Whether your golf getaway is for a week or just a long weekend, it’s important that you pack everything you need to enjoy your time away. Not only that, it’s good to know which travel gear is best for you, and how to travel safely with your golf clubs so you can minimize the risk of them getting lost or damaged. In our handy guide, TGW provides our recommended products and traveling tips to ensure your golf gear gets where it needs to go in top condition.
Golf Travel Bags
Nobody wants to arrive at their destination only to find out that their clubs were damaged along the way. A good travel bag can help to ensure that doesn’t happen. These bags typically feature rip-resistant fabric or hard-cover material, smooth wheels for rolling, and restraint systems to keep your bag secured inside. Most people think these bags are only useful when flying with clubs, but the added padding and protection comes in handy even when loading multiple sets of clubs into a vehicle for road trips. Travel Tip: remember to measure the top diameter of your golf bag to make sure it is smaller than the inner dimensions of your travel cover so you know it will fit inside properly.
While the bag itself can provide great protection for your clubs, we highly recommend the use of a Stiff Arm Travel Cover Brace or similar piece of equipment. This device fits right inside your golf bag and will prevent your brand new driver from bearing any impact. The stiff arm stabilizes the golf bag and absorbs impact of the travel cover being moved around rather than that impact occurring to your golf clubs. Simply place the stiff arm device in your golf bag like you would a club, adjust the length with the mechanism so it is firmly pressed against the top of the travel cover, and you are ready to go.
Types of Travel Covers
There are three types of travel covers to choose from: hard-sided, soft-sided, and half-and-half.
- Hard-sided covers act more like a case. They offer greater durability, protection from impact, and a sturdy design to hold up to the rigors of travel. They also tend to be heavier.
- Soft-sided covers are lighter and easier to transport. They generally will have padding around the top to help absorb impact but do not offer the same type of protection a hard cover does.
- Half-and-half covers offer the protection benefits of a hard case around your club heads while remaining lightweight and easy to maneuver with a soft-sided lower half.
While all three types are suitable for airline travel, if you want maximum protection for your clubs, you will want a hard-sided cover. Soft-sided covers are fine for air travel but might be best reserved for road trips if you are concerned with the lack of impact-absorbing design. No matter what you choose, we recommend adding TSA-approved locks, sold separately.
Here are our picks for the best golf travel covers, cases, and accessories:
TGW Tour Deluxe Golf Travel Cover
Features:
- Made from 1680D nylon, one of the highest-rated tear strength materials used in bag fabric
- 1″ thick padding in the top with padding on all sides
- Interior adjustable “seat belt” style strap keeps your bag and clubs locked in place
- Three rivet-enforced handles, PVC encased for added strength and durability
- Two in-line skate wheels for smooth transport
- Extra overlay at the bottom and back of the bag for added abrasion resistance
- One large front pocket that can hold up to a size 14 golf shoe
- High quality YKK lockable zippers
- Adjustable front strap
How To Use It
Place your golf bag inside and use the internal adjustable strap to lock your bag in place. Cinch it snug to prevent your golf bag from moving inside the travel cover. Once your bag is secured, you can use any extra space inside to load up with accessories, clothes, and more. Pack the external pocket which is big enough to hold a pair of size 14 golf shoes to save space in your luggage as well.
Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro Golf Travel Cover With Stiff Arm
Features:
- Single-piece burst-proof construction made from Invista Cordura 1000D water-resistant nylon that is three times stronger and lasts up to five times longer than standard polyester
- High-impact plastic wheel base with in-line skate wheels and ball bearings for smooth, quiet rolling
- 1600D ballistic nylon base reinforcement
- Single webbing reinforcement on rear bag for extra durability
- Over the top zipper for easy loading and unloading
- Durable YKK zippers and ITW Nexus Buckles for security
- Adjustable restraint device inside to secure your golf bag during travel
- Includes the Stiff Arm telescoping club protector constructed of lightweight aluminum to keep your clubs safe during travel
How To Use It
Place the stiff arm in the top divider of your golf bag just like you would a golf club. Place your golf bag inside and use the internal adjustable strap to lock your bag in place. Then adjust the length of the Stiff Arm so it is snug against the top of the travel cover to absorb impact. Once your bag is secured, you can use any extra space inside to load up with accessories, clothes, and more.
