The Best Way To Bring Your Golf Bag On An Airplane

Golfers everywhere, rejoice: Going on holiday doesn't mean putting your favorite sport on hold. That said, having the opportunity to tee off at your destination involves a little more planning and a lot more logistics — especially since this often means having to bring your clubs along for the ride. Luckily, though, you have options. Whether you're planning on visiting an underrated golf destination abroad or you're dreaming about embarking on a tour of the most budget-friendly golf destinations in the U.S., there's no need to worry about getting your gear there safely.

So, what's the solution to traveling with clubs without risking snaps or breaks? First things first, you'll always want to pack your clubs using a hard-sided case. After all, while soft cases might seem convenient and budget-friendly, hard-sided travel cases are, hands down, the better option. Offering the best defense against rough handling and potential damage, these cases are designed to absorb impact and protect your equipment from all of the bangs, tumbles, and tosses they might endure while being handled by the TSA and airline employees. Plus, considering the fact that some airlines consider clubs traveling in a soft-sided case to be "improperly packed" — which essentially relieves them of any responsibility — the investment is totally worth it.

From there, you can make the most of other protective measures, like using padded club covers and strategic wrapping to minimize damage risks. A bit more effort, sure — but these extra steps help guarantee that your clubs will be flying safe and sound to your next destination, ready to hit the first tee.

Most avid golfers will agree that having your own clubs can make all the difference. That said, when it comes to traveling with your golf clubs, there are certain rules and tips you'll want to keep in mind — especially if you're planning to do it by plane. For starters, it's worth noting that most airlines recognize travel golf bags as a piece of checked luggage, which essentially saves you the trouble of paying for oversized baggage. Nonetheless, airlines also have pretty strict rules about weight limits on checked bags, essentially capping them at 50 pounds. Flying with a bigger set? You'll likely have to cough up even more money to cover the excess weight when applicable and allowed.

That said, a great way to avoid these pesky excess fees is to try and limit your packing to the essentials. That means leaving behind all those "just in case" golf balls, and only bringing along what you reasonably need for a good round. As for added protection during transit, most golfers suggest using light items like towels and jackets by wrapping them around your club heads to prevent damage. Another pro tip: Purchase a lightweight protective stick — this expandable club protector is a popular choice — to place inside your travel bag and safeguard your longer clubs. This is especially important for your driver, which is particularly vulnerable to snapping.

Lastly, if all these packing tips and suggestions are starting to sound like too much — or if you're still a little wary of trusting an airline with your prized clubs — there's one final option to help you travel with your clubs stress-free: Just ship them! In the U.S., companies like Ship Sticks have become popular options for traveling golf enthusiasts who want to avoid all the packing woes and still reap the benefits of having their own set wherever they go. 

Essentially, what the company does is handle all the heavy lifting — from picking up your clubs at home to securely tracking them throughout their journey, and delivering them directly to your preferred golf course or hotel before you arrive (both locally and internationally). Plus, with rates starting from $49, you might even end up saving on those baggage charges — which means even more cash to spend on the 19th hole.