If you’re planning a golf vacation to some exotic place, the question on your mind will be “Do I need a travel bag for golf clubs?”
In answering this for you, we will also give you some tips on the types of travel bags available, what you can and can’t pack in them and what the airlines will charge.
We will give you the advice you need to make sure that your golf vacation will be both memorable and effortless. Once you arrive, you’ll be ready for your first round.
There are many fabulous golf destinations here in the USA as well as in Europe and Asia. Wherever you decide to go, it is likely that you will want to travel by air.
When traveling by air anywhere, you will definitely need a travel bag for golf clubs. Airlines will not accept your golf clubs unless they are suitably enclosed and secure. The only occasions on which you would not require one, is if you decide to hire clubs at your destination or drive there. Many golfers, though, would definitely prefer to play with their own clubs rather than hire clubs that might be sub-standard.
How Do You Plan A Golf Vacation?
Planning a golf vacation can be tricky and you may not want to make all the arrangements yourself.
There are several organizations that can plan this for you. Most have been in the business for some time and are able to take care of the details.
So, if you want to plan a golf vacation without the hassle you miight like to try Womens Golf and Travel Concierge, Women on Fairways or even Golf Vacations for Women.
Please note that I am not affiliated with any of these organizations. They are provided for your information.
Is A Hard Or Soft Travel Bag For Golf Clubs Better?
I’m not sure if one is better than the other. There are advantages and disadvantages for both types of travel bags.
If you opt for a hard travel bag, such as Samsonite, it will ensure that your golf clubs are secure and the shafts unlikely to break in the rough handling at airports and on flights.
Nevertheless, they are much heaver than a soft travel bag and this may cause it to be overweight when fully packed.
Alternatively, if you opt for a soft travel bag, you must ensure some rigidity by placing a stiff arm within the bag. The stiff arm will be slightly taller than your golf driver and will protect your clubs if the bag is thrown roughly into the plane’s hold.
Baggage handlers are certainly not the gentlest of people and most baggage is tossed about roughly. So, with a soft cover, you will need to make sure that your stiff arm takes the brunt of any rough handling and keeps your expensive golf clubs intact.
Club Glove Last Golf Travel Bags
Named as the Last Bag because Club Glove claims that it is the last travel bag you’ll ever need!
90% of professional golfers use the Club Glove Last Bag which comes in three sizes and each includes a Stiff Arm for extra protection.
- Collegiate
- Large Pro
- XL Pro Tour
The Collegiate is suitable for stand bags and smaller cart bags. The Large Pro being more suitable to large cart bags while the XL Pro Tour is the travel bag for Staff Bags and extra long drivers.
Check here to get your Last Bag for travel with golf clubs.
What Size Golf Bag Can I take On An Airline?
Of course, most travel bags for golf clubs are designed so that you can use them for air travel. Therefore, they will all fit within the required size to be loaded onto a plane.
It is generally accepted by most airlines that a golf travel bag will measure 62 linear inches (height + depth + width).
Airlines are more concerned with weight than size when it comes to golf equipment. So, as long as your golf travel bag does not exceed 50 lbs in weight, all will be well.
Do Airlines Charge Extra For Golf Clubs?
No. That is unless your bag exceeds the weight requirement. Then standard over-weight charges will apply.
Most airlines accept golf travel bags as checked baggage and do not consider them to be over-sized.
Can I Pack My Clothes In My Golf Travel Bag?
As a general rule, no. You should not pack clothes into the bag. If it gets opened by TSA, you may be asked to remove them and pack them elsewhere.
Airlines expect that your golf travel bag will hold the following:
- Your golf clubs.
- Tees and golf balls.
- Your golf shoes.
- Golf towels.
- Other golf accessories.
Therefore, I think you will agree that it would be inadvisable to pack your clothes in it as well.
And, if you want to get some new golf clothes for your vacation, check out this article.
What Not To Pack In The Travel Bag.
Definitely do not pack technology items, such as Range Finders, GPS Watches, etc. You should keep these with you on the plane in your carry on.
There have been instances where people have unpacked their golf bag only to find the Range Finder has been stolen.
Do not pack your clothes, toiletries or any other personal items. Take a carry-on bag with you and pack them in there.
What About Insurance?
The airlines will only cover replacement costs for golf equipment that is packed in a hard travel bag, if it is lost or damaged.
Therefore, if you opt for a soft travel bag, you will also need to decide if you wish to cover your equipment with a travel insurance policy.
If you wish to do this, you should search for “sports equipment travel insurance” to make sure that your equipment will be covered for any loss or damage.
Final Thoughts On Do I Need A Travel Bag For Golf Clubs?
I’m sure you realize now that if you’re about to go on that fabulous golf vacation, you will need a travel bag for golf clubs.
In this article we have discussed the following:
- How do you plan a golf vacation.
- Is a hard or soft travel bag better.
- What size should a golf travel bag be.
- Whether airlines charge more for golf equipment.
- Can you pack your clothes with your clubs?
- What not to pack with your golf clubs.
- Do you need insurance coverage for your golf equipment.
So, if you’re a golfing girl who wants to travel on vacation, we have you covered.
I believe that the journey is often more important than the desitnation. Although, I must agree that with a golf vacation, the destination is where you want to be in the fastest and safest way possible.
So, to make sure that you reach your destination feeling happy and ready for fun, we hope you will heed the advice contained in this article.
Thanks for the information and the helpful packing tips!
I have family members that play golf, and most of them opt for a hard travel bag simply because it’s more protective. I was not aware that airlines will replace golf equipment packed in a hard travel bag if it’s lost or stolen but not a soft travel bag.
Hello Delaney, Thank you for commenting on my article about travel bags for golf clubs. I’m glad that you found the information useful. Best wishes, Jenni.
As someone who enjoys golfing and traveling, I found your article on travel bags for golf clubs to be very informative and helpful. I appreciated your detailed explanation of the different types of travel bags and the factors to consider when choosing one, as well as your personal experiences and recommendations.
One experience I have had with golfing and travel is that it can be challenging to find the right equipment and gear to suit our needs. Your article provides a valuable resource for anyone looking to choose a travel bag for their golf clubs, and I appreciate the thoroughness and detail of your research and recommendations.
Hello Ronnie, Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my article about travel bags for golf clubs. I’m glad that you found the information useful and the next time you are traveling and golfing, I’m sure you’ll be well equipped in all ways. Best wishes, Jenni.