Caddy Daddy North Pole Club Protector
Features:
- Provides extra layer of protection for drivers and woods inside soft-sided travel covers
- Place pole inside golf bag before placing bag inside travel cover and adjust height accordingly
- Aluminum pole and ABS molded dome absorbs any sudden impact to top or bottom of bag
- Push button telescopic design is fully adjustable up to 53″ in length
- Weight: 1.2 lbs.
- 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty
How To Use It
Place the club protector in the top divider of your golf bag just like you a golf club. Place your golf bag inside your travel cover, then adjust the length of the club protector so it is snug against the top of the travel cover to absorb impact.
Caddy Daddy Phoenix Travel Cover
Features:
- Provides maximum protection for your golf bag and clubs while traveling
- High-impact EVA molded top with internal padding for maximum protection
- Internal and external compression straps keeps bag and clubs secure
- 3 oversized pockets provide storage for additional gear and supplies
- Self-standing wheel base with skid rails for stability
- Oversized, easy rolling all-season, in-line wheels for easy maneuverability
- Self-standing solid wheel base with riveted premium curb rails for added durability
- Lockable zippers throughout keep contents secure
- 1-year replacement warranty by manufacturer including any damage caused to the bag by airlines
- Material: 1800D all-weather fabric
- Dimensions: 55″ H x 15″ W x 19″ D
- Weight: 12 lbs.
How To Use It
Place your golf bag inside and adjust the compression straps to lock your bag into place. Cinch it snug to prevent your golf bag from moving inside the travel cover. Once your bag is secured, you can use any extra space inside to load up with accessories, clothes, and more. Pack the external pockets to save space in your luggage as well.
Golf Travel Bags The Vault Hard Travel Case
Features:
- Interior dimensions are large enough to hold all cart bags and 46-in oversized drivers: 50-1/4″ x 14-7/8″ x 14-1/4″
- Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene has color molded throughout
- TSA approved combination lock (included) and heavy-duty latches
- Rollerblade-style ball bearing wheels protected by recessed, wraparound housing
- Tongue-in-groove aluminum valance
- Padded top, interior tie-down strap
- Weight: 18 lbs.
How To Use It
Place your golf bag inside and use the internal tie-down strap to lock your bag in place. Cinch it snug to prevent your golf bag from moving inside the travel cover. Once your bag is secured, you can use any extra space inside to load up with accessories, clothes, and more. Secure the latches and enjoy the protection of a hard-sided cover for your golf clubs during travel.
Caddy Daddy Enforcer Travel Bag
Features:
- Crush-resistant ABS hard top provides extra protection for golf clubs
- Full wrap-around zipper for easy loading and unloading
- Lockable main zipper and side pockets to keep your gear safe (TSA locks are not included)
- Internal compression strap keeps bag secure while inside
- Soft travel cover body fits inside the hard top for easy storage
- Fits most golf bags up to 10″ cart bags
- Two oversized pockets for added gear storage
- In-line skate wheels for smooth rolling performance
- Made from 1800D all-weather fabric for maximum durability
- 1-year full replacement warranty by the manufacturer including any damage caused to the bag by airlines
- Dimensions: 51″ H x 13″ W x 13″ D
- Weight: 9 pounds
How To Use It
Place your golf bag inside and use the internal tie-down strap to lock your bag in place. Cinch it snug to prevent your golf bag from moving inside the travel cover. Once your bag is secured, you can use any extra space inside to load up with accessories, clothes, and more. Secure the latches and enjoy the protection of a hard-sided cover for your golf clubs during travel.
Other Luggage
Depending on the length of your trip, a simple carry-on sized bag may be enough extra luggage for you to bring. In that case, a backpack may be a good option. These are lightweight, convenient, and have plenty of pockets for storage of various items. Keep in mind if you are running short on space, you can always throw extra apparel into your golf bag or your club travel bag.
If you need a little more space than a backpack provides, check out a piece of carry-on luggage. These are the perfect size to take with you anywhere, designed to carry on, and fit in overhead storage bins with ease. The inner compartments are zippered for safe, secure storage while outer pockets add storage for those accessories you can’t leave behind. Here are some of our favorites.
