When is a golf bag no longer just a golf bag? When does it go from being a form built to function, to functioning as a piece of history meant to tell a story?

As we showcased a little while bag in a three-part GolfWRX Great bag Debate there are a lot of different styles of bags golfers enjoy using, but for traditionalists who enjoy the walk, a simple single strap bag offers everything you need.

FlagBag Golf Co, was founded to bring together heirloom quality workmanship with history and storytelling by repurposing both new and flown flags into golf bags. Each FlagBag is hand-crafted individually by Macdonald Leathergoods in Portland, Oregon. Macdonald Leathergoods is owned and operated by Todd Rohrer and Thom Faglie, and are also known as for owning MacKenzie Golf Bags before Macdonald.

I had the chance to talk with one of their founders Joshua Smith—a jack of all trades, who is also an accomplished painter of landscapes (Joshua Smith Fine Art) and the golf superintendent at Orinda CC.

RB: Since FlagBags are designed for walkers, as a superintendent, why do you believe walking is the best way to experience a course, and with that in mind, what do you think people notice more when they walk?

JS: Walking the golf course has always been my favorite way to experience this great game. I learned the game walking around 9 years old and that is certainly when I fell in love with it. I had a Ping stand bag while playing in college, but have just usually preferred laying the bag down and having something super minimal.

RB: A FlagBag is going to be a conversation starter for whoever is carrying one. Was it your goal to create heirloom-quality pieces from the start and not just “another bag”?

JS: Surely, the uniqueness and heirloom qualities were on my mind within a few hours of thinking about this idea. Additionally, I think this idea has “collectible” or souvenir appeal, but honestly, that is secondary to just the idea of reusing these great “flown” flags in the body of a fully useable and functional lightweight golf bag.

RB: With the limitation on the number of flags per design what would be your top courses to include on your personal bag and why?

JS: Great question and not one that I had even though about yet!

I can’t narrow it down. So here goes: I believe my bag would be coolest if it made up courses special to me. Maybe the two courses that I grew up playing in Oregon, one of those who has permanently changed its name.

Option A: I would reproduce that logo from an old hat I have. Progress Downs Golf Course, Lake Oswego Municipal Golf Course, and maybe a Numbered flag.

Option B: Great courses I have worked at. SFGC, Cal Club, Meadow Club, and Orinda. (I’ve had some superintendent friends that have already arranged permission at their clubs to make a “Resume” bag.

Option C: Making up a bag from an old US Open with the Yellow flags with blue writing and maybe a single numbered flag as one of the 3 would be super cool.

Option D: An all Sheep Ranch (Bandon Dunes) FlagBag. So many great memories from there including my bachelor party playing golf around the Sheep Ranch.

For more information on FlagBag Golf or Josh’s paintings check out flagbaggolfco.com and Joshua Smith Fine Art.