best hard golf club travel case

Disclosure: When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.   Learn more>

Golf Club Protection: The Best Golf Travel Bags

Just imagine that you booked your ultimate golf bucket list trip. Maybe you chose somewhere iconice like Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, Bandon Dunes, TPC Sawgrass or Pinehurst.

You’re probably excited beyond belief. A vacation with your friends or family playing the course(s) you’ve always dreamt about playing.

That is, until you start thinking about the travel aspect of it. More specifically, how to travel with your precious golf clubs and make sure they don’t get damaged.

Because let’s face it, if you’re going to play a once in a lifetime course you need to play with your own clubs. This isn’t a time to try out some generic rental set when you’re forking out big bucks for a once in a lifetime round.

Luckily, traveling with golf clubs doesn’t have to be as bad as it seems. While we’ve talked about traveling with your clubs, I want to dive into the best golf travel bags on the market.

There are so many choices out there that if you haven’t bought one yet, I want to make sure you get the right fit for your game. I’m confident after reading this post, you will find the one that will help get your clubs to your dream destination or just safely to your next golf adventure.

Our Picks for Best Golf Travel Bag

• Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Golf Travel Bag – Best Soft Travel Bag for Most Golfers
• SKB Deluxe ATA Golf Travel Bag – Best Golf Travel Bag (Hard Case & Best Premium)
• Caddy Daddy First Class Travel Bag – Best Value Golf Travel Bag

What to Look for in a Golf Travel Bag

If you’re endlessly researching the best golf travel bag, you’ll quickly learn there are a ton of choices out there. From buying locally at a sporting goods store, on Amazon or somewhere else, there is no shortage of selection for golfers.

Key Takeaways

• You need some sort of golf travel case for your golf clubs, shoes, and other accessories on an airline. Do not attempt to check your clubs without a case! 
• There are two types of golf travel bags – hard shells and soft shells. 
• The hard shell cases are more protective but also weigh more which makes them harder to roll. Plus they’re bigger and not as easy to store in your car or garage.
• Soft shell cases are cheaper and easier to travel with. They also offer several versions with a hard shell top, more storage, and a kickstand. 

Here’s what you should compare when picking out your next golf travel bag.

Hard Case vs. Soft Case (Protection)

The first thing you’ll notice about the wide selection of golf bags is the case structure itself. Some have a hard exterior (hard cases) while others have a soft case like a normal piece of luggage. Both have their pros and cons depending on your golf travel needs.

The main pros of soft cases are that they are usually cheaper and easier to transport, especially if you have a smaller vehicle. Plus, they’re a lot easier to store in your garage when you’re not traveling. Hard cases on the other are usually much bigger and heavier but also provide more protection for your golf clubs.

I’ll review the best golf travel bags for both soft and hard shells, so this is more of a personal preference than anything else. Also, some companies make a shell top only that goes on your bag but we don’t recommend this option as it won’t protect your gear like a normal golf travel bag.

Durability & Padding

The next most important factor for picking out your golf travel bag is ensuring it’s durable and has plenty of padding inside to protect your sticks. Some have an internal compression strap system while others don’t or have as much padding on the inside.

Whether you choose a hard shell or a soft shell case, I always recommend a Bag Boy backbone travel cover support system too. This makes it less likely for your stuff to get damaged when handled at airports and thrown into a rental car or shuttle. Make sure you invest in a Bag Boy Backbone to ensure your clubs are protected and not crushed.

The last thing you want to have to deal with when you’re out of town is a snapped driver shaft. Keep your clubs safe and pack accordingly, especially for air travel.

Wheel System

The wheel system is another factor that will help you move around in crowded spaces. Some golf travel bags have spinner wheels while most only have two wheels (more like in line skate wheels) which make it a lot harder to maneuever. When researching your golf travel bag, make sure you consider the wheel system that works best for you.

Another big factor is the price of the bag. You’ll see these golf bags range from pretty inexpensive all the way up to the $500+ range depending on the model and brand you choose. 

Like any golf gadget, price isn’t everything thought. It’s important to find a bag that fits your budget but will also last a long time so you don’t have to revisit this a year down the line. 

Remember, this travel bag will protect the clubs that you probably spent thousands of dollars on. Don’t get cheap now and suffer when something happens to them in transit.

Depending on how frequently you travel, it’s important to get one that is relatively easy to transport back and forth. If you’re older or have some back issues, I recommend getting a lighter, soft shell bag to ensure it’s easy to get them in and out of the trunk. No need to suffer a pointless injury on the way to your golf vacation.

Plus, weight is a big factor for how much it costs to shipping your golf gear as well. Depending on the airline, if you go over a certain limit you’ll have to pay even more money each way. 

Also, it’s important to note unlike bags, these do not come with a shoulder strap and you’ll always have to push or pull it.

External Pockets 

Another important factor is the amount of storage within the bag itself.

This is one area where the soft cases usually win as they have 2-3 extra pockets outside the bag to house golf accessories (like balls, golf shoes) and other equipment. Extra storage is especially helpful if you’re playing somewhere that you might have to battle the conditions (like Bandon Dunes) and need to bring cold weather gear too. 

It’s important to remember to always check airline rules when it comes to the total weight for your golf bag. Usually, if it’s over 40 or 50 pounds, you’ll have to pay an extra $25 to $50 each way (which is a few sleeves of Pro V1s).

The last factor when selecting from our list of the best golf travel bags is the warranty.

You want to make sure the company behind the bag offers a warranty in case something happens (which the odds are a lot higher with air travel). This is more important with soft shell cases as they can get holes and tears while hard-shell bags seem to last a lot longer.

When researching these travel bags, I was surprised that some manufacturers have a warranty that covers incidents related to air travel!

Golf Travel Bag Reviews

Now that you know what you’re looking for before you buy, here are the best golf travel bags for airlines. You really can’t go wrong with any of these products!

1. Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Golf Travel Bag

The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour Series golf travel bag is for the serious golfer who doesn’t want to risk anything while traveling. If you’re a very serious player who’s invested a lot (i.e. PXG golf clubs) this is a great bag for you. The overall look plus durability, makes this one of the best golf travel bags for so many reasons. 

• Internal cinch strapping system to keep your bag secure.
• Lightweight – 11.8 pound design. Sort of a hybrid between soft and hard case.
• 4-wheel design unlike most golf travel bags which makes it easy to move around. The pivoting caster wheelers make it much easier to maneuver in tight spaces. 
• It has some of the best protection available and has some of the highest reviews on the internet. 
• Not only is durable but it’s aesthetically one of the best cases to look at with five color choices. 
• No external pockets for additional storage making it tough if you bring extra golf accessories.
• The biggest con for most golfers is the higher price tag as it’s one of the most expensive bags on the market but the quality of this bag is top-notch.

Overall Review

The 4-wheels make transporting it incredibly easy and the extra storage makes it easy to transport all your gear. Some reviews said the release mechanism is a bit stiff when opening and close and the main zipper isn’t that accessible. All in all, the internet didn’t have too many negatives for this epic golf bag.

All color options are great looking and easy on the eyes but with dark colors will withstand the wear and tear of travel. If you can afford it and are a serious jet-setter, this bag is well worth the price.

Go here to read our hands-on Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian review .

2. SKB Deluxe ATA Case Golf Travel Bag

The SKB Deluxe ATA golf travel bag looks more like a weapon to take to war more than one to transport your golf clubs. While its design is a bit over the top, it provides the ultimate protection for your clubs. If you’re someone who has aftermarket shafts or expensive clubs like PXG, this case will help you protect your investment more than most. 

• Hard shell case for maximum protection.
• Comes with a TSA locking system for safe travel and allows them to check it easily.
• Durability, durability, durability. This hard shell bag seems unbreakable. It’s made of polyethylene which also keeps moisture and dirt out. 
• The makers of this product are so confident about this case, they offer a $1500 club coverage and a million-mile guarantee.
• High price tag. It’s one of the higher investments on our list but provides incredible durability for your gear. 
• Weight – these golf travel bags weigh in just under 18 pounds before adding clubs. And as the average of clubs and gear weighs another 25-35 pounds, this makes it easy to go over the 40-50 airline weight limit pretty easily. 

The SKB golf travel bag is made of durability and works for both stand bags and cart bags but a little tight with bigger cart bags. They also have a TS lock which makes it more likely to be searched so don’t put too much else outside your bag itself. 

Overall, this is the best hard case on the market with the only con being the weight. Since it’s so heavy, make sure to pack accordingly and weigh it before you show up to the baggage counter. 

You can read our full hands on review of the SKB Deluxe ATA Travel case here .

3. Caddy Daddy First Class Premium

If you don’t need a hard case, the Caddy Daddy First Class Premium is another great choice. It’s lightweight but provides plenty of protection with 1000D Ballistic Nylon construction. 

Inside the case they have 2-layer foam padding to protect your clubs and hopefully avoid a lazy TSA agent. Like the other Caddy Daddy, this travel case has two generous sized external pockets with exterior zipper access. Plus, you can even lock these as well to make sure nothing falls out and keep your gear safe. 

But the main selling point for this travel case is the premium oversized wheels. While there are only two wheels in this case, I’m confident they won’t break anytime soon. The “all season” wheels are larger than most bags and very heavy duty. 

Unlike other bags, this one even has a 2-year warranty as well. Paired with the self-standing wheelbase, internal/external straps, this is a great option for golfers who travel frequently. At only 10 pounds, it has everything you need to protect your sticks. 

• Ultra-durable nylon construction.
• Two year full replacement warranty.
• Large side pockets for extra storage.
• All season, heavy-duty wheels are very sturdy. 
• No hard shell feature. 
• Only one color option.

You can pick up your Caddy Daddy First Class Premium travel bag here or read our full hands on review of the Caddy Daddy First Class premium .

4. CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 Travel Cover Bag

The CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 travel bag is a great bag that I’ve personally used for several years now. I’ve got hands-on experience with this one and they’ve helped get my clubs all over the country including a trip to Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hills. Needless to say, it’s very durable.

Here’s why it’s at the top of our list. 

• Accommodates cart bags and stand bags easily. 
• New internal compression straps to keep your bag secure.
• It’s super easy to fold up and put in a storage cabinet in the garage. 
• Molded luggage tag and business card window to find your bag quickly off the carousel.
• With 3 outside pockets, there is plenty of room to store clubs, shoes, rain gear and more. 
• Another huge pro is the 9 pound design. I’ve never had a problem loading it up with gear and ever going over 37 pounds of total weight. 
• The major downside is the lack of reinforcement around the clubs themselves. There’s very little padding next to the heads themselves so make sure to pack them with extra towels for protection. 

If you’re only traveling a few times a year and want a budget-friendly bag, this is a phenomenal option. It’s pretty inexpensive, it’s lightweight, easy to store and has tons of storage.

This is a great option for most golfers, especially if you have a smaller stand bag. Not to mention, a one-year warranty (which even covers damages caused by airlines). 

If you want more info, check out my in-depth review of the CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 .

5. Himal Soft Sided Golf Travel Bag 

Similar to the CaddyDaddy option is the Himal golf travel bag . It’s also a soft shell, all black design that is great for transporting your clubs. If you’re a golfer who doesn’t travel much and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, this is a great choice for you.

• Heavy duty velcro carrying handle.
• One external pocket for additional shoe storage.
• Business card holder on the front of the bag for easy verification.
• Made with 600D polyester oxford materials which is very durable. 
•  Warranty information. Unlike others on this list, the warranty length was a little gray and couldn’t find specifics for total warranty length.

This bag isn’t fancy by any means but for a casual traveler, it has everything you need to get your golf gear from A to B. While not as luxurious as Sun Mountain and others on this list, it’s very affordable and still a lot better than a travel cover.

6. AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag

At this point, I’m convicned Amazon basically makes every item imaginable, including a great golf travel bag. When they notice an item is consistently selling they’ll create their own “Amazon Basics” model for it, including a low-priced golf travel bag.

The AmazonBasics soft-sided travel bag is very affordable and has a ton of perks for such a low-priced golf bag.

• One of the few freestanding travel bags. When your bag is inside, you can rest it upright or lay it flat. 
• Aside from the price, the biggest pro is the durable nylon fabric and ability to stand on its own even when clubs are inside. 
• This bag has a ton of storage with two massive outside pockets. Plus, it has a ton of padding to protect your clubs too. 
• A few negative reviews (what few there are) talk about wheels falling off and ripping relatively easily. Luckily, users have gotten replacements but it’s still more work and hassle for you if a wheel pops off or need a replacement. 

At such a low price, it’s a great buy with little risk as the investment is so small. Overall, it’s ranked very high by golfers worldwide and a great choice if you’re not traveling often.

7. Founders Club Golf Travel Bag 

The Founders Club travel bag is another top choice among golfers, not to mention its great looking and easy to spot. The soft shell case is made of a very durable material and there is a ton of padding to make sure your clubs travel safe.

• One-year warranty.
• External shoe accessory pocket.
• Easy to transport with dual in line skate wheels. 
• Heavily padded handles that make it easy to grab off the belt or lift out of the car.
• Customizable embroidery panel. You can remove a small part of the bag and get it customized with your name, logo, etc. This will help you spot it quickly and ensure no one accidentally takes your bag. 
• While the external pocket is great, there are also two internal pockets as well. These are great for rain gear, extra towels, and more. Plus, an internal strap to keep your bag secure.
• Only one color choice (light gray) could get dirty quickly. Otherwise, this is an excellent bag.

Founders Club has become a go-to name with cart and stand bags so it makes sense to roll out a golf travel case in their product line. This is one of the most stylish travel bags on this list, very moderately priced, and has a ton of storage for your gear. 

If you like the style but want even more protection, make sure to check out the Founders Club Hard Shell cover bag . It has the same bottom style in a soft shell case with a hard top, making it truly unique and helps you get the best of both worlds. 

8. Caddy Daddy Enforcer Hard Top

If you need a heavy-duty travel case, you will love the Caddy Daddy Enforcer . The hard top design makes it one of the most protective cases on our list but not too heavy either. 

What’s great about this case is that it’s not a 100% hard shell, like others on this list. Instead, just the top part is hard while the middle and bottom section is made with strong fabric. This gives it maximum protection  without  making it too heavy and hard to drag around the airport. 

The case also has both internal and external straps to keep your gear locked in. This will help make sure they don’t rattle around too much during a bumpy drive or turbulent flight. 

The Enforcer Hard Top also features inline skate wheels (only two) but does some with extra pockets. These large pockets make it easy to store extra shoes, apparel, and more. 

But the best part of this premium travel case?

The case folds up so that the bottom fits inside the top hard shell portion.  This makes it easy to store in your garage or even a small closet if you live in an apartment. It looks like a traditional bowling ball bag as it’s so small and even has a handle on the top. 

This case weighs 10 pounds and measures at 51 x 13 x 13 inches. While it’s a higher price tag than some, it’s 100% worth it and consider it to be a nearly perfect travel bag. If you’re a road warrior, this is the best travel case for you! 

• Tons of internal padding to protect your golf clubs.
• The case folds up for easy storage despite a hard shell top.
• Hard shell and soft shell design is perfect for serious travelers but not too heavy either. 
• The lightweight design ​​won’t make you pay extra airline fees by going over the weight limit. 
• Only two in-line skate wheels. 
• Pockets on the outside seem a little small. 

Click here to learn more about the Caddy Daddy Enforcer.

9. Club Glove Last Bag

The Club Glove Last Bag is another trusted golf bag that is used and trusted by tour pros so it had to make this list. This tour series bag is made of CORDURA, which is much more durable than nylon and provides a ton of protection for a soft shell case. Plus, it’s so big it makes it easy to transport tour and cart bags with ease.

• It’s made in the USA and everything from the material to the zippers and clasps are made with super high-quality material. 
• It’s super easy to get your stuff in and out and there’s one main zipper. 
• Huge color selection. This travel bag comes in 16 colors so it makes it easier to identify it in the airport carousel.
• When it comes to soft shell cases there really isn’t much wrong with this as far as storage, weight, and looks go. 
• The only downside is the price. As with the Sun Mountain, this is one of the most expensive golf travel bags available.

The Club Glove last bag is legit and easy to see why it’s trusted by the best golfers in the world.

There is also a Club Glove Last Bag XL Tour pro version that’s even bigger and offers all the same benefits. Plus, at only 9 pounds it’s still incredibly light and easy to transport with ultimate protection, especially at the top of the bag.

Both of these models are great golf travel bags but they aren’t cheap. If you’re looking for a reliable bag and travel frequently with a cart or tour bag, this one’s for you. Remember, don’t skimp on quality for price when it comes to protecting your sticks!

10. Samsonite Golf Hard-Sided Travel Case

Some players prefer choosing functionality over aesthetics and the Samsonite Hard Sided Travel Case is a very heavy duty. While it isn’t the best to look at it, it is extremely durable and has plenty of extra storage for all of your equipment. This hard shell case will get your stuff from A to B safely!

• Five year manufacturers warranty.
• Three color choices (black, navy, and titanium).
• Even though it looks heavy and bulky, it is very lightweight and durable solid.
• Inside the hard case travel bag is a padded quilted interior with extra foam cushioning on top to protect club heads (huge benefit over most cases).
• Very easy to move around. With four multi-directional spinner wheels and two inline skate wheels allows the case to be pushed or pulled.
• Internal compression straps secure the bag inside the case to ensure your clubs are secure.
• Accommodates larger 10.5″ top golf bags with longer, 48″ clubs (that’s three inches normal than a standard, off the rack driver).
• There aren’t many downsides but price is important and it’s not cheap. It’s roughly 2-3X the prices of some of the other choices on this list.
• Appearances. Personally, I’m not a fan of the look because it’s bulky and kind of generic looking but at the end of the day, it’s easy to move and will keep your clubs safe.

I won’t lie, this heavy-duty bag won’t win any awards for appearances but it’s one of the best hard case options. It looks more like a rolling coffin but I am 100% confident that your gear will stay safe en route to your destination. The ABS Shell shields your bag and clubs from the wear and tear of travelling. 

