what to know about traveling with golf clubs

5 Things to Know When Traveling with Golf Clubs

1. Read the fine print. Most airlines treat golf clubs as standard luggage, meaning there’s a weight limit (usually 50...
2. Fly direct. It’s hard to say which is more frustrating: missing your connection, or making it to your destination...
3. There are some things money can’t buy. With rare exceptions, every club in your...

Full Answer

What is the best way to travel with golf clubs?

Part 1 Part 1 of 2: Packing Your Clubs

1. Pay attention to fees and weight limits for checked luggage. ...
2. Wrap the shafts of the clubs to protect them. Packing your golf bag properly is crucial for minimizing damage to your clubs, as they may bang around as they ...
3. Protect the heads of your golf clubs. ...
4. Put your clubs in a hard-shell case for maximum protection. ...

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What golf clubs should a beginner start with?

• A driver or 3-wood: These are your tee shot clubs, at the very beginning I would recommend a 3-wood but you can decide.
• A hybrid: Something to help you hit it a long way on the fairway and get out of trouble
• Irons: You don’t need many of these at this stage, a 5-iron, 7-iron and 9-iron will work nicely.

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How much does it cost to fly golf clubs?

Your golf clubs will cost you $30 extra if you check them in at the airport, or you can pre-purchase an extra piece online before you fly for $20. Additional pieces of baggage (i.e. your 3rd piece) will cost you $60. From what I can tell, purchasing additional baggage cannot be done during the flight booking process.

How do you travel with golf clubs?

• Try to get a non-stop flight, if possible. ...
• Get a durable, well-made travel bag. ...
• If you use a soft-sided bag, don’t forget to pack a golf club protection device. ...
• Don’t forget that golf bags are considered “oversized check-in”. ...
• Add some personal ID marking to your bag. ...

How do you protect your golf clubs when traveling?

To protect your golf clubs when flying, use extra golf towels, bubble wrap, or packing material to take up the extra space. Weave these between the club shafts to ensure they don't rub together in transit.

Do golf clubs need to be in a travel bag?

The right travel bag will help you get your clubs from place to place safely. Whether you travel frequently with your golf clubs or whether it's once a year, it's important to protect your clubs when they travel in the cargo hold. And many airlines require the use of certain types of golf club travel bags.

Can golf clubs go through airport security?

Security. The Transportation Security Administration, a U.S. federal agency, prohibits golf clubs as carry-on items, according to its website. There are no exceptions, even if your club is a prized antique or has some other special significance.

How do you travel with golf clubs in a car?

Hard Case or Soft Case?Soft case: Easier to pack. ... Hard case: Peace of mind. ... Step One: Choose a golf bag without legs. ... Step Two: Take the heads off all adjustable clubs. ... Step Three: Use a Stiff Arm. ... Step Four: Take the socks that you're going to wear on the trip and use them to cover your irons and wedges.More items...•

Do airlines charge for golf bags?

Most US airlines charge $35 for a second bag, which is what your golf clubs usually are. Many charge much more, $75-$150, if you need to check a third bag. Fly a high fee airline like Spirit, which charges $55 for a second checked bag at the airport, and you are probably going to save money by shipping.

Are golf clubs oversized baggage?

Most airlines treat golf clubs as standard luggage, meaning there's a weight limit (usually 50 pounds) but no oversize baggage fee.

Should I lock my golf travel bag?

Farbstein, who plays golf, is a proponent of using a lock for travel golf bags. "It's a good idea to use them because, please keep in mind that TSA's checked baggage areas have video cameras, so the likelihood that something is taken is slim," she wrote in an e-mail.

How much is it to take golf clubs on a plane?

How much does it cost to take your golf clubs on a plane? It depends on the airline but fees can range greatly. Here is a great baggage fee infographic provided by Ship Sticks that breaks down each airline baggage fee. In general, it'll cost between $50-$150 depending on the number of bags and total weight.

How do you check golf clubs at the airport?

Many airlines require that golf bags be transported as checked luggage – even a single club cannot be taken aboard as a carry-on item. Depending on the airline you use and the nature of your ticket, you may have to pay for each piece of checked baggage. Most airlines allow checked bags up to 50 pounds.

Can I pack clothes in my golf bag?

4:5010:02How to Pack Your Golf Travel Bag - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow you're not supposed to put anything outside of clubs in your bag. Obviously. And your shoes soMoreNow you're not supposed to put anything outside of clubs in your bag. Obviously. And your shoes so obviously you're allowed to have golf balls tees all the things that go in your golf bag.

Is it OK to leave golf clubs in hot car?

