All golfers love going on golf trips, but hate flying with their golf clubs. Nothing can ruin your long golf weekend quicker than lost or damaged clubs. We want to help.
First things first, you must protect your prized assets. Below we’ll help you pick out the perfect golf travel bag and provide you with other tips to make your next golf trip nice and easy. You want to relax on your flight, not worry about whether the airline will break your new Scotty Cameron putter.
Do you feel anxious every time you check your golf bag and board the plane? If so, keep reading!
Pro Tips In Choosing A Golf Bag For Travel
We assume you know that you need a travel golf bag if you want your clubs to arrive safely, but there are tons of options out there. They all have different features and the right one for you will depend on several different factors.
For example, if you like to “keep it light,” you should check out the Sunday Golf Travel Bag.
It is extremely lightweight, has 4mm Ultra-Thick Foam Protection, and is easy to transport through the airport. It’s the perfect option if you like to travel with your Sunday golf bag, bring 5-7 golf clubs, and play some casual golf.
We know this might not be the best product for all players — below are the factors you should consider before making a purchase.
Choose Between Hard Case Or Soft Case
Golf travel bags are constructed in two different ways. There are “hard case” travel bags that have an outer shell made of strong plastic. Your clubs are very safe inside this type of travel bag, but they tend to be expensive and bulky to maneuver. You may have to be creative to get them inside your rental car.
A “soft case” golf bag doesn’t have the hard outer shell, but does come with plenty of padding to keep your clubs safe during travel. They’re easier to transport in your car and through the airport terminal. Both options can protect your clubs, so it comes down to how often you travel and your personal preference.
Consider Weight & Size
Always check the weight and size of a golf travel bag before you buy. If you frequently travel, you know that the airport experience can be challenging. At a large airport, you’ll have to park, get your luggage on a bus, and get it off the bus before you even reach the ticket counter.
You need a golf travel bag that’ll make this experience as simple as possible.
Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll have to snag your golf travel bag off the conveyor belt and get it to your rental car. This could mean another bus ride! The less weight you have to carry and drag, the better.
Storage For Other Gear
If you’re an avid golfer, we bet you have a lot more gear than just your golf clubs. Your trip will require golf shoes, rain gear, and maybe even your golf umbrella.
Pay attention to the storage options of your travel golf bag.
Many offer an internal pocket for your shoes and have enough space for all of your golf-related apparel. A travel golf bag with great storage can save you money on airline baggage fees. Depending on the length of your trip, you might be able to get away with your one “carry on” and one “checked bag” (your golf bag).
Within Your Budget
We all have a limited golf budget. If you overspend on your golf travel bag, you won’t be able to buy that new putter you want. Always have a budget in mind before you go shopping. Any money you save can be used in the 19th hole after your round!
The amount your spend on your travel golf bag should be consistent with the number of times you travel to play golf. If you take a trip with your golf clubs every month, we’d invest a bit more, but if you only do it once a year, it seems silly to spend the “big bucks.”
Practical Tips When Traveling With Golf Clubs
The success of your golf trip is dependent on more than just your golf travel bag. Here are some additional tips to keep your clubs safe!
Avoid Connecting Flights — Direct Is Always Better
If you know you’re going to be traveling with your golf clubs, it might be worth paying a bit more for your flight to get a direct trip.
Every time you have a connecting flight your golf clubs have a little adventure. They get tossed off one plane onto a luggage cart. They’re driven across the airport and tossed onto a second plane.
You can probably guess the risks we’re highlighting. First, there’s a much better chance your clubs get lost during a plane change. It’s hard to play golf in Florida if your clubs are still in Pennsylvania.
Second, doesn’t the word “toss” above scare you? Yes, your travel golf bag provides protection, but we always feel better when our golf clubs are tossed less often.
Remove The Heads
Most new drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids have adjustable hosel that allows you to change the loft. The tool you use to make these adjustments can also be used to remove the heads from the shafts.
Remove the heads and place them on the inside of your golf bag. Not only will they be safer, but there will be more room in your golf travel bag for your shafts. More room means there’s less of a chance of your clubs getting bent during your trip.
Ship Your Golf Clubs Ahead
Does all of this just sound like too much? You don’t want to drag your clubs through the airport and be worried about them making it on time and in one piece? There’s another way.
You can have your clubs shipped from your home to your destination golf course and only you have to board the plane.
There are companies that specialize in this service (the most popular is ShipSticks) and you can always use FedEx or UPS.
It’s harder to make this work for weekend trips, but if you’re traveling for a week or more, you should consider this option.
Take The Stress Out Of Traveling With Your Golf Clubs
Let’s be honest. Golf trips should be about having fun and playing golf in different parts of the country or world.
They shouldn’t be about anxiety, stress, lost or damaged clubs.
Get the right golf travel bag, follow our tips, and enjoy your time in the fairway! Good luck and play well.
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Traveling can be a great way to experience new things and learn about different cultures. It can also be a fun way to spend time with friends and family.