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You’ve spent the time researching the perfect clubs. Now it’s time to protect them.
Few things are more exhilarating than touching down at the location of your dream golf trip. On the flipside, nothing is more excruciating than worrying if your clubs are going to make it safe and sound.
The best golf travel bags for 2023 will protect your clubs from the ups and downs, ebbs and flows, of airline travel. Without a proper golf travel bag, you could be forced to use a rental set when your unprotected clubs inevitably sustain fatal damage.
Sound like your worst nightmare? Don’t risk it. Here are the best golf travel bags for 2023.
It’s your money! You deserve to spend it on something that delivers on what it promises.
Does “cost” equal “performance”? Not always. The best golf travel bags for 2023 hover in the $250-$350 price range. However, the best value travel bag of 2023 can be purchased for less than $50! The Amazon Basics Soft Sided travel bag is a steal of a deal at its current price.
Do you need a travel bag that makes the airport experience seamless and smooth? What about protection and durability? Decide what you’re looking for in a golf travel bag before you buy. What’s important to you is what matters the most.
Golf Travel Bags come in all different shapes and sizes. More compact bags are easier to store and move, but bigger bags generally offer more protection and more storage.
Airports are seldom easy to navigate, especially with the droves of people all seemingly searching for the same gate as you. A good golf travel bag should be easy to maneuver and steer through the crowds. The ClubGlider design of the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian provides excellent steering and a nearly hands-free experience. It practically rolls itself!
Another great option when looking for a bag that’s easy to roll and move is the VICE Shell. The Shell has four spinners and two luggage wheels, which give it a tighter turning radius.
Nothing will spoil your dream golf vacation faster than a broken club. A golf travel bag’s main function is to protect your clubs. Sadly, not all have the necessary padding or structure to keep your precious sticks safe. A well-constructed golf travel bag has adequate padding near the top where the clubheads rest. Ideally, this space would be snug to stop the clubs from moving around or bending.
The most protective golf travel bag for 2023 is the OGIO Alpha Max. The Alpha Max offers great padding and protection, thanks in large part to the internal pad that can be wrapped around your clubs for 360-degree coverage. Another solid option is the PING Rolling Travel Cover, which features a snug and secure fit.
Like your typical luggage, a golf travel bag must be durable. You can’t afford for your golf travel bag to break, rip or tear after the first use. Your golf travel bag should withstand the test of time thanks to durable construction. Things like zippers, stitching and handles are the first to go because they get the most use. A durable bag reinforces these high-wear areas.
The most durable golf bag for 2023 is the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian. The PING Rolling Travel Cover is also durable enough to become a longtime travel companion.
If you want your clubs to make it to your final destination in one piece, we recommend a golf travel bag. You can’t go wrong with the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian or PING Rolling Travel Bag.
The key to packing your golf clubs for travel is to pack them tightly. Ideally you should use any included straps to hold your clubs in place, too. Most have exterior and interior strap to keep your clubs secure.
A “stiff arm” (sometimes called a torsion bar) is a great way to protect your longer clubs from harm. As mentioned, both the Stitch MUT and Titleist Professional Large Club Glove Travel Cover come standard with a stiff arm.
If you play an adjustable driver, it’s never a bad idea to remove your driver head for travel. If you choose to do so, wrap it carefully and place it in your carry-on so you can keep an eye on it!
World-class testing requires world-class equipment. This is the gear we trust to help us fulfill our Most Wanted testing.
The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian is as stable and steady as they come. If you're looking for a smooth airport companion, this is the golf travel bag for you.
The wheel base provides ultimate maneuverability and the padded top ensures your clubs stay protected. The angled base makes pulling your golf bag in and out very seamless.
The fit could be more snug to ensure your clubs stay tight. The ClubGlider system does also add a little weight, which can make it harder to get in and out of a car.
The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian was made with the frequent traveler in mind. The ClubGlider system makes moving through the airport a breeze. No other bag in our test was easier to maneuver and move than the ClubGlider Meridian. While the bag itself isn’t nearly as compact as other bags, the bag is so easy to load, unload, and move that you forget how large it is.
The padding near the top of the bag is among the most dense that we saw in our testing, too, which means your precious sticks will be protected no matter what.
Nothing is easier to travel with than the ClubGlider Meridian. The four-wheel ClubGlider System has been around for years, and it’s easy to see why Sun Mountain sticks with it.