Plus, this is one of the few options that allows longer clubs as well. With quality materials and packing features, this piece of luggage can take your clubs is a solid choice.

11. Samsonite Golf Deluxe 3-Piece Travel Set

If you’re skipping hard case golf travel bags because they aren’t as fashionable, I think you will love the Samsonite Golf Deluxe 3-piece travel set . Not only do you get a good-looking bag, this golf travel case also comes with a matching duffle bag and shoe bag too. 

• Six two-tone color choices that won’t get dirty or worn down easily.
• A Duffel bag makes a great carry-on bag that you can use year round.
• Sealed ball bearing inline skate wheels allows for the case to be pushed or pulled.
• Inside features a padded quilted interior with extra foam cushioning on top to protect club heads.
• Made with lightweight and durable polyester that shields your bag and clubs while still looking good!
• Functional shoe bag with mesh ventilation windows to help prevent moisture buildup, and large enough to accommodate two pairs of shoes (up to to size 13).
• Smaller size than most bags. If you have added length to your woods, they might not fit. 
• While the material looks sturdy, some reviewers on Amazon had a different experience. 

One thing I like about this choice is the matching shoe bag and duffle bag. Plus, all the colors are great looking and appear to have been made with high-quality material.

Looks aside, the bag seems highly functional with the extra foam cushioning to protect club heads. Plus, you can push or pull the bag around the airport easily. 

12. Athletico Padded Golf Travel Bag 

The Athletico padded soft cover bag is one of the most affordable options on the market. For a quick weekend trip, I think this is a solid option but for longer destinations, another bag could work better. 

• 5mm of padding throughout, to help protect your golf clubs during transit.  
• Easy to carry. A padded shoulder strap further allows you to carry the bag through crowder airports with ease.
• 600D polyester and feature a vinyl base to protect the bag from scuffs and abrasions. 
• One color choice but the material seems sturdy. 
• Zero external pockets. Where are you supposed to put your extra gadgets and shoes? On the exterior of the bag, the only thing is the strap and name tag. If you’re a golf hoarder and pack heavy, probably not the one for you. 

This soft bag doesn’t look like it’s the most protective but reviews about it have been glowing. Ideally, I think this option is best for a lightweight stand bag not a staff bag. For a quick trip, this one can work but with no outside pockets, you probably have to use your luggage space to carry some of your gear.

If you’re on a budget, you may want to seriously consider this option. Plus, if you need to keep moving through a busy airport, you can throw this on your shoulder and get moving.

FAQs about the Best Golf Travel Bag

Do you have more questions about finding the right travel bag? If so, we got you covered. 

Where should I buy my travel bag?

I think Amazon is always the best place as so many people are Amazon Prime members you can get your stuff delivered quickly. In most cases, you can get your brand-new travel bag in less than two days and in some instances, same-day delivery.

So if you notice your old golf bag has a hole or is looking a little worse for wear, you can easily replace it quickly. Plus, with Amazon’s generous return policy, you can return it if you don’t love it after opening the box. If you take it out of the box and think the material is too thin or a wheel is too loose and could fall off, imagine how bad it will do when a baggage carrier is tossing it around. 

How much should I spend on my golf travel bag?

As you probably know by now, golf is not a cheap sport but it’s so addicting, most golfers will do and spend whatever it takes. While I can’t determine how much you should spend on a bag, I think the total price comes down to what type of travel you plan on doing.

If you’re the type of golfer who is going to travel frequently, you should splurge on a bag that will protect your equipment above all else. Looks don’t matter with a travel bag like they do with a normal stand or carry bag. For avid travelers, protection above all else. 

You also want to make sure it is well under weight limits, so you don’t have to constantly worry about that each time you go to the airport. There’s nothing worse than having to move stuff around so you don’t have to pay extra baggage fees. 

If you’re someone who is only going somewhere 1-2x per year, you can choose a more budget friendly, soft sided bag. While they don’t offer quite as much protection as a hard sided bag, each one above is a quality golf travel bag. Plus, you’ll save 50-75% depending on your choice. 

What are the best ways to pack your clubs?

Regardless of the bag you pick from this list, make sure you use these tips to ensure you end up getting your clubs to the destination safely.

• To protect your club heads, detach your driver and fairways woods if they are adjustable. Then, store them in the pockets of your bag itself or in a separate, checked bag to save room and reduce weight.
• Use towels or bubble wrap for irons or other clubs. Even though it’s more work, you can ensure they don’t get scratched during travel.
• Double-check the weight of your travel bag before you go to the airport. Also, make sure to confirm with the airlines how much weight is allowed per bag so you don’t have to pay extra. 
• Avoid putting anything expensive in your bag in case it gets lost (for example, GPS watch, expensive rangefinder, golf GPS, etc.). Losing your clubs is already a huge pain so don’t compound it by having other valuables inside. 
• Always take pictures of your gear before you go to the airport. This way you have documentation in case anything happens in transit.
• Use a stiff arm if you are worried about using a soft sided bag. A stiff arm is a few inches longer than your driver and will create a more sturdy outer shell. 

These tips with the right golf travel bag should help protect your clubs from normal wear and tear. For more traveling tips and information, check out our full guide on How to Travel with Golf Clubs or go here for a full golf trip packing lis t.

My Experience 

I make several flights per year where I carry my clubs and flying with golf clubs is always a little stressful, even if it’s only an hour-long flight. We’ve all seen too many videos of airline employees throwing clubs around when loading into a plane. Since golfers spend months if not years creating the “perfect set” of clubs, it’s easy to get slightly concerned. 

My best tip to ease your anxieties is to make sure to buy one of the bags on this list so your case is protective. Next, I always pack my clubs strategically with towels between my irons/wedges/woods. It’s also not a bad idea to unscrew your adjustable woods and keep them in a larger pocket. 

Lastly, I always make sure my bag is under airline weight at home to avoid any chaos at the airport. I will also put an Apple AirTag in my bag so I can always track my clubs too. 

Final Thoughts on Best Golf Travel Bags

Regardless of whatever bag you choose, selecting the right travel bag is all about protecting your clubs and finding the right one for your budget. Not all golf travel bags are created equal and I think it’s a great idea to grab a Bag Boy spine as well.

If you’re going on a golf vacation, your number one priority is to make sure they ended up at the destination safely. A broken wood or iron shaft can ruin your mood and experience that you might have spent a lot of money on.

Whether you’re looking for a soft or a hard cases, make sure to do your research. Each golf club case should get your clubs safely but personal preference, budget, color, style, and features will play a factor as well. Not to mention, some of these store easily in your house or garage while others could take up a lot more room. 

Also, you want to ensure the inside of the bag has plenty of protection for your clubs. Don’t forget to factor in your golf bag as well. If you have a cart bag, you might need to get a large carry case or hard case as the smaller, more budget friendly ones won’t fit. 

Pick up one of these golf travel bags, book one of those lifetime golf trips and start enjoying golf more than ever before.

2 thoughts on “Golf Club Protection: The Best Golf Travel Bags”

This was well written for novice golfers and those planning on enjoying this AWESOME game while traveling.

I feel so much more comfortable in choosing the best travel bag for my budget, travel itinerary, other preferences,

Great article. Very informative and well written. Thank you for your assistance in my purchase decision. Your article has made it much easier.

Comments are closed.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Travel Products
• Activity + Adventure
• Sports + Leisure

The 8 Best Travel Golf Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Make sure your clubs arrive safely with these durable and portable travel golf bags.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Others We Liked
• Other Gear You May Need
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

A durable golf travel bag is essential for protecting your clubs and giving you peace of mind whether you’re traveling by car or airplane to one of the world’s best courses. While there are plenty of storage options for safely traveling with your clubs, we tested the best golf travel bags based on qualities like durability, portability, and capacity. 

Our top pick for the best golf travel bag overall is the Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro golf travel bag, which thoroughly impressed us. The bag is made with durable nylon material with plenty of padding to ensure that your clubs make it to your destination safely. We were able to fit clubs, clothes, golf balls, and other accessories into the bag without any issues. If you’re looking for a hardshell case or a budget-friendly bag, we found options for a variety of categories to fit the needs of all golfers. 

Best Overall

Club glove last bag large pro.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

It’s built to last with single webbing reinforcement and burst-proof construction. 

The bag is on the heavier side.

The Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro golf travel bag is one of the best-made travel bags we've seen. Fit for a weekend golf getaway , the bag can comfortably fit a set of clubs in a standard-sized carrier, golf balls, shirts, shorts, towels, and two pairs of golf shoes between the main compartment and two exterior pockets. Despite the 45-pound weight after packing, we thought the balance was evenly distributed throughout the bag and the inline skate wheels rolled smoothly and felt sturdy due to the plastic wheelbase that is designed for high-impact travel. We noted the high-quality feel of the water-resistant nylon material that adds durability to the bag, which truly feels like it will last a lifetime.

The bag is outfitted with self-lubricating YKK zippers and ITW Nexus buckles that come from a manufacturer that makes military-grade hoops, locks, and buckles. An aluminum stiff arm to reinforce the padded protection for impact during traveling is included. We flew with this bag twice in one month of testing and it still looks like it just came out of the box. The durability, functionality, and sleek design of the Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro Golf Travel Bag make it well worth the price for golfers that are planning to travel with their clubs. 

The Details: 86 x 19 x 51 inches | 10.6 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Travel + Leisure / Kyle Tyll

Best Budget

Caddydaddy constrictor 2 travel cover.

This bag includes large pockets that can store all of your extra gear.

The sides aren't padded, so you may want to add cushioning to protect your clubs.

For frequent travelers or golfers who want a bag that can store even their bulkiest gear, this CaddyDaddy bag is the perfect option. Not only is the bag itself large enough to store all of your clubs, but we love that it also features side pockets big enough to pack your shoes and even extra clothing. Even with all of this space, the bag still doesn't feel bulky.

Made of thick rubber and nylon, we feel confident this bag won't break, tear, or otherwise fall apart making it a great value. The fabric is also thick and well-stitched. To give you added peace of mind, it comes with a one-year full replacement warranty so you can test it for yourself.

The Details: 27.5 x 18.9 x 14.5 inches | 9 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon and rubber

Most Spacious

Caddydaddy golf club travel cover with wheels.

• Design 4.5 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

The interior has tons of room for clothing or shoes in addition to golf clubs. 

It has straps that are slightly uncomfortable.

The CaddyDaddy First Class Premium Padded Golf Club Travel Cover with Wheels has tons of space for not only clubs, but golf shoes, clothing, and anything else you would ever need on a golf trip as well. Since the golf travel bag weighs just 10 pounds, golfers can pack up to 40 pounds of clubs, clothes, and other accessories before reaching the general 50-pound checked bag limit for most airlines. We loved the spacious side pockets for toiletries and golf shoes, as well as the well-placed straps that can be tucked in during traveling to prevent damage.

The weight of the golf bag is mostly evenly balanced, and the wheels and handles make it easy to carry and maneuver; however, the top handle could have been a little more comfortable. The materials and the zippers of the bag feel durable and well-made. We're confident that this bag would last a very long time and would not be something you'd have to worry about replacing anytime soon.

The Details: 51 x 13 x 15 inches | 10 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Best Softside

Sun mountain clubglider meridian travel cover.

• Capacity 4.8 /5

There are fold-out legs in the center with wheels that make rolling the bag even easier.

Travelers might want to consider a stiff arm for added protection.

For golfers looking for a simple yet functional golf travel bag, the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Cover is a solid option. The design of the bag includes everything you need for hassle-free packing and travel experience, including a spacious interior for a cart or stand bag, two exterior pockets, and a pull-out leg mechanism with an additional pair of wheels besides the ones at the bottom of the bag. We found it very easy to collapse the legs in and out and the bag rolled a lot more smoothly than expected.

The high-quality, durable feel of the handles on the front, bottom, and middle of the bag equally impressed us by making it a breeze to lift and maneuver comfortably. While the nylon exterior material and padding feel sturdy and durable, the bag would likely only protect golf clubs against low-impact hits.

The Details: 51 x 15 x 14 inches | 8 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / David Engler

Most Durable

Club glove collegiate travel cover with stiff arm.

PGA Tour Superstore

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 4.9 /5

It comes with a stiff arm to protect the heads of the clubs.

Packing the clubs was a tight fit with the length.

Traveling by air with golf clubs can be risky considering the potential for rough handling that comes with checking in luggage, but the Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate Travel Cover with Stiff Arm is made of high-quality materials and includes a stiff arm that is designed to protect gear from hard impact. The adjustable stiff arm is made of nylon plastic and lightweight aluminum, and although it doesn’t take up much room, we had to jostle the bag to get the stiff arm in with the golf clubs. With the smaller-sized interior, we appreciated the two large exterior pockets that can fit items like shoes, clothing, or sunscreen. The fully-packed bag is comfortable to carry with top, bottom, and middle straps that evenly distribute the weight of the lengthy bag and we liked how it can stand up on its own.

After flying with this Club Glove design, there weren’t any scuffs or damage to the bag. The exterior of the bag is made of water-resistant ballistic nylon fabric and the backing has single webbing reinforcement — a common fabric used for climbing, military gear, and parachutes. 

The Details: 52 x 14 x 14 inches | 11.3 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen

Best Portability

Izzo golf high roller.

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Design 4.8 /5
• Durability 4 /5

There are six wheels on the bottom of the bag so it can be rolled upright. 

It feels slightly top-heavy.

The Izzo High Roller golf bag impressed us with how easy it was to transport by wheeling or carrying it. The six wheels on the bottom of the bag make it possible to push or pull it while standing upright. In addition, the bag can collapse down to just 12 inches for easy storage while traveling or at home.

While the bag felt a little top-heavy while being wheeled through an airport, the handles made it easy to lift and hold onto while rolling the bag. Even if the bag were to fall over, it has a solid amount of protective padding on the inside and outside, and it’s made of tear-resistant nylon that feels sturdy and durable. The interior of the bag is large enough for golf clubs and extra shirts, and the exterior pocket is big enough for a pair of golf shoes, but it was a tighter fit than we would’ve preferred. We think the Izzo High Roller bag is perfect for golfers who could benefit from having exceptional portability and durability while traveling through airports.

Dimensions: 53 x 16 x 12 inches | Weight: 8 pounds | Wheels: Yes | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Martin Schnurr

Best Hybrid

Caddydaddy golf travel bag cover with hard case top.

• Design 4 /5
• Portability 4 /5

Only the top half is hardshell, which makes storing the bag much easier.

It feels top-heavy while carrying.

The CaddyDaddy Enforcer Golf Travel Bag Cover with Hard Case Top is designed with traveling golfers in mind, especially those who live in big cities where storage space is limited. This golf bag has a unique design where the top half is a hardshell case and the bottom half is softside. The half hardshell gives you the protection you want for your clubs and we love how the bag can compress into itself, making it more space efficient for storing when not in use.

The exterior of the bag has two pockets for storing balls or shoes and although there aren’t any pockets on the inside, there was a good amount of room left over for clothes. Though the hardshell top makes it slightly top heavy, the bag maneuvers well on the inline skate wheels at the bottom, while the top, bottom, and center handle make it easy to lift the bag into a car or onto a weight scale at the airport. 

The Details: 51 x 13 x 13 inches | 9 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Allison Widmer

Best Lightweight

Tourtrek tc pro travel cover.

Dick's Sporting Goods

• Durability 4.8 /5
• Value 4.8 /5

It feels lightweight whether it’s being pushed or pulled over a variety of surfaces.

The interior of the bag could be bigger.

The TourTrek TC Pro Travel Cover offers an abundance of protective padding and excellent portability. We think this bag is a fantastic value thanks to durable design and interior space that’s roomy enough for a set of golf clubs and two mesh pockets for accessories, as well as an exterior pocket for a pair of shoes. The cushioning is very generous and the bag feels protective and sturdy with 360-degree padding to keep your golf clubs safe whether you’re traveling by air or car. The handles are padded as well, making them comfortable to hold onto while lifting or rolling the bag. And it includes a lock and key set for an additional layer of security and peace of mind.

Weighing 6.6 pounds, this golf travel bag is lightweight and takes up less of the allotted 50-pound weight maximum that most airlines limit checked bags . While we think the interior could be a little bit bigger, this golf travel bag has high-quality features that lead us to believe it will protect golf clubs and last a long time with prolonged use, too. 

The Details: 52 x 14 x 14 inches | 6.6 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel & Leisure / Chris Abell

We had our expert product testers and golfers take 19 golf travel bags on the road to find out which ones will keep your clubs safe whether you’re flying or driving. Our testers evaluated the bags by flying, driving, walking around, and carrying the bags and rating various attributes on a scale from one to five based on capacity, design, durability, and portability. 

Our testers packed their golf clubs into the travel bags and noted how easy it was to place the clubs into them and if there was room leftover for clothes, shoes, golf balls, or other accessories between the main compartment and any pockets. While packing the bags, we checked the quality of the zippers and buckles, as well as how much padding there was and if it felt sufficient for protecting the clubs. The bags with the highest ratings for capacity were spacious with extra room leftover, and the best performing bags for design had thoughtful and intuitive features that had golfers in mind and made packing easier.

After packing up the travel bags, our traveling golfers tested portability by carrying and wheeling the bag to get a feel for how it maneuvers. The top performing bags for portability were exceptionally easy to lift and wheel with comfortable, padded straps and handles. Durability of the travel bags was tested when they were transported by airplane or car. Our five-star ratings for durability went to the travel bags that had no damage to the exterior or items on the interior after being used and gave us confidence that they would hold up well with prolonged use. The testers determined that the bags with the best value performed as or better than expected given the price, especially pricier bags that needed robust justification for the cost.

Other Golf Travel Bags We Liked

While there were plenty of well-performing golf travel bags, there were a few listed below that almost made our list of best golf travel bags but fell short during testing. 

Samsonite Golf Deluxe 3 Piece Travel Set : The bag is functional and has a sleek design, but there isn’t much padding and the zippers are plastic, which made us question the durability of the bag while flying. 

