If you're a serious golfer, it's tempting to try your game on courses you read about or see on television. Renting clubs at your destination can cost $30 to $100 per round as of 2010, depending where you'll play, and it's unlikely rental clubs will fit you the same as your trusty set. Most golf travel bags cover your golf bag; hybrid bags are ones you take to the course. Pick the one that best fits the kind of trip you normally take and the weight you want to manage.
Step 1
Place protection and security first. A driver alone can cost hundreds of dollars, so pick a bag that keeps your clubs unbroken and secure. Look for hard-sided cases, or hybrid bags that have a hard-sided hood that locks over the open top of the bag where the club heads protrude. Golf bags are frequently inspected by airport security, so buy a bag that can take locks approved by the U.S. Transportation Security Agency; some bags have TSA-approved locks built in.
Step 2
Compare bag weights. Choose a soft-sided cover with plenty of padding or a hybrid golf bag if you fly airlines with more restrictive weight limits; some airlines charge extra when your bag's packed weight exceeds 50 lbs. Choose a lighter bag if you are on a multiple-city trip or face long walks while getting between the destination airport and hotel. If weight or airline charges don't matter and you travel often, choose a hard-sided case that can take a beating.
Step 3
Measure the total length you need. Place your driver as far down in your golf bag as it will go, then measure from the bottom of the bag to the top of the driver. Add 2 inches to the total. Check for travel bags that can accommodate that total length. Buy a cover or case that holds shoes and has room; the extra space makes it easier to pack and will take dirty clothes for the return trip.
Tips and Warnings
- Make your bag unusual so it's easy to spot at the airport or find if it's lost. Order a bag with your name embossed or embroidered, or affix flags to the outside for places you've played. For extra protection, buy a travel rod, which inserts in your bag and extends longer than your driver, protecting it from crush damage.
- Unless you're a touring pro, lose the large staff bag and pack your clubs in a lighter carry bag to put in your travel case. You'll appreciate the difference as you're moving through the airport, on and off trains and on staircases.
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