Golf Tutorials

How to Carry Golf Clubs on a Bicycle

By Spencer Lanoue
July 24, 2025

Combining a bike ride with a round of golf feels like a perfect day, but figuring out how to transport your clubs can be a head-scratcher. You don't want to show up to the first tee flustered or, worse, with damaged equipment. This guide will walk you through the most practical and secure methods to carry your golf clubs on a bicycle, so you can focus on a great warm-up ride and an even better round.

Why Bike to the Golf Course?

More golfers are discovering the simple joy of cycling to their local course. Beyond just being a fun way to combine two hobbies, it offers some real benefits. It’s a fantastic pre-round warm-up, getting your muscles loose and your body ready to play without having to spend 15 minutes on the range just to get going. You'll also save on gas and skip the all-too-common hassle of looking for a parking spot on a busy Saturday morning. Plus, it's a great low-impact exercise and a more environmentally friendly way to get around.

Safety First: What to Consider Before You Ride

Before strapping your clubs on, take a moment to think about safety. Your bike wasn't originally designed to carry a long, asymmetrical, and fairly heavy golf bag. Doing it wrong can be risky.

  • Weight and Balance: A full set of 14 clubs, a bag, balls, a water bottle, and other gear can easily weigh 20-30 pounds. This added weight, especially if positioned poorly, will significantly alter your bike's center of gravity. It will feel different, particularly when starting, stopping, and taking corners.
  • Steering and Control: Depending on the method you choose, your clubs can interfere with your handlebars or require you to adjust your posture. You need a method that allows you full, unhindered control of your bike at all times.
  • Braking Distance: The extra weight means you'll need more time and distance to come to a complete stop. Test your brakes in a safe area and ride more defensively, giving yourself extra space between you and any traffic ahead.
  • Side Clearance: A golf bag sticking out from the side of your bike makes you a much wider vehicle. Be mindful of this when filtering through tight spaces, riding near parked cars, or navigating narrow bike paths.

Method 1: The Specialized Bike Golf Bag Carrier

For the committed golf-cyclist, this is the gold standard. A dedicated bike carrier or rack designed for a golf bag is by far the safest and most stable way to transport your full set of clubs.

What It Is and How It Works

These racks are thoughtfully-designed metal frames that mount directly to your bicycle’s rear frame, often near the back wheel. They are built to hold a standard golf bag upright and securely. The design keeps the bag’s weight low and centered over the rear axle, which is the most stable place to carry a heavy load on a bike. The bag is held in place with adjustable straps, preventing any swaying or shifting while you ride.

One of the most popular and well-regarded options is a rear-mounted frame that holds the bag vertically, parallel to the rear wheel. It keeps the clubs well out of your way and has minimal effect on your pedaling motion.

Pros:

  • Excellent Stability: This is the most secure method. The low center of gravity makes for a balanced ride.
  • Safety: Your clubs are locked in and won't swing around, get caught on branches, or throw you off balance.
  • Hands-Free and Unobstructed: You can ride normally without a bag on your back, allowing for better posture and visibility.
  • Carrying Capacity: Can handle the weight of a full set of clubs and a regular-sized bag without issue.

Cons:

  • Cost: A good quality rack can be an investment, often running over $100.
  • Installation: Setting it up the first time can require some tools and a bit of patience, though most models include clear instructions.
  • Bike Compatibility: You have to be sure the rack is compatible with your specific bike frame (e.g., road bike vs. mountain bike vs. cruiser).

Tips for Choosing and Using a Rack:

When shopping for a carrier, look for one made of high-grade aluminum or steel for durability. Check the manufacturer's specs to confirm it fits your bike’s tire size and frame design. Once installed, do a test ride with an empty bag first. Cinch the straps down tight and make sure nothing rattles. A useful trick is to use your rain hood over the top of your clubs to silence any clatter during the ride.

Method 2: Using a Bicycle Trailer

If you need to carry more than just your clubs or if the idea of mounting a rack seems like too much work, a bicycle trailer is an incredibly effective, though much larger, solution. Think of it as basically giving your bike a trunk.