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The PING Rolling Travel Cover is an excellent golf travel bag. It's extremely easy to use, very protective, and every feature is well worth your time.
The fantastic wheel base and stand-up design make loading and carrying the PING Rolling Travel Cover extremely easy. It folds up into a carrying case for easy storage, too.
The Ping Rolling Travel Cover doesn't have the most storage, and lacks some of the more robust padding as other golf travel bags.
External dimensions: 53″L x 17″W x 14.5″D
Fits carry bags up to full-size cart bags
6 handles for easy lifting from any angle
Upright or tilted maneuverability
Zip-off, customizable front pocket
Interlocking skid rails roll smoothly over curbs
Abrasion-resistant material
Strong polypropylene base
400D Nylon with white contrast polyester thread
Looking for a new golf travel bag? The PING Rolling Travel Cover should make your short list. This is one of those bags that makes traveling with your clubs a stress-free experience. Between the great protection and durability this bag offers, there are few that match its stellar performance.
Another thing we noticed during our testing is how easy it is to load and unload. The Ping Rolling Travel Cover stands on its own, making it extremely easy to load, then unload your gear.
The Ping Rolling Travel Cover is large enough to fit most cart bags, but agile enough to move through the airport with ease. The 6 handles make it easy to lift and transport, and the bottom rails make it possible to go up and down curbs with ease on your way to the car or the course.
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Max protection is the name of the game for the OGIO Alpha Max Golf Travel Cover. If you want your clubs to arrive to your destination in one piece, this is the bag for you.
Interior wrap-around pad provides extra protection and the sturdy wheelbase makes moving the bag smooth and easy.
Not as many storage pockets as we'd like to see on a golf travel bag.
Designed to fit all golf bags including extra-large tour staff bags
360º reinforced foam padding for premium club protection
Integrated OGIO SLED technology with oversized heavy-duty wheels for a smooth ride and unparalleled impact protection
Two Internal compression straps to reduce movement in transit
Three external webbing compression straps
Lockable exterior zippers
Heavy Duty Ballistic 1680D Polyester Body
Dual loading handles for easy lifting
Easy-load D-shaped opening
Interior Mesh pocket
Two front accessory pockets with removable Panels
Clear Contact Card Holder
OGIO’s Alpha Max Golf Travel Cover provides maximum protection in a stylish package. The Alpha Max is OGIO’s flagship golf travel bag, and its stellar performance is evidence that OGIO put a lot of thought into this one.
The key feature of the Alpha Max Golf Travel Cover is the interior padding wrap. The padding can be wrapped around your clubs and is secured in place with velcro for an extra layer of protection. The peace of mind that this bag offers the frequent traveler is well worth the lofty price tag.
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The Titleist Professional Large Club Glove Golf Travel Bag provides great protection for your clubs with its ultra durable construction.
This bag is very durable and features great straps to keep your clubs in place. The Titleist Professional Large Club Glove Golf Travel Bag also includes a torsion bar to protect your longer clubs.
Due to the large size, this bag is harder to store and harder to maneuver than some.
Full protection with ballistic nylon base reinforcement for resilient, indestructible support
Includes stiff arm for added club protection
Snap ID card holder for security
Premium coated zippers for water repellency
Premium Nexus Buckles secure contents
High-impact inline skate wheels for smooth and quiet carry on any surface
Available for custom embroidery
Dimensions: 51″ x 19″ x 16″
The Professional Large Club Glove Golf Travel Bag is an all around beast. This bag has everything you’re looking for in a solid golf travel bag. Between the durable construction and included torsion bar, this bag provides ample protection for your clubs.
Among the best features are the sturdy exterior straps, which keep your clubs from bumping in to one another. This durable golf travel bag can fit most cart bags and stand bags. Club Glove’s patented plastic wheel base provides an extremely smooth roll and overall good travel experience.
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The Vice Shell is small but mighty. If you need great maneuverability, compact size and decent protection, this is the golf travel bag for you.
The Vice Shell has four spinners for tight turns and overall small footprint make it easy to move and easy to store.
The Vice Shell golf travel bag isn't as protective as some, and the midsection isn't rigid enough to stop it from bending in the middle.
