Best Golf Bags for Travel

10 Best Golf Bags for Travel in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

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You may have heard of a guys’ tales of a brand new driver shaft snapping on the way back from a flight trip. And all the airline gave him was a couple of measly bucks dependent on the club’s weight. For this reason, any traveling golfer requires a proper travel bag. Clubs are pricey so it’s not only an expense to repair them, but the club is never the same with a new shaft inside. This is why it’s important to carry your own clubs with the proper regardless of where you go.

Regardless of whether you’re going out for a long-awaited golf break, playing with rented sticks is just not right. You ought to find a way to tote around your clubs. Most golf travel bags in the past decades were hard-edged, coffin-like contraptions that stretched your arms and shoulders when you lugged them around the runway. But golf bags for travels have also come to a fairway. Today’s best options offer a sweet form and function. They’re compact but durable and safe, lightweight with plenty of storage room, and made for enduring stuff.

In a Hurry? The test winners after 11 hrs of research

Athletico Padded Golf Travel Bag

Athletico Padded Golf Travel Bag – Best Value

Why is it better?

  • The bag has a carrying strap that will make it easier to carry in the airport
  • The weight of the material is light
  • Good fit for a full set of men’s clubs and bag
  • The zippers appear to be heavy-duty and are located on both sides of the bag for ease of access

Samsonite Golf Hard Sided Travel Cover Case

Samsonite Golf Hard Sided Travel Cover Case – Premium Pick

Why is it better?

  • The hard sides are lightweight yet seem very durable
  • The flexibility the zipper provides will allow the case to flex and move when tossed in a luggage compartment and avoid breaking
  • On smooth surfaces, the luggage wheels work well
  • The case (empty) weighs next to nothing, which is great for transportation

Best Golf Bags for Travel – Overview

The golf travel bag, like nature, has evolved from a stiff case to a substance that absorbs the blows from those clumsy luggage handlers while covering your clubs. While safety is the key concern of a travel bag, it is also necessary to remember the ease of travel. We all know that certain airports can make you walk miles before dropping off your travel bag, and for a golf travel bag, an efficient wheel system is a must. It can be daunting with all those choices, so that makes it tough to decide which one’s right for you. This is why we found the best golf bags for travel to the test to ensure that you get the best recommendations you can when you purchase a new bag.

Golf Bags for Travels Reviews

1. Athletico Padded Golf Travel Bag – Best Value

Athletico Padded Golf Travel Bag

The Athletico Padded Golf Travel Bag with your golf clubs doesn’t have to be a gamble. You’ve invested a lot of money on them, and when you take them on vacation, you need a carrier that will help protect them while in transit. Padded to protect your golf equipment. Built with 5mm of padding throughout, and an internal lining made to help protect your golf clubs.

Padded carry straps lock with velcro closure. These can be used to carry your bag like a duffel with ease. This soft-sided case is lightweight so it doesn’t add any additional stress when carrying. The included removable shoulder strap is also padded to relieve any strain on your back when carrying. Easily roll up your travel bag to a compact size for storage when not in use.

Key Features:

  • 4 protective feet on the bottom + hard vinyl base – protects against wear and drag
  • Comfort grip neoprene padded handles
  • Padded tote handles, top handle, and shoulder straps give ultimate flexibility and comfort in carrying
  • Removable shoulder strap with made-to-last metal hardware

Specifications:

  • Brand: Athletico
  • Dimensions: 53″ H x 14″ W x 12″ D
  • Weight: 4 lbs
Pros
  • The bag has a carrying strap that will make it easier to carry in the airport
  • The weight of the material is light
  • Good fit for a full set of men’s clubs and bag
  • The zippers appear to be heavy-duty and are located on both sides of the bag for ease of access
Cons
  • It would have been nice to have wheels

2. Samsonite Golf Hard Sided Travel Cover Case – Premium Pick

Samsonite Golf Hard Sided Travel Cover Case

Travel the world worry-free with the Samsonite Golf Hard Sided Travel Cover Case. This lightweight hard-sided travel case boasts a durable, solid ABS Shell which shields your golf bag and clubs from the wear-and-tear of air travel. The hard-sided travel case features a padded quilted interior with extra foam cushioning on top to protect club heads and the internal compression straps secure the golf bag. Designed to make travel a breeze with 4 multi-directional spinner wheels and 2 in-line skate wheels, allowing the case to be pushed or pulled.

