Taking Golf Clubs Overseas

[njrose51]

Lucky me - off to Spain for a weeks golf in June. We are planning to take our own clubs.

Q. Anybody had experience of doing this?
Q. Is it a stupid thing to do?
Q. Do I need one of those protective travel cases?
Q. Risk of theft?

Thanks.

Nick

 

[Val]

1 - Yes i've done it
2 - Not at all, its common
3 - Preferably yes although I ve seen unprotected golf bags coming through but unsure if all clubs are in tact
4 - As much as a risk of any luggage, just make sure you are insured.

 

[Vardon11LDN]

I recently took my clubs to the Carribean and had no issues with theft or damage. I played some great courses out there and was glad I had my own stuff. I am taking my clubs to France and Portugal this year so a travel bag was a good investment. I think you have to ask yourself a few questions;

1. How attached to your own clubs are you?
2. If you invest in a travel bag how much use will you get out of it?

If its a one off might be worth just hiring but if you are planning future jaunts abroad then a god quality travel case is a good idea

 

[Val]

Should add - what I do is i use a soft travel bag, I pack the heads of clubs in bubble wrap and I stick a brush shaft down the centre making sure it's longer than my driver to keep the bag sturdy plus if it gets dropped on its head it's the brush shaft taking the brunt of impact and not my driver.

There are plenty recommendations for travel bags, some like hard cases some like me prefer soft as the are lighter and you can pack your shoes and if you want polo shirts in their too.

 

[louise_a]

I bought a decent travel bag for £40, I didn't take an additional suitcase so put my clothes in a plastic bag and wrapped the round the club heads. I had not problems.
I also added golf clubs to my travel insurance to be on the safe side.

 

[AMcC]

I took clubs to the States for the first time a couple of years ago and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. I followed Val's advice and used a broom shaft down the middle of the bag, then used bubble wrap around the heads and ahd some towels in there as well. I just used a soft shell cover bag and it was fine.

The big plus was having my own clubs to play with, enjoyed the golf much more that way.

 

[Fyldewhite]

Never had a problem. I bought a hard case which as above is a compromise with weight but I think I've had my moneys worth over the years. It seems