When you start playing golf, you will quickly realize how expensive this hobby can be. You will not spend thousands of dollars on your clubs and drivers and then fail to protect them at all costs, are you? Of course not. You MUST protect your investment! The best solution for this is to find yourself a reliable golf travel bag that you can fly all over the world with peace of mind that your clubs are safe.
Golf vacations are becoming one of the most popular getaways worldwide, and one of the biggest challenges is finding the best golf travel bag for you and your clubs.
The best bag will differ from person to person, and these factors will rely on several factors. The size of your clubs, how often you wish to use it, and budget are just a few of the factors that will help you decide on a golf travel bag.
Throughout this article, we will direct you toward some of our favorite golf travel bags of 2021 and our buying guide that will help you decide which golf travel bag is best for you.
Recommended Golf Travel Bag | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian |  EDITOR’S CHOICE |
| View Latest Price |
SKB Cases Hard Plastic Storage Wheeled Golf Bag Travel Case |  BEST VALUE |
| View Latest Price |
CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 Travel Cover |  BUDGET CHOICE |
| View Latest Price |
Do I need a travel bag for my golf clubs?
If you are flying with your clubs, it is a necessity that you have a reliable and effective golf travel bag. The reality of it is that golf clubs and golf equipment, in general, is a big investment! It is not the cheapest sport to play, and I can tell you from experience that you will want to buy more and more gear once you start playing a lot.
Having a travel bag is imperative to protect this investment if you want to travel with your clubs. Even if it is just one flight, you will want to make sure you protect your clubs; without a good travel bag, it can ruin your golf trip quickly.
How much does a golf club travel bag cost?
The best way to justify the golf club travel bag’s cost is to remember that even the most expensive bag is far cheaper than your golf clubs.
The bags within our review list will range from around $90-$250, and when you compare that to the cost of your irons, woods, and driver, it is a no-brainer that spending a few extra hundred bucks is well worth the investment.
The bag’s price will depend on the overall quality, material, and storage that it provides, but if affordability is at the top of your wish list, there is a big for you out there.
Soft-Sided VS Hard Case Travel Bag
There are several benefits to both the soft and hard material golf travel bags, and depending on what you wish to get out of your bag will dictate which is better for you. Things like storage space, locking mechanisms, and flexibility will all be affected by which route you go.
Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag
The soft-sided golf travel bag is more flexible and storage-friendly than the hard-shelled counterpart. They typically feature exterior pockets designed to hold golf shoes or other apparel that you will need to bring with you. Because the exterior material is nylon typically, there is some wiggle room to load up the bag as much as possible.
Another benefit of the soft-sided travel bag is that they are typically cheaper and more affordable. Because hardened plastic cases feature different locking mechanisms that are typically pricier and the material itself will be more.
Affordability is typically something that we like to address, and if you are looking for a more affordable option, the soft-sided bag is the better option.
Hard Case Golf Travel Bag
The hard case travel features something that gives everyone peace of mind that their clubs will be in one piece, the locking mechanism. Rather than using a zipper to close the bag, this uses a completely different locking mechanism that is more secure and stronger.
Additionally, these will often have a built-in TSA-approved lock that saves you time and money by not forcing you to buy a separate one.
Something else we notice is that the wheels and the wheel and carrying mechanisms with the hard-shell travel cases seem to be a bit stronger.
I think this is because the wheels and their alignment tracks are built directly into the hard-shelled body, and the soft-sided cases must add that before installing the wheels.
They do work fine on most occasions, but if we are dragging our bag through airports every week, you may want to investigate the more reliable wheeling bags.
Important Factors to Consider When Buying A Golf Travel Bag
Size
This may seem like a simple thing, but you would be surprised how often people forget to verify that their golf bag will fit in their new travel bag. Make sure you consider every measurement of your golf bag and not just the length! You must measure the bag’s circumference as well because if you do not, you will be very sorry.
Additionally, you should make sure that you leave a little wiggle on the top end of the golf travel bag so that your clubs do not pressure them. You want to force the bag to take on much of the force and to cushion your clubs. They should be snug in there but not overly tight.
