Traveling with golf clubs is often necessary but rarely enjoyed. Clubs are precision instruments that must be protected, so if you’re planning a trip don’t forget to include a travel golf bag or travel golf case. Whether you’re driving to a neighboring golf course or flying to a distant country, having the right travel bag to protect and securely carry your golf clubs and gear is a priority. Without a travel bag, your clubs are likely to be damaged, lost, stolen, or otherwise put in harms way. And let’s not forget about your balls, tees, hats, shoes, and other necessities — all of which can be stored in a travel bag. Proper planning, and the right travel bag, will mean more space in your carry on, less worry, and having your gear arrive in great condition. Keep reading for detailed information about golf travel bags!
Imagine the horror of arriving at your vacation destination only to learn that your golf clubs have been damaged — your favorite wedge bent, your new graphite driver cracked. Terrible! So why did this happen? Because you didn’t properly protect your golf gear with a travel bag. This may seem like a nightmare, but it happens all too often. I have had to replace clubs after accidentally bending them (they were caught between the hatch on my SUV and a hard suitcase), which ended up costing me several hundred dollars and a lost day of golf. If you’re going to travel with your golf clubs do yourself a favor and use a travel bag.
For your convenience I have created a table that highlights a handful of some popular bags that provide the right balance of weight, features, and protection. The bags are listed by price, with the least expensive at the bottom.
|
Bag |
Cost (USD) |
Driver Size |
Padded Top |
Wheels |
Material |
Pockets |
Compression Straps |
|
$279.00 |
47″ |
Yes |
Yes |
CORDURA |
2 internal shoe w/ removable bag |
Yes |
|
|
$209.99 |
48″ |
Yes |
Yes |
n/a |
4 exterior, 2 shoe, removable w/ handle |
Yes |
|
|
$179.99 |
51″ |
Yes |
Yes |
1680D and 840D nylon with TPE backing |
Expandable external |
Yes |
|
|
$169.95 |
51″ |
Yes |
Yes |
1800D ballistic nylon |
2 internal mesh 2 internal shoe removable laundry |
No |
|
|
$159.99 |
n/a |
Yes |
Yes |
420 dobby weave nylon |
2 velour lined |
Yes |
|
|
$119.95 |
48″ |
Yes (plus hard Plastic exterior) |
Yes |
All-weather 600D Polyester |
2 external shoe/garment |
Yes |
|
|
$99.00 |
47″ |
Yes |
No |
Single-piece CORDURA |
2 internal with removable bag |
Yes |
|
|
$49.95 |
48″ |
Yes |
Yes |
Waterproof 600D polyester |
Shoe/garment |
No |
*information in table subject to change without notice
So for less cost that a new driver, you can get a bag that protects your clubs and provides storage for golf accessories. The TSA has created guidelines for luggage when traveling by air, and to no surprise golf clubs are not allowed in the cabin of airplanes. Plus, if your clubs aren’t secured they may fall out, be confiscated, or snag on machines and other objects. Since they must be checked and stored with everything else, the likelihood of damage (or even being lost) is increased. And if you’ve ever watched luggage being tossed around, dropped, or roughly handled then the decision to protect your clubs is a no-brainer. But even traveling by car, train, or other means of transportation has its risks. The bottom line is that unless you constantly watch your gear and control the transportation environment (including handlers), you should opt for the security of a travel bag.
Even though they seem tough, your clubs can easily be damaged. That’s because golf clubs are designed for a very specific purpose from exotic materials, and are meant to be used in a very specific way. Simple snap-on covers won’t shield your clubs from heavy suitcases and won’t stop sharp objects from scratching your clubs. And let’s not forget that a travel bag conceals your expensive gear — you don’t advertise the contents of your carry on or clothes bag, so why your clubs and accessories? Streamline the security process, increase your peace of mind, and help ensure that your clubs remain in good shape while they travel. Use a travel bag! < -->
Posted in Buyers Guide, Equipment