Samsonite Hard Side Golf Case : The hardshell feels durable, but there isn’t much give so it was a tight fit to get the golf clubs in, and the case is difficult to store since it can’t break down.

Amazon Basics Soft-sided Golf Travel Bag : This bag is very affordable, but has an unstructured bottom, so it can't stand up on its own.

SKB Cases ATA Deluxe Standard Hard Travel Golf Case : This case was built to withstand a lot of rough handling and includes TSA-approved locks, but can become heavy due to its thick plastic.

Bag Boy Golf T10 Hard Top Cover : For minimalist golfers, this simple bag fits just what you need, but won't give you room for extra equipment or gear.

Other Golf Gear You May Need

When you're heading out for a long day on the course, be sure you're prepared with everything you need from sunscreen to golf gloves to ensure you stay completely focused on enjoying the game.

Titleist Players Flex Men’s Golf Glove: These high-performance gloves are a classic for a reason. The cabretta leather is silky smooth, offering optimal comfort and breathability, so your hands won't sweat mid-swing. Plus, the Satin Net materials across the knuckles provide plenty of flexibility.

Peter Millar Solid Performance Jersey Polo : If you're someone who gets caught up in the game and forgets to reapply sunscreen, this golf shirt is for you. Not only is it made of moisture-wicking materials in 13 vibrant colors, but it provides UPF 50+ sun protection as well, so you can stay safe without even thinking about it.

Adidas Men's Tour360 22 Golf Shoes : These shoes provide excellent cushioning to keep you comfortable all day long, and still feature 11 metal spikes for traction and grip. They're also designed with roomy toe boxes and heel reinforcement to ensure your foot stays in place.

Wilson Sleeveless Club Dress : This stylish golf dress is made with four-way stretch fabric that is breathable and feels good even in extreme heat. It also features hidden and roomy pockets so you can store any essentials you may want ready and on-hand.

Tips for Buying a Golf Travel Bag

Consider buying a stiff arm .

Whether you’re buying a hardshell or softside golf travel bag, a stiff arm can add another layer of protection to your golf clubs. A stiff arm is usually an adjustable metal rod with a plastic disc at the the top of it that extends longer than the driver or longest golf club. The rod is placed into a golf bag to absorb the hit if the bag is tossed around and prevent the clubs from being directly impacted. 

Hardshell versus softside 

When looking for a travel golf bag, you'll want to look at durability and padding. Both hardshell and softside golf travel bags can prevent damage to your golf clubs while traveling and are a worthwhile investment for golfers that travel several times per year. A hardshell suitcase can get more scuffed than a softside golf bag, but you might not need to buy a stiff arm since a plastic case offers a more structured layer of protection. Whereas a softside bag might need extra protection like a stiff arm, it’s easier to store a soft bag than a bulky hardshell case that can’t be folded down. Some airlines will only cover damaged or lost clubs that are in a hardshell case, so be sure to check with the airline to find out the policies. 

Look at the types of wheels

From upright wheels to inline skate wheels, golf bags are created with a variety of options to make transport easier for all types of players. You should look at wheels that will smoothly and easily roll over different terrains without adding weight to the overall bag.

You’ll want to make sure your golf bag and clubs can fit in a travel bag. While you don’t want to squeeze your clubs inside, you won’t want them swimming in a roomy case either. If there is extra room in your travel bag, stuffing the sides with clothes or towels can help keep everything in place, especially if you’re flying. If your club heads can be removed and covered, that can further prevent damage to your gear. 

Every airline will be different but most follow the same policies as regular check-in luggage regarding weight and size limitations. The weight limit for check-in luggage, including golf clubs, is almost always 50 pounds or less. If your bag weighs more, there will likely be a surcharge fee. Airlines also have different restrictions and policies for packing golf shoes or balls in your bag, and coverage for lost golf bags can be dependent on the type of golf travel bag. For peace of mind, consider securing an AirTag holder with a tracker to your golf bag.

Generally, airlines do not pay travelers for damaged golf clubs. Some, like American Airlines , may compensate if the equipment traveled in a hard-sided case that is visibly damaged and was properly packed, but you should always check your specific airline's policies before flying to guarantee safe and secure travel.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best golf travel bags based on a series of tests completed by our testers while using the golf travel bags in a real-world setting. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Related Articles

Best Golf Travel Bags 2024 – Hard and Soft Cases

Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Matt Greene *Read our  review guidelines .

What are the best golf travel bags for airlines? You want a strong bag to protect those valuable clubs because airlines do not like paying you for broken clubs.

I've traveled to 15 countries with my clubs and never had a single breakage. That's a combination of both the right golf club travel bag and expert packing.

I've been on some of the worst airlines you can imagine and never had a breakage. I'm confident that you'll make the right choice after reading this article. The best golf travel bag currently is the SKB Deluxe Hard Cover golf bag . 

Best Golf Travel Bags for Airlines in 2023

• SKB Deluxe ATA Hard Cover (best value with superior guarantee) 
• CaddyDaddy First Class Premium  (best for frequent travelers - airline guarantee)
• Club Glove Last Bag Soft Cover (more spacious - used by Tour pros)
• CaddyDaddy Enforce Hybrid Cover (lightweight soft-hard combo)
• Sun Mountain Club Glider Meridian Soft Cover (easiest for check in)
• GTB Caravan 3.0 Soft Cover (best cheap travel bag)

*All of these bags are compliant with airline policies. The only thing to remember is the weight restrictions and to double check the airline policies to ensure once the bag is packed, it doesn't exceed maximum weight - usually around 50 lbs.

SKB Deluxe ATA Golf Travel Bag

A Sherman tank with a million mile warranty

The American-made SKB Deluxe is made of molded polyethylene which makes it not only dirt and moisture resistant but extremely strong. So strong in fact, that the manufacturer offers $1500 club coverage and a million mile guarantee on the case.

With that sturdiness and strength comes a bit of extra weight though and at 18 lbs, the SKB travel bag isn't light. With your bag loaded inside, you might have enough airline weight allowance for a pair of golf shoes.

You'll be able to put pretty much any bag in here but it works especially well for good 14 way stand bags and push cart bags . It's a tight fit for larger cart bags and staff bags but with a bit of effort, it'll hold it all. The inline skate wheels make wheeling this solid structure around very easy.

There are three locks on the bag and keys are included. A TSA lock is included which is fantastic because this bag is a magnet for TSA and will be checked. It's always best not to put too much loose stuff in the case because the ever reliable TSA will reliably lose it for you.

One of the other areas that could be improved actually, are the locks. They could be made of a material more in-line with the sturdiness of the case but are made of a hard plastic. They do however work very well. 

This is easily the best hard case golf travel bag on the market.

• Extremely strong - probably the last travel bag you'll buy
• Fits even tour staff bags
• Incredible $1500 club coverage and million mile warranty
• Comes with TSA approved lock
• Water and dust resistant
• Heavy at 18 lbs

Caddy Daddy First Class Premium

Best bag for frequent travelers

The First Class Travel Cover is uses the very best YKK zippers and has a wheelbase that let's the bag stand by itself. but the clincher for the CaddyDaddy is that CaddyDaddy covers any damage caused by airlines for 2 years on the the First Class model with no limitations.

Two layers of EVA foam protects your clubs and internal pockets can be stuffed with clothes and shoes to add extra protection. The First Class Travel golf bag has been made purposefully with the golf traveler in mind whether by air or road. 

Material:  1000D Ballistic nylon Dimensions:  15 x 13 x 51 inches Weight:  10 pounds Wheels: 2

• Durable construction with tough nylon fabric
• Big pockets to store more items like balls and shoes and alcohol
• Heavy duty wheels that won't break all the time
• Two year replacement warranty even if the airlines damage your bag
• No hard cover option in this bag

Club Glove Last Bag

Trusted by Tour pros and comes in 20 colors

This travel golf bag from Club Glove is spacious and strong enough that it is the most trusted bag on the PGA Tour among the pros. It's water resistant and comes in 20 colors. 

it can hold even a big Tour bag and two pairs of shoes. There's just so much space and with the light weight, you have 40 lbs to stuff everything you can into your golf bag. It's made in the USA and includes high quality YKK zippers and ITW Nexus buckles and if you know anything about zippers and clasps, these are the highest quality. Placing your clubs inside the bag is easy and once you zip it closed, you can then connect the buckles for a tight fit without any club rattle.

Materials: 1000 D nylon/cordura Dimension:  51 x 19 x 16 inches Weight: 10.6 pounds Wheels:  2

If you want to add another level of club safety in a soft cover bag, take a look at  the Stiff Arm  and for TSA approved locks, you can't go wrong with a cheap  Master lock . 

• Very roomy inside 
• Excellent zipper and clasp system to keep clubs from rattling around
• Lifetime warranty - trusted by Justin Rose, DJ, Justin Thomas
• Extra padding around where the club heads go
• Very pricey

CaddyDaddy Enforcer travel bag

Lightweight budget option for stress-free packing

The CaddyDaddy Enforcer Hard top is a hybrid golf travel bag so it has a soft body but a top piece which is hard. There are two huge pockets on the side of the Enforcer which hold your shoes, jackets and some sneaky extra luggage. 

When I store the Enforcer when I'm not traveling, the soft part of the bag folds into the top hard case. You zip it closed and it's a compact package to put inside a cupboard. Easy storage.

Materials:  1800D fabric Dimension: 51 x 13 x 15 inches Weight:  9 pounds Wheels:  2

• Very well priced
• Business card window on the fancy baggage tag means it's not getting stolen
• Internal compression straps to stop bag movement
• Loads of storage space internally and externally
• Very easy to store when you're not using it
• Cart bags or stand bags fit in here easily
• Internal strap not the best for holding clubs in place
• Reinforcement around your clubs is advised as there is not much padding

Sun Mountain Club Glider Meridian

Easiest to wheel through check-in lines

The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian golf travel bag will glide with you at the airport on the four wheels with ease. This golf travel bag won the  Golf Digest Editors’ Choice award six years in a row.

There is a second set of wheels that retract along with the built-in inline skate wheels. You can pull your bag everywhere around the airport, never feeling the full weight of the bag. The ClubGlider takes all thr weight off your arm. The bag never topples over despite being top heavy with your irons.

The Sun Mountain has enough space for your golf bag with club, a small carry on and golf shoes. There's a one year warranty on the Club Glider Meridian travel bag itself but not on your clubs which the SKB does offer at a lower price point.

Overall, a nice bag that will need a bit more support around the club heads but there is no easier golf travel bag to wheel around.

Material: Ballistic nylon Dimensions:  52 x 14 x 14 inches Weight:  11 pounds Wheels:  4

• Sole focus here is to wheel your bag around super easily
• Four wheels turn the bag into a trolley on its own - easy for check in
• Takes weight off your arm and with carabiners can be used to attach other bags like a train
• Excellent color options
• Main zipper isn't designed for a lock
• External pockets extend inward not outward
• Not much padding around clubs

Golf Travel Bags Caravan 3.0

Super value for money very under budget

Excellent external pockets and riveted handles make the Caravan 3.0 extremely high value. There is little difference between this bag and the Constrictor 2. The weight is similar and the setup is almost identical.

There's plenty of space inside to pack everything you could need on your golf trip. The two pockets on the exterior easily fit one pair of golf shoes each. While this bag isn't going to last forever like an SKB or Club Glove, it's a great budget option if you don't travel extensively with your clubs.

Bag Boy Back Bone

This little stick will prevent the force from a golf bag being thrown around from impacting your club heads. It keeps the top of the bag firm and stops crushing forces pushing down on the driver and longer clubs. This will prevent snapped shafts in soft cover travel bags.

Key features of a golf travel bag

Lightweight is best because of baggage weight restriction.

This is very important because some airlines restrict the weight of sports equipment. Do you travel low-cost or full-service most of the time? Check airline rules - generally 50 lbs total is about the norm for sports equipment.

Depending on how frequently you travel, it’s important to get one that is relatively easy to transport back and forth. If you’re older or have some back issues, I recommend getting a lighter, soft shell bag to ensure it’s easy to get them in and out of the trunk.

No need to suffer a pointless injury on the way to your golf vacation. Plus, weight is a big factor for how much it costs to shipping your golf gear as well. Depending on the airline, if you go over a certain limit you’ll have to pay even more money each way.  

Also, it’s important to note unlike bags, these do not come with a shoulder strap and you’ll always have to push or pull it. 

High quality wheels makes transport easy

The wheels make moving the bag around so much easier than carrying so I've featured only wheeled bags here.

I struggled for too long with a carry travel bag.

Some bags have spinner wheels to change direction easily but most will only have two and you have to hold the handle at the top of the bag as you wheels it around. This can be cumbersome to change direction but if the airports are not too crowed, you'll be okay.

Side pockets  can contain more gear

You need pockets for accessories, clothes and golf shoes. On the trips where weather may be variable and you need a lot of layers or jackets, it's always better to have too much storage than too little. 

You want to know how much space is inside the bag as well.

Outside the bag, the soft cover cases are better as they have zippable pockets whereas the hard cover have none. 

Hard shell or soft cover bags need different storage space

Hard cases will be heavier and more difficult to store in a small space when you're not using them.

A soft cover bag can be folded up and placed in a cupboard.

The hard case offers superior protection to your shafts and clubheads while the soft cover will need a stiffener like a bag boy stick or a lot of extra padding made up of golf shoes, towels, clothes and headcovers.

I use a hybrid bag which has a soft cover around the bottom of the golf bag but a hard cover on top just around the clubs. 

Warranties are important for protection

Double check the warranties of the companies who make the bags. Some of them extend for a year or two and you might even find some that cover the damage to clubs, as well as even damage to clubs inflicted upon your bag by the airlines!

Approve locks and padlocks make TSA inspections easy

TSA will check certain bags and some do come with TSA locks otherwise purchase a TSA-approved lock from Master.

High price high quality

Like anything in golf, you get what you pay for.

When it comes to a golf travel bag, I like to get the best travel bag for my golf bag that I can.

I do not have much storage space at home so I prefer not to go with an entirely hard case. I like to fold it up and place it in the closet. That led me to the case which has a hard top and a soft bottom but with a lot of external storage because I go for longer trips and I like to squeeze in extra jackets and socks.

I got the most expensive one I could afford and I have not experienced a single breakage.

How I pack my golf clubs for travel safely

This is by no means pretty, but it is effective. If you don't want to buy a travel bag or you want a soft cover travel bag, you can do this.

• Clip on your rain cover and unzip to let it hang loose. It's easier to do the final step if you put the cover on now.
• Unscrew the driver head from the shaft and put the shaft into the bag with the clubs. If your driver doesn't unscrew, go to the next step.
• Put your woods and hybrids upside down into the bag. Be sure to put some old socks on the heads to prevent scratches.
• Bunch the shafts that are sticking out the top together and put your umbrella in the bag to act as a splint for more support.
• Turn your irons in so the toes are all facing your woods' shafts and bunch them all together and wrap a towel (or two) around the whole set.
• Once the towels are tightly wrapped around the club heads, zip up the club cover.
• Put the driver head and wrench into a jacket and place it in a secure pocket.
• Use cellophane wrap and masking tape to wrap it all up for a budget version of the airport service

The best travel bags are expensive and they're expensive because they last.

An SKB hard case will serve any golfer well and for the price, there is little reason to get a soft cover travel bag for airlines.

If a hard cover bag is not ideal and storage becomes a pain in the butt, the high-priced Club Glove is virtually indestructible and protects your golf clubs amazingly.

For those who don't like lugging a golf travel bag around by a flimsy handle, the Sun Mountain makes travel easy.

These three are the best golf travel bags for airlines hands down.

Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Matt Greene

3 Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bags In 2024

Are you traveling for an upcoming golf vacation? Or are you joining a golf tournament in another area? If this is the case, you need the best hard case golf travel bag to secure your clubs in transit. Unlike typical stand bags, hard case travel bags will give additional protection for your clubs featuring high quality materials such as heavy duty zippers capable of being locked these are ideal bags for airlines . You probably heard some horror stories about valuable items getting damaged during the rigors of travel. So if you are to fly with your golf gear, you might as well secure it properly and make sure you stick to the airline rules to do with weight etc.

In many of our articles, especially product-based stories, we earn a small commission when readers purchase through our product links. This doesn’t affect which products are included in the articles. All of the products we highlight are recommended for their quality, performance, and overall reputation, regardless of any affiliate relationships.

Purpose of golf travel bags

Golf travel bags are made for one thing: to keep your golf gear safe wherever you go especially air travel. Unlike typical soft-shelled stand bags, travel bags are reinforced with a harder material that will cushion any potential impact to your club heads .

Also, it’s a great way to store your golf clubs and accessories if you’re not playing for a long time. So even if you’re flying or not, these bags come handy for a variety of uses.

However, make sure that you get the right size that fits your clubs. Also, always prioritize the quality and other aspects we discussed below.

Hard case vs. soft case golf bags 

There are two types of golf travel bags based on material: hard case and soft case bags.

Soft golf travel bags are light, which is a big advantage and are generally the more affordable option. This is the typical choice of golfers who are tipping near the maximum set weight for air travel. However, it offers less protection for your golf clubs, golf shoes etc. As much as it secures your equipment, there’s no guarantee if it can shield the equipment from impact.

On the other hand, we have the hard case golf travel bags. These are reinforced shells where a golf bag can be secured. This way, your clubs, and accessories have solid protection against any impact while on the cargo area. Some hard case golf clubs even have a soft lining for added protection. They come with wheels to make transporting them around that bit easier.

Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bag – Buying Guide

Are you looking for the best hard case golf travel bag? Before you put your money in a model, make sure that you have thought of the following points first:

*Check the material

The first thing you have to check is the material. For hard case golf bags, the likes of ABS plastic, polyethylene, and PVC are the widely used material. All of these are durable but on various levels and for air travel we need strength to keep your clubs safe rather than making a baggage claim whilst also staying within the weight limits imposed by airlines.

