All-in-One or Combo?

The first decision you need to make is whether you want to re-pack your golf club bag for travel, or simply use your existing bag and pack it in a travel case. Some golfers like the ease and portability of a special golf club travel bag that doubles as a travel case. These golf club travel bags come in both soft sided and hard sided models, and some have wheels built in, for extra ease around airports. They’re super lightweight, so they can easily double as your bag on the course, and they do a great job of protecting your clubs in transit. In fact, some of the hard sided models are so tough that the airlines will actually guarantee your clubs against transit damage if you’re using one of the approved models of hard sided golf club travel bags or bag cases.

Travel cases

If you really like your existing bag and the way you’ve got it set up, maybe a special golf club travel bag isn’t right for you. Instead, you might prefer to invest in a quality travel case, and simply pack your bag and gear inside the case. Most of these travel cases are hard-sided for maximum protection against travel damage, but many are padded and soft-sided to allow maximum packability. Some feature special “fold away” features that allow for easier storage when not in use. Most feature sturdy wheels with bearings that can take the punishment of curbs, stairs, and even off-road use. Many of the top-line cases offer a lifetime warranty against travel damage. This can be really important, especially when you consider the investment you’ve already made in your clubs, shoes, and other gear. Also, look for a sturdy base to provide extra stability and protection.

The Timeless Quality of Wood

Several of these models feature the rich look of oak or maple finishes, adding a touch of distinction wherever they’re displayed. Golfsmith offers the J. G. Hickory golf bag stand and organizer in both one-bag and two-bag models, and the unit comes in both walnut finish and brushed nickel. Both are very functional and sturdy. The brushed nickel model adds the handy feature of a ventilated, locking cabinet, for that extra measure of security for your personal belongings stored inside. The double bag units are 38″ by 36″ by 19,” and the single-bag unit is a bit narrower.

Totally Tubular

There are also a variety of metal-construction golf bag organizers and storage systems on the market. These range from the J. G. Hickory brushed nickel model, described above, to the very functional, economically priced tubular steel construction of the Improvements golf bag organizer, which holds two golf bags and has five shelves for storage of shoes and other gear. The Golf Organizer by Suncast features side-by-side storage for two bags, and lots of shelf space for shoes and other stuff.

On the Wall

If extra floor space is a problem in your home, check out the wall-hung golf bag organizer models available from Racor. Starting at just over $20, these versatile racks can be mounted on any wall, and can accommodate two golf bags, along with plenty of baskets and shelves for all the gear you want to keep with your golfing stuff. These compact units that hold up to 50 pounds can go anywhere you’ve got a little extra wall space, and they’ll keep your golfing equipment organized and handy for whenever you’re ready to head out to the course.

Floor stands—From Fancy to Utilitarian

For the true aficionado, the classic look of oak or walnut can have great appeal. These golf bag organizers come in one- and two-bag models, and they feature plenty of shelf space for shoes, towels, balls, and other gear. The fine wood finish is a complement to any location, including the locker room at your club, if needed. For a slightly smaller investment, you can get a one- or two-bag golf bag storage unit in a brushed nickel or other metallic finish. Just as functional and convenient as the wood-finish models, these units hold your bag and other gear, keeping everything right out where you can see it. Some metal-finish units also feature a locking, ventilated cabinet door to further secure your personal items, along with adjustable shelves to allow you to customize your golf bag storage to your specific needs.

Wall-mounted Units to Save Space

If floor space is at a premium, why not consider one of several wall mounted golf bag storage systems? Models are available that mount quickly on any wall, and if you use a slat-wall system, the options for customization are almost limitless. From a simple rack system that holds up to two bags with shelves for two pairs of shoes and other gear, to a slat-wall unit that allow you to add bag hooks, narrow and deep baskets for gear, utility hooks for other stuff, and whatever else you can imagine. These golf bag storage units are almost infinitely expandable.

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

A quick scan of the Internet shows that collapsible, insulated golf bag coolers come in sizes that hold from eight to ten cans of your favorite cold beverage. You can pack these watertight bags with ice, or you can order cooler packs that are re-freezable for repeat use. Most models are made with watertight zippers that line up with the zipper on your bag’s shoe compartment, for convenient, discreet beverage enjoyment. Some sponsors and manufacturers have even started printing corporate logos on these and giving them away as promotional items, so keep your eyes open at your next pro-am.