6 Wheel System with 5 handles for smooth transport
Most spacious travel cover designed to fit all golf bag models, including our PRIDE Bag
Inside strap, two inside pockets and ultimate padding to keep your clubheads protected
Extra storage cover bag for ideal compact stow away at home
Businesscard solder for easy identification
Size: 35*50*130cm
Empty Weight: <3k
The Vice Shell is a small golf travel bag that folds nicely into an included carrying case. This miniature travel bag features a 360 degree wheelbase complete with four spinner wheels that makes it easy to move anywhere and everywhere.
We loved how easy it was to move the Shell. The spinner wheels give it an extremely tight turn radius that can’t be beat. When not in use, the Vice Shell folds up into a very compact size. The included carrying case makes it easy to store when you’re not on the go.
The Vice Shell has five carry handles for easy lifting and transportation, and the six wheel system makes this bag practically glide on any surface.
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Everything we do and say is based on cold, hard data. We challenge any and every claim with scientific measurement and analysis. If a product performs well, you'll hear about it. We'll tell you the truth and list the shortcomings if it doesn't.
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Everything we do and say is based on cold, hard data. We challenge any and every claim with scientific measurement and analysis. If a product performs well, you'll hear about it. We'll tell you the truth and list the shortcomings if it doesn't.
Looking for more data and full golf travel bag rankings?
Looking for more data and full golf travel bag rankings?
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| Driver Ping G30 | Hybrids PXG 0317 |
| 3/4 IRON PXG 0311XF | 5-GW Srixon Z 565 |
| SW PXG 0317 | LW PXG 0311 |
| Putter EVNROLL |
1 year ago
Yesterday’s email started with: “I won’t even bother looking for a polite way to put it. Traveling with a golf bag SUUUCKS‼️ Dragging a huge bag through the airport is no fun and that’s before we talk about the ever-present risk of baggage handlers making some unauthorized adjustments to your clubs. It’s almost not worth the hassle.”
This is completely wrong. Travelling with clubs is wonderful, it means you are going golfing or have been golfing, usually someplace nicer than home. It makes travelling by air bearable and you can feel smug about all the others who dont have clubs. You really only have your clubs for a few minutes before they are dropped off so its really not bad.
That said, I have the large Club glove last bag plus a stiff arm. The quality wheels make maneouvering manageable and the quality and protection of the bag has been outstanding. Being a soft bag means that it doesnt damage my vehicle on the trip to the airport. The bag folds down into inself so it is the size of a medium suitcase when empty. Last bag also has different colored stripes so finding my bag amongst the sea of all black bags when I go to places like Phoenix is easier.
1 year ago
Bought the SUN MOUNTAIN Glider off the back of last year’s review… and it is worth every penny. Highly recommend.
1 year ago
The SUN MOUNTAIN is truly amazing. I can maneuver it with MY PINKY FINGER! Even my wife who knows nothing about golf loves this travel bag. Sorry to all the other competition but the Sun Mountain really is a no brainer.
1 year ago
Have used the Club Glove XL with stiff arm for years–plenty of room for extra shoes, clothes, balls with my Titleist Player 4 size carry bag.
Key of course is the trick of removing heads from driver and fairway metals storing the shafts grips upward during travel.
I now toss an Apple Tag into my bag so it can always be located.
I would rather take a little extra time to physically retrieve my bag at luggage and have clubs ready immediately if desired.
Unfortunately I have heard some horror stories of clubs being lost or misplaced or misdirected or even arrive late at the receiving end by friends using Shipstix.
1 year ago
I’ve gone through 2 Club Gove bags over the years. I recently bought the Amazon Basics travel bag for $60. I’m shocked at how good it is! I have a hard time thinking of anything bad to say about it.