ABS or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a thermoplastic polymer. It has a high strength-to-density ratio with a decent resistant to extreme temperatures. It’s also widely used on golf bags due to its low price.

Moreover, you can also consider PE or polyethylene. This golf bag material is very durable and widely used as pipe covers. Aside from that, it has better temperature resistance than ABS.

Lastly, you can consider PVC hard case bags. This is durable, available in a variety of colors, and resistant to extreme temperatures. However, it’s not the most eco-friendly option among the three.

*Extra lining

Since the best hard case golf travel bag has a stiff construction, you should look for padding if possible. It’s a soft lining, probably made of foam or cloth. This way, even if your expensive clubs move slightly inside, it will not sustain damages obviously ones with internal straps and extra padding are better options. Still, you should always use club head covers.

*Look for compartments

The extra storage compartments of the golf bag make it easier for you to organize your gear. This way, you won’t have to fumble in deep pockets full of balls, tees, head covers, and so on. Also, with the additional pockets/ compartment, you can easily take each club in and out of the bag without making a mess out of it. No golfer has ever said I do regret having those extra pockets or additional compartments.

*Choose the right size and weight

There’s no use to a durable golf bag if it doesn’t fit your golfing equipment. Always measure the longest club and look for a hard case travel bag that’s a few inches longer than the equipment. That way, you have extra room for adjustments.

Aside from the size, you should also factor in the weight of the bag. Take note that you’ll stuff it with loads of heavy equipment. If it’s too heavy when empty, you may need to pay extra at the airport.

Nevertheless, always expect hard case golf bags to be heavier than typical fabric bags.

*What are you going to put in it?

Are you taking your full set of golf clubs and countless accessories? If you’re packing for a big tournament, you might as well look for the largest golf bag.

*Go for wheels and handles

When it comes to the best hard case golf travel bag, try to look for a unit with built-in wheels. This bag can be cumbersome so oversized wheels will come handy while you push it around. Besides, you wouldn’t want an aching shoulder even if it comes with a padded shoulder strap  before you get to the golf course.

Also, look for ergonomic handles that will make pulling easy for you. Opt for a golf bag with multiple handles on the top and sides. That way, you can easily retrieve it from the luggage conveyor.

*Durability

This should go without saying, but always prioritize durability over price and design. Your choice of the best hard case golf travel bag should be strong enough to withstand the unforgiving environment of the cargo area.

Also, look for a golf bag with a water-resistant, dirt-proof, and shock-proof build. That way, your clubs are safe, no matter how long you travel.

*Color and design

This is just a bonus part, but since you’re going to spend premium money on this bag, you might as well make the most out of it. Most hard case golf bags are color black. Still, you can chance upon other colors with varying designs.

This is very important, especially with very expensive hard case golf bags. As much as possible, look for a golf bag with a money-back guarantee, or at least a limited warranty. This will secure your purchase should any issues with the product come up.

Any form of guarantee is ideal so you can hold the seller accountable for any defects.

*Value for money

Last but not the least, always look for the best value for money. This is the right balance between quality and price. Take note that although some golf bags may have a higher price tag, it’s worth the splurge given the high-end quality offering maximum protection and ample storage. As much as you want to save money, opting for cheap golf bags will only do your gear a big disservice.

3 Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bag Options

Our #1 choice, our top choice: skb ata deluxe standard wheeled golf bag travel case.

Product Name: SKB ATA Deluxe Standard Wheeled Golf Bag Travel Case

Product Description: Our top recommendation is the SKB ATA Deluxe Standard Wheeled Golf Bag Travel Case. It’s made of polyethylene that has a high molecular weight that meets the ATA 300 Category I. Aside from that, this case comes with a TSA locking system so you can bring it to the plane with no hassle. Moreover, this bag is tight and secure to prevent moisture, dirt, and dust from getting into your clubs. It even has a patent-pending valence closure plus latch security.

Offer price: $$$

Availability: InStock

• CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
• Value for Money

Overall, this golf bag can fit cart bags, driers, and carry bags for up to 48 inches. Inside the case is a contoured compartment to secure your bags and gears. Aside from that, there’s also foam lining at the upper area to prevent damages to your clubs.

This golf bag weighs 19 pounds, which is relatively light for its rugged build. It has a durable side handle that allows you to pick it up on the go.

Aside from the golf bag case, this SKB item also comes with the brand’s $1,500 club coverage!

✔️Proprietary Perfect-Match valence closure

✔️Inclusive of SKB’s $1,500 club coverage

✔️TSA-accepted

❌Has only a single handle (not a biggie)

Samsonite Hard Sided Golf Travel Case

If you’re looking for a stand-up golf case, don’t miss the Samsonite Golf Hard Sided Travel Case. It’s made with ABS shell shields that will guard your clubs and accessories against wear and tear. Also, we love its quilted and padded interior packed with extra foam as shock absorbers.

Moreover, this case has multi-directional wheels as well as in-line skate wheels so you can easily maneuver it wherever you are. Aside from that, there are internal compression straps that will hold your soft golf bag inside. This has top and side handles as well as interlocking zipper pulls.

Take note that this case works for clubs that are no longer than 48 inches. Overall, this Samsonite golf bag case has a slim design and an unbeatable 5-year warranty.

So if you often travel with your golf equipment, you might as well invest in this high-quality golf case. Also, if you have photography equipment that you need to transport, this golf case comes handy as well.

Founders Club Hard Shell Top Travel Luggage

For short trips, we recommend the Founders Club Golf Travel Luggage. It’s a hybrid bag with an ABS top shelf and a 600-denier polyester body. This gives the head of your clubs the best protection while cutting off some excess weight at the bottom of the bag.

The base of this golf club bag has transport wheels that allow you to push and pull with ease. Aside from that, this bag has three padded handles so you can easily lift it up.

Moreover, this golf club bag can accommodate golf clubs that are no longer than 50 inches. Aside from that, it has two compartments where you can store shoes and other smaller gears. Also, it has lockable zippers, though you have to purchase a TSA lock separately.

What we really love the most about this golf bag is its 1-year replacement warranty. If the products showed defects within a year, you can get a replacement, no questions asked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: how much does it cost to bring golf clubs on a plane.

A: Golf clubs are usually classified as a second bag, which has a base cost of about $35 (will vary widely per airline). For larger and third bags, it could cost between $75 and $150. If you want to save money from transporting your golf equipment, you should consider shipping instead.

Q: How tall is a hard case golf travel bag with clubs?

A: Usually, hard case golf bags can accommodate up to 50 inches so more than enough for that driver even with the club head covered. This is way longer than the standard 36-inch golf stand bag.

Q: What is the difference between a golf cart bag and a golf stand bag?

A: Golf stand bags are smaller and allow the golfer to carry a much lighter weight. However, this convenience is at the expense of storage space. On the other hand, golf cart bags are much larger and have a removable top that allows it to be used as a caddy bag on the golf course.

Q: How heavy is a golf travel bag?

A : If stuffed with golf equipment, these bags can weigh as much as 35 to 50 pounds. When empty, it will weigh around 10 to 20 pounds.

Q: How do you protect your golf clubs when flying?

A: The best way to protect your golf gears from damage while flying is placing it inside the best hard case golf travel bag. You can also wrap each club in bubble wrap for extra protection and additional cushioning.

Final words

The best hard case golf travel bag is a great investment to protect your equipment. Just make sure that you choose one with the strongest material and excellent build. And even if hard case golf bags cost more, it’s a worthy splurge that will prevent expensive damages, especially on premium clubs.

TheGolfingPro

Right Shoulder Pain From Golf – What Causes it And What You Can Do

5 Best Golf Clubs for Seniors & Aging Golfers In [year]

Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Golf Cart Report

#1 Rated Golf Cart Consumer Guide

Top 10 Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bags (Updated 2023)

September 2, 2020 by Brittany Olizarowicz Leave a Comment

A hard case is the best way to keep your golf equipment safe the next time you travel.

If you have a hard time handing your sticks over to the TSA, the hard travel case is the way to go.

With these cases, the chances of your golf clubs breaking are significantly reduced.

Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bag (Top 10)

1. Samsonite Primo Deluxe Hard Side Golf Travel Cover

• Super light yet solid Polycarbonate Shell provides style & durability
• Features four multi-directional ?SHARK? Spinner Wheels that allows the bag to glide effortlessly
• Beautiful full-length interior lining. Easy to push or pull
• Padded, quilted interior with extra foam cushion for better protection of club heads
• Two comfort grip handles for easily lifting. Locking capability for additional security

Key Features

• Fits clubs longer than 48 inches
• Fits 10.5-inch golf bags
• Easy to push and pull

At the top of our list is the Samsonite Primo Deluxe Hard Side Golf Travel Cover.

Samsonite has long been a leader in luggage and travel solutions, and their golf products are quite well known.

This particular model is made with a very light polycarbonate shell that keeps you from having to lug a heavy bag while still looking quite nice.

We love that the Samsonite is available in several colors so you can choose a bag that will stand out from the crowd.

The bottom of the travel bag has four multi-directional spinner wheels.

If you are rolling along and need to change directions, that won’t be an issue for the Samsonite.

Inside this golf travel bag, there are straps to help you hold everything in place.

You can fit a 10.5-inch golf bag in here, so some larger cart bags may struggle.

As far as the length of your clubs, this Samsonite will accommodate almost all stock drivers.

• Easy to maneuver
• Available in several colors
• Does a great job protecting clubs
• Priced a bit high

2. SKB Deluxe Staff Travel Case

• Holds drivers up to 49 inches
• Closes very securely
• Lifetime warranty

The SKB golf travel bags are built for quality with a design that even the airlines won’t worry about damaging.

With the SKB golf travel bag, you will get a lifetime warranty and coverage for any damage that happens to your golf clubs.

We love the way the SKB travel case locks so that you can make sure nothing falls out of the case and all dirt and debris stay out as well.

SKB is known for making military cases and containers, therefore their products are designed to withstand rugged conditions.

If you have ever had a golf travel bag left out in the rain, you know what a mess it can make of your equipment.

With the SKB, you won’t have to worry about water getting inside the case.

The latch is easy to operate, and TSA will be able to inspect and lock your case up with ease.

• Very easy to maneuver
• Tough and durable
• Can hold drivers up to 49 inches
• Easy-to-use locking system
• A little heavier than other options

3. Plano Golf Guard DLX Golf Guard (Black)

• Roomy interior holds golf bag and clubs, plus accessories like shoes, umbrella and balls
• Large interior
• Easy-to-maneuver wheels
• Great pricing

If you have been shopping for a golf hard travel case for a while, you may notice they are quite expensive.

The hard cases are much more expensive than the soft cases because of the protection they offer your golf clubs.

Luckily, there are options out there like this Plano Golf Guard which gives you lots of technology for a very fair price.

The Plano has lots of room on the interior and can accommodate a golf bag up to eleven inches in diameter.

This is not the tallest hard case on the market, so if you are playing a driver longer than 46 inches, you may need to consider another bag.

You will have lots of room on the interior of the Plano to fit your shoes, golf balls, and whatever else you may need on your trip.

The bag is easy to pull around with the comfort grip handles, and although the shape is a little bulky, it works out well for golfers who like to bring a lot of gear.

• Large roomy interior
• Easy to use handles
• Five year limited warranty
• A bit bulky
• Not as long as other travel bags

4. CaddyDaddy Golf- Enforcer Hard Top Travel Cover

• Extra protection
• Lockable zipper

The CaddyDaddy is a bit of a hybrid model.

This is not a full hard case; instead, it has a hardtop, but the rest of the bag is soft.

There are some great advantages to this style travel bag.

For starters, the most essential part of the clubs is going to be protected with the hardtop.

This travel case is considerably lighter than other options considering its makeup.

The pricing is also better on a hybrid model like this than it is on a full hard travel case.

The Caddy Daddy products have great internal and external features.

You will find lockable zippers and internal straps to help you keep your golf bag in place.

The all-weather fabric on the bag will keep your clubs protected even in the area where it is not covered with the hard shell.

If you are not sold on the idea of a full hard travel case, this is a great option to consider.

• Lighter in weight
• Still offers great protection
• Much lighter
• Not a full hard travel case

5. Forgan Golf Hard Side Travel Case & Cover TSA Approved

• Super strong ABS plastic shell provides optimum protection for all clubs. Lightweight case allows focus of weight to be on clubs. Solid black outer colour looks great and matches with all styles
• Full zip design to lock and secure. Durable shell is made to last. 2 plastic injected handles
• Holds longer 48-Inch clubs and 10.5-Inch bags. 4 multi directional spinning wheels – rotates 360. Internal compression straps to hold golf bag securely
• External dimensions: 53.9 x 15.9 x 12in. Internal dimension: 51.2 x 15.7 x 6.9in
• Weight: 15.4 lbs
• Internal compression straps
• Holds 48-inch clubs
• Spinning wheels

The Forman Golf Hard Side Travel Case is an option which very closely resembles the Samsonite golf bag.

The Forgan is a solid black ABS Plastic that is very strong .

With how durable and tough this model is, it’s hard to believe how lightweight it is.

We love the fact that you get four spinning wheels which all rotate 360 degrees.

This helps to make sure that, whichever way you are heading, your clubs will quickly and easily follow.

Two plastic handles make pulling or pushing this golf bag relatively easy.

The Forman has many of the same features of the Samsonite, but it costs considerably less.

The overall weight of this bag is going to be fifteen pounds.

You will need to keep in mind when traveling with a hard case; you may have to pack a couple fewer golf balls to stay under the weight limit.

• Tough outer shell
• Wheels make it easy to pull
• Lightweight considering the durability
• Fair pricing
• Does not come with a warranty
• Won’t fit very wide cart bags

6. SKB 2SKB-5020W ATA Double Golf Travel Case

• Keep your golf club safe when traveling with this durable wheeled travel case that is contoured to fit cart bags, carry bags, and drivers up to 49 inches long ensuring a snug and secure fit
• Molded from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is made to prevent dirt, dust, and moisture from getting in the case and offers unparalleled durability and protection for your golf equipment
• Includes a TSA locking system for ease of travel and exclusive ideal match balance bending system of SKB, ensuring a secure fit to keep out dirt, dust, and moisture during travel
• Features new patent-pending industrial strength latches for superior valence closure and overall latch security offering unmatched reliability and peace of mind
• Lightweight travel hard case is designed with a curved handle and smooth-rolling wheels for effortless transportation, this case ensures convenience and style on the go
• Fits two golf bags or a very large bag
• Protects clubs very well

The SKB ATA Double Golf Travel Case is much larger than almost any other golf travel case on the market.

If you have a huge staff bag you need to travel with, or if you have several sets of clubs you need to transport, this is a perfect option to consider.

With the SKB ATA Double, you can fit drivers with lengths up to fifty inches and golf bags up to twenty inches.

Of course, this case, combined with two bags, is going to be considered an oversized item, but it still may work out to be a good deal depending on your situation.

Again, we love that the SKB makes sure their latches seal seamlessly.

You won’t have to worry about water, dirt, or dust getting inside your case during your travel.

There is a TSA integrated lock that comes with the SKB double as well.

• Keeps clubs clean and dirt out
• Large enough to accommodate two bags or a very large bag
• Heavy and bulky
• Could result in extra fees from airline

7. Golf Travel Bags The Vault

No products found.

• Locking latches
• Premium handles
• Rollerblade wheels

The Guaradium Vault from Golf Travel Bags is a serious protector of your equipment.

If you are concerned with your clubs being damaged in a soft case, this is a bag that will undoubtedly give you some confidence in how well-protected your clubs are.

The inside of this hard case golf travel bag is quite large.

You will be able to fit your shoes and extra golf balls around the sides of your bag.

The length of the Vault is about the standard, and it will hold drivers 46 inches and smaller.

If you are a very tall person and have your golf clubs extended , you may have some trouble getting them to fit.

The wheels on the Vault are roller blade style, so you won’t be able to turn them in all different directions, but you still get plenty of maneuverability.

You are going to get extra padding inside this golf travel case.

Padding and straps help keep the bag secure in the case and will ensure you arrive with your set fully intact.

• Wheels make it easier to move around
• Locking technology
• Excellent protection for clubs
• A little shorter than some other choices

8. Bag Boy T-10 Hard Top Golf Club Travel Cover

• Hard ABS top for maximum club protection
• Premium all-weather 600D polyester body
• Body stores conveniently inside hard top for compact storage
• Fits 48" driver and up to a 10" golf cart bag
• Anti-burst strap
• In line skate wheels

The Bag Boy T-10 is not a full hard case, but it has a very high level of protection worth mentioning.

The T-1 has a hard ABS top that will keep your golf clubs in great shape.

Around the outside of the travel bag, there are straps to keep everything in place, while the inside straps keep the clubs in place.

The inline skate wheels make this bag very easy to maneuver.

The great thing about a hard top bag is that you get a lightweight travel bag that still has lots of protection where the golf clubs need it the most.

You will also get two large shoe pockets with the Bag Boy T-10.

Most travel bags do not have pockets, and things can get disorganized rather quickly.

This is a nice feature to have.

The Bag Boy T-10 is reasonably priced, mostly because it is partly soft-sided.

• All-weather polyester body
• Good organization
• Not a complete hard-sided golf bag

9. Founders Club Golf Travel Bag Travel Cover Luggage for Golf Clubs with ABS Hard Shell Top

• Hybrid Golf Travel Cover Combines crush proof Hard Shell ABS Top with Soft Sided all weather 600D Polyester Body for maximum Golf Club protection and long-lasting durability
• Easy to transport with durable smooth rolling inline skate wheels. Makes getting travel cover from the car through the parking lot and into airport check in a breeze. The Travel Bag comes with 3 sets of padded handles to help lift your bag out of the car and off the airport luggage belt.
• Fits Cart Bags up to 10” in diameter and golf clubs up to 50" in length. 2 Large exterior shoe/rain gear pockets with heavy duty, lockable zippers (TSA lock not included). Internal Compression strap to keep golf clubs secure and in place.
• Space Saving Storage - body of the bag folds into the top for easy, compact storage. Open dimension is 52” x 15” x 13”. Folded dimension is 23” x 15” x 13”. The Travel Cover weighs 8 pounds.
• 1 Year Full Replacement Warranty. Features Durable skid resistant base that provides a sturdy foundation.
• Hybrid golf travel cover
• Large exterior pockets

The Founders Club Hybrid Golf Travel Cover is another option that has a crush-proof top but soft sides.