Protect your investment by not leaving your clubs in a hot car, damp shed or garage. A golf shaft can corrode causing the metal to weaken and break during use. Treat your clubs as you would any other piece of equipment and they will last for years to come.

How do you pack golf clubs in a club Glove?

1:155:58How to Pack Your TRAVEL Golf Bag - Traveling with your Golf Clubs!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the first thing I do when I'm packing up my clubs is I get my club rod so I use an old closet rodMoreSo the first thing I do when I'm packing up my clubs is I get my club rod so I use an old closet rod that I put some tape on it looks cheap but to be honest.

How much does it cost to take golf clubs on plane?

How much does it cost to take your golf clubs on a plane? It depends on the airline but fees can range greatly. Here is a great baggage fee infographic provided by Ship Sticks that breaks down each airline baggage fee. In general, it'll cost between $50-$150 depending on the number of bags and total weight.

Can I put clothes in my golf travel bag?

4:5010:02How to Pack Your Golf Travel Bag - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow you're not supposed to put anything outside of clubs in your bag. Obviously. And your shoes soMoreNow you're not supposed to put anything outside of clubs in your bag. Obviously. And your shoes so obviously you're allowed to have golf balls tees all the things that go in your golf bag.

How do you wrap golf clubs on a plane?

3:185:58How to Pack Your TRAVEL Golf Bag - Traveling with your Golf Clubs!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo. I don't just go around the outside or around just a couple clubs I weave it all the way throughMoreSo. I don't just go around the outside or around just a couple clubs I weave it all the way through and then what I do is I tuck it in to one of the slots in the back and that kind of holds it.

How do you pack golf clubs in a bag?

0:584:57Organise your golf bag [How to guide] - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo my wedges safety they're in the bottom of the bag the middle section of the bag. I place my ironsMoreSo my wedges safety they're in the bottom of the bag the middle section of the bag. I place my irons. Four five six and seven iron. I put on the left-hand side here.

How to protect your golf clubs from sharp edges?

Use clothes and accessories to protect your clubs. Try using shirts, rain gear, or other clothing accessories to pad around the club heads — it works well in all sizes of travel bags and will help prevent damage due to sharp edges colliding with each other.

What is the best bag for golf?

Hard-shelled bags. Hard-shelled golf travel bags are the safest option. These bags often have wheels for easy mobility, but they tend to be a bit bulky, as they can’t fold down or compress. Some good points of hard-shelled golf travel bags are their durability and lack of breakability.

How much does a stiff arm golf bag cost?

They will usually cost around $30. Most will be fully adjustable up to 52 inches and light in weight.

Can you leave a golf bag at home?

For example, if you can pack your clothes and a few other essentials in your golf bag, you can maybe leave an additional checked bag at home. 7. Be sure to consider insurance. If you have travel insurance, be sure to check the fine print to see what is covered. Often sporting goods won’t be covered.

Is a soft golf bag better than a hard shell?

If you are planning on traveling long distances or carrying a lot of gear with your golf clubs, it is probably best to opt for a hard shell.

Do golf bags carry more weight?

Hard-shelled golf bags can also handle more weight than their soft counterparts. However, the extra weight can make it harder to move around, and you also need to be aware that these types of bags are often quite large, so there is a greater chance of excess baggage fees from the airlines.

Do airlines charge for extra checked bags?

But, the fees that you pay may be different depending on what you do. Most airlines will charge a fee for extra checked bags or sporting equipment.

How much weight can you carry on a golf club?

Most airlines treat golf clubs as standard luggage, meaning there’s a weight limit (usually 50 pounds) but no oversize baggage fee. If your clubs go missing, the carrier will replace them (just be prepared to deal with paperwork and, in all likelihood, long hold times on calls should you need additional assistance).

What is the best way to protect your sticks from airline damage?

When it comes to safeguarding your sticks from airline damage, a high-quality travel bag is your first and best line of defense. But there are many other simple, protective steps. A stiff-arm, for instance, adds vertical strength to a travel bag, protecting your clubs from all kinds of stress. In the absence of the real thing, a sturdy broomstick or telescoping ski pole can serve as a stand in.

Can you take a direct flight with golf clubs?

It’s hard to say which is more frustrating: missing your connection, or making it to your destination without a hitch only to find that your clubs didn’t. The best way to avoid both of these risks is to take a direct flight, if you’ve got that option. It will almost certainly cost more. But paying extra can save you all kinds of headaches, as golf clubs are among the most likely items to be left behind on a tight connection, especially on a small regional flight.

Can you take clubs off before you go on a trip?

