Golf trips provide some of our most enjoyable experiences. Maybe it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Old Course or the annual buddies trip—they all offer memories that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately, the actual traveling aspect is often the most stressful. Knowing your golf clubs will arrive safely is vital. With experiences both good and bad, I have learned a few tips and tricks to make your next golfing adventure a little more worry-free.
The Basics
It should go without saying but a quality travel bag is a must. We have all seen the videos or heard the stories about golf bags being tossed around by airlines with disastrous results. While a quality golf bag won’t necessarily entirely solve this, it is the first step in ensuring all your gear arrives intact.
The two main options for travel golf bags are hard case or soft case with padding. There are a few golf travel bags that offer a combination. A hard shell is very durable and really helps protect your gear but they can be bulky and cumbersome. Soft cases are easier to pack and offer less protection but are, in general, more versatile.
Stiff Arm Support Bar
This bar with an umbrella-like top fits inside the bag and acts as a spine to protect the longer clubs which are more susceptible to damage. This accessory is meant for soft-covered bags.
One of the top options available is the Bag Boy BackBone.
Know The Airline’s Policies
It is tempting to overpack a golf travel bag. As these are considered oversized luggage, the weight restrictions can be different, depending on the airline. Knowing this and planning for it is important. There are some airlines that charge an extra fee for oversized luggage.
When in doubt, check the airlines website.
Travel With Clean Golf Gear
This may seem inconsequential but there are countries that will detain your clubs if they have excess dirt, mud and grass on them. New Zealand and Australia have strict entrance requirements and require near-spotless golf equipment in order to allow it to enter.
Tips and Tricks
Remove Driver and Fairway Heads (If Possible)
I do this anytime I travel with my golf clubs. I will take the heads off and put them in their headcovers along with a few pairs of socks. In some cases, I have even packed them in my carry-on luggage before. These are the clubs that are most prone to damage during travel and removing the heads reduces the risk substantially. Tools are not allowed in carry-ons and should be packed with the rest of your golf clubs or other checked luggage.
Packing Order
If you do not have a support bar, this is especially important. Placing clubs near the bottom of the bag can help with stability. Using the longer clubs first and then migrating to shorter clubs will help create more room but also reduce the potential for twisting.
Use Your Socks!
Socks are your best friends when packing for a golf trip. For starters, putting socks over the top of your irons and wedges can help stop bag chatter and unwanted clanking. Secondly, stuffing your golf shoes with socks will help them retain their shape and not be crushed or packed underload. This tip may seem insignificant but it is very effective.
Golf Towels
Golf towels can be used in a similar manner as socks. Wrapping or covering your golf clubs with golf towels is an efficient way to pack them and provides additional protection. Make use of these in the top of a soft-sided travel bag where the clubs are most vulnerable.
Another option is bubble wrap but, in the interest of space, using what you need or will already take on the golfing vacation makes the most sense.
Clearly Identify Your Travel Bag
Many travel bags look almost identical. Having clear identification on your travel bag is important to make sure the right bag goes to the right person. I have seen this mix up happen more than once.
Organize Your Accessories and Other Equipment
This follows along with cleaning your golf clubs. Before going on a longer journey, I will do a full purge of my golf bag. Then I start fresh and go through the checklist to make sure I have everything packed that I need. This starts with clothing. While clothing is often packed in a checked bag, I like to include my rain gear and an extra sweater and pants in my golf travel bag so if something gets lost in transit, I won’t be stuck having to purchase new clothing.
Then come all the small things:
- New golf gloves
- Sunglasses
- Golf balls
- Tees
- Golf shoes
- Golf shirts
- Shorts
- Rangefinder
- Markers
- Extra hat or two
Wrap-Up
While a lot of this may seem like common sense, there are many golf travelers who could use these simple tips and tricks to better pack their golf bag to ensure their golf gear arrives safe and sound.
Going through a checklist and repacking all your gear, cleaning your clubs meticulously prior to travel and removing any clubheads to either store in your carry-on luggage or placing in the golf travel bag are easy ways to protect your clubs and be sure you are prepared to hit the links as soon as you land.
Do you have other tips and tricks that you have used which work well? Let us know in the comments below!
Jeff Fish
1 month ago
Lots of good suggestions here. I’ll add one – with too many bad experiences checking clubs with luggage (lost, delayed, damaged), I highly recommend Shipsticks – avoid the hassle of dealing with clubs in the airport and car. Clubs are ready for you at the course when you arrive. And their customer service has improved considerably over the past few years. On a recent trip to Florida, they let me know of a possible delay with FedEx and made sure to understand when I needed them – they refunded my shipping costs and were willing to give me a “credit” to use to rent clubs, if needed. Because they went the extra step in hiring a courrier to bring my clubs from the FedEx center to the course before my tee time, and I didn’t need to utilize the credit.
Definitely use a stiff arm, remove the club head and put in the headcover, and keep a smart tag in the bag to track the location.