The soft sides will keep the weight down on the bag, but the 600D Polyester body will help to make sure your clubs stay protected.

We love that the Founders golf bag can hold golf clubs up to 50 inches in length.

If you are a taller player, this is certainly a bag you will want to take a look at.

The outside of the Founders bag has two pockets where you can put shoes or rain gear.

If you need easy access to some of your gear as soon as you get to your destination, you will be able to with this bag.

There are options for locking zippers as well.

Another thing we love about the hybrid bag is that it can fold down relatively flat.

One of the downsides of a hard-sided travel case is that you will have to find room to store it when you are not using it.

With the hybrid, you will still have to store it, but finding a small spot to keep this eight-pound bag is not a hard thing to do.

• One year warranty
• Skid-resistant base
• Inline skate wheels
• Padded base
• Available in lots of colors
• TSA lock not included

10. Sun Mountain Club Glider Meridian

• Fabric: Ballistic-quality Nylon
• Two exterior access pockets store extra gear.
• Heavy-duty, two-way zippers run the full length of the bag for easy loading.
• Internal dimensions: 52” X 14” X 14”
• High-end travel bag
• Easy to access
• Lots of club protection

The last bag on our list is not exactly a hard travel case, but it will undoubtedly offer your clubs lots of extra protection.

The wheels on the Sun Mountain are a bit different than some of the other options on our list.

They are pivoting caster wheels.

You will have no issues wheeling the Sun Mountain wherever you need to go.

The biggest thing that sets this bag apart is the leg mechanism.

The leg mechanism will fold down from the back of the bag so you won’t have to store this directly on the ground.

When it comes time to fill your bag or empty it, you will not have to be sitting on the floor of your hotel room.

The fabric on the outside of the Sun Mountain is a 1200 Denier Polyester.

This fabric is twice as strong as other soft-sided options on the market.

The total weight of the bag is 11.8 pounds, but with how easy it is to maneuver and wheel, you won’t have any trouble if you like lightweight travel bags.

The heavy-duty zippers will help to make sure all of your belongings stay inside the bag when you hit the road.

This is one of the most popular and best-selling golf travel cases, and it truly offers the same incredible protection that a hard case would.

• Straps to keep everything in place
• Stand to hold bag off of the floor
• Lots of padding
• Made with high-quality fabric

Related Posts

About Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt Olizarowicz started playing golf at the age of 7. She played Division 1 College golf at St.Johns University, where she won two tournaments at the collegiate level. After college Britt went on to become a Class A PGA Professional. Her love for the game spans almost her entire life. Today Britt loves sharing her knowledge of golf through her writing. After all, to teach the game of golf, you must first have a love for it.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Important Info

Safety Disclaimer

Privacy Policy

Wells Fargo Championship

Quail Hollow Club

Travel Bags

9 of our favorite golf travel bags to consider for your next golf trip

The proper golf travel bag is necessary for anyone hitting the road. A travel bag needs to check all the boxes —durability, pocket space, padding and an internal strap to keep the bag snug and not moving around inside—the difference-maker is the much-appreciated ability to effortlessly move through the airport. Wheels to allow you to move through the airport with minimum effort is also key.

If you're reading this, it's not too late. You've likely done the hard part—booking your next golf trip. Now you need to figure out how to get your golf clubs safely to your destination. We're here to help, here are a few of our favorite travel bags that'll make things a little easier whenever you hit the road again. RELATED: The best travel cover for golfers

Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian

The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian is large enough to hold anything from a standard carry bag to the largest of cart bags. There are enough pockets to store everything from a pair (or two) of golf shoes, raingear, a dozen balls and, on the way home, probably a bag of dirty laundry. At the airport, the pivoting wheels make maneuvering through check-in a breeze.

Caddymatic Hard Top Shell Padded Travel Cover with Wheels

A durable, polyester lower half folds up inside the hard top to make it easier for storage. The shell top of the bag helps protect clubs from damage in transit.

More to consider:

Founders Club Golf Travel Cover Luggage

Samsonite "The Protector Hard & Soft Golf Travel Cover with Shark Wheels

Founders Club Golf Travel Bag Travel Cover Luggage for Golf Clubs with ABS Hard Shell Top

Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate Travel Cover with Stiff Arm

Not only is Club Glove one of the most trusted companies in this space, but it also offers some of the most impressive style offerings in golf. Available in 16 colors, these are well-designed bags, which also include a stiff arm protector to keep your driver safe.

Bag Boy T-2000 Travel Cover

For anyone who's struggled to fit their golf bag into a tight travel case in the past, the Bag Boy will seem like a revelation. The full wraparound zippered compartment makes it simple to get your clubs into the case.

Sun Mountain Kube Travel Cover

This might be the most innovative option in this group. The Kube folds into a versatile little square, making it convenient for condensing in size when your bag's not in there (think in the trunk of your car on a golf trip, or in storage when you're not on a trip).

TourTrek TC PRO Travel Cover

Just like the bag above, this Tour Trek has a large compartment that wraps around and zippers shut. The company also boasts a central internal compression strap to help secure your clubs in transit. There are 11 colorful options to choose from.

SKB Cases ATA Deluxe Standard Hard Golf Bag

This durable case is molded from a durable polyethylene, which the company says was built to better fit golf bags of any size. This case also boasts what the company calls a "patent-pending closure system" with industrial strength latching to make the system more secure.

OGIO Straight Jacket Travel Cover

The strap system on this durable Ogio bag makes it easy to secure your clubs, so they don't move around and become damaged in transit. The travel bag is fully padded to protect your clubs further, and keeping the product as fresh as possible. The company, one of the most reliable for all types of bags, also boasts tip-resistant stability. (This model is currently sold out, but you can shop a similar Ogio travel bag here .)

RELATED: The best golf practice nets available now for indoor/outdoor at-home practice

More from Golf Digest

Trending now.

6 Best Golf Travel Bags (2024) – Best For Protecting Your Clubs

Traveling with golf clubs does not have to be complicated.

Today’s golf traveling bag has everything you need to have the best golf trip ever, a trip where all your clubs arrive in one piece.

We have put together some of the best golf travel bags on the market .

We have options for the budget shopper and the golfer that would protect their clubs over themselves! 

Best Golf Travel Bags in 2024

• CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor Golf Travel Cover (Best Golf Travel Bag )
• Bag Boy Golf 2018 T-10 Hard Top Travel Cover (Runner Up 1)
• Club Glove Last Bag Collapsible Travel Golf Bag (Runner Up 2)
• Club Champ Golf Bag Travel Cover (Best Cheap Golf Travel Bag)
• Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Golf Travel Bag (Best Premium Golf Travel Bag)
• Samsonite Hard Sided Travel Cover Case (Best Hard Cover Golf Travel Bag)

Best Golf Travel Bag: CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor

• Lightweight
• Thick fabric
• Comes with the North Pole to open the bag up
• Does not fold flat for storage

At the top of our list is the CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor . This is one of the best golf travel bags because of the pricing , quality , and the protection that it provides the clubs.

You will notice that this bag also comes with a product called the North Pole protector. 

The North Pole is essentially like a stick that stretches your golf travel bag out fully. It does this so that the Driver is not damaged if the bag is hit from the front end. 

The Caddy Daddy is made from a 1800D Fabric , which is very thick. You can lock the zippers on the bag if you want, but the TSA locks are not included.

If you are not going to purchase a hard case, you need a product with thick fabric and additional padding at the top of the bag. The Caddy Daddy offers all of this and at a reasonable price. 

The Caddy Daddy only weighs 1.2 pounds so you can throw in that extra box of golf balls that you know you are going to need on your next trip.

Runner Up 1: Bag Boy Golf 2018 T-10 Hard Top Travel Cover

• Very easy to pull and maneuver
• Hardtop to protect golf clubs
• Lots of room inside
• Fabric is not as durable as some other brands

BagBoy makes a lot of great travel bags and golf bags as well. They certainly know what golfers need, and they know how to protect your golf clubs from damage.

The Bag Boy Golf T10 stands out because of the Hard Top Travel Cover . 

The majority of this travel bag is a soft cover with a 600D Polyester fabric . That is not the thickest fabric out there, but it certainly does the job. The most crucial part is that the heads of the golf clubs are protected. 

The Hardtop is made with an ABS crush-resistant material that truly will keep your golf clubs from breaking.

The inline skate wheels make the bag very easy to pull, and there is a handle built into the hardtop that makes this one of the best golf travel bags on the market.

Runner Up 2: Club Glove Last Bag Collapsible Golf Travel Bag

• High-quality product
• Zippers, fabric, and wheels hold up over time
• Storage on the inside and out
• Easy to maneuver
• Available in lots of colors

Club Glove has the best golf travel bags, but there is one thing about them that keeps them from the top of our list. They are just very expensive! 

If you plan on doing a lot of traveling with your clubs, there is no question that this is a great choice for you to consider. The bag collapses after use , and you can store it away without any trouble. 

On the outside of the Club Glove Last Bag, you will see two exterior shoe or storage pockets. These give you quick and easy access without having to unzip the entire bag. K

eep in mind the Club Glove also comes in many colors so you will be able to choose something that stands out from the crowd. 

The Fabric is a Cordura 1000D that is not only extremely strong , but it is also water-resistant . If you have ever traveled in the rain, you know how wet the golf bags can get, even though the best golf travel bags. 

The Club Glove is made for serious golfers, and it has all the right pockets and zippers in all the right places. If you want to take care of your golf clubs but don’t want to invest in a hard shell, the Club Glove is undoubtedly the next best thing.

As you will notice, they call it the Last Bag because you will never again be shopping for a golf travel bag.

Club Champ Golf Bag Travel Cover

Best Cheap Golf Travel Bag

• Very low price
• Fully collapsible
• Heavy-duty construction
• Fabric is not as strong as other choices

It is only fair to offer an option for the best golf travel bag for the budget shopper. If you are a person who only travels periodically, there is no reason to spend $300 or more dollars on a golf travel bag. 

With the Club Champ , you can protect your clubs for a very low price. There are built-in wheels and extra padding around the top of the clubs to help make sure things are protected and secured.

If you are traveling soon and just need an option to get you from point A to point B this is absolutely the choice to go with.

When you are done using the bag, it will collapse fully , and you can store it in a closet.

Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian

Best Premium Golf Travel Bag

• Won’t have to bend down to pack/unpack
• High quality fabric
• Wheels are easy to use

SunMountain makes some great travel bags and traditional golf bags. We love the ClubGlifer Meridian because of the features that it offers that other manufacturers are not offering. 

The ClubGlider has padding at the top of the bag to help keep the clubs protected. This is a soft storage bag, but it has 1200 Denier polyester fabric that will keep it in great shape for years to come. 

The most interesting part about this golf travel bag is the pivoting caster wheels and leg mechanism .

The bag will rais up off the ground so that you can pack it and unpack it without being on the ground.

Who really wants to be on the floor of a hotel room unpacking their bag? 

The SunMountain comes equipped with internal straps to keep things from moving around during your travel, and the legs will retract and fit into their molded tray.

The legs and wheels are very high quality and should not cause any issues long term. If you want a high-quality bag that will save your back and clubs, the ClubGlider is an excellent choice.

Samsonite Golf Hard Sided Travel Cover Case

Best Hard Cover

• Protects clubs very well
• Easy to glide around
• Takes up alot of room when not in use
• Will not accommodate very large golf bags

Samsonite has been a leading name in the luggage industry for many years. It turns out they also make some great golf bags for traveling. The Samsonite Golf Hard Sided Travel Cover Case is the best option if you want a hard shell storage case for your clubs. 

The entire construction is lightweight and durable ABS. With this type of travel cover, you will have plenty of storage and protection. The one downside to the hardstyle case is that if your golf bag is large, it may not fit. Where you can stretch a soft case, you won’t be able to do so with the hard ones. 

The Samsonite has wheels and is quite tall as well. If you play with a longer driver, you won’t have any issues fitting it inside this one. 

golf Travel Bags Buying Guide

Knowing your options is only half the battle. Now you must pick a golf bag for traveling that works for you, your style, and your clubs.

We have put together a few questions that should help you narrow down your decision just a bit. 

What Is The Difference Between Hardcover And Softcover Golf Travel Bags? 

A hard case golf travel bag has a protective shell around it. This shell is designed to keep the clubs inside protected from any kind of damage.

We know that luggage is thrown around when you travel. If you have expensive golf clubs that may be hard to replace, the hard case does a great job of keeping everything intact. 

The problem with the hard case is that it is heavy, and you can’t fold it to put it away. If you have space in your home, this won’t be an issue, but if you are already short on space, you do not want to figure out how to store a hard shell travel bag. 

As long as the softcover travel bag you choose has padding and protective coverings, you should not have to worry about golf clubs breaking. These bags do a great job of protecting your clubs even if they are not quite as sturdy as the hard cover cases. 

Will A Cart Bag Fit In A Travel Golf Bag? 

A cart bag will sometimes not fit in a travel bag. You have a few options here. One of the first things you can do is purchase a carry or stand bag that is more lightweight and use it for traveling.

Another option is to measure the cart bag and the travel bag and see if it will fit. 

Some of the larger golf travel bags can accommodate a cart bag but the problem will be the weight. By the time you add a cart bag and all of your belongings to the travel bags, chances are the pricing is going to get a bit high. 

Do All Golf Travel Bags Have Wheels? 

Not all golf bags for travel will have wheels. Some are just going to have a single carry strap that you can use to lug the clubs around.

Certainly, these are the less expensive type because carrying your clubs in this way is quite difficult. If you are looking for the best golf travel bag, make sure to include wheels on your list of must haves. 

Should I store Shoes And Other Things In My Golf Travel Bag? 

People love to stuff their travel golf bags full of extra equipment and gear. There is usually quite a bit of room in these bags, so that is completely understandable, but you should be careful as to how you do this. 

Make sure that nothing but soft goods are put anywhere near the clubhead. Also, make sure that all items are strapped down or tucked inside the bag. If you leave a golf club outside of your bag but within the travel bag, there is a high potential that it could break during travel. 

Hopefully, our choices for the best golf travel bag have helped you narrow down your options. There are many good travel bags out there, but it is important to choose something that has the fabric, storage, and the durability that you need for your travel schedule. 

The Caddy Daddy gives golfers great club protection, an easy way to carry the bag, lightweight design, and lots of storage. This is a travel bag that you will likely have for many years before needing to replace it.

Henry Foster

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Top Categories

• Training Aids
• Accessories

Site Navigation

Useful links.

• Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2024 Skilled Golf

• Updated: February 9, 2024

Best Golf Travel Bag 2023

by Independent Golf Reviews

We love traveling to play golf and have tested a lot of golf travel bags over the years. In 2023, we found that the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Bag is the best golf travel bag.

Golf travel bags should keep your golf clubs safe when you’re traveling. They need to offer that protection, or they’re not doing their job.

Also, golf travel bags must be made from durable material. If the travel bag is easily damaged, your golf clubs don’t stand much chance in transit.

And because you use them when traveling, golf travel bags need to be mobile. You can’t be lugging around a heavy travel bag while on the road. Therefore, the best golf travel bags should have wheels for excellent maneuverability.

The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Bag offers exceptional protection for your golf clubs. You can rest easy knowing that your clubs will be safe in this travel bag.

It’s made from high-quality materials, so it passes the durability test. We all know how bags can get beat up in luggage handling. However, the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Bag is solid and tough. You don’t need to worry about it – or your clubs – getting damaged.

With this travel bag, you can glide around the airport with ease. It’ll give you no problems maneuvering it in crowded spaces.

THE 10 BEST GOLF TRAVEL BAG 2023

• Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Bag (Best Overall)
• Callaway OGIO Alpha Travel Cover (Runner-Up)
• SKB Deluxe Standard ATA Golf Travel Case (Best Hard Case)
• OutdoorMaster Padded Golf Travel Bag (Best Value)
• Himal Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag (Best Budget)
• Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro (Tour Trusted)
• Samsonite Golf Hard-Sided Travel Cover Case (Alternate Hard Case)
• CaddyDaddy Constrictor Padded Golf Travel Bag (Alternate Value)
• MacGregor VIP II Premium Travel Cover (Great Security)
• Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag (Alternate Budget)

1. Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Bag (Best Overall)

The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Bag is the best overall travel bag in 2023. Sun Mountain has become known in the golf world for its quality products. And this is a quality golf travel bag.

To protect your clubs, it has thick padding around the top. This keeps your driver and fairway woods safe when your clubs are in transit and on the airport carousel. As the longest clubs in the bag, they’re in most danger of breaking when you travel. However, the Sun Mountain ClubGlider ensures you can travel with peace of mind. Two interior straps also keep your golf bag secure, helping with overall protection.

The best golf travel bags also make going on golf trips easy. They should lessen the burden of traveling with a full golf bag.

This one features an integrated leg set. You can choose between using two wheels or four wheels. For your convenience, you can retract the extra wheels when not needed. The wheels on this travel bag offer you excellent maneuverability. You can glide through the airport easily without being weighed down by a cumbersome travel bag.

We like the storage this travel bag offers. You can store accessories or jackets in the two spacious outside pockets. And inside the travel bag, there’s plenty of room for your golf shoes or anything else you want to take with you.

The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Bag is a top-class premium travel bag.

2. Callaway OGIO Alpha Travel Cover (Runner-Up)

The Callaway OGIO Alpha Travel Cover is a worthy runner-up in the battle for the best golf travel bags. It’s not as heavy as the previous option, but it offers great protection for your clubs.

The 900D polyester fabric is durable and can take some knocks when you’re on golf travel. However, the protection on offer keeps your valuables and clubs safe. Dense foam padding around the top gives this travel bag a sturdy structure. And a skid plate on the bottom protects it from damage.