Speaking of those clubs, not only are many of the heads adjustable these days but they are also removable. If you’ve got the time and inclination, you could always remove them before your trip and stash them in your carry-on.

Is traveling with clubs stressful?

Traveling with clubs can be stressful. Here's how to ease your concerns.

Can you replace a golf club in your bag?

A lucky coin. A vintage head cover. A filled-in scorecard from a round you played on a bucket-list course. If you’re traveling with a golf item you couldn’t stand to lose, keep it with you in your carry-on luggage instead.

Why is golf important?

Golfing is an excellent way to relieve stress and get you out into nature. To many people, golfing is more than just a hobby. Golf is enjoyed by people all over the world. In fact, golf is played by over 50 million people worldwide in over 206 countries.

What to do if you know your car isn't going to have a lot of room for your clubs?

If you know that the car you’re going to be traveling in isn’t going to have a lot of room for your clubs, you might want to consider a soft case bag. They’re usually considerably smaller than hard case bags by sacrificing some protection.

What are the different types of golf bags?

Golf bags come in two types: hard case, and soft case. Your first step when it comes to choosing a golf bag is to decide whether you want a hard case or a soft case. Neither bag is perfect, so you’ll have to decide which one suits you best. I’ll briefly cover the two kinds of bags and discuss the pros and cons of both.

How to keep golf bag from moving?

After you’ve placed your golf bag into the case, try to fill out the extra space in the case with clothes. This will further prevent the bag and clubs from moving around during your travels.

How much does it cost to get a second golf bag?

Most airline companies operating out of the United States will charge $35 for a second bag, which is what your golf bag will be considered. Not only will airlines charge you a fee for you extra bag, in this case, your golf bag, but they also might not handle it very carefully.

When placing golf clubs in your bag, should you first remove the heads of any clubs in which it is possible?

Secondly, make sure all the clubs are packed in tightly and don’t have too much room to move around.

Is it scary to hand over golf clubs?

It can be scary to hand over your favorite clubs to the well-meaning attendant at the baggage check-in, but it is a necessary evil. It must be done. Did you want to go on that golf trip after all? Don’t worry; you can make sure your golf clubs survive the trip by packing properly and choosing the right bag.

Why pack your clubs in a travel bag?

Pack your clubs so they won’t move around in the travel bag. “If you’re going to Scotland or Ireland, it’s easy because you’re going to be throwing extra sweaters or a windbreaker in there to give it extra protection,” Schmidt said. Tip: Use your travel bag for additional storage.

What to pack in a soft sided golf bag?

If you use a soft-sided bag, don’t forget to pack a golf club protection device. It looks like an adjustable aluminum crutch that’s taller than your driver and keeps your shafts from being damaged in case the bag is dropped upside down.

How to identify a hotel bag?

Add some personal ID marking to your bag. Miller said adding some bright-colored string or a pom-pom will help you identify it quickly. Many bags have places for business cards as well. Don't forget to include your cell phone number. If possible, include the name of the hotel where you’re staying.

Can you travel with more luggage than you need?

Don’t wind up with more luggage than you need. “Never travel with more bags than you can manage alone,” Miller said. Think about a cab or car service (or ride to airport). Drops you off closer to the gate than parking, which means a long haul at times with a large bag to roll.

Can you leave electronics in your golf bag?

Don’t leave your expensive electronics in your golf bag. Rangefinder? GPS? Treat it just like your computer – carry it on with you.

Can you travel with golf clubs?

Just because you golf often, this doesn't mean you necessarily travel and golf often, at least not on trips that require travel by air. There are more things to consider than you might know, so we asked a few experts to provide some basic and even advanced tips for travelling with your golf clubs.

Can you check in golf bags at airports?

Don’t forget that golf bags are considered “oversized check-in”. If you don’t know where to find check in or pick up at a particular airport, Schmidt said make sure you ask someone as soon as you get there. And if you're unsure on the cost or weight allowance, check with the airline or your travel agent. Be aware that some airports will send your golf bag through the regular baggage belt (with all of the other luggage) but others (such as Atlanta Hartsfield) will leave at a different location for oversized bags.

How to fly with golf clubs?

So, if youre like a lot of people and you cant leave home without them, here are five tips for flying with golf clubs. 1.Carry it on ' Although you dont have a choice but to check your golf clubs, make an effort to carry-on your other luggage. If you have to, take a few items you'd normally check separately and stuff them into your golf bag.

Is golf unique to other sports?

Golf is unique to other sports in a lot of ways, including its ability to get us to fly to play it. From the hassle of hauling them around, to the cash we dole out just to bring them along, flying with golf clubs can be about as frustrating as five-putting.