Golf Vacation & Travel Tips

Traveling With Your Golf Clubs

Options and Advice

There's no doubt about it…golfing is a great sport. Perhaps one of the few drawbacks associated with golf involves lugging around your clubs. While it's one thing to simply have to haul them between the trunk of your car and the carts at the local golf course, it's an entirely different matter when you're planning on traveling long distances, potentially even out of the country, with your golf clubs in tow. Below are a few suggestions of how to simplify this process.

• If you're planning to ship your golf clubs via the airlines, be certain that you completely understand their policies. Know the size and weight restrictions of the bag/carrier that they can be transported in, additional fees for over-sized and/or overweight packages, unacceptable packaging/transport methods, acceptable locking/latching mechanisms, insurance coverage (some of which vary based on the construction of the travel bag/case), process for filing claims for lost items, etc. Some airlines also provide the necessary shipping containers.
• If you need to purchase a travel golf bag, before you do, take the time to understand the various styles and optional features that are available. The main styles are often identified as soft, hard, or hybrid (combination soft and hard) golf travel bags/covers. While almost all of them are designed to serve as an outer protective cover for your actual golf course bag and its contents, there are those that are can be used for both transport and use during your rounds of play. Many also have additional pockets for storage of miscellaneous items. Prices can range from less than a hundred dollars to those that cost several hundred dollars. Don't overlook comparing warranties for the various bags that interest you. Some are actually guaranteed for life!
• To assist you in the process of locating a travel golf bag that's best suited for your needs, conduct an online search related to topics such as "travel golf bag reviews," "travel golf bag comparisons," and/or "travel golf bag ratings." There's a large number of valuable websites that provide this easily referenced information.
• Consider purchasing a travel golf bag that has built-in comfort, convenience, and/or durability features such as: in-line skate type wheels for easy maneuverability; a telescopic pull handle; padded/detachable carrying straps; a padded hip pad; a stand to use during play; a comfortable carrying handle; an outer removable "skin;" self-standing capabilities; internal padding to provide extra protection to your clubs; a telescopic bag or one that breaks down into multiple parts for easier storage; a "foot-well" to aid in maneuvering/stabilizing the bag; recessed latches; internal dividers; easily-accessed pockets; an insulated pouch for keeping foods/beverages cold; and an umbrella carrier.
• There are a number of other factors to keep in mind prior to making your purchase. Does the bag fit both right and left-handed clubs? Can it accommodate over-sized drivers and/or "belly-putters?" Does it have room for an entire set of clubs as is required by many golf courses? Is it water resistant? Can it fit both cart and stand-type bags? Can it be custom engraved or embroidered to allow for easier identification?
• For those who aren't attached to the idea of taking their own clubs with them while traveling, you can inquire about the possibility of renting clubs at the course(s) you'll be playing on. Ask about the availability of men's clubs versus women's and right-handed clubs versus left-handed ones, rental fees, the need to reserve clubs ahead of time, and the overall condition of the clubs. You might also want to inquire about the various brands of clubs one can rent; renting clubs made by a manufacturer that you're considering purchasing is actually a great way to try them out prior to making such an investment.

Regardless of whether you choose to travel with your clubs or to rent clubs once you arrive at your golfing destination, have a back-up plan ready just in case the unthinkable happens…your clubs could become lost or damaged in route and/or there might not be any clubs left to rent even though you reserved them ahead of time. Perhaps you'll need to purchase new clubs or share with a traveling companion golfer.

With a little planning and pre-purchase investigation (if it's needed), traveling with your golf clubs doesn't have to be an exercise in and of itself. Using the proper travel/transport bag or the acquisition of acceptable rental clubs can make an enjoyable golfing trip even more memorable.

See you on the Golf Course, John "Duffer" Walsh

COPYRIGHT AND SYNDICATION

Golfing Traveler Material
© 2005 Copyright Golfing Traveler and golfingtraveler.com
Material contained on the Golfing Traveler.com website is protected by copyright and shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.

Syndication and Reprints
Please contact our editor should you wish to syndicate or republish any articles or materials appearing on the Golfing Traveler.com website.