| Plenty of new challenges can affect our game when | | | | destination, missed flights due to inspection of the |
| we play golf on a strange course - the course design, | | | | golf bag, and charges for excess weight or oversized |
| wind, climate and more. The one thing that we can | | | | baggage. Some airlines are now charging $25 for an |
| have in our favor is familiarity with our golf clubs. So | | | | extra piece of luggage. |
| despite the hassle, our first impulse is to take our | | | | Preventive measures, though, can minimize these |
| golf equipment with us. | | | | risks. First of all, get a sturdy golf travel bag. Based |
| Before you start packing your golf equipment for air | | | | on your budget, frequency of golf travel, and |
| travel, take a look at these options. Your decision will | | | | attachment to your clubs, you can choose a hard |
| depend on a number of considerations. These include | | | | case, soft case or hybrid case. Soft cases will |
| your budget, how many rounds you plan to play at | | | | protect the clubs from getting scratched, but if a 50 |
| your destination, and the importance of playing at the | | | | pound suitcase is dropped on the heads, the shafts |
| top of your game. | | | | can snap pretty easily. A hard case is much better |
| Here are three key options: 1) rent shoes and clubs | | | | protection from broken shafts. |
| at the destination, 2) ship your equipment to the | | | | Hard shell bags are made of high impact material and |
| resort, or 3) take your golf equipment on your flight | | | | are practically indestructible. They are also costly. |
| as checked baggage. | | | | Depending on the brand, you may or may not be |
| Renting Golf Equipment | | | | able to fit your golf bag inside with the clubs. Before |
| For trips when you'll play only a couple rounds of golf, | | | | buying, be sure the case size and weight fall within |
| rental can be a great choice. This option saves you | | | | the limits of airline baggage restrictions. Also consider |
| from the hassle of packing your equipment for safe | | | | where you'll be traveling. Their size and form may not |
| travel and lugging it around airports. | | | | fit well in the typical taxis and rental cars of many |
| Most courses rent clubs, a few rent shoes, for a | | | | countries. |
| reasonable daily fee. But call ahead to make sure | | | | If you opt to travel with a soft case - which is not |
| they offer rentals. Also make sure they carry your | | | | recommended for air travel - be prepared to kiss |
| shoe size. The potential drawback of renting is that | | | | your clubs goodbye. To minimize potential damage, |
| the golf course may mix and match sets or rent | | | | place the clubs inside your golf bag with your head |
| clubs that are dated. Clubs are generally rented on a | | | | covers on, and then put the bag inside the soft |
| first come-first serve basis. Make sure the course has | | | | travel case. Most airlines require you to sign a |
| enough sets on hand or that you are playing early | | | | damage waver. Some won't even let you use a soft |
| enough in the morning, that their inventory won't be | | | | case. |
| an issue. | | | | The best solution for air travel is a hybrid golf case. |
| Some golf equipment manufacturers offer rentals of | | | | It has a soft exterior and a hard inner core, usually |
| demo clubs. They will arrange to have them waiting | | | | made of high impact plastic. Although hybrid golf |
| at your destination. The downside is that even | | | | travel cases are costly, they offer the advantages |
| though the equipment may be state-of-the-art, it | | | | of light weight, ample protection, and conformity with |
| doesn't come with the familiarity of playing with your | | | | airline size and weight guidelines. The hybrid case also |
| own clubs. | | | | serves as your golf bag on the course. |
| Shipping Your Golf Equipment | | | | A final word on traveling by air with golf equipment. |
| When your equipment is shipped for you, you can | | | | Airline companies' baggage rules can change at any |
| board the plane hassle-free (at least in terms of your | | | | time. For example, United Airlines recently announced |
| golf clubs). When you arrive at the resort, your clubs | | | | a change in its free baggage allowance. Most airlines |
| are waiting for you. Several companies offer shipping | | | | check golf travel cases free of charge as long as |
| services specifically designed for golfers. The major | | | | they fit within the size, weight and number of bags |
| question is whether you are willing to pay for the | | | | limits. Typically they allow one golf bag carrying 14 |
| convenience and peace of mind. | | | | clubs, 12 golf balls and one pair of shoes. To avoid |
| Taking Your Clubs with You | | | | unexpected charges for overweight, oversize or |
| If you opt to take your clubs with you, be aware | | | | excess baggage, check your airline's current rules |
| that golf clubs are not permitted as carry-on | | | | before packing for your trip. |
| baggage on any commercial airline. They must travel | | | | Whether you travel with your clubs, ship them or |
| in the plane's baggage hold. You run the risk of | | | | rent some at the course, a little bit of planning makes |
| broken clubs, equipment sent to the wrong | | | | for a more enjoyable golf outing. |