How it Works

A small cargo trailer hitches to your bike's rear axle or seat post. You simply lay your golf bag down flat inside the trailer, secure it with a couple of bungee cords, and you’re ready to go. Two-wheel trailers are the most common and offer fantastic stability for this purpose.

Pros:

  • Massive Capacity: You can easily fit your golf bag, shoes, a cooler, and a change of clothes with room to spare.
  • Supreme Stability: The weight is on the trailer's wheels, not your bike's frame, so your bike handling feels almost normal. It’s a very low-stress way to ride.
  • Versatility: You can use the trailer for other errands, like trips to the grocery store.
  • Easy to Use: Hitching and unhitching the trailer usually just takes a few seconds.

Cons:

  • Bulky and Slow: You’re pulling extra weight and you’re a lot longer, which makes you slower and less nimble. Taking sharp turns requires more forethought.
  • Storage: A bike trailer takes up a decent amount of space in a garage or apartment.
  • Maneuverability: Navigating very tight spaces or busy bike lanes can be more challenging.

A trailer is a brilliant option for players who are taking a bit more gear, have a longer or flatter commute to the course, and have the space to store it.

Method 3: Wearing the Bag (The Cautious Approach)

For very short trips, like heading a few blocks to the driving range with only half a dozen clubs, wearing a bag on your back is possible. However, this should be done with extreme caution and is not recommended for full rounds of golf or longer rides.

Do not attempt this with a full-size cart or stand bag. This method is only for the lightest of bags - think a thin "Sunday Bag" or "Pencil Bag" - with a minimal number of clubs.

How to Do it Safely (If You Must):

  • Use a Lightweight Sunday Bag: These bags are designed for walking and weigh very little on their own. Carry only your driver, a mid-iron, a wedge, and your putter.
  • Adjust for a Snug Fit: Use both shoulder straps like you would with a backpack. Cinch them down nice and tight so the bag sits high and doesn't slob around. Any swaying will seriously upset your balance.
  • Keep it Vertical: The bag should sit straight up and down along your spine. If it tilts to one side, it will pull you in that direction, especially in a turn.

The Very Real Risks:

The main problem is that this method creates a very high center of gravity. You will feel top-heavy and much less stable. The clubs can also become a hazard - a driver can catch on a low-hanging tree branch, or the base of the bag could hit your rear wheel if it slips. A sudden shift in weight from the bag could easily cause a fall. Approach this method with a healthy dose of respect for the risks involved.

Preparing Your Golf Gear for the Ride

No matter which method you choose, a little prep work goes a long way.

  • Lighten the Load: This is a great chance to simplify your game. Do you really need all 14 clubs for your everyday round? Take out the clubs you rarely use to reduce weight.
  • Secure Your Clubs: The clanking of club heads can be maddening. Use your rain hood to cover the top of your bag and cinch it tight. This bundles the heads together and quiets them down.
  • Pack Smart: Make sure balls, tees, and rangefinders are zipped away in pockets so they don't fall out on a bump. If you have iron covers, this is a good time to use them.
  • Check Tire Pressure: Remember that extra 20-30 pounds of weight? Add a few extra PSI to your tires to compensate for the load and ensure a smoother, safer roll.

Final Thoughts.

From dedicated frame-mounted carriers to simple cargo trailers, there are smart and effective ways to get your clubs to the course on two wheels. The key is to match the method to your needs, prioritize a balanced and secure setup, and always ride with an extra dose of awareness.

And once you’ve lightened your load for the ride over, making a smart plan to play the course with just those essential clubs becomes even more important. This is one area where we designed Caddie AI to help. When you're standing on the fairway with fewer options, you can describe your shot, your lie, and wind conditions, and I can give you shot strategy advice tailored to the clubs you have in your bag. It can help you play with more confidence, knowing you have a solid plan for every shot.

Spencer has been playing golf since he was a kid and has spent a lifetime chasing improvement. With over a decade of experience building successful tech products, he combined his love for golf and startups to create Caddie AI - the world's best AI golf app. Giving everyone an expert level coach in your pocket, available 24/7. His mission is simple: make world-class golf advice accessible to everyone, anytime.

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