The Samsonite Golf Travel Cover is made of Denier polyester and designed to hold clubs up to 46 inches long and accommodate a 10.5-inch wide golf bag. The cover has a well-padded, ergonomically designed, detachable shoulder strap for ease of transport and rolls on sealed ball bearing in-line skate wheels. The top and sides of the cover’s interior are quilted with extra padding to protect the shafts and clubheads from damage, and its exterior is equipped with rubber reinforced top, bottom, and side handles for easy lifting. A shoe bag attaches and detaches from the cover by zipper and features a plastic identification card window.

Key Features:

  • ABS Plastic
  • ABS Shell shields your golf bag and clubs from the wear and tear of air travel
  • Padded quilted interior with extra foam cushioning on top to protect club heads
  • 4 multi-directional spinner wheels and 2 in-line skate wheels allow the case to be pushed or pulled

Specifications:

  • Brand: Samsonite
  • Dimensions: 54″ H x 16″ W x 12″ D
  • Weight: 16.5 lbs
Pros
  • The hard sides are lightweight yet seem very durable
  • The flexibility the zipper provides will allow the case to flex and move when tossed in a luggage compartment and avoid breaking
  • On smooth surfaces, the luggage wheels work well
  • The case (empty) weighs next to nothing, which is great for transportation
Cons
  • The wheels do stick out and cannot be removed

3. TaylorMade Golf TM Stand Golf Bag 5.0

TaylorMade Golf TM Stand Golf Bag 5.0

The TaylorMade Golf TM Stand Golf Bag 5.0 provides ample storage for all your golfing needs in a lightweight design. The 5-way organizational top is gentle on your clubs while the six pockets provide more than enough storage for clothes, valuables, balls, etc.

The automatic, anti-slit stand system with non-slip foot pads provide convenience and security while the contoured, ergonomic dual shoulder straps with air mesh allow for a comfortable carry. Additionally, this bag features an EVA molded hip pad on the side to limit pressure points for added comfort. Matching rain hood included.

Key Features:

  • 5-Way divider top
  • 6 Pockets including ball and tee pockets
  • Velour-lined valuables pouch
  • Anti-split stand system
  • Comfort shoulder strap system

Specifications:

  • Brand: TaylorMade
  • Dimensions: 36″ H x 13″ W x 10″ D
  • Weight: 6.4 lbs
Pros
  • Comfortable shoulder straps
  • Zippers holds up well
  • Looks rugged enough
  • The backpack strap is a huge plus as well
Cons
  • Relatively few pockets

4. Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Golf Bag for Travel

Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Golf Bag for Travel

The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Golf Bag for Travel has dense foam padding through the top of the bag to protect your clubs through the rigors of travel. Pivoting caster wheels provide superior maneuverability, and the leg mechanism is extended and retracted with one easy motion.

Additional features: include 1200 denier polyester pockets: two (exterior access), heavy-duty, two-way zippers run the full length of the bag for easy loading, internal cinch straps secure your golf bag. Legs retract into the molded tray for travel. Vinyl-reinforced in wear areas means no more kneeling on the ground to load/unload your golf bag.

Key Features:

  • The leg mechanism is extended and retracted in one easy motion
  • No more kneeling on the ground to load/unload your golf bag
  • Heavy-duty, two-way zippers run the full length of the bag for easy loading
  • Internal cinch straps secure your golf bag
  • Pivoting caster wheels provide superior maneuverability

Specifications:

  • Brand: Sun Mountain
  • Dimensions: 28″ H x 13″ W x 6″ D
  • Weight: 11.8 lbs
Pros
  • You really can roll/steer it with one finger
  • There is also good padding throughout
  • The retractable set of wheels which, as advertised, make it easier to maneuver the bag around
  • There is also internal room for shoes and some outerwear
Cons
  • The wheels are not the easiest to extend, or retract. You have to pull the wheels down, and then out, to extend. You have to pull down, and then in, to retract

5. SKB Cases ATA Deluxe Wheeled Golf Bag Travel Case

SKB Cases ATA Deluxe Wheeled Golf Bag Travel Case

Representing the latest in SKB quality and innovation, the SKB Cases ATA Deluxe Wheeled Golf Bag Travel Case is ideal for golfers who frequently take their game on the road. The case is molded from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene–the same material required by the U.S. military for cases and containers–helping keep your clubs secure whether going through the TSA inspection process or getting tossed around by baggage handlers.