Here are our picks for the best golf luggage:
Titleist Players Golf Backpack
Features:
- Large main compartment stores your golf gear
- Premium hardware and rubber patch logo
- Dedicated laptop compartment
- Zippered valuables pouch
- Durable construction
- Water bottle sleeves
- Dimensions: 19″ x 16″ x 5.5″
Titleist 2022 Storm Collection Players Backpack
Features:
- Special edition design from Titleist’s Heathered Storm Collection
- Large main compartment stores your golf gear
- Premium hardware and rubber patch logo
- Dedicated laptop compartment
- Zippered valuables pouch
- Durable construction
- Water bottle sleeves
- Dimensions: 19″ x 16″ x 5.5″
Subtle Patriot 22″ Cabin Luggage
Features:
- Designed to carry on and fits in overhead storage bins with ease
- 4-wheel 360º rolling system with 2-point telescoping handle for easy transport
- Curb guard and back guards provide extra protection while transporting
- Front panel includes 2 quick access pocket and hard shell valuables pocket
- Spacious internal storage with tri-use separation system and mesh enclosures
- Main storage compartment can be expanded for additional internal storage space
- Gunmetal zippers with antique silver metal zipper pulls for durable performance
- Top and side carry handles for convenient carrying
Titleist Players 20″ Spinner Golf Luggage
Features:
- Large main compartment stores your golf gear
- Premium hardware and rubber patch logo
- Retractable telescoping handle
- Zippered valuables pouch
- 360° spinning wheels
- Durable construction
- Molded top handle
- Grab handle
- Size: 16″ x 11″ x 24″
Shoe Bag
A pair of final items you may want to consider include a shoe bag. These make transporting your shoes much easier and cleaner. You can put your shoe bag inside your golf bag pockets or your club travel bag. If you want to treat your shoes well and preserve their shape, a good set of shoe trees can prove very useful. We recommend using these even when not traveling. Here are a couple of products we love for keeping our golf shoes in top shape.
FootJoy Deluxe Golf Shoe Bag
Features:
- Large main compartment protects your golf shoes
- Divider in main compartment keeps individual shoes separated
- Interior mesh pocket and exterior zipper pocket provide added storage
- Double pull zipper for easy open and closure
- Padded carry handle for ease while transporting
- Side vents help air out shoes after wearing
FootJoy Premium Cedar Shoe Trees
Features:
- Keeps shoes in shape
- Expandable forefoot
- Handle with bar makes the tree easy to place
- Made of premium cedar
Tips For Flying With Golf Clubs
When you have booked a trip to play golf at a destination, you will be handing your golf clubs over to the airlines. Now we all know there is some risk associated with that. When you’re not the one handling your clubs and being able to keep track of them at all times, you are trusting those you hand them off to to take the best care of them. It’s best to be prepared for any situation to keep your clubs as safe as possible just in case something happens.
How To Pack
The first step to protecting your clubs is to pick a durable, sturdy travel cover. Choose one that has plenty of padding to cushion any movement. We also recommend picking a travel bag with an internal strap to keep your golf bag in place inside the cover. It is also a good idea to take some pictures of all your gear as you are loading your travel bag. This gives you a before and after reference to check your clubs once you arrive at your destination.
Another good tip is to roll up some towels and pack them around your irons and wedges. Since they don’t traditionally have headcovers like your woods or your putter, this adds cushioning and softens contact that is bound to happen as your clubs get moved around.
What To Pack
Your golf bag holds most of what you need to play when you get where you’re going: your golf clubs, plenty of golf balls and tees, accessories like towels, gloves, ball markers, and more. But your travel cover will have room for a few other necessities. Toss in your rain gear, an extra layer or two, your golf shoes, and more. You can even pack liquids to make going through security easier.
We do not recommend packing your more expensive, valuable, or fragile accessories in your travel cover. Keep your rangefinder, GPS, and personal items with your carry-on or on you so they stay safe.
Book A Direct Flight
If you can, book a nonstop flight to where you’re heading. Layovers and plane changes only increase the number of times your golf clubs are being handled and moved from place to place. If it is at all possible to get a direct flight to your destination, we recommend doing so to reduce the variables in your travel.
Ship Your Golf Clubs
Finally, if you want a little added peace of mind, you can have your golf clubs shipped ahead to where you are going and not have to worry about bringing them to the airport with you. Depending on the service you use, you can simply pack your bag, receive a shipping shipping label, and drop your clubs off at their pickup location in your area.
No matter where you play golf, TGW.com has you covered with the best online selection of golf gear that can ship to you quickly.
