also carry less than 14 golf clubs. The single pocket on the Sunday Walker will have enough room for golf balls, tees and accessories. Wondering if a Sunday bag is right for you? Check out my other blog reviewing the Seamus Sunday bag.
Golf Bag Material
Once the bag type has been selected, the choice of material is next. For the Original Walker, the options include leather, waxed canvas and ballistic nylon. The Sunday Walker offers leather and waxed canvas options – not ballistic nylon. The most asked question I read is “Which material holds up best in wet weather or conditions?”. Below is a synopsis of the feedback:
- Leather – The leather bag will show when it gets wet, however, only takes a night/next day to dry out. The leather will maintain its softness and not dry out.
- Waxed Canvas – The waxed canvas is best suited for wet conditions of all the bag options. The wax coating will repel water without concern for damage to the material.
- Ballistic Nylon – The ballistic nylon will dry out the easiest. The material, however, may be most susceptible to items getting wet inside the pockets.
Customizing Your MacKenzie Golf Bag
Now that you have selected the MacKenzie golf bag type and material it is time to begin customizations. To start, I would recommend deciding on any stitching or logos for the golf bag. The MacKenzie team can include amazing stitching and logo details. Logos may include your own brand, sports teams, golf clubs and university/colleges. Using golf club logos will need approvals from the club to use.
Once decided, golfers will move onto the customization details. The customization is where MacKenzie shines. The details make the bag personal and functional for each golfer. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Color combinations and accent color(s)
- Personal initials or name by the handle.
- Metal or leather MacKenzie patch below the handle.
- Message either inside pocket or on outside of bag.
- Scorecard / wallet / phone holder inside pocket.
- Pencil holder on inside pocket.
- Clip for a rangefinder, speaker or towel.
- Water bottle holder (although not recommended by MacKenzie due to weight distribution).
- Strap for digital/mirrorless camera (requires Peak Design clip).
What customizations did I miss in my list? Message me and I will update the blog. Below is a small sample of MacKenzie golf bag designs posted on their MacArtBoard Instagram account.
As you can see, there are several customizations to consider when building your MacKenzie golf bag. To decide, I recommend thinking about how you golf. What do you carry with you? Are you a golfing minimalist? Will a second pocket be needed or useful? What conditions to you typically play in?
Let your personality shine through your new MacKenzie golf bag. If you are still unsure of details or have remaining questions, read onto the next section for details to engage the MacKenzie team.
Building the MacKenzie Golf Bag
At this point in the blog, you might have a good idea on what to include with your bag design. If not, the MacKenzie can help from the very beginning. The design team at MacKenzie Golf Bags are extremely responsive and collaborative. Leverage their expertise to put the final touches on your new golf bag.
To begin working with the MacKenzie team, email info@mackenziegolfbags.com. This email is fielded by their Creative Support team. Provide as much detail as you can including any decisions you made.
Note: During my customization process, I intentionally did not include color ideas. I hoped the MacKenzie Creative Support team would put together recommendations. And yes they did! The MacKenzie team has a knack for knowing what looks great.
Within a few days of emails exchanges discussing options and customizations, your design will be finalized. MacKenzie will send over an invoice to be paid digitally. After receipt, your new MacKenzie golf bag is officially in the queue!
The length of time to receive the bag can range between 4-8 weeks depending on circumstances. As I write this, my bag is still within the timeframe and I am anxiously awaiting its arrival. Here is digital mock up of my designed Golf Wisely MacKenzie golf bag:
Conclusion
After about a 6 week wait, my MacKenzie arrived! Below are pictures of the finished product. I could not be happier with the results. At the time of writing, I have played three rounds and it is an absolute joy to carry. Happy Mackenzie golf bag shopping and customizing!
Reach out to me with any more questions at GolfWisely@gmail.com