With two wheels, this travel bag is mobile and easy to pull along. It’s not too heavy and doesn’t strain your body much. You can get through the airport quickly, pulling this travel bag.

It offers you plenty of storage as well, with two exterior storage spaces. You can slot your golf shoes in here or any other accessories you might want to take.

3. SKB Deluxe Standard ATA Golf Travel Case (Best Hard Case)

The SKB Deluxe Standard ATA Golf Travel Case is the best hard-case option. This is a heavy-duty bag and will protect your clubs no matter how you’re traveling.

This travel cover is incredibly durable because it is made from ultra-high, molecular weight polyethylene. It’s sealed to prevent dirt, dust, and moisture from getting in, offering fantastic protection for your clubs. This hard-sided bag gives you the ultimate peace of mind while traveling for golf.

The cover is molded to fit cart bags, stand bags, or carry bags. This form-fitting design accommodates the vast majority of today’s most popular golf bags. So, it’s unlikely you’ll have a golf bag that doesn’t fit into it.

4. OutdoorMaster Padded Golf Travel Bag (Best Value)

The OutdoorMaster Padded Golf Travel Bag is the best value golf travel bag. This bag has excellent padding that will protect your clubs when you travel. The material is waterproof and wear-resistant, giving you that extra protection and durability.

Extra foam cushioning ensures your club heads have more protection. That’s great news because this area can be more vulnerable to damage.

You’ll have no problem traveling with this golf travel bag. In-line skate wheels make it extremely easy to get around when you’re on the move. Also, it has a shoulder strap and multiple handles, so it’s easy to lift when needed.

There’s loads of room on offer here for storing other items. Each pocket on the sides might as well be a shoe bag. And there’s plenty of space inside the travel bag itself to store extra items.

5. Himal Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag (Best Budget)

The Himal Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag is the best budget-friendly bag. This soft-sided travel bag is made of premium 600D, heavy-duty polyester oxford fabric. It’ll protect your clubs at a great price.

This golf travel bag has an excellent wheel system. You can glide through the airport effortlessly with this travel bag. And you can change direction without the wheels jarring, so you can easily get through a crowd when in a hurry.

It comes in a universal size, so you’ll have no problems fitting your golf bag into it. Also, there’s plenty of space left over to store other items. And external compression straps keep everything compact and secure.

6. Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro (Tour Trusted)

The Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro is a tour-trusted golf travel bag. Tour pros like Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson use these golf travel bags.

It is spacious and sturdy and will protect your clubs when you travel. That’s why the pros trust it. They can’t afford their custom clubs to get damaged in transit to a tournament.

In-line skate wheels allow you to get around effortlessly. The smooth-rolling wheels glide along and don’t make too much noise.

It’s easy to load this travel bag with your golf clubs. An over-the-top zipper gives you quick access, so you can pack your clubs in no time. Once your clubs are inside, you can make everything secure and compact with three external straps.

7. Samsonite Golf Hard-Sided Travel Cover Case (Alternate Hard Case)

The Samsonite Golf Hard-Sided Travel Cover Case is a great alternate hard-shell option. The solid and durable ABS shell keeps your clubs safe and secure.

A quilted interior with extra foam cushioning at the top helps to protect your club heads. Internal compression straps allow you to secure your golf bag inside the case. It won’t move around, limiting the chance of anything breaking.

Four spinner wheels combined with two in-line skate wheels allow you to wheel this golf travel bag in any direction. It’s great having such amazing maneuverability when you’re traveling for golf.

8. CaddyDaddy Constrictor Padded Golf Travel Bag (Alternate Value)

The CaddyDaddy Constrictor Padded Golf Travel Bag is a fantastic alternate option if you want value for money. At the top of the bag, it has a north pole golf protector. This guards your driver and fairway woods against potentially damaging impacts.

This soft-sided golf travel bag is more lightweight than other bags. However, it still offers adequate protection. The top of the bag is heavily padded, so it absorbs any impact when baggage handlers are loading your travel bag.

In-line wheels make this travel bag easy to maneuver. Combine that with the lightweight construction, and this is one of the easiest golf travel bags to take on a trip.

9. MacGregor VIP II Premium Travel Cover (Great Security)

The MacGregor VIP II Premium Travel Cover gives you great security when traveling for golf. You can seal the cover with three heavy-duty external straps. You’ll be confident in the security that provides for your clubs. Also, lockable dual zips add an extra layer of security for other belongings you may be traveling with.

This travel bag is durable and offers good protection. Additional padding at the top of the cover gives your clubs more protection. And an internal strap holds the clubs in place, giving you even more security.

Space is important in golf travel bags, and this one has plenty of space for other items. You can easily fit in other golf equipment or extra clothing.

10. Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag (Alternate Budget)

The Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag is a good alternate budget option. Some travel bags can be very expensive, but this one comes at an excellent price.

It’s made from durable nylon fabric, so it’ll stand up to the rigors of travel. Also, reinforced stress points give it some extra protection.

This is a freestanding travel bag, meaning it’ll stand upright even when your clubs are inside. That’s handy because you don’t have to keep setting it down and lifting it again when you’re moving.

This travel bag has good padding, with the top being heavily padded to protect club heads. Also, compression straps inside keep your clubs secure.

Two large pockets on the outside give you ample storage room. These are zippered so you can store your golf gear securely.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A GOLF TRAVEL BAG

When buying a golf travel bag, you should look for protection, durability, wheels, weight, interior straps, storage, and price.

Protection is the main thing you want in the best golf travel bags. They must protect your golf bag and golf equipment. If not, they’re pretty much useless.

We all know that baggage handlers aren’t going to carefully set your travel bag down. They just throw it on and grab the next item of luggage. Therefore, the best golf travel bags must protect your clubs.

You also want a good golf travel bag to be durable. If it’s not durable, you can’t have confidence that it’ll protect your clubs.

Also, you want it to last you for a long time. It’s no good having to buy a new travel bag for every few golf trips.

All the best golf travel bags have wheels these days. They make it so much easier for you to travel with your golf bag and equipment.

And you want the wheels to last as well. A broken wheel can make your golf trip much more work than you’d like. In-line skate wheels are a great option because they’re more protected than standard wheels. Also, they roll smoothly, making your walk through the airport effortless.

You should look at weight when buying a golf travel bag. If it’s too heavy, it’ll cause you hassle when you’re traveling. You don’t want to be lugging a heavy bag around, especially if you travel a lot for golf.

Also, you don’t want to injure your back with a heavy travel bag. You’ve got golf to play, after all.

Interior Straps

A travel bag with interior straps gives your golf bag more security. Your golf bag won’t move around inside your case, and that means your clubs won’t jerk around either. That security limits the chances of something breaking.

Storage is essential to look for when buying a golf travel cover. It’s not enough just to have enough space for your clubs. You need space for other golf accessories as well. Our favorite golf travel bags always have a good amount of storage. Maybe you’re playing some hard courses and need to take some extra golf balls on your golf vacation.

You should look at the price because you want a bag that meets your needs but fits into your budget. Golf travel bags widely range in price, so you need to consider the price.

If you go on a golf vacation once every few years, you may not want to buy a premium option. However, that’d make sense if you travel a lot for golf.

And that’s everything you need to know about golf travel bags. You have some excellent options to choose from in 2023.

The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Bag is the best overall. It gives you exceptional protection and security. And the high-quality material is extremely durable.

The wheels work great, and there’s plenty of storage available. Whether you have a stand bag or a cart bag, it’ll easily fit into the best golf travel bag in 2023.

🏌️‍♂️ Subscribe to Independent Golf Reviews 👇

Get Golf Discounts & Giveaways from the top brands and stores in golf. Sign up below to be automatically entered in this months giveaway.

You are now an official member of IGR. Keep an eye out for the perks.

No spam, ever. 🔒

About The Author

Writers of Independent Golf Reviews Independent Golf Reviews has tested and reviewed 1000+ golf products over the past 10 years. We use our experience and expertise to give golfers an unbiased insight on the market.  Read more…

You are now an official member of IGR. Keep an eye out for the perks.

About Us   Submit Your Product Contact

Full Disclosure Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© 2024 Independent Golf Reviews

Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bags: The Ultimate Guide (2023)

The 5 Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bags: Protect Your Clubs

As a golfer, protecting your clubs during travel is essential. That’s why investing in a hard case golf travel bag is a smart choice. In this article, we’ve reviewed and narrowed down the top 5 hard case golf travel bags on the market.

Factors to Consider

Before we dive into the top picks, here are some important factors to consider when choosing a hard case golf travel bag :

Strength and Durability

Your travel bag needs to be strong enough to withstand the trials and tribulations of travel, whether it’s on a plane, train, or automobile. Look for bags made from strong, tear-resistant materials, with ample padding and excellent construction.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of the bag will play a crucial role in how easy it is to transport. Ensure that it meets the airline’s requirements for check-in luggage and that it’s not too heavy to lift.

Having a lockable bag will give you peace of mind during travel. Look for bags with TSA-approved locks or lockable zippers to ensure your clubs are safe and secure.

Top 5 Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bags

• SKB ATA Standard Golf Travel Case

The SKB ATA Standard Golf Travel Case is a durable and reliable option for golfers who need to transport their clubs. It’s constructed with high-quality polyethylene material and features TSA-approved locking latches. The case also has molded-in bumpers to protect the valance and hardware, as well as a padded interior to cushion your clubs. However, it’s one of the heaviest options on the market, weighing in at 18 pounds.

• Samsonite Hard-Sided Golf Travel Cover

The Samsonite Hard-Sided Golf Travel Cover offers excellent protection for your clubs and has an attractive, sleek design. It’s made from durable ABS plastic and features four multi-directional spinner wheels for easy maneuverability. The case also has a padded interior to protect your clubs, as well as a TSA-approved lock. However, it’s one of the more expensive options on the list of Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bags.

• Plano Golf Guard DLX Golf Guard (Black)

The Plano Golf Guard DLX Golf Guard is a sturdy and affordable option for golfers on a budget. It’s constructed with high-density polyethylene and features heavy-duty hardware and lockable latches. The case also has wheels for easy maneuverability and a foam-padded interior to protect your clubs. However, it’s quite heavy, weighing in at 18 pounds.

• CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 Travel Cover

The CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 Travel Cover is a budget-friendly option that offers ample protection for your clubs. It’s made from durable 1800D fabric and features heavy-duty zippers and lockable buckles. The case also has two oversized pockets for shoes or other gear and is lightweight, weighing only 9 pounds. However, the shoulder strap is not as comfortable as other options on the market.

• Pelican Golf Travel Case

The Pelican Golf Travel Case is a top-of-the-line option for golfers who want the best protection for their clubs. It’s constructed with high-impact, lightweight polypropylene and features stainless steel hinges and reinforced corners. The case also has TSA-approved locks, a foam-padded interior, and wheels for easy transport. However, it’s the most expensive option on the list of our Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bags.

Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bags: FAQ’s

What is the best hard case golf travel bag.

The Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bags is the one that meets your specific needs. Consider factors such as size, weight, durability, and ease of use when choosing a hard case golf travel bag. The top 5 options listed in this article are all excellent choices, depending on your preferences.

Are hard case golf travel bags better than soft case ones?

Hard case golf travel bags offer more protection for your clubs and can withstand more abuse during travel. They are also usually easier to maneuver and typically come with additional features, such as TSA-approved locks. However, soft case golf travel bags are generally more lightweight and easier to store when not in use.

Can I bring my golf bag on a plane?

Yes, you can bring your golf bag on a plane, either as checked luggage or as a carry-on. However, each airline has its own policies and fees for transporting golf clubs, so be sure to check with your airline before you travel.

How do I pack my golf bag for travel?

When packing your Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bags, make sure to remove any loose or delicate items, such as headcovers or club covers. Use bubble wrap or towels to protect your clubs and pack them tightly in your bag. Secure your bag with straps or bungee cords to prevent movement during transit.

How do I clean my golf travel bag?

To clean your golf travel bag, wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the bag’s fabric or zippers. Allow the bag to dry completely before storing it.

Conclusion: Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bags

After reviewing the top 5 hard case golf travel bags, it’s clear that choosing the right travel bag is essential for protecting your prized possessions while on the go. Here’s a quick recap of the bags we reviewed:

• SKB Deluxe ATA Golf Travel Case – Best Overall
• Samsonite Golf Hard-Sided Travel Cover Case – Best for Durability
• CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 Travel Cover – Best for Storage
• Plano Golf Guard DLX Hard Travel Cover – Best for Affordability
• Pelican Golf Travel Case – Best for Style

No matter which bag you choose, make sure it fits your specific needs and provides ample protection for your clubs. Don’t risk damage or loss by skimping on a quality golf travel bag.

We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you towards making an informed decision on your next Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bags purchase. Safe travels and happy golfing!

Fun Golf Equipment Advice

At Fun Golf, we believe that there’s more to golf than just the equipment you use. That’s why we’ve created content that covers a range of topics related to the sport such as the Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bags. Here are some of our other articles that we think you might find helpful:

• Golf Insurance : Golf can be an expensive sport, and accidents can happen. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to golf insurance, which can help protect you from unexpected costs. Check out our article on golf insurance to learn more.
• Cheap Golf Rangefinders : Rangefinders can be a valuable tool on the golf course, but they can also be expensive. We’ve researched and tested some of the best affordable rangefinders on the market, and put together a guide to help you find the right one for your needs. Check out our article on cheap golf rangefinders to learn more.
• Beginner Golf Balls : If you’re just starting out in golf, choosing the right balls can be confusing. We’ve reviewed some of the best golf balls for beginners, taking into account factors such as distance, spin, and feel. Check out our article on beginner golf balls to learn more.
• Best Golf Trolleys : Carrying your golf bag can be tiring, which is why many golfers opt for a trolley. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. We’ve researched and tested some of the best golf trolleys, and put together a guide to help you make an informed decision. Check out our article on best golf trolleys to learn more.

By exploring these topics, you can improve your overall golfing experience and make the most out of your time on the course. And as always, we at Fun Golf are committed to providing you with accurate and helpful information to help you enjoy the sport to its fullest.

Related Posts

Thanks for joining the Fun Golf Community!

Do Golf Grips Really Make A Difference? Questions Answered!

25 Most Common Golf Questions: Answered!

Are Lake Balls Any Good? Your Golf Ball Questions Answered!

Best Golf Travel Bags 2024

Heading away on a golf trip? A good travel cover is essential to keep your clubs safe

• Sign up to Golf Monthly Newsletter Newsletter

The Quick List

Best with wheels, best padding, best for airlines, best hard case, best budget, best durability, best color choice, specifications table, how we test.

• How to choose

Best Golf Travel Bag: Quick Menu

1. The list in brief 2. Top pick 3. Best with wheels 4. Best padding 5. Best for airlines 6. Best hard case 7. Best budget 8. Best durability 9. Best color choice 10. How we test 11. How to choose 12. FAQs

A quality travel bag is a must-have for the globetrotting golfer. Your clubs are your prized possessions and taking them away with you can always be a risk, so keep that risk as low as possible with these bags. At Golf Monthly we are all regular golfers and all manage to go on golf trips often and as such we have managed to test a lot of different models out there. 

Therefore we think we are in a good position to pick out the best golf travel bag whilst also giving you advice on the several things to consider. First they have to be strong and able to deal with the trials and tribulations of travel in planes, trains and automobiles. Strong materials, padding, and excellent construction are all vital with models like the Motocaddy and Titleist leading the way here.

Additionally maneuverability is a huge benefit too because awkward travel bags make everything more difficult. Ones that move easily with strong wheels are hugely important which makes the Sun Mountain a top choice. We also think it is good for travel bags to be easy to identify because you never know what can happen in an airport in terms of people accidentally taking your luggage or clubs. As such the Ogio Alpha is one of the best out there and there are plenty of other models with distinctive designs as well.

(Finally we also recommend taking a look at some of our other guides too, such as the best golf luggage , best golf bags , and the best golf tops .) 

The MacGregor VIP II Premium features a cover that can stand up to airport abuse, it’s easy to transport, and it’s an exceptional value at its price.

Read more below

The ClubGlider Meridian is a joy to use and you will be the envy of the airport when wheeling it around whilst other golfers continually pick up their travel covers.

The Motocaddy Flightsafe travel cover is a versatile option if you are looking for a higher level of protection for your clubs and gear when travelling abroad.

Lightweight, easy to use, easy to maneuver and with plenty of storage, the Bag Boy T-660 ticks all the right boxes for the frequent golf traveller.

The Kube from Sun Mountain is an interesting and unique golf travel bag that looks great, has solid padded protection and folds away to a convenient size.

A well-thought-out and user-friendly golf travel cover, the Ram FX travel cover has plenty of space and solid protection for golf clubs and more gear.

Load the next 2 products

A very solid and reliable golf travel cover with an air of quality that allows you to fly with confidence knowing your clubs and gear are safe and secure.

Not only does the Ogio Alpha look great and stand out when travelling in several colors, but it performs well in every way you would want it to.

Best Golf Travel Bags

Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

MacGregor VIP II Premium Travel Cover with our golf bag zipped up inside of it

MacGregor VIP II Premium Travel Cover

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The VIP II Premium travel cover offers all the durable protection and ease of use of the Deluxe model, with a few extra features for added peace of mind - like additional padding around the top of the cover increases the layer of protection for the clubs, while an internal support strap keeps clubs secure during transit. We cannot stress how much of a difference these little design details make. As some of the best golf clubs can cost a lot of money you're going to want to ensure that your bag has a lot of protection on offer to keep them safe. 

Three heavy duty external straps provide a fail safe seal on the cover and lockable dual zips add a final level of security that makes this travel cover very good value for money. There is also plenty of space to throw in the clothing and footwear that didn’t make it into your suitcase. And to give you an idea of how much space there is, there’s enough to accommodate a 49-inch driver. We should also mention the price because despite having the word Premium in the name, it definitely comes at the value end of the price spectrum which is very appealing to us. 