Durability
When it comes to choosing the best golf travel bag, durability is something that you should never forego. Several aspects of the golf travel bag affect the durability and some things you want to make sure you are not skimping on.
If you are considering a bag with zippers on it, check the zippers’ quality. Some travel bags come with weak, cheap, and poorly made zippers that will break with any pressure and cause massive issues when you are on the road.
Make sure it is an industrial strength zipper and that it has a big enough gap for you to add a luggage lock. Do not forget this! It is essential to lock your clubs, and if the zipper does not allow them to lock, you are in trouble.
In addition to the zippers, think about where most of the impact will hit your bag and where it can cause damage to the bag’s contents. We prefer bags that have reinforced ends and corners. This can be rubberized or possibly a hybrid bag style where the bottom is soft, and the top is a harder material.
In the end, make sure that the end with your club heads in it has reinforced material to keep the bags structural integrity and protect the clubs.
Materials
We have touched on this slightly throughout, but there are several things to consider while choosing which material would be the best for your golf travel bag. One thing to consider is the bag’s weight and how much you want to fit into it.
As we mentioned before, several soft golf travel bags have exterior pockets for shoes and other apparel; Simultaneously, these are a great feature; if the empty golf travel bag weighs several pounds, it will be tough to carry around if it is full. The hard travel bags are indeed a little heavier, usually when they are empty, but they do not have that excess weight being added to them.
The other thing to consider when it comes to materials is the locking mechanisms. With soft-sided golf travel bags, they typically use zippers to closeup and as we have stressed previously, make sure these are tough.
If you are worried about the zippers staying strong and not splitting open midway through your trip, then the hard case locks would be a better choice for you. They lock in very easily and are usually made from steel or metal of some sort. These are far more secure, and they often have built-in TSA-Approved locks.
Protection
If you are buying a golf travel bag, your main goal should be to protect your clubs while traveling to your favorite golfing destination. If the travel bag you choose cannot protect tour clubs, then the bag is simply not doing its job.
When it comes to protection, there are several things to be aware of. The first thing you want to ensure you have is an interior cinch strap. This is a strap that keeps the clubs in place and aids them in avoiding being knocked around and dinged up during transit. Be sure not to over-tighten this strap, though!
In addition to the interior strap, you will want to ensure additional padding or rubberized protection on the interior part of the bag closest to where your club heads will be stored.
That is the most valuable part of the club and where they are most susceptible to damage. Many travel bags will have a quilted or dense foam around this part of the bag, and having this, only gives you peace of mind that your clubs will make it there in one piece.
Mobility
All luggage should be able to move easily around the airport and be simple to take in and out of your car. When it comes to mobility, the biggest thing is the wheels.
We prefer bags that have full spinning wheels rather than just bi-directional wheels. It makes it much easier to carry around the airport, and anywhere else you need to bring it. We have always found that the more wheels, the better when it comes to golf travel bags, and if they are well-built, you cannot go wrong. Another thing we like to look out for is the warranty.
Most bags come with a shoulder strap, too. We have noticed that many of these straps come with little to no padding throughout them, but several travel bags come with high-quality carrying straps that are padded and will not rip your shoulders to shreds.
These straps are beneficial when loading and unloading the bag from and to your car. This part of the mobility question should be simple, too, not just the rolling!
Storage
Besides storing your golf clubs, many golf travel bags come with exterior or interior pockets that provide additional storage for your gear.
This is a nice feature because when you think about it, there is a lot of gear aside from your clubs that you need. Rain gear, golf shoes, gloves, and more are all things you need, and if you cannot fit them in your golf travel bag, you are taking up even more space in your other gear.
One thing we like to look for is a dedicated shoe storage compartment. Many bags come with this feature, and it is one that we absolutely love this feature.
Golf shoes are imperative to your golf game, but they get dirty! They will be full of grass, mud, and dirt, and having a dedicated storage location for these while traveling is a very underrated feature.
