Have you ever wondered how to travel with golf clubs so your clubs arrive safely to your destination? Traveling is a love-hate relationship for most people. Once you arrive at a destination, it’s fun but getting there and back is a hassle, especially if you’re traveling with clubs. If you bring your sticks, you have to buy a travel bag, pay for checked luggage, and hope they make it safely to your destination. But the alternative of renting a set isn’t much better. If you are going to play an exciting new course, the last thing you want is a set of irons and woods that you’ve never touched or aren’t similar to the ones you love at home.

If you’re playing an awesome course while traveling, you want your own weaponry for the adventure. Here’s how to learn how to travel with golf clubs and make sure they end up safely at your destination.

before I talk about traveling with them I recommend that you evaluate if you need your clubs versus the cost of renting ones while you’re there. While renting isn’t ideal, if you’re new to the game or aren’t playing a tournament, sometimes renting is easier. Make sure to call ahead to the course and see if they have rentals, what is available, and reserve them if you choose.
but if you decide to travel with your own set, you want to always prepare for the worst. Airlines regularly lose luggage, including golfers, priced possession, and damage can cure to your precious clubs. Well, this doesn’t happen often, it’s part of the risk of flying.

Book a nonstop flight.i! There isn’t much worse than having to sit in an airport during a layover or runoff to your plane to catch your next one. If you’re rushing to make it to your connecting flight, don’t forget your clubs have to make it as well. This is the time where baggage handlers‘s might get a little sloppy and do some serious harm to your sticks.
So if your gear is going with you, I suggest booking a nonstop flight.

Get a Durable Travel Bag! When it comes to actually getting your bag on a flight, you need a dependable travel bag. Most airlines allow under 50 pounds which is plenty of room for each club, shoes, and gear. But please make sure to confirm before arriving at the airport. Also, before you pack your up your bag, I recommend taking pictures of your bag, every club in the bag, and other gear for your records. This will help if something happens to them in transit, and you need to file a claim with the airline. Another good tip is to pack your bag with extra towels in between all of your irons and wedges as your woods should have head covers or you can also put socks For the trip on your irons and wedges for added protection.

there are two main options when it comes to picking a travel, golf bag: a hard case and soft travel case. The hard case can provide the most protection for your clubs, but are also heavier bigger and might not fit in every car. The other option is a soft case that doesn’t have as much protection for your equipment, but it’s much lighter and easier solution to transport. There is a great accessory. You can add to your soft cover and it’s called the Bad Boy Backbone Support System. This is an aluminum rod that goes into your bag and extends past your driver. This gives your soft cover more structure and less likely to snap a shaft in transit. This device is relatively inexpensive and will help protect your woods.

What Should You Pack? Aside from your 14 sticks, you also want to pack your shoes, towels, balls, tees, sweater, and rain gear if needed. 

once your bag is packed and secured, don’t forget to add a carry ID on the outside of the travel case. Always add your full name, email address, and phone number. Another good idea is to add something that makes the case easily identifiable, such as a ribbon, Sticker or something else.

Did You Know You Can SHIP Golf Clubs? Yes, instead of flying with them and avoid the hassle altogether. There are a couple of companies that dedicate themselves to shipping golf clubs to their destination. One of them is called Ship Sticks, the other Lugless. They can be relatively inexpensive if planned with enough days in advance.