If you are concerned about the way your clubs may be handled by airport baggage staff, or just about the way they might bang about in your trunk, a golf travel bag could be the answer for you. After all, you’ve spent a lot of money on your golf clubs, and we all know the degree of care and attention paid by airport baggage handlers, so it makes sense to protect them as best as you can during travel.
Golf Travel Bags are for Protection
Golf travel bags come in many shapes, sizes and prices and there are a few features to consider before you decide which is the one for you. There is a wide variety available, whether you are a weekend golfer wanting to protect your equipment in your trunk during a weekend trip, or a member of the tour who needs total peace of mind irrespective of cost. Golf travel bags either zip or clip around your regular golf bag, and the material of construction determines the degree of protection provided during travel.
You can buy them with a soft cover, hard cover or a mixed hard/soft cover design. The soft sided type is generally the cheapest and is lighter and more maneuverable. However, they have the drawback that may lack lateral strength. This means that your clubs could be damaged by heavy items moving and knocking the clubs through the bag and damaging them. Although not common, this problem could prove costly with costly clubs. Although hard shell golf travel bags probably provide most protection you should balance the price you pay with your needs.
Don’t Forget: They Still have to be Carried!
You must also ensure that there is enough headroom for your club heads, and that it is not just the shafts that are protected. Most golf travel bags are not self standing, though it may be beneficial to opt for one which has wheels or castors so that you avoid lugging it manually from the terminal to your car. Storage when not in use is another consideration, and many hard shell cases can fold down, though will never be as compact in storage as a soft case.
Remember your Rights
Some airlines require golfers using soft cover golf travel bags to sign a waiver, but this should not be regarded as giving permission for your clubs to be damaged. You should still have the same rights as any other passenger regarding luggage abuse, and your clubs should be safe if packed correctly. However, be sure to read carefully any instructions for use, and warranty, provided by the golf travel bag manufacturer. You might also want to read about Ogio Travel Bags.