• Read our full MacGregor VIP II Travel Cover Review

The Sun Mountain Club Glider Meridian Travel Cover pictured at an airport

Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Cover

The superbly-innovative ClubGlider from Sun Mountain will be your best friend when on a golf trip, featuring an integrated leg set that retracts easily and supports all the weight of the bag for easy wheeling on all surfaces. Just like the name suggests, the four wheels simply glide around the airport and this takes away any stress from your back, arms and wrists for when maneuvering it. Additionally when we tested it we found the legs to be very sturdy, akin to many of the best Sun Mountain golf bags and the wheels roll excellently

The padding around the top of the bag is very thick and should mean that there are no accidents with your driver and fairway woods. The bag also comes with two spacious outside pockets, one on either side, that can easily house jackets, coats, jumpers or anything else you see fit to put in there for easy access. Inside the bag, there are two straps to keep your golf bag secured and there’s enough room for plenty more too. Overall we loved this model, it does cost a little bit more than some others on this list but it is well made, performs well, protects your clubs and makes travelling with clubs significantly easier which is a big plus. 

• Read our full Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Cover Review

The Motocaddy Flightsafe Travel Cover resting on the floor of an airport departure lounge. 

Motocaddy Flightsafe Travel Cover

A versatile travel bag that is perfect if you're looking for more protection for your golf clubs when traveling. Motocaddy are well known for producing some of the best electric golf trolleys and best golf cart bags on the market and their experience in the industry, using top class materials, makes them one of the most trusted brands around. When we tested this bag out, we were very impressed with the protection it offered our clubs. The durable and padded nylon materials made it very protective and we were enamored by the size of the bag. Motocaddy resisted the temptation to make it too big and cumbersome and it is just the right size for all your gear and a pretty chunky bag. 

You'll also be able to fit a pair of the best golf shoes in there too and some clothing or apparel. One of the highlights of this bag was how easy it was to maneuver the bag around the airport thanks to the handy six-wheel design on the base of the bag. In addition, there are both internal and external straps that do a good job of holding your clubs tightly to the bag an addition that really put our mind at ease that our clubs wouldn't move around too much in the bag. There’s no doubt you’ll find more eye-catching flight bags on the market. However, this has a simple, understated but premium look that we liked and it did an excellent job of keeping our clubs well protected. 

• Read our full Motocaddy Flightsafe Travel Cover Review

The BagBoy T-660 Travel Cover resting on grass

BagBoy T-660 Travel Cover

The new Bag Boy T-660 features a wrap-around zipper that opens up the entire front of the travel cover. From there, you simply lay your golf bag in there and, unless it's oversized or severely overstuffed, we found it to be pretty easy to get in and out of the bag. What's more, when folded up and not in use, you can easily fit it into a small space behind the seat of your rental car when you're traveling, or put it in the corner of the trunk. The T-660 also weighs less than 6 pounds, so it's easy to maneuver when not in use and you can store it on a shelf at your house or in your garage without it taking up much space. 

There were other elements we liked in testing - for example it also has reinforced corners, a skid plate, skid bars, and a large front pocket at the bottom for your shoes or outerwear. It also comes with high quality inline skate wheels for smooth rolling. Last but not least we think the price, given the solid performance, offers excellent value, and all of this makes it an ideal option for those golfers who go on trips via the airport. The lightness and strength of the bag ensures you can move it around easily, and yet won't get broken by the most heavy handed airline staff. We would say add a  colorful ribbon or something to a handle though, as it doesn't really stand out that much!

• Read our full Bag Boy T-660 Travel Cover Review

Sun Mountain Kube Travel Cover and its excellent luggage case

Sun Mountain Kube Travel Cover

We are big fans of the Kube. It's an excellent innovation that not only serves its main purpose of protecting your clubs well in transit, but also allows you to collapse it down to a neat size smaller than the average cabin bag (23 x 33 x 38) when not in use via its clever foldaway system. It has a robust hard-case shell with two external and internal straps to keep everything secure on the inside. We also like the reinforced padded area at the clubhead end for added protection. 

The wheels glide well and the case is easy to move around thanks to the handle, not to mention it weighs just 3.08kg/6.6lbs as well. Right now there are several colors to choose from so if the orange and grey isn't for you, you can also get it in navy, green/black as well as a pink/graphite finish. Sun Mountain make many fantastic products, especially when it comes to bags which is why we created a best Sun Mountain golf bags guide too.

Ram Fx golf travel cover review resting on the floor of an airport.

Ram FX Golf Travel Cover

A well-thought-out and user-friendly golf travel cover, the Ram FX is made from a very sturdy ripstop fabric with extra padding across key areas where the golf clubs would be. A large main compartment houses golf clubs and features one main strap to hold your clubs down once they are packed. 

Exterior pockets include one perfectly sized for a pair of the best golf shoes  and a similarly sized pocket we found useful for packing accessories like some of the best golf socks  and belts. Additionally it may seem like a small feature, but we really liked the blue accents on the outside of the bag because it made it very easy to spot when a deluge of golf travel bags get dropped off at the oversized baggage section in the airport. Overall with a lower RRP than some others on this list, this bag easily represents one of the best-value travel bags on the market, but you aren't compromising on that much performance.

• Read our full Ram FX Golf Travel Cover Review

Titleist Players Travel Cover being wheeled into the airport

Titleist Players Travel Cover

Featuring two premium skate wheels and a large carry handle, the Titleist Players Travel Cover is very functional and a safe home for your clubs. Having tested it extensively, we were very impressed with the protection and quality it offered. Specifically we felt it dealt with the trials of travel extremely well, with the durable polyester fabric handling bumps, scrapes and such very well indeed.

The bag also comes with a handy strap on the inside that'll hold your clubs in place and it's worth pointing out  that there would be ample space inside this bag for one of the best golf cart bags . But that additional storage space was great for us, as we could place our golf shoes inside the bag along side our clubs, without worrying about our suitcase being overweight. The bag does have a premium feel, but what's more is that it also comes with two premium skate wheels which operate very nicely in and around airports to help you transport your bag without straining too much to carry it. 

That is complimented by a very comfortable handle that is easy to grasp, hold and pull. One down side is that it comes in black only, which in fairness, is fitting for such a no-nonsense, high-quality product, yet may not appeal to those players looking to make a statement when they walk into the airport with their golf clubs. 

• Read our full Titleist Players Travel Cover Review

The Ogio Alpha Travel Cover finished in blue

Ogio Alpha Travel Cover Mid

The Ogio Alpha travel bag is a very roomy option that can store shoes, clothes, balls and still have space left over for a souvenir or two. With all of this equipment in it, we thought it might be overly cumbersome and heavy, but it was a fantastic lightweight option when lifting it into cars, or from an airport carousel. 

That makes it a great cover for golfers looking to put as little strain on their backs as possible and it features two strong wheels that make this bag very easy to maneuver and pull behind you while you're out walking. It features a skid plate on the bottom which protects the bag from any abrasions but is also made of a durable material that is well padded around your club heads for additional protection and structure. 

The D-shaped opening makes it easy to gain access to your clubs and the bag also features some handy compression straps which keep your clubs well secured inside the cover. The last thing to note is the eye-catching colors that the Ogio Alpha comes in. We tested out the Cover's 'Warp Speed' colorway and it was very easy to spot in the airport. But you can also get it in other colors like 'Terra Texture', 'Black', and 'Mid Haze'. In fact this color choice really differentiates it from the competition but you are guaranteed not to lose it in the airport or wherever you are. 

• Read our full Ogio Alpha Travel Cover Mid Review

Our  testing for golf gear  is built upon a comprehensive process combined with the knowledge and expertise of the Golf Monthly test team. Our team usually attend product launches and then when it comes to our actual testing, we test products over a period of time that we can gauge the performance. For travel bags we do our best to use them when travelling because doing this allows to gauge performance in scenarios that you might face as well. It should also be mentioned that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review and we make our conclusions from the testing and our experiences. This is because we strive to give the best reviews possible so you can get a greater understanding of the products themselves.

How to choose a golf travel bag

As your travel bag will help to protect your golf equipment, there are a variety of factors that you need to consider when looking to pick up a travel bag that's going to keep your clubs safe. So for that reason, we've outlined some key points that you're going to want to think about when you're purchasing your next travel cover. 

1. Strength/durability/materials

Above all else, a travel bag has to protect your golf clubs properly as well as be able to put up with general wear and tear of travel. As a result, the bag should be made from strong, tear-resistant materials, and they should also have some features to protect the clubs on the inside of the bag too like compression straps on the inside and outside, along with foam padding around the top of the bag. The wheels should also be strong and move properly.

2. Maneuverability

Good models are also very easy to move around which means having wheels that slide well and can change direction properly. From a luggage perspective we would recommend four-wheels but with travel bags two-wheels work well because they can be laid on the ground easily. 

Given you will be moving the bag around, weight is very important, especially if a model only has two wheels. Here a fine balance has to be made between lightness and strength because you don't want to compromise on either. Some of the best lightweight golf bags weight literally next to nothing when stored away in a very easy to carry travel bag, so make sure to think about that when purchasing your next cover.

4. Warranty

This is definitely a factor to consider if, god forbid, your clubs and golf gear are damaged or broken. We recommend checking with retailers and manufacturers themselves how long they offer on warranties. The longer the warranty the better! 

Finally have a think about how much you want to spend on a golf travel bag. We think this is not an area to compromise on given they are designed to protect your golf clubs however we do think there are good models that don't have to cost an arm and a leg, as the above models show. For more advice on the best golf bags on the market, take a look at our guides to the best golf travel bags for under $100 , best golf pencil bags and best golf cart bags .

What should you be looking for in a travel bag?

Strength and durability is your starting point. A good travel bag has to be strong and durable to put up with the general wear and tear of travel. This means being made of strong, tear-resistant fabrics, and also having some features to protect the clubs on the inside of the bag too like compression straps on the inside and outside, along with foam padding around the top of the bag. The wheels should also be strong and move properly.

Is weight important for a travel bag?

Given you will be carrying the travel bag around, weight is very important, especially if a model only has two wheels. Here a fine balance has to be made between lightness and strength because you don't want to compromise on either.

Good models are very easy to move around which means having wheels that slide well and can change direction properly. There are several excellent models above with more than two wheels and these are usually the best in this factor, but some two-wheel options move well too, such as the Sun Mountain Kube.

Can I put other golf equipment in a travel bag?

Depending on the weight you're allotted for your transfer or flight, you can sometimes opt to put more equipment in your travel bag, as well as your clubs. You may opt to put your waterproof gear, golf shoes or even some golf clothing in your travel bag. 

What kind of bag do pro golfers use?

From our research we have found the model that Tour players often use is from Club Glove and the official Large Pro model because it is big enough to house Tour golf bags which are the biggest in the game.

Do you need a travel bag to bring golf clubs on a plane?

You don't officially need a travel bag for golf clubs on a plan but it is highly recommended to make sure they are protected and aren't broken during travel. 

GOLF PROMO CODES AND COUPONS

From clubs, balls and tees, to essential sportswear and fitness products, keep it affordable with a little help from our promo and coupon codes.

TGW promo codes

These The Golf Warehouse coupon codes will help you save on golf clubs, golf shoes, golf balls and apparel.

Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter

Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.

Dan has been with Golf Monthly team since 2021. He graduated with a Masters degree in International Journalism from the University of Sussex and looks after equipment reviews and buying guides, specializing in golf shoe, golf bag, golf cart and apparel reviews. Dan has now tested and reviewed over 30 pairs of golf shoes and is an expert in the field. A left-handed golfer, his handicap index is currently 6.5 and he plays at Fulford Heath Golf Club in the West Midlands. 

Dan's current clubs: 

Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2  

Fairway: TaylorMade Stealth 2 15°

Hybrid: Ping G425 

Irons: Cobra King Tec Utility , Ping i230 (5-PW) 

Wedges: Ping Glide Forged Pro

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X

Ball: Titleist AVX

• Sam Tremlett E-commerce Editor

Brown revealed he met Spieth during a practice round at The Masters a few years ago and the three-time Major winner made him 'feel like a friend'

By Jonny Leighfield Published 12 May 24

Korda failed to generate any momentum at Upper Montclair Country Club and slid back into the back as Madelene Sagstrom and Rose Zhang created their own private tournament out in front

• Contact Future's experts
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Accessibility statement
• Cookies policy
• Advertise with us

Golf Monthly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Get The Best Golf Travel Case For Your Next Golf Trip (2024)

Transparency Statement: For full disclosure, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you use these links to make a purchase, I may receive a commission. There is no additional cost for you to purchase through these links.

Have you ever experienced the dreaded feeling of arriving at your destination and finding that your clubs have been damaged during travel ?

I know I have and let me tell you… it’s not a pleasant experience !

Not only can it ruin your golfing trip, but it can also be costly to repair or replace your clubs .

That’s why protecting your clubs with a golf travel case is a must for any golfer who travels with their clubs. Not to be confused with padded golf travel bags , these cases offer the most protection for your clubs.

In this post, I’ll explain the importance of investing in a high-quality travel cover for your clubs and provide our top recommendations for 2024 .

Golf travel cases are specifically designed to protect your clubs from the bumps and jolts of travel and keep your clubs safe and secure.

Plus , they come with a variety of features such as airport-friendly locking mechanisms , multiple compartments, and even built-in stands, to make transporting your clubs even more convenient.

Let’s take a look at the best options.

Table of Contents

What Are The Best Golf Travel Cases?

Here are our top picks for golf club travel cases this year.

#1 – Samsonite Golf Travel Case

🏆 Best Overall Golf Travel Case

Protect your golf clubs on the go with the Samsonite Hard Golf Travel Case. This tough case is built to handle the rigors of air travel, with a sturdy shell, plush padding, and straps to keep your bag secure. Roll it through the airport with ease thanks to its smooth-rolling wheels.

• Super tough shell for lasting protection
• Easy to roll around with spinner wheels
• Roomy enough for larger golf bags
• Soft interior padding keeps clubs safe
• Choose the color that suits you best
• Can be heavier and bulkier than expected

#2 – SKB Standard Hard Travel Case

🥈 Best Heavy-Duty Golf Travel Case

Keep your golf clubs safe on the road with the SKB Deluxe Staff Travel Case. This ultra-tough case shields your gear from bumps, dirt, and moisture. It features secure TSA-approved locks for added peace of mind.

• Most heavy-duty hard case on this list
• The best protection for your clubs
• TSA Locking System and latches
• Contoured to fit most stand bags
• Tight fit with larger golf bags

#3 – CaddyDaddy Enforcer

🥉 Best Value For Money

The CaddyDaddy Enforcer Golf Travel Case is your clubs’ bodyguard during flights. Its rock-solid hard top and durable fabric shield your gear, while wheels and a full-zip opening make it a breeze to pack and maneuver. Plus, lockable zippers offer extra security.

• Provides excellent protection for golf clubs during air travel
• Made with durable materials and comes with a 1-year warranty
• Comes with large pockets and inline skate wheels for easy transport
• The handle is not the most comfortable design

#4 – CaddyDaddy Golf “Constrictor II”

Best Soft Cover Golf Travel Case

Travel with confidence knowing your golf clubs are safe with the CaddyDaddy Constrictor II Travel Cover. This tough, padded bag protects your gear from bumps and jostles. It rolls smoothly, offers secure storage, and even comes with a full warranty for worry-free trips.

• High-quality, heavy-duty construction to protect golf clubs and equipment during travel.
• Oversized pockets and cinch straps provide additional storage and security for golf gear.
• 1-year full replacement warranty and US-based customer service offer peace of mind for buyers.
• Not as much protection as a hard shell cover case

When it comes to traveling with your clubs, there is a clear winner.

🏆 Our Top Pick :

Samsonite Golf Travel Cover

Golf Travel Case FAQs

Q: What is the difference between a hard golf travel case and a padded golf bag?

A: hard golf travel cases are a type of golf travel bag that is made of rigid plastic or other hard materials. It typically has foam padding on the inside to protect your clubs, and it offers excellent protection against impact and rough handling during travel. Hard golf covers are designed to be extremely durable and offer the highest level of protection for your golf clubs.

Padded golf travel bags , on the other hand, are soft-sided golf travel cases that are made of fabric, typically nylon or polyester. It has foam padding to protect your clubs, but it is not as rigid as a hard golf cover. Padded golf bags are designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, and they usually come with wheels to make transportation easier.

Q: Are golf travel cases worth the investment?

A: Absolutely! A hard case offers the best protection for your clubs during travel, and investing in a high-quality case can save you money in the long run by preventing damage to your clubs.

Q: Are all golf travel cases the same size?

A: No, golf travel cases come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different types of golf bags. Be sure to measure your golf bag and check the dimensions of the case before purchasing.

Q: Can I check a golf travel case as baggage on a flight?

A: Yes, most airlines allow you to check a golf travel case as baggage. However, be sure to check with your airline for any specific size or weight restrictions.

Q: Can I fit multiple golf bags in a single golf travel case?

A: It depends on the size of the case and the size of the golf bags. Be sure to check the dimensions of the case and the golf bags to ensure that they will fit comfortably inside the case.

Q: Are there any warranties on golf travel cases?

A: Yes, most manufacturers offer warranties on their golf travel cases. Be sure to check the warranty offered by the manufacturer before purchasing.

Further Reading:

• Golf Travel Tips – How to pack for your golf trip.
• Golf Travel Bags – Find the best bag for travel.
• Golf Travel Tips – How to have a smooth and enjoyable golf trip.
• Golf Destinations – Best Golf Destinations in March 2023
• Golf Gadgets – Find a new gadget for your next golf trip.

Hi, I'm Lee! And I've been playing golf both casually and competitively for over 15 years and I just can't get enough of it. I truly love golf, from those crisp early rounds in the morning sun, to the wind blasted twilight rounds where you're trying to finish before it's dark. In my spare time I enjoy discovering the best golf destinations around the world and am obsessed with the latest in golf technology. I'm always trying out new golf gadgets and gear to get the absolute best out of my golf game.