Additionally, we like to have at least one more pocket in our golf travel bags. Rain gear and outwear layers are a necessity on the course, and while you could pack this with your other clothing, we prefer to have all our golf equipment in one place.
Features
It’s always nice to have a few extra features, right? We like to have a few bonuses in our travel bags when it comes to golf travel bags.
The first one is a built-in TSA lock. When you fly, you should always lock your luggage, but with the ancient luggage lock and tiny key combination, too much can go wrong. All my luggage, both golf and otherwise, have built-in locks so that you do need to worry about losing the key or the weak padlock breaking.
We also like bags that have built-in luggage tags or card slots. Having your name and phone number on your bag can be a lifesaver at times.
I have flowed over 500,000 miles in the past 3 years, and with that much travel, you will lose a bag. I always keep some personal information on the bag so that they can get a hold of me at a minimum.
Ensure these are high quality though, you do not want a flimsy one that will break easily. Find a solid tag and use it!
Best Golf Travel Bags Reviews
1.CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 Travel Cover Bag
- 1-year full bag replacement warranty that covers any damage to the bag that is caused by airlines.
- Internal compression straps to keep golf clubs secure in transit.
- Heavily padded top to protect your clubs and equipment.
- Has lockable zippers for the safety and security of your equipment.
Pros
We like the value, price, and quality of this bag. It’s a great bag with all the functionality you might want, including pockets, padding, and durable material.
Cons
Longer clubs have a tough time fitting into the golf travel bag.
The CaddyDaddy golf travel bag is arguable the toughest soft-style bag that we have reviewed to this point. The fabric is 3x thicker and stronger than the typical grade of fabric used in golf travel bags. Right away, you can tell how much more durable this bag will be compared to the competition, and the other bonus features make it an all-around great choice.
There are two large pockets on the exterior that allow you to have extra storage for your golf shoes and rain gear. The zippers on the exterior of the bag are industrial strength and will not be broken during travel. They are also very luggage lock-friendly.
TSA-Approved locks work great on these zippers and the main zipper that closes the bag’s club storage area.
Lastly, this is one of the best values we have found in golf travel bags, coming in at $90; you cannot beat that deal!
2.SKB 2SKB-4814W Deluxe ATA Golf Travel Case
- Made from polyethylene in the United States.
- Ultra-high molecular weight for durability.
- Designed to fit cart bags, carry bags, and drivers.
- Suitable for TSA inspection processes.
- Resistant from dirt, dust, and moisture to keep your clubs safe.
Pros
We really love the hardcover case that this cover features. It will do a great job of keeping your clubs safe and secure during your travels.
Cons
It is a relatively heavy case that some people may struggle with rolling around.
SKB has been the protective case leader for years now. They have products available for the near industry, and it is no surprise that their high-end golf travel bag is loaded with user-friendly features and is one of the most popular around.
This hardened-plastic golf travel bag is one of the sturdiest and most heavy-duty travel bags we have seen. Golf clubs easily fit into the travel bag, and thanks to the soft interior and added padding at the top, you know your clubs and club heads are going to be safe throughout travel.
This travel bag is loaded with other nice features that give you even to get excited about it. The latches are the most-heavy duty latches you can find in a golf travel bag. They are tested in extreme measures to ensure that they stay locked and not open under any circumstance.
The built-in TSA-Approved lock is one of our favorite features, too. You are given the key when you buy the travel bag; this saves you time and money from finding a new lock and key.
Read SKB Golf Case In-depth Review here.
3.Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Golf Travel Bag
- Features handy leg for easy standing and moving.
- Has heavy-duty zippers to secure clubs inside.
- Cinch straps within the bag to hold your clubs and equipment in place.
- High-quality wheels for maximum mobility and durability.
- It comes in multiple colors to suit any style.
Pros
We love that this golf travel bag has extra features that we haven’t seen out of any bag so far. If you are looking for a good experience and good protection, this bag is definitely worth a look.
