Nothing sours the excitement of a golf trip faster than the thought of your precious clubs being damaged in transit. We’re going to give you everything you need to know about transporting your golf clubs safely. This guide covers the best methods for flying, driving, or shipping your set, so you can arrive at your destination confident and ready to play.
Flying with golf clubs is the most common method for long-distance travel, but it also carries the highest risk if you don’t prepare properly. A little preparation goes a long way in protecting your investment and preventing a trip-ruining disaster at baggage claim.
Your first and most important line of defense is your travel bag. This decision really comes down to protection versus convenience.
Coach's Tip: If you travel multiple times a year, a hard case is a wise investment. For the occasional traveler, a premium padded soft case is often sufficient, especially when packed correctly.
Simply throwing your clubs into a travel bag is asking for trouble. Follow these steps to give them the best possible protection, no matter which type of case you use.
Every airline treats golf bags differently. Before you head to the airport, go to your airline’s website and look up their policy on sporting equipment. Golf bags are almost always considered oversized baggage. Many airlines have a flat fee for them, while others just include it as one of your standard checked bags as long as it’s under the 50-pound weight limit.
Speaking of weight, be very mindful. It’s easy to exceed the 50-pound limit once you add the travel case, clubs, shoes, balls, and rain gear. Use a home luggage scale to weigh your bag before you leave. If you’re over the limit, the overweight fees can be extremely expensive - often more than the cost to check another bag entirely.
If you want to avoid the airport hassle altogether, shipping your clubs ahead of your trip is an outstanding alternative. It offers peace of mind and incredible convenience, though it requires a bit more planning.
You have two main options for shipping. Dedicated golf club shipping companies like Ship Sticks or LugLess havestreamlined the process. You simply book online, print a label, and schedule a pickup from your home or office. These services act as a logistics partner, working with carriers like FedEx and UPS but offering specialized support, inclusive insurance, and often better rates than if you went directly to the carrier.
Alternatively, you can pack your clubs in a travel box and ship them yourself via FedEx or UPS. This can sometimes be cheaper, but you’ll be responsible for providing the box, packing everything securely, and managing the insurance and tracking yourself.
Coach's Tip: For your first time, using a dedicated service is the simplest path. They make it almost foolproof. Your clubs are sent directly to the golf course, your hotel, or your friend's house, waiting for you when you get there.
Driving to your destination offers the most control, but there are still best practices to follow to keep your clubs safe.
The safest place for your clubs is flat on the floor of your trunk. This protects them from prying eyes and prevents them from sliding or tumbling around if you have to stop abruptly. Avoid standing them up in the back seat where they are visible and can easily fall over. If your trunk isn't large enough, lay them down across the back seat and cover them with a blanket to keep them out of sight.
One of the biggest mistakes golfers make is leaving their clubs in a hot car trunk for extended periods. The high temperatures can soften the epoxy that holds your clubheads to the shafts, causing them to loosen or even come off over time. Extreme heat can also damage the adhesive on your grips, causing them to become slippery or unwind.
On a hot, sunny day, the temperature in a car trunk can climb well over 130°F (55°C). Treat your clubs like you would a pet or a child - don't leave them locked in a hot car. Whenever possible, bring them inside with you overnight, especially if you’re staying at a hotel.
Getting your clubs from point A to point B safely comes down to using the right gear and a smart packing strategy for your transport method. Whether you opt for a durable travel case for a flight, the convenience of shipping, or the simplicity of a road trip, a little bit of care will go a long way.
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