Similar Posts

Best Golf Gadgets: These Tools Will Skyrocket Your Game in 2024

Best Golf Travel Bags: Protect Your Clubs on the Go (2024)

Essential Cold Weather Golf Gear for Autumn

The Best Sunday Golf Bags For Effortless Rounds in 2024

Walking Golf Destination: Cabot Links (Reviewed 2024)

18 Best Golf Apps of 2024 (Free & Premium)

Leave feedback about this cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• Open a Golf Center
• Indoor Golf Revenue Calculator
• Golf-simulator-cost
• Golf Simulator Design
• StartupChecklist
• Free Business Plan
• Location Selection
• Home Systems
• Golf Sim Plans
• Best Golf Simulator Software
• Outdoor Golf Simulators
• Golf Hitting Mats
• 10 Best Golf Simulator Projectors
• Best Golf Nets
• 10 Best Indoor Putting Greens
• Golf Simulator Impact Screens and Enclosures
• GSPro vs E6 Connect
• Motorized Push Carts
• Best Golf Rangefinders
• Best Lightweight Golf Bags
• Golf Bags with Full Length Dividers
• Best Golf Travel Bags
• Golf Shoe Bags
• 7 Top Golf Cart Speakers
• 8 Top Golf Cart Coolers
• Golf Accessories
• Golf Simulators
• Golf Training Aids
• How To Articles

10 Best Golf Travel Bags: Hard Case, Wheels, Airline Ready!

The best golf travel bags of 2024.

What Our Testing Found

Top 10 golf travel bags.

Our Experience from Testing

What types of golf travel bags are available, how to make sure my golf clubs stay secure when traveling, what golf travel bag do pga pro's use, how long will a golf travel bag last.

7 Best Golf Travel Bags to Tote Your Clubs Around Like a Pro

Take your clubs on vacation.

If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

Golf is one of our favorite outdoor activities because every course is beautiful in so many ways, and there is always the chance of making a once-in-a-lifetime shot. It's also one of the few sports you can ride around in a cart, drink a beer, gamble, and play until you’re too old to walk. So, naturally, we play golf every chance we get.

We love to hit the links at our favorite local courses — the ones we know like the back of our hands. But to play a new course halfway across the country — one with narrower fairways, deeper bunkers, a plethora of new scenery, and even alligators — now that is an experience, and it’s something we will travel hours to do.

The Best Golf Travel Bags

Best Hybrid Travel Bag

Founders club golf travel cover with abs hard shell top.

Most Protective Soft Case

Caddydaddy phoenix golf travel bag.

The Tour Professional's Choice

Club glove last bag large pro with stiff arm.

Most Luggage-Like

Samsonite golf hard-sided travel cover case.

Most Protective Case

Skb hard plastic wheeled travel case.

Best Budget Pick

Himal outdoors soft-sided golf club travel bag with wheels.

Honorable Mention

Outdoormaster padded golf club travel bag with wheels, what to consider.

Golf travel cases range from a cheap fabric sleeve with a few pockets to a pricey, hard-sided luggage-like case with wheels. When choosing the best golf travel case for your needs, we recommend you consider the construction, interior padding, and pockets.

• Construction: This one is relatively simple. Soft cases are cheaper and stow away easily when not in use, but they aren’t as protective. Hard-sided cases are made from durable ABS plastics (like your favorite wheeled suitcase) and provide far more protection for your beloved club set, but take up quite a bit of closet space when not in use.
• Interior padding: Some cases have added padding or cushioning to increase protection, while cheaper options do not. The extra protection is worth the price, in our opinion.
• Pockets: Hard-sided cases are typically pocketless. Soft-sided cases often have a number of pockets, both internal and external, to organize your extra sleeve of balls, shoes, and windbreaker.

How We Chose

We’re firm believers that your clubs are just as important as your swing, so renting a completely different set of golf clubs at the course is just not a viable option — which means that we always fly with our own set.

To help you choose the best golf travel bag for your needs, we spent hours researching current offerings, surveying user reviews, and putting a few options to the test. Here are our editors’ picks for the best golf travel bags, both soft- and hard-sided. Now you can bring your own clubs across the country instead of renting at the clubhouse. Go ahead and swing for the fences.

Get the best of all golf travel covers in one with this half soft-side, half hard-shell bag. Durable hard-shell ABS on top protects all your valuable golf club heads where they meet the shaft, and an all-weather polyester body with rolling wheels at the foot allows for easy transport while reducing weight.

The bag can hold a full cart bag with clubs up to 50 inches long. Although there is no internal padding, it has internal straps to keep your clubs in place during travel. It also features heavy-duty lockable zippers and has two exterior pockets for shoes, tees, and other accessories. When not in use, it folds into itself for easy storage, and the whole thing weighs just 8 pounds.

More: 9 Best Golf Bags to Hold Your Irons, Woods, and Putter

We really dig the unique design of this CaddyDaddy travel cover. It’s a soft-sided case with heavy padding at the top and an EVA-molded front for added protection without rigidity or extra weight. It also boasts three large exterior pockets, two internal pockets, lockable zippers, external cinch straps to keep contents in place, and all-season wheels for rainy arrivals.

But its standout feature is this “pole protector” — a telescoping pole with a rigid umbrella-like top that extends beyond the club heads and takes the brunt of the force off the clubs and shafts.

The result? A lightweight (12 pounds), stowable bag that provides more peace of mind than a basic soft case.

If you want to play like a PGA pro, that will take years of dedication and practice, of course. But if you want to travel like a pro, this fully-loaded Club Glove bag is your ticket. It’s made from Cordura nylon, which is much more water-resistant and durable than traditional polyester and has a hard plastic bottom that is virtually indestructible.

This golf club travel case has plenty of space for a cart bag, two zippered external pockets for golf shoes, three external straps that reduce wasted space, foam padding in the top third and an adjustable “Stiff Arm” that increases clubhead protection, multiple handles for different carry options, two in-line skate wheels, and a secure locking mechanism to safeguard internal contents.

This bag may not help you play like Justin Thomas or Adam Scott, but it will get you to the same courses that they crush.

More: The Best Golf Club Sets for Everyone

Brand loyalists are all about this hard-sided travel case from luggage brand Samsonite, made with an ABS plastic shell that amazingly weighs just 5 pounds. It has all the features you love about their suitcases, with plenty of space for your set of golf clubs.

An internal compression strap keeps your clubs in place in transit, while the padded interior and extra foam cushioning near the club heads provide added protection from rough handling.

Our personal favorite feature is the wheels: It has four multidirectional spinner wheels and two in-line skate wheels, so you can push and pull this case through crowds.

When your golf clubs are worth more than most people’s vehicles, it’s wise to protect them with a hard plastic case, like this one from SKB. It's made of a polyethylene material that’s incredibly strong and durable, yet relatively lightweight (15 pounds).

It’s made to fit most stand bags, so you’ll have to leave your fancy cart bag at home. And for convenience, this case features a TSA-friendly locking system, which makes passing through TSA checkpoints easier than ever.

But our favorite part about this case is the satisfying “click” it makes when you close the industrial-strength latches. This sound helps you feel even more confident that your precious cargo will be safe and secure, no matter how many times it gets tossed around en route to the first tee box.

More: Stix Golf Clubs are the Modern Man’s Affordable Set

If you don't need (or can’t afford) anything fancy, this simple, soft-sided case will do the trick. It has an average of 4.2 stars on Amazon, with users praising its high value and low cost.

This travel golf bag is made of heavy-duty polyester to withstand mistreatment by luggage loaders. It has one external pocket to organize your extras, adjustable compression straps that shrink this bag as small as possible while holding your clubs in place, and wheels that make it easy to zoom around the airport.

There’s no internal padding, the wheels are nothing fancy, and it’s not as burly as some higher-priced options. But it will keep some cash in your pocket for a $9 bratwurst at the turn.

When it comes to a soft case that’s more feature-packed than a typical budget option, OutdoorMaster makes one of the highest-rated (4.6 stars on Amazon) and most wallet-friendly options around.

It’s made of a durable 900D oxford polyester blend, with ample interior padding to protect your clubs in transit, straps to stabilize the load and reduce wasted space, an external pocket for your stinky shoes, in-line skate wheels that are encased in wraparound housings, and deep raised pockets on the outside for additional storage.

Fitness Equipment

The 14 Best Mountain Bikes You Can Buy Right Now

The 75 Best Fitness Gifts Active People Will Love

30 Must-Have Camping Gifts

Gifted & Approved: The Chirp Wheel Foam Rollers

Bala Bangles Are the Gift for Home Fitness Junkies

15 Sleds and Tubes Perfect for Winter Fun

The Best Cyber Monday Golf Deals in 2023

The 11 Best Gym Bags for Men in 2024

31 Best Gifts for Snowboarders For 2023

Torch Major Calories With a New Stair Stepper

7 Best Pickleball Bags for 2024

• Electronics
• Lawn & Garden
• All Categories
• Expert Shopper
• Gift guides

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Golf Club Travel Cases

A highly convenient travel case that will keep your clubs protected and is easy and smooth when rolling around in airports.

Padded interior with extra foam near the top to protect club heads. Features a leg with pivoting wheels for easy maneuvering; folds up into tray when needed. Durable 2-way zippers for convenient access and loading. Sturdy yet light at roughly only 12 lbs.

This bag is quite an investment. Casual golfers may not be willing to spend as much on a travel bag.

A great option if you're looking for a lightweight bag to store a few clubs on the occasional trip.

Padded top with reinforced corners and an internal compression strap to keep clubs secure. Room to hold clubs up to 48". Features zippered oversize shoe or garment pocket. Material made from weather-resistant polyester. Affordably priced. Lightweight bag that's easy to carry.

Some users have complained about the straps breaking.

We love this durable bag for its convenient travel wheels and ability to fold into a compact cube when not in use.

Constructed with ballistic-style nylon and plastic half-shells on either end for increased protection of clubs. Extra foam padding at top for club heads. Smooth travel wheels. Features 2 adjustable carrying straps and an integrated handle. Folds into compact cube for convenient storage.

Few complaints of the bag being flimsy and flipping on its side when being pulled.

This golf bag is a decent choice for travel and collapses easily for storage.

Dual hardcase and tear-resistant ballistic nylon material provides club protection. Features 2 large pockets for extra storage and inline skate wheels for easy transport. Nylon body folds conveniently into hardtop when needed. Users like that it's lightweight and can become compact.

Material, straps, and handles have been found to tear easily.

This hefty travel golf bag has an impressive capacity and keeps clubs safe and sound.

Waterproof nylon construction. Lightweight yet strong and durable. Features inline wheels that are smooth and quiet. Two exterior storage pockets with long-lasting zippers and buckles. Includes Club Glove stiff arm for secure club protection. Room for driver up to 47". Various color choices.

Expensive. Large size with clubs might be awkward for some to carry, despite its light weight.

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Table of Contents

Buying guide for best golf club travel cases.

Updated August 2022

Traveling with golf clubs can be an ordeal, but having your clubs with you on the other end of the journey is worth the effort. A golf club travel case can make the whole process a lot smoother and will protect your clubs no matter your mode of travel.

If you’ve ever felt your heart constrict at the sight of your clubs bouncing down the baggage carousel or heard horror stories about airlines refusing to reimburse someone for the full cost of a broken custom-made club, you already know the importance of getting the right traveling case for your clubs.

These cases can be hard or soft, and they vary in material, padding, and design. There’s no one right case — your golf club travel case should be designed to meet the needs of you and your clubs. Our buying guide will walk you through the essential factors so you can find the right case to take your game anywhere.

Key considerations

Traveling with your golf clubs in tow can be a stressful experience. One of the most important things to consider is how you’re traveling.

If you’re traveling by sea, you’ll be able to carry your golf club travel case onboard the ship yourself. Cruise lines often make special exceptions for a long list of sports gear, including golf clubs. As long as you don’t use them on the ship, you’re free to carry them on board and store them in your room. In that case, any halfway decent travel case would be sufficient since you won’t need to worry about conveyor belts.

If you’re traveling by car, a soft travel case should meet your needs. You could put your golf clubs in the trunk of the car, on top of other luggage so they won’t be damaged. Some extra padding is advisable in case of sudden stops. Alternatively, you could strap them into the backseat with the seat belts.

This is where it starts to get a bit dicey. Baggage handlers on buses are often the bus drivers themselves. It’s not uncommon for them to allow you to load your bags yourself if you wish. Nonetheless, there will be other bags and suitcases in the cargo areas, and people loading their luggage after you may not realize how easy it is to break a golf club. If this is your mode of travel, consider a hard case with plenty of padding.

The same logic applies if you’re traveling by train. The porters and baggage handlers aren’t in a gigantic rush, and luggage doesn’t always get thrown around willy-nilly, but you should still consider a well-padded travel case for your clubs. You might even consider a hard case if you don’t mind the cost.

If you’re traveling by air and don’t have a hard travel case for your clubs, you’re asking for trouble. Luggage can be subjected to a good many bumps and bruises, and if your clubs are not protected by a well-padded hard case, they may not survive.

Hard travel cases are often made from solid acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or ABS, which is prized for its impact resistance and toughness. Some varieties retain their strength in temperatures as high as 176ºF. Cases made of ABS may not be bulletproof, but they’re awfully close to it.

Other hard cases are made from polyethylene, which is similar to ABS in most respects but with a bit more flex. The idea here is that a case with a small amount of give will bend before it cracks or breaks.

Travel cases with soft exteriors often use polyester Oxford cloth of varying degrees of toughness, along with foam padding to protect your clubs. The material will provide a great deal of protection against compression forces but far less against lateral impact forces than ABS or polyethylene.

Golf club travels cases are heavy by design — they have to be to protect your clubs. Add the weight of your clubs and the fact that you’re carrying your case over your shoulder, and it becomes an exercise in endurance on those long walks from the parking lot. Soft cases almost all have two wheels and a handle, so they can be pulled just like you pull your suitcase .

Four wheels

Hard travel cases often take it one step further and feature four casters, each of which rotates 360º. This means the case will stand upright on the wheels by itself and can be pushed instead of pulled, if the occasion calls for it.

Soft cases usually have more padding than hard cases. Unfortunately, this leaves your clubs free to rattle around inside the hard case more than you’d like, even with the compression straps cinched down tight.

Many hard cases have quilted foam padding to cushion your golf clubs, but if the padding is minimal, you should pack some shirts, towels, or other soft items in and around the clubs to hold them in place.

Locking latches

Some cases, especially hard cases, have locking latches that still allow the TSA to open them for random inspections. For maximum protection, this is an essential feature.

We’re all familiar with the tags that attach to our luggage , but many golf club travel cases include a window for business cards or other forms of identification that will help you claim your luggage or retrieve it if it becomes lost. Not all manufacturers brag about this feature, so you may need to read some reviews to find out whether the case you’re considering includes an ID window.

Accessories

While you’re shopping for a travel case, consider picking up a few other items to improve your game as well as your travel experience.

Golf locker: Samsonite Expanding Golf Trunk Locker Organizer When you need to organize all your shoes , tees, shirts, gloves , and other accessories, this polyester trunk from Samsonite fits the bill. It comes in red, black, green, blue, and gray.

Golf rangefinder: TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder When you need to know the distance to the green, you can find it quickly and easily with this rangefinder from TecTecTec. Lightweight and portable, it can accurately measure up to 540 yards.

Tees: Pride Professional Tee System This bag of 135 professional-length tees from Pride Professional is a great option to keep your bag well-stocked wherever you go.

Golf club travel case prices

Inexpensive: Under $100 is the low price range where you’ll find soft cases or small hard cases with only enough room for four or five clubs. There are some exceptions to this rule, of course

Mid-range: For $100 to $200, you will find a variety of hard cases that will meet the travel needs of most. Many features are available in this range, so it’s important to consider your options and the features you consider to be must-haves.

Expensive: Above $200 is the high price range for golf club travel cases. This is where deluxe travel cases are found. These cases are more of a fashion statement than a significant improvement in protection.

• Put extra material between your clubs before tightening the internal compression straps. This will protect them from rubbing against each other too much.
• You should always use a travel cover support with soft cases if the model you purchase does not include one.
• Be sure that your golf club travel case receives a “Fragile” sticker. If the sticker is noticed by baggage handlers, they will hopefully treat your clubs gently.

Q. Does a travel case guarantee my clubs won’t be damaged? A. No — it improves the odds they won’t be damaged, but nothing guarantees it.

Q. Are hard cases heavier than soft ones? A. You’d think so, but at least one of the cases we looked at is under 3 pounds. In most cases, you can expect hard cases to be somewhat heavier.

Q. Do key locks come with travel cases? A. Only if it comes built-in. Otherwise, you will have to purchase a lock separately.

• Best Rebounders
• Best Volleyball Practice Net Rebounders
• Best Walking Pads
• Best Weighted Fitness Hoops
• Best Yoga Wheel Sets
• Best Glow-In-the-Dark Bocce Ball Sets
• Best Electric Golf Caddy
• Best Bicycle Training Wheels
• Best Walking Weights
• Best New Balance Sneakers for Women
• Best sports and fitness deals for Prime Day 2022
• Best tennis gifts
• VR workouts are fun for all, especially gamers
• A complete guide for your child to get started playing football: tips for all ages
• Best disc golf basket
• Best hex bar
• Best trampoline
• Best foam finger for sporting events
• DC snowboard boots vs. Adidas snowboard boots
• Best volleyball net
• Best volleyball kneepads
• Best fitness products after Thanksgiving
• Everything you need to know about Dick's Sporting Goods Black Friday deals
• Best volleyball gift
• Best volleyball shoes
• How to choose a cricket bat
• Best football gifts
• Best volleyball shorts
• The best horse shipping boots
• Best indoor scoreboard

We use cookies and similar technologies to run this website and help us understand how you use it. ( See our policy ) ACCEPT

Restaurant-Club AERODROM - CLOSED

RESTAURANT-CLUB AERODROM, Elektrostal - Restaurant Reviews & Phone Number - Tripadvisor