Bag Problems

It would help to know what to compare it to... what are you using now?

I always walk and carry my clubs, make sure you have good posture while walking. A 16 year old shouldn't have back problems carrying a bag... just get a bag with the back pack style 2 straps and suck it up until your back is strong enough to carry it.

If its not just muscle soreness then maybe go to a doctor... because you probably shouldn't swing a golf club anyways.

I am no doctor, but I carry too, I know it is not the best thing to do for your back and it can easely lead to a lesser focus at the last holes, but moving around on the course is better with a carry bag.

When I carry, I prefer a lighter bag, so I leave about 2-4 clubs in the locker, I toss out 3 bottles of water (1 is enough if you can refill it at the course or at the turn), no need to have 15 balls or even more in the bag (every 10 balls is a lb.) leave the umbrella in the locker if no rain is expected, (same with the raingear).

If you are used to carry around with 14 clubs, raingear, umbrella, 24 balls, a few bottles of water, etc..... 10-12 clubs and only what you really need, can make a big difference !

I'm currently using the Ogio Decibel, it is a decent bag for the money.  The leg system leaves a little bit to be desired, its sort of flimsy and doesn't inspire me with ideas of flawless performance for the next 6 years or so.  Other than that it is a great bag, light as a feather.  My Ogio cart bag has held up to all the abuse and more so I'm hoping that even if the legs go on the decibel the fabric will stay together and i'll just lay it down instead of standing it.  

On another note, I usually just walk 9, but when I do walk 18 I used to find that about two holes after my feet started hurting was when my back began to ache a little. The culprit? my shoes, changed them out as quick as I could save up the money, got a new pair that fit perfect for me and now magically no more back problems.  This is just a suggestion, but your feet and legs can have alot more to do with back pain than you might think.  If that's not the case for you then by all means, start doing back strengthing exercises and carry a lighter bag until your muscles catch up.  If it does play a role though, still do your strength exercises, but by all means, get a pair of shoes that don't hurt your game as fast as you possibly can.