Choosing the Right Golf Travel Bag
It’s off-season for many golfers in the northern states of the US. Time to take a break from those early morning tee times and take time to do some “in-door” golf, i.e. at computer-generated golf courses (we will be posting about those in the near future) or with a temporary indoor putting green in the middle of the living room.
For those golfers determined to play all year round and traveling south to warmer climes, a golf travel bag becomes a necessary purchase. Whether you are traveling by plane or train, your golf clubs need protection. (A few years ago, traveling to Hilton Head for golf, one of the women in our group had the head of her very expensive driver snapped off when a careless baggage handler tossed her golf travel bag onto the tarmac. The airline gave her some monetary compensation, but as the driver was not brand new, the amount was not equal to the cost of replacement. – That’s another story.) The point is that your clubs represent a large investment and they need to be protected when you travel.
So which bag is best? Hard case? Soft case? Your choice might depend on how much you travel with your golf clubs, how much extra space you need for shoes, balls, towels, etc. (I stuff all kinds of extra stuff in my bag, including my bed pillow! which helps give a little extra padding. And with the airlines charging you extra for that second bag anyway, why not stuff the golf travel bag with clothes as well?)
We’ve done some research and have a few recommendations that range from $$$ to $$ to $.
Club Glove Last Bag Travel Cover – $$$
The Last Bag is used by more touring professionals on the PGA, Champions, and LPGA tours than any other product.
- High-impact plastic wheel base that cradles and shields the bottom
- Extra thick foam padding with club head security strap
- Two locking shoe pockets with two shoe bags
- Completely manufactured in the U.S.A.
Callaway Hybrid Travel Case – $$
The Callaway Golf Hybrid offers all the features of a cart bag, then doubles as a travel carrier with its attachable protective helmet, which protects your clubs during travel.
- Rigid helmet with internal padding provides ultimate protection during transport
- Dual buckle closures that will not open upon impact
- In-line skate wheels for nimble handling
- Comfortably fits a full set of 14 clubs and clubs up to 48″ ling
Club Glove Last Bag Travel Cover
Buy this, add a FREE Club Glove Stiff Arm!
The Last Bag is used by more touring professionals on the PGA, Champions, and LPGA tours than any other product.
• High-impact plastic wheel base that cradles and shields the bottom
• Extra thick foam padding with club head security strap
• Two locking shoe pockets with two shoe bags
• Completely manufactured in the U.S.A.
Club Glove Burst Proof with Wheels – $$
The Club Glove Burst Proof with Wheels gets great reviews! Comes in your choice of red or black.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Accomodates 47″ Driver
- In-line skate wheels with bearings
- Two interior shoe pockets
- Made in the USA
Samsonite Travel Bag with Duffle, Bag, and Shoe Mitts – $
This Samsonite Three Piece Golf Travel Bag has lots of great features for a very reasonable price.
- Constructed of 600 denier polyester with reinforced PVC lamination
- Holds longer 48″ clubs and 10.5″ bags
- Tapered shape for better fit and easier wheeling
- Go anywhere zip off shoe bag
- Quilted top and sides for maximum protection
- Padded no slip ergonomic detachable shoulder strap
- Full three-sided zippered opening allows fast packing/unpacking
- Self repairing nylon coil zippers with large pulls
- Add-a-bag carry strap
- Flap opening identification window
- Rubber grip reinforced bottom handle for easy lifting
- Three layer protective bottom with runners
- Sealed ball bearing in-line skate wheels
- Made of lightweight, water resistant polyester
- Back accessory hook and protective feet
- Shoe compartment/wet pocket with mesh ventilation
- Neoprene cushion grip handle wrap
- Adjustable padded shoulder strap and front equipment carry straps
- Made of lightweight water resistant polyester
- Non-abrasive and luxurious faux fur lining
- Fits shoes up to size 13
- Two shoe mitts per set with locking draw string closures
The bottom line in deciding which type of golf travel bag you purchase depends on the amount of traveling you plan on doing, how much protection you need, and the value of your clubs. Soft cases with lots of padding are lighter, and easier to handle, and they protect your clubs in most circumstances. Hard cases are usually heavier but promise better protection, though they can snap open unless you add strapping for security.
Ask your golfing friends. Visit a variety of websites to see what they offer. But remember, you get what you pay for. Do you really want to put your thousand dollar clubs inside a $29 bag you bought at the local Big Lots?
Additional websites you might check out when looking for a golf travel bag:
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May every hole be a birdie!
Pat Mullaly, Editor, GolfGurls.com