Cons
The main zipper that runs the entire length of the bag is not designed for a lock.
Immediately upon unboxing the Sun Mountain golf travel bag, you knew it was designed with the consumer in mind. It is loaded with peace of mind features that allow you to pack your clubs and enjoy your travels, knowing that your clubs will be safe and sound.
The denseness of the padding surrounding the bag is something that all companies should strive for. The added padding around the top of the bag is excellent at protecting your club heads, too.
The retractable legs are an excellent addition to the bag. Most bags, including the Sun Mountain, come with rolling wheels, but this one also comes with retractable wheels that can stand for you to load and unload your clubs.
Most bags require you to set your golf clubs on the ground and maneuver them into your travel bag. The legs retract easily and clamp down into their setting. The internal cinch strap keeps your clubs from banging around throughout the day, and the external pockets are big and deep. This is an all-around top-of-the-line bag.
4.Bag Boy T-750 Wheeled Travel Golf Bag
- It comes in 5 different color combinations you can choose from.
- The interior is padded throughout, but there is extra padding in the corners to protect the most vulnerable spots during travel.
- It can fit even the longest drivers and will work for nearly all cart and stand-style bags.
- The entire golf travel bag weighs a mere 7.4 pounds, making it one of our list’s lightest.
Pros
Two inline wheels work great for rolling the bag.
The interior features a compression strap that allows you to keep your clubs safe and snug during travel.
Very high-quality zipper.
This is one of the more mobile bags that we have used, it wheels easily, and the lightweight makes it simple to load into cars.
Cons
The Bag Boy T-750 results from years of development and evolution while trying to design the most efficient soft-sided travel bag for your clubs.
The T-750 is now one of the lightest soft case bags on the market, coming in less than 8 pounds! Do not let the light weight fool you, though; the bag’s exterior is reinforced in all the right places, which helps absorb some of the impacts the bag takes when being tossed around the airport.
The interior is where the bag excels, though. There is added foam that is very dense on the end where the club heads will rest, giving you peace of mind that your club heads will be safe during travel.
There is an internal cinch strap, which will help them move around during the flight. The inside space has tons of added space as well, allowing you to load apparel and other items into the travel bag as needed.
5.Founders Club Golf Travel Cover Luggage
- This golf travel bag is available in 3 different colors.
- It is a hybrid bag between a soft- and hard-shelled travel bag. The bottom is fabric, and the top is reinforced plastic that goes around the club heads.
- Two inline wheels roll well, making it ultra-easy to maneuver around the airport.
- The bag’s fabric portion rolls into the plastic top, making it easy to store anywhere.
Our first hybrid-style golf travel bag on the list is the Founders Travel Bag. This is an interesting option because it brings the best of both styles of golf bags into one.
The bottom 2/3rds are made from a soft-sided nylon material that allows for more storage and flexibility, while the top is made from the hard golf case material. This is a great combination because the top will give you the most protective bag style for your club heads, while the bottom gives you extra storage pockets.
One of our favorite features of this bag is that it is easy to store when you do not use it. The bottom part of the bag, the soft material, is designed to be folded and stuffed into the top half of the bag to be held within the hard-plastic shell.
Bags can be bulky and tough to store, but this is a great feature of storage. Between the flexibility this bag allows and the bonus features like heavy-duty zippers, this is a great golf travel bag.
Pros
- The hybrid design featuring both hard and soft bag characteristics is excellent; I feel completely comfortable leaving my clubs.
- There are several large exterior pockets, one of which is large enough to store your golf shoes.
- We appreciate how heavy-duty the zippers are; too often, are zippers cheap and flimsy.
- It only weighs around 8 pounds, making it a lightweight option and easy to carry around.
- The top portion of the bag is hardened plastic with a dense foam interior that does a wonderful job of protecting clubs.
Cons
- The handles could be more secure, but that is an easy fix.
6. K-Cliffs Driving Range Mini Course Training Practice Golf Bag
- Features shoulder strap with shoulder pad for easy, comfortable carrying.
