Why would carrying a bag make a difference? The only etiquette question is it ok to walk across the green. In the US, it is bad form to push/pull a trolley across a green. Overseas, this is commonly allowed. It makes sense in any country to not have a stand bag legs on the greens as they could puncture the surface. My pet peeve is with the carts within inches of the fringe of a green.

It may not make a difference for everyone, but I'm 6 foot 225 lbs. I have issues with my Footjoy DNA 2.0's leaving large footprints on the green when it's just me without a bag. I really enjoy the shoes but a combination of my overweight frame and the outsole seems to not be a good combination for the green.

I'll walk around to the closest point to the next tee box. As I'm walking it gives me a chance to survey the green around my ball. I never walk on the green with anything other than my towel and putter.

I personally never carry my bag on to the green. I always set it off to the side usually between the green and the next tee box. I carry what ever clubs I may need around the green with me.

I generally avoid walking on the green while carrying my bag, but I don't think doing so causes any harm.

Just hole your second shot and ask your partner to get the ball... so much easier than worrying about your bag- or putting

Always place it nearest my exit of the green as I head to the next tee box. if I have a pull cart I usually bring it up the side at the very least. I never leave anything in front of the green as it takes time to go get it and head back the opposite way leaving people in the fairway waiting on me to move and get out of range. Ball Marks, don't get me started how it upsets me to arrive at a green & see fresh ball marks not fixed knowing someone in front of you doesn't care enough to fix them.

Since I like to keep pace of play going, i simply lay my bag next to my ball and putt it out and move onto the next hole... My partners are usually nice enough to fix my marks... That's what friends are for right? :) j/k....

I always place my bag cart near next hole and then head to the green. Usually I'm repairing balls marks as I'm walking towards my ball.. it's amazing how many golfers don't repair their ball mark... I don't think they realize how expensive it is to repair a green.. It ain't cheap!

Great Comments and perspectives gang!!!
Personally I always try to keep my gear off the green usually at the closest point to the next tee...I have been doing this ever since my green mowing days back in the 80's and 90's...treating greens well brings good Karma...always fix a few ball marks for those oblivious to their surroundings.

Cheers,
Dr. K

Wow, I am getting a guilt trip for walking across the green carrying my bag, to set it up in the rough close to my ball. But I always fix my ball mark, (when I hit the green) and multiple others. It blows me away how many ball marks are not repaired.

Pro caddies walk on the green with bags, but I never walk on the green with my bag. Nothing like dropping your bag and clubs on a great green, only to destroy it.