What to Look for When Buying a Golf Travel Bag for Your Holiday

Heading off on a golf holiday? One of the smartest investments you can make is a reliable golf travel bag. It’s not just about packing and transporting your clubs – it’s about protecting your golf clubs, simplifying travel, and ensuring everything arrives in one piece, ready for the first tee. At Golf & Tours we’re all about reducing the stress of travel so you can enjoy every minute of your golf trip, including packing golf clubs!

Here’s everything you need to consider when choosing the right golf travel bag:

Protection Is a Priority

Airports and airlines aren’t known for gentle handling of luggage – and unfortunately golf clubs are no exception. Choose a golf bag with reinforced padding, especially around the golf club heads and shafts. If your bag doesn’t have built-in padding, wrap your clubs in towels or soft clothing to reduce movement and impact.

Avoid thin stand golf bags or minimal pencil bags when flying, as they offer little protection. These are better suited to car travel or local getaways.

Take a look at our video on Packing Golf Clubs for Travel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ba8xg5449VY

Types of Golf Travel Bags

There are several styles of golf travel bags, each with its pros and cons:

Slim/Pencil Bags: Lightweight and compact. Great for road trips but often lack storage space and protective padding. Most don’t have wheels, making them harder to carry over long travel distances.
Mid-Size Wheeled Bags: A great all-rounder. These offer added protection, padded tops, and convenient wheels, making them ideal for most golf holidays. They often include extra pockets for accessories like balls, gloves, and wet weather gear.
Full-Size Travel Covers: These large, padded bags can fit your entire golf bag, shoes, and more. Ideal for international trips or longer stays. They’re heavier, but many are collapsible for easier storage at your destination.

Wheels and Handles Matter

Smooth-rolling wheels and sturdy handles make navigating airports and hotels much easier – especially when carrying other luggage. Bags without wheels may be lighter, but they can put strain on your shoulders and back.

Extra Storage

Look for a golf travel bag with ample pockets and compartments. This gives you space for golf balls, tees, gloves, rain gear, and even snacks. Bags with a dedicated shoe compartment are particularly handy, especially when passing through biosecurity checks in countries like Australia and New Zealand.

Cleanliness Counts

Before travelling internationally, clean your golf clubs and shoes thoroughly. Many countries have strict biosecurity regulations, and dirty equipment could delay your entry. Bonus: clean grooves on your golf clubs improves ball control!

Take a look at our video on cleaning your clubs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFqacgTgqt0

Personalise and Label Your Bag

Golf travel bags often look alike. With many golfers using similar bags, it’s important to personalize yours. Add a bright ribbon, luggage tag, or business card so you can easily spot it on the luggage carousel or golf tour bus. This not only helps at baggage claim but also avoids confusion on group tours or hotel transfers.

Final Tip:

Always plan ahead — your travel bag should match the style and length of your trip. Whether you’re heading to a local course or flying overseas, the right bag makes all the difference in keeping your golf gear safe and travel hassle-free.

Ready to tee off on your next adventure? Make sure your clubs are just as ready to travel as you are.

Summary of what to look for