Packing for a golf holiday is an exercise in preparation, and getting it right sets the stage for a stress-free and spectacular trip. Over-packing can be a logistical headache, but under-packing can lead to pricey pro shop purchases or, even worse, being caught without an essential piece of kit. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to bring, from the non-negotiables in your bag to the apparel and extras that will make your trip a memorable one.
This is your toolkit for the main event. While it feels obvious to say, "pack your clubs," the preparation goes a little deeper than just throwing your bag in a travel case. Getting these details right before you leave home will remove any friction once you arrive, letting you focus entirely on the first tee.
Your clubs are the star of the show, so treat them as such. Before you even think about packing, give them a thorough cleaning. Wiping down the grips and getting any lingering dirt out of the grooves is a small task that makes a big difference. It’s a good pre-trip ritual that gets you mentally ready to play.
Once they're clean, protecting them during transit is the next step. Invest in a high-quality golf travel case. You have two main options:
A great pro tip, regardless of your case type, is to use towels for extra padding. Wrap towels around your clubheads, especially your woods and driver, before zipping up the bag. This prevents them from clanking against each other and adds a layer of shock absorption. You were probably going to pack towels anyway, so they might as well do double duty.
Rule number one of golf travel: you can never have too many golf balls. The courses you're playing are likely unfamiliar, which can mean more lost balls than usual. The last thing you want is to be forced to buy exorbitantly priced pro shop balls because you ran out. Pack at least two dozen of your preferred ball, if not more, especially for a longer trip. It’s far cheaper to bring them from home.
The same logic applies to tees. They are small, light, and easy to pack in abundance. Throw a large bag of your favorite style and length into a side pocket. Also, don't forget the small but vital accessories: a couple of ball markers and at least one divot repair tool. Taking care of the course is a universal responsibility, and being prepared shows respect for the game and the groundskeepers.
One glove is never enough on a golf trip. If you play in warm weather, a glove can get sweaty and lose its tackiness. If you get caught in a shower, it will become soaked and slick. I recommend packing at least three gloves. You can rotate them daily to give them time to dry out and air, which will keep them feeling fresh for each round.
When it comes to footwear, two pairs of golf shoes are the standard for any trip longer than a weekend. Playing multiple days in a row means your shoes won’t have much time to dry out, whether from sweat or morning dew. Alternating pairs lets one fully dry while you wear the other. This isn't just a comfort issue, it helps the shoes last longer and prevents blisters. Remember, you'll be on your feet for four-to-five hours at a time, so comfort is not a place to compromise.
These are the support players that make your round smoother.
Packing your clothing is a balancing act between style, comfort, and function. The key is to prepare for variable weather and be mindful of clubhouse dress codes.
A good rule of thumb is to pack one full on-course outfit for each round you plan to play, plus one extra backup outfit. This gives you options if something gets dirty or if the weather turns unexpectedly. Focus on fabrics that perform well, such as moisture-wicking materials that keep you dry and comfortable.
Before packing, always check the dress codes for the courses on your itinerary. Many private clubs or high-end resorts have specific rules (e.g., no cargo shorts, mock turtlenecks may be disallowed, shorts must be of a certain length).
Your golf holiday doesn’t end when you walk off the 18th green. You’ll need clothes for dinners, relaxation, and other activities.
These are the often-overlooked items that can genuinely make or break your trip's enjoyment.
Playing several days of golf in a row, often in the sun, can take a toll. A little bit of health-related prep goes a long way.
Digital is great, but having backups is better. Store digital copies of your bookings in an email folder, but also consider printing a copy as a failsafe.
A well-prepared travel plan eliminates distractions and allows you to immerse yourself fully in the joy of the game and the beauty of your destination. By using this guide as a checklist, you can pack with confidence, knowing you have everything you need for success on the course and comfort off it.
Of course, all the preparation in the world is about getting you to the first tee ready to play. That's where we wanted to give you an extra edge. We developed Caddie AI to act as your pocket-sized course strategist. When you find yourself facing a tricky shot on an unfamiliar course or are looking at a messy lie in the rough, you can get instant, expert advice on the best way to handle the situation. It’s designed to remove the guesswork from course management so you can play with more confidence from your very first drive to the final putt.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