- Holds 6-7 clubs, including your driver.
- Compact size for easy storage and transportation.
- Fully padded body with a sturdy plastic tube inside.
- Lightweight and water-resistant material for the best of both worlds.
Pros
If you are looking for something simple to carry a few clubs, this is a good option. We like that it’s affordable, simple, and easy to use.
Cons
While it’s affordable, the capabilities reflect the price. It’s good for small amounts of clubs, but if you are a serious golfer with costly equipment, you might not be willing to trust this basic case with your clubs.
This case by K-Cliffs is one of the most affordable and basic travel bags that we have on our list. It’s lightweight and effortless to transport, making it a good option for those who want to have lots of mobility and carry it around a lot.
The protection on this bag is a lot less rigid and durable than other more expensive bags. For that reason, it’s better suited for car or train travel than it is for airline travel. Airlines are notoriously rough with luggage, and that kind of handling could be a problem for this bag.
If you are looking to do a lot of airline travel, you might want to steer clear of this option. If you need something cheap, lightweight, and easy to carry, this is a good candidate.
7.Samsonite Golf Hard Sided Travel Cover Case
- It has a durable, lightweight hard shell that protects your equipment, especially during air travel.
- It has a padded, quilted interior to cushion any blow that might come to the case.
- Protects club heads well.
- It has multi-directional spinner wheels on the bottom of each corner, allowing for easy transport.
- Has internal compression straps to hold the bag in place inside the cover case.
Pros
We really like the hard, high-quality exterior on this travel case. We believe that it will do a great job protecting your equipment during air travel.
Cons
It is a large golf travel bag; we found it difficult to fit into several cars.
Samsonite is the most popular luggage brand on the planet. They boast this title for several reasons: their durability, endless options, and great customer support.
The golf travel bag is no exception to their name brand and comes with several top-notch features that will ensure your golf clubs make it safe and sound.
This tough plastic exterior is lined with rubber reinforcement in vulnerable spots, and this combination works wonders when it comes to protecting your clubs.
The interior is a quilted and dense foam-like material that absorbs the impacts that are sure to come when you travel with your luggage. When it comes to ease of use, there are 4 spinning wheels and 2 inline wheels that allow you to maneuver the bag however you wish.
The internal straps are amazing at keeping your clubs from moving around, and it is one of the best components of this golf travel bag.
8. Golf Travel Bags Caravan 3.0 Wheeled Travel Bag
- Made of 600-denier polyester for design and durability.
- Padded interior for maximum club protection.
- Two exterior pockets to store accessories and equipment.
- A security strap to keep clubs in place.
- Durable protective PVC bottom for increased rigidity.
Pros
We like that this protective cover is made of quality materials while also being affordable. We also love that it is offered in different colors.
Cons
This kind of case is meant to be easy to carry, but this one doesn’t appear to offer a shoulder strap. We think that would be a simple improvement that they could make to this bag.
If you are looking for a lot of quality without spending big, this is a great travel cover that you should consider. It is made of premium materials that are rare in a case that is priced this competitively.
The design is sporty, and it comes in multiple colors. It’s easy to carry, with several handles and pockets to carry any accessories you might want to bring along. Though many cases this affordable aren’t the best for air travel, airport staff should hold up well to even very severe handling.
If you need something durable but affordable, this is a great option.
9. Samsonite Golf Deluxe 3 Piece Travel Bag
- It contains 3 pieces to accommodate all of your travel needs.
- Made of lightweight and durable polyester.
- It has a padded quilt interior to protect your club.
- Sealed ball-bearing in-line wheels for easy transportation.
Pros
We think that this 3-piece set is a tremendous value for the price. If you want a mid-range product and want good value for your money, this is a great choice.
Cons
Since this set is meant to be stylish and cohesive, it would be nice to offer multiple color choices.
This 3-piece set delivers one of the best values on our whole list. In this set are the golf bag cover, shoe bag storage, and a standard duffel bag.
Samsonite rarely disappoints when it comes to functionality, but it’s not as common for them to deliver a product as affordable as this.
