50 Words or Less
The Sun Mountain Matchplay 4-Way golf bag is constructed with Infinity Vinyl for durability and a sophisticated look. Streamlined yet well appointed. New base design aids functionality and stability.
Introduction
Sun Mountain says that its latest luxury option, the new Legacy collection, is “engineered for both elegance and endurance.” I hadn’t previously written or read either of those intriguing words in a Sun Mountain review, so I was curious what the highly regarded brand had created. The Mid-Stripe Stand Bag I reviewed a few years back [find it HERE] brought a fresh, modern addition to the Sun Mountain lineup of golf bags, but the Legacy seemed different. I got my hands on a Sun Mountain Matchplay 4-Way stand bag to fully investigate.
Looks
In my review of the new core model Eclipse E-2.5 stand bag [review HERE] I wrote it had a “sleek, clean look,” but the Sun Mountain Matchplay 4-Way takes those traits to another level. It starts with a silhouette more trim from about every viewpoint. The black Infinity Vinyl body with black zippers elevates the clean look of the Matchplay 4-Way, and the few spots of red stitching add touches of elegance. The covers over the long zippers on each side of the bag embody the sleek, clean look of the Matchplay 4-Way.
Matt Saternus and I have often commented about the subdued branding of Sun Mountain bags, and the Matchplay 4-Way is no exception and, again, next level. The only “Sun Mountain” identifier is on the badge above the main handle, and even then, the raised black lettering keeps it subdued. Under that handle is a small “Matchplay” fabric patch, and there’s a chrome mountain logo on each side of the bag. Simple and clean.
Features
The Eclipse E-2.5 is a good reference point size wise if you’re familiar with Sun Mountain designations. I fully expected the Sun Mountain Matchplay 4-Way to be a twin of the Eclipse E-2.5 in terms of functionality and features, so I was surprised by the number of differences. In fairness to the Matchplay 4-Way and the Sun Mountain designers, I’ll cease with the comparisons and highlight the meaningful features of the bag.
Despite the shaping that may trick your eyes, the namesake 4-way top is around 7.5” in both width and depth. The full length divided sections are topped with perforated padding that extends down a good 4”. The Sun Mountain Matchplay 4-Way has 9 total pockets if you count the split side valuables pocket as two. My favorite pocket is the velour lined magnetic one above the ball pocket that was perfect for utilizing my rangefinder.
On the left side of the bag is a large, lightly insulated sleeve that perfectly held my 22 oz stainless water bottle. On the right side, a big chrome ring provides versatility – big enough to slip a towel through, dry out a glove, or attach accessories. Beside the ring is an umbrella belt that pairs with the super nice, long sleeve below it.
Performance
My first note on the Sun Mountain Matchplay 4-Way was how easy and enjoyable it was to maneuver. Whether I grabbed the handle at the top or down on the spine, the bag was well balanced and the handles themselves well padded. There’s also a substantial handle under the ball pocket to assist with loading in and out of a trunk.
The other aspect of maneuverability is the leg system that worked flawlessly. To engage the legs, you press down on the front edge of the base instead of an external foot. This hinged bottom system is what Sun Mountain calls the Internal Compression Bottom. With the legs extended, the large area of the base that remains in contact with the ground added to the excellent stability of the Sun Mountain Matchplay 4-Way. When I picked the bag up by the straps or handles, the sturdy legs retracted quickly and completely.
Speaking of straps, the Sun Mountain Matchplay 4-Way’s were easy to adjust and functioned nicely throughout the gyrations of taking the bag on and off, and carrying in general. The padding was thick and firm, and there’s a web handle on the right shoulder strap for an additional grab point. Overall, the straps were very comfortable on my shoulders but did add to the heat load during testing in the sweltering summer heat of the Lowcountry of South Carolina. That said, the perforated, quilted padding on the hip section provided much needed breathability. And when it’s super hot, I prefer to ride, and the Matchplay 4-Way sits nicely in its upright position.
My normal setup is 13 clubs, and that was a bit snug with the Matchplay 4-Way. Slimming down to 12 clubs – three in each section – functionality was perfectly fine. Similar to most stand bags, I found a bit of encumbrance on occasion, but any interference was remedied when I lifted the bag or straightened up an errant club.
Conclusion
The “elegance” of the Sun Mountain Matchplay 4-Way, with its sleek profile and high-end touch points, can be seen in the photos. It’s the “endurance” that may be more difficult to envision, but the Infinity Vinyl does have a weightiness to it that communicates longevity. There’s also a richness to the tactile feel, and it’s super easy to keep clean. Overall, the design of the Matchplay 4-Way is well-executed with plenty of storage options, comfortable straps, and reliable legs. Size and functionality wise, the Sun Mountain Matchplay 4-Way is great for the golfer who walks or rides. And if you prefer a lighter bag, a 14-way top, or even a full-size cart bag, Sun Mountain’s Matchplay family has you covered.
Buy the Sun Mountain Matchplay 4-Way HERE
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One Comment
Matt, the mid-stripe bag I purchased a couple of years ago has held up great. Unfortunately the color is now fading after spending 6 days/week in the low country sun. I was hoping to replace mid-stripe with the Matchplay, but disappointed to see width of the top is reduced from 9 1/2” on the midstripe to 7 1’2” on the Matchplay. Hopefully SM will return to a 9” top for its premium line when it rolls out the 2026 catalogue.