The sculptured, form-fitting design, meanwhile, accommodates the vast majority of today’s most popular golf bags, including bags that store drivers up to 48 inches in length. And thanks to the patent-pending industrial-strength latches and TSA locking system, you can apply TSA-approved locks for safe and secure travel. Other details include a Perfect-Match valance bending system; dirt-, dust-, and moisture-resistant housing; and SKB’s unparalleled million-mile guarantee and $1,500 club coverage.

Key Features:

  • SKB’s Perfect-Match™ valance bending system
  • TSA accepted and recognized locking latch system
  • Sculptured, form-fitting case design accommodates popular standard and staff size golf bags
  • Includes SKB’s Million Mile Guaranty, SKB’s lifetime warranty
  • Also includes SKB’s $1,500 club coverage

Specifications:

  • Brand: SKB
  • Dimensions: 52″ H x 13″ W x 16″ D
  • Weight: 17.64 lbs
Pros
  • The hinge is well built and sturdy
  • The buckles are also made to last, and latch very nicely
  • There’s thick padding at the top for the clubs to give them extra protection
  • The three claps snap shut tight and there’s two handles, one at top and one in the middle to hold it well
Cons
  • Case does not allow you to roll it in an upright position

6. Bag Boy Golf 2018 T-10 Hard Top Travel Cover

Bag Boy Golf 2018 T-10 Hard Top Travel Cover

The latest generation Bag Boy Golf 2018 T-10 Hard Top Travel Cover that includes upgraded wheels, a handle integrated into the streamlined top, and two added internal organization mesh pockets as well as Stand Guard Protection System. It has a crush-resistant ABS top for maximum club protection.

Large, premium in-line skate wheels provide smooth rolling action. All-weather 600D polyester fabric body stores inside hardtop for compact storage. Internal, high-density foam padding protects the stand bag mechanism while traveling.

Key Features:

  • Crush resistant ABS top
  • All-weather 600D polyester fabric
  • New lockable, full wrap-around main zipper
  • Deluxe in-line skate wheels
  • New main handle integrated into ABS top

Specifications:

  • Brand: Bag Boy
  • Dimensions: 55.8″ H x 13.2″ W x 12.2″ D
  • Weight: 9.6 lbs
Pros
  • The hard shell top protects the heads of clubs and gives structure to the bag
  • The soft section allows the bag to be stored in small places
  • No visible wear or tear after several uses
  • Wheels work fairly well
Cons
  • The handle is a little awkward when pulling the bag

7. AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Golf Club Travel Bag

AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Golf Club Travel Bag

Made of waterproof black canvas, the AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Golf Club Travel Bag offers an excellent option for traveling with golf clubs. The durable bag protects against outside elements, while various straps and click-together fasteners keep stored contents securely in place. With golf clubs stored inside, the golf travel bag can lay flat or stand up on its own—nonskid patches underneath help keep it standing securely in place. Unlike rigid travel bags, the soft-sided bag offers a lighter weight and a collapsible design for compact storage when not in use.

The golf travel bag offers a roomy main compartment that holds a medium size golf bag with a complete set of golf clubs (up to 50 inches long). Its full-length zipper down the middle means easy access for packing and unpacking. Even more, two zippered side pockets offer additional space for shoes, hats, sunglasses, towels, sunscreen, golf tees, and other essentials. The golf travel bag features a comfortable pull handle and two smooth-rolling wheels.