For the price you would spend on some golf bag covers, you can get this brilliant 3-piece set with all the convenience features you might want.
If you are looking for something mid-range at a price, but top-tier in functionality and value, give this set by Samsonite a shot!
10. AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag
- Soft and lightweight bag for easy transport of golf clubs.
- Smooth, high-quality wheels.
- Compression straps within to secure the clubs.
- Heavily padded top to protect club heads.
- Made of durable nylon fabric with strategically-placed stress points.
Pros
We like that his bag has high-quality construction and provides basic functionality that should serve any golfer well at an agreeable price point.
Cons
We don’t like that although this cover should be fine for airline use, the material that it’s made of isn’t the best quality. A hardcover would be better for anyone serious about protecting expensive equipment.
This cover by Amazon Basics is perfect for those looking for a lower-end affordable option but still provides basic protection for their equipment.
This cover isn’t likely to keep your clubs safe against a hurricane, but it should do fine for air and car travel to and from your destination.
The multiple zippered components and interior protection elements more than justify the price and make it a great option for those on a budget.
11.Athletico Padded Golf Travel Bag
- Interior padding to protect expensive equipment.
- Made of durable 600D polyester with a vinyl base.
- Easy to carry and built for comfort with padded carrying handles.
- 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Comes with a shoulder strap for easy carrying.
Pros
We like the price point of this bag a lot. Though it is basic, it is very affordable and great for those on a budget. It’s the most affordable bag on our list.
Cons
There don’t seem to be straps within the cover to help secure your clubs and other equipment.
If you are looking for something minimal to protect your equipment on a long car or train ride, this would be perfect.
If you want something more that will protect your equipment as it goes through airport security and luggage, you probably want to invest in something a little more expensive and protective.
For light travel, this is the perfect cover and will serve you well. It’s convenient, lightweight, and even has more advanced protection features than other basic bags.
However, it doesn’t have a hard case or extensive interior protection, so we can’t recommend it for anything very heavy-duty.
Frequently Asked Question and Answered
We recognize that you still might have some questions about golf travel bags and their specific features, so we’ve organized some of the most commonly asked questions into this FAQ section.
Are soft golf travel bags safe?
Yes, they are! They are the more common choice among golfers for several reasons, but their reliability and durability have proven to be phenomenal.
You must make sure that you pack your clubs correctly, though, and that the bag’s size works with your clubs. The internal cinch strap should always be installed correctly, and pay attention to the bag’s instructions!
Is the golf travel bag water resistant?
This largely depends on the bag and the type of bag you choose. They will all be somewhat water-resistant, to begin with, but the hard cases tend to be better when it comes to bearing the elements.
The soft material will be okay, but it will retain some water, and there will be some leaking with most units. The hard cases will not have this issue and will usually be better in the rain.
Does the travel case have wheels?
If your golf travel bag does not have wheels, it should! All the travel bags in our above list features wheels, and trust me, you want them. Wheeling the bag in and out of the airport is far easier than carrying it, and it will be safer for the clubs and the contents of the bag.
Is the travel bag collapsible?
Some of them are, and it is a great feature for storage. The hard cases will not be collapsible given their exterior material, but many soft cases and hybrid-style golf travel bags will have this ability. It is a phenomenal feature to have, and we highly suggest it if you can find one you want.
Do golf travel bags have multiple functions?
This depends on the bag. Some are strictly a way to transport your clubs and nothing more. Others will have extra pouches and places to put additional equipment and accessories that you might need to bring.
Conclusion
When it comes to protecting your golf clubs, a golf travel bag is a necessity for anyone who wants to play their favorite game anywhere around the world.You get several benefits aside from simply protecting your clubs, like additional storage and, most importantly, peace of mind.
We understand that choosing the best golf travel bag can seem a bit daunting, but we are confident that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Between our in-depth reviews of our travel bags, and the buying guide, you have all the information you need.
We appreciate you tuning into this article, and if you have other golf questions, check out our other articles!