1 year ago
I had a club glove bag for years, but it was taking a toll on my shoulders and back, lifting it every couple minutes while waiting in airport lines — especially when I was often bringing a surfboard with me. The club glove was a solid and protective piece of travel equipment, but it was awkward. When the club glider came out, I knew it was the answer, and promptly purchased it. My friend needed a decent travel bag so I gave her my Club Glove. Though traveling with clubs is generally a hassle, the club glider makes traveling with clubs so much more reasonable. I was at a Golf Galaxy a couple years ago and a woman was trying to decide on a travel bag for a trip to Scotland and Ireland with her friends. The salesman (a friend of mine) was giving her a lot of input, when he saw me and said, here’s someone who travels a lot with his clubs — any suggestions? Without hesitation I directed her to the Club Glider and told her not to even think twice about it. She happened to approach me about a year later at the local driving range (I didn’t recognize her) and reminded me that she had bought the club glider, that it worked perfectly and all her friends were envious. Like some others here, I don’t particularly trust the baggage handlers to care for my gear as much as I do, so I pull all the heads off my woods and store them safely in the bag, and use one of the Stiff Arms to protect my shafts and irons. Fortunately, I’ve had very good luck with no breakages and that’s after
1 year ago
We have used a pair of Tourtrek golf bags for about 5 years. Ours have hard shell tops and padded bodies. The clubs/golfbag strap in nicely and up till now we have not had any damaged clubs. We average 2 crosscountry trips a year with them. They have 2 wheels and roll pretty easily, but all of them are bulky. my biggest complaint if for TSA. many times after inspection they don’t strap the clubs/golfbag back in the travel cover. My other complaint is for the baggage handlers. They tend to tug on the zipper tabs instead of the handles that are supposed to be used. That being said, ours bags are stil in good shape.
1 year ago
I received a top-notch travel bag in 2008 as an anniversary gift for my job. As fate would have it, all my golf trips / excursions since then have been by a car so I haven’t used it! The one time I did fly, the family went to Disney area & I stayed at a Marriott Vacation Club resort that had a fantastic course & practice facility. I ended up rented virtually brand new TaylorMade clubs for $69 for the week (this included unlimited range balls & range time). Not a bad deal! For me, playing while keeping an eye on my very small children, scoring wasn’t exactly my top priority. So not having my own clubs wasn’t a big deal.
1 year ago
I bought the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Pro back in 2017 for a trip to the UK and Europe. It is awesome. I even piled our carry-ons and backpack on top of it and connected them with velcro straps to hold them and wheel them around the airports. I use a BagBoy Backbone inside it and take all the heads off woods and drivers. I wrap the tops of the clubs in golf towels and I haven’t had anything broken yet. In Vegas, in 2019 I had a room that was about a ten-minute walk to the car in the parking lot so every day I’d just put my clubs in the Clubglider and wheel them to the car. I can’t say enough good things about this travel bag.
1 year ago
I purchased the SunMountain bag last year after MGS’ recommendation came out and travel a good deal with my clubs both domestically and internationally. The bag is incredible. Absolutely crushes it – every time I’m going through an airport another golfer (who is lugging his/her bag) stops me and says, “WHAT is that??”
My biggest concern was the wheel base and how reliable that would be, but it’s rock solid. Very highly recommended!
1 year ago
I’ve had a Club Glove travel bag for over 30 plus years. I can’t remember how many times I’ve taken it on US domestic trips as well as to Europe and Asia.
The only issue I had with it was the roller wheels disintegrating due to age. It was an easy fix as they are standard roller blade wheels that I purchased on eBay. All the zippers work great. There is a few spaces on the cover that show some abrasion marks, but it doesn’t impact the function of the travel bag. So when you say the bag is “very durable” you are not kidding!
1 year ago
New website design seems to have come with a loss of MGS substance. Where’s the table showing how each bag performs in each “test” category? Or the other table showing features and specifications? Or the description of how rankings were determined. For me, these were the items that made MGS trustworthy and allowed individuals to decide what compromises the were willing to make as part of their buying decision.
1 year ago
Click the View Full Rankings Button and you will get the tables. My favorite part of the articles also
1 year ago
This was posted 2 weeks ago and the article came out today. It’s almost like someone posted a comment, they pulled the article, and came back 2 weeks later with the content we know and love. Thanks for the guidance :)
1 year ago
Also very curious, no Club Glove mentioned anywhere. Is there a reason for that omission?
1 year ago
One of the bags we tested from Titleist was the Club Glove Large travel bag!
1 year ago
Acushnet purchased Club Glove late last year.
1 year ago
Some airlines, including United, have a policy where they will only insure your clubs if using a hard-sided bag
1 year ago
I’ve had a BagBoy higher end travel (the exact model escapes me) bag since early 2000’s and it’s not showing much wear at all. It’s average 1-2 cross country flights per year.
Will
1 year ago
I purchased my first, and only, Club Glove Last Bag back in 1997. I would bet that it’s logged well over a half a million air miles and while it may look every bit of 26 years old, it still gets the job done. It is without a doubt the smartest/best golf purchase I’ve ever made and it’s not even close!