Top Golf Trip Travel Tips For Golfers

Taking a Golf Trip? Follow these top travel tips for a worry free vacation.

snowbirdYou’re planning a golf trip this “off season”! If you live in the cold north the temptation to fly south and escape the frigid air and frozen fairways is always strong. Many of the golfers I play with here on Cape Cod have long since flown the coop. Some head south at the first sign of the leaves changing colors, but most stay in New England for the holidays and then head south for a three or four month holiday in Florida or the islands.

Kathy G Jensen If you count yourself among the crowd of traveling golfers, these travel tips from LPGA Pro, Kathy Gildersleeve-Jensen should help you with your planning and packing. I’ve highlighted the top tips here, but you can read the entire article as it appears in GolfToday

First: What clothing should you pack?  Before you can answer that question you need to know: How long will you be away? How many rounds of golf do you plan on playing? Will you have access to a laundry? Will you buy any new items (i.e. shirt, skorts, hats) from the golf clubs you visit? The answers to these questions will go a long way in determining how many outfits you should pack. If you’re a big shopper, remember to leave room in your suitcase so you can bring the new clothing back home.

Second: What golf equipment should you bring? Airlines are making changes all the time re: weight restrictions on luggage. If you are carrying your clubs with you, you’ll need a good solid golf travel bag, and one that is not too heavy. Many airlines charge more for baggage over 40+ pounds. If you stuff your bag with shoes and balls and who knows what else, you might find yourself over the limit in no time. (See article on golf travel bags we posted a while back.)

ss-logoIf you prefer to ship your clubs to your destination we’ve discovered a great new service that you should check out: ShipSticks! They will pick your clubs up at your home or office and deliver them anywhere for $49!!! (This is their ground rate to ship to most destinations, so you do have to plan ahead. Next day delivery is also available.) Check their web site for all the details and get a quote.

Essential golf equipment:

  • Golf Bag (the lightest one you own)
  • Golf Clubs (9-14) Don’t bring clubs you seldom use
  • Golf shoes – 1 pair should be enough, you can always buy a new pair if your first pair gets soaked
  • Socks – bring extra!
  • Waterproof jacket and hat (expect sunshine but plan for a little rain)
  • Sweater
  • Umbrella (this is optional… if you never walk, the golf cart will protect you most of the way)
  • Golf Balls – bring more than you think you’ll need, especially if you’re playing on a new course
  • Golf Gloves – 2
  • Divot Tool, Golf Tees
  • Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Bug Spray
  • Range Finder, Phone Apps (whatever you fancy)

And don’t forget: Business Cards (You never know what new connections you might make on the golf course.)

I’m going to be traveling myself for an extended golf holiday sometime this spring. I’ll be using a lot of this advice including shipping my clubs south via ShipSticks. I’ll be posting my progress as the time gets closer, so watch for that.

Are you traveling for golf this season? How do you choose what to bring? and what to leave behind? Add your comments in the space below. Love to hear your best advice.

 

 

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