Key Features:

  • Made of waterproof black canvas
  • Full-length zipper for easy inside access
  • Integrated ID slot
  • Smooth-rolling wheels
  • Comfortable loop handles

Specifications:

  • Brand: AmazonBasics
  • Dimensions: 50″ H x 13″ W x 15″ D
  • Weight: 8.65 lbs
Pros
  • The padding is thick on all sides
  • The zippers and handles are very sturdy
  • Bags rolls smoothly
  • There is an extra pocket on each external side of the bag
Cons
  • Does not stand on its own

8. CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 Travel Cover

CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 Travel Cover

Made of waterproof black canvas, the AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Golf Club Travel Bag offers an excellent option for traveling with golf clubs. The durable bag protects against outside elements, while various straps and click-together fasteners keep stored contents securely in place. With golf clubs stored inside, the golf travel bag can lay flat or stand up on its own—nonskid patches underneath help keep it standing securely in place. Unlike rigid travel bags, the soft-sided bag offers a lighter weight and a collapsible design for compact storage when not in use.

The golf travel bag offers a roomy main compartment that holds a medium size golf bag with a complete set of golf clubs (up to 50 inches long). Its full-length zipper down the middle means easy access for packing and unpacking. Even more, two zippered side pockets offer additional space for shoes, hats, sunglasses, towels, sunscreen, golf tees, and other essentials. The golf travel bag features a comfortable pull handle and two smooth-rolling wheels.

Key Features:

  • 1 year full bag replacement warranty – covers any damage to the bag caused by airlines
  • In-line skate wheels & lockable zippers (with optional TSA lock not included)
  • Internal & external compression straps
  • Heavily padded on top to protect club heads

Specifications:

  • Brand: CaddyDaddy
  • Dimensions: 50″ H x 13″ W x 15″ D
  • Weight: 9 lbs
Pros
  • The zipper is big and moves easily
  • It has two handles so that if need be two people can carry the bag
  • With the golf bag put inside it, it stands up on its own freely
  • The two straps that lock easily hold everything together nicely
Cons
  • Though the inside is padded, the bag puts more pressure on longer clubs

9. Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro Golf Travel Bag

Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro Golf Travel Bag

Used by more touring professionals on the PGA, Champions, and LPGA tours than any other travel bag, the Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro Golf Travel Bag is a must for golfers who frequently travel with their clubs. The bag is completely manufactured in the U.S., with a Cordura exterior for maximum durability and extra-thick foam padding on the interior to protect your clubs. The high-impact wheel base, meanwhile, completely cradles and shields the bottom of the bag while offering inline skate wheels for quick transport.

And thanks to the fully integrated two-piece handle, it’s easy to lift the bag into a car trunk. Other details include two shoe pockets with individual shoe bags, YKK zippers, and ITW Nexus buckles. Large enough to accommodate golf clubs as long as 47 inches, the bag is available in such colors as black, navy, hunter green, khaki, burgundy, red, clay, blue, and more.

Key Features:

  • Accommodates a golf club 47″ in length
  • CORDURA fabric for maximum durability
  • D water resistant nylon up to 3x stronger
  • Two shoe pockets with two shoe bags

Specifications:

  • Brand: Club Glove
  • Weight: 11 lbs
Pros
  • Came with the extension so that the tallest club doesn’t break
  • Plenty of room for shoes, and lots of extras
  • Rolls easily
  • This bag is pretty light for a full-size golf travel bag
Cons
  • The external side pockets do not have a fixed loop to attach a padlock for security

10. Samsonite Golf Deluxe 3 Piece Travel Set

Samsonite Golf Deluxe 3 Piece Travel Set

The Samsonite Golf Deluxe 3 Piece Travel Set is constructed durable 600D (denier) polyester, which shields your golf bag and clubs from the wear and tear of air travel.The soft-sided travel case features a padded quilted interior with extra foam cushioning on top to protect club heads. For added protection, this travel case has a 3 layer protective bottom with runners. Sealed ball bearing in-line skate wheels allows for the case to be pushed or pulled.

The shoe bag offers storage for a pair of shoes up to size 13 with mesh windows for ventilation. The Dual Side pockets allow for storage of all your golfing needs. The shoe bag has mesh ventilation windows, which helps prevent moisture buildup. An adjustable, padded shoulder strap makes transporting your belongings a breeze.