Outside the Bag

Coolers are also available with larger capacities, but these are usually designed to sit on the back of the golf cart in plain view. Some fancy models even feature wine and cheese racks, with service for two. Golf-bag-shaped models are also available. These golf bag coolers hold more and don’t take up space in your bag, but some clubs frown on the notion of golfers bringing their own beverages onto the course—with good reason, considering the money the club makes on selling beer and soft drinks. Thus, the idea of the golf bag cooler was born; a “stealth” solution to golfers’ thirst, and a way to make sure that you’ve always got your favorite cold drinks with you on the course.

Not Just for the Golf Course

Naturally, the golf bag cooler doesn’t have to be “hidden.” Most models come with a handy shoulder strap, so they can be carried as a convenient, all-purpose travel cooler, as well. Their durable construction and heavy insulation makes them great for picnics, tailgating, or even taking cold beverages to a get-together at the neighbor’s house.

Golf Travel Bags and Travel Covers

With lots of makes and features to choose from, you can find the right golf travel bag and cover for your needs. Whether you’re a basic kind of golfer who just wants to make sure the clubs are secure, or if you’re one of those linksters who needs room for a cooler in your golf bag, there are a variety of durable, convenient golf travel bags to choose from.

Combos: The Easy Way

Combination golf travel bags/ carrier combos can give you the best of both worlds: they’re designed to weigh about the same as a regular bag, and they make for easier travel and less bulk to pack. They can be ordered with wheels, for ease in getting around the airport or over to the cart. Designs range from sleek metal alloy to padded, reinforced cloth. If you want the convenience of a single piece of luggage that switches easily to a highly functional bag on the course, the combo golf travel bag/carrier may be the right choice for you.

Golf Travel Bag with Cover: Familiarity Breeds Comfort

However, some golfers have their bags set up just the way they want them and see no reason to break everything out and re-pack for a trip. In that situation, adding a durable bag cover or case to your equipment makes a lot of sense. These are made so you can simply pack your travel bag inside, button everything down, and you’re ready to go. Wheeled designs are available, as well as unique space-saving models that feature “hideaway” construction to make it easier to store the case when it’s not in use.

Consider Your Needs

If you travel infrequently, it probably doesn’t make sense to spend lots of money on a travel case or high-end golf travel bag. However, when you consider what you’ve invested in your clubs, shoes, and other gear (not to mention all those lessons, right?), you won’t want to skimp on protection for your investment. Take some time to look at all your options, think about how often you’ll use the bag, and take it from there.

“Pro” Style Golf Bag or “Practice Bag?”

If you play a lot of golf and you like to walk, you may want to consider adding a practice bag to your equipment. Practice bags are very lightweight, so they don’t wear you out as much during the round. Newer models are available in a variety of durable fabrics that can stand up to years of steady use. However, if you usually ride or use a pull cart, there’s nothing like the convenience and “class” of a full-size, pro-style golf bag. Many full-featured bags also double as golf travel bags, which is super convenient for the true devotee who doesn’t go anywhere without the clubs.

All-in-One Travel Golf Bag or Combination?

You may already have the perfect bag and have your gear all stowed and set up exactly the way you want it. In that case, you’ll want to find a good, durable travel cover to go over your bag. Hint: even if your bag has a snap-on hood to enclose the clubs, a travel cover is still a good idea. There’s nothing more frustrating than standing at the airport baggage claim and seeing your clubs come out of the chute…one at a time. You can choose from hard travel covers or soft travel covers for your golf bag, depending on your taste. However, the combination units are also very convenient. They can provide all the storage you’re used to with your regular bag, but also convert easily to a secure travel container for your clubs and gear—and many models weigh about the same as a regular bag. That can really be a time- and space-saver when you’re traveling with your golf bag.

Hard-cover or Soft-cover?

Once again, the decision between a hard-cover travel case or a soft-cover golf bag with a travel cover is really up to you. Some golfers prefer the hard-cover units because of the superior protection they provide for clubs and gear, as opposed to a regular golf bag. Others cite the better portability of the hard units; they’re easier to wheel around. But the soft golf bags with travel cases have their supporters, too, often because of the lighter weight and increased flexibility, for those times you need to cram in “just one more” sleeve of balls.