Key Features:

  • This heavy-duty travel golf set consists of a wheeling travel cover, duffel bag and shoe bag
  • The lightweight and durable 600D (denier) polyester shields your golf bag and clubs from the wear and tear of air travel
  • Features a padded quilted interior with extra foam cushioning on top to protect club heads
  • Sealed ball bearing in-line skate wheels allows for the case to be pushed or pulled

Specifications:

  • Brand: Samsonite
  • Dimensions: 51″ H x 14″ W x 17″ D
  • Weight: 5 lbs
Pros
  • The shoe bag fit nicely in a zippered section of the travel bag
  • Rolls well
  • The bag is rugged
  • Comes with two small bags you can pack and place inside the big bag beside your clubs
Cons
  • Bag is made for small sized carts

Buying Guide

Soft or Hard Case

A hard case would help protect the clubs more. The material used to make hard cases won’t bend or flex as easily as a soft case. And, if the case is at the bottom of a luggage bin, or tossed into the conveyor belt of the baggage claim, there is less risk of destroying a club. Usually, hard cases are a bit heavier than the soft case. If you have a small room to hold your golf things, it’s a massive bonus to be able to fold up a golf travel bag.

Mobility

Golf travel bags followed trends in the luggage industry. The way to go is via wheels. Some have only two and others have just four or six. It is important that the wheels operate with ease, no matter how many wheels the concept has, as transportation is exhausting enough, no need to attach badly built wheels to the mix.

Durability

There are plenty of options for travel bags out there but some are more durable than others. Various materials provide varying degrees of safety, but it’s a myth that strong exterior cases are often longer-lasting and provide stronger security. Hard shells tend to crack more easily while semi-rigid materials that spring back to their original shape appear to be more durable than loose material bags.

Compartments

Most golf travel bags will have outside pockets for your rain gear and footwear, but some bags may have no additional storage, especially hardshell cases. Keeping a little spare space in the golf travel bag is smart to allow yourself the opportunity to carry additional things without needing to buy special baggage. Jackets, shirts, as well as pants all, fill the extra space in travel bags well. Extra room in a golf travel bag also allows you to complement your cover or case protection by packing it with extra clothes, especially around the area where the clubheads are resting.

Protection

And while you’re shopping for a golf travel bag or case, whether it’s a soft case, remember to check how much padding there is around the clubs. Does the golf travel bag inside have an internal strap mechanism that will lock the clubs into the cover and not encourage them to slip around? If this is a hardshell case, is the plastic or composite EVA evaluated for strong safety against impact? It’s important to run a review on whether the cover or case does or will not secure your clubs until you purchase travel bags.

Frequently Ask Questions

Should I pick a hard or soft case?

The choice between having a softcover or hard case depends largely on how you’re traveling. A hard case offers the greatest security and appears to be preferred by those with their golf kit, who often fly by air. Although a soft case is lighter, simpler to navigate, and therefore the common choice for those who regularly fly with their golf by plane. Take note of how the bag treats its limitations when choosing between those two. A softcover needs to improve its protection while a hard case needs to optimize its capacity.

Do I need a travel bag for golf clubs?

If your golf clubs do not have a designated bag, you risk destroying them. There’s a pad to shield your iron from dust, rain, or scratches. You can not have one more bag large enough for your golf clubs. Additionally, golf travel bags are the best way to travel around with your golf clubs.

Can I pack clothes in my golf bag?

Once your golf has been placed, there is usually a good amount of room left inside the travel bag, so use this for placing a bag of clothing in there. Indeed, some golf travel packs, come with built-in clothes pockets.

Can you bring golf clubs on a plane?

Airlines departments usually prevent you from carrying a golf club as hand luggage on a flight. Therefore, like the rest of your packed luggage, you’ll have to check in your golf club bag so remember to secure it properly.

How do you arrange clubs in the bag?

Each club must be covered with a sheet of bubble wrap, using a strip of fabric as an additional cushioning between clubs. By covering the entire collection in a final sheet, you will take it further. You should put the cushioned clubs in a box instead of this final sheet of bubble wrap, packing them into the bag. Golfers also developed a stiff arm to prevent damage to their clubs when driving. It’s a metal rod available in several sizes but you ought to find one that’s longer than the longest golf club. Place it right in the middle within the bag. It functions as a shield, removing every impact on your bags.

Conclusion

We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best golf bags for travel as well as our guide on features to look for in a golf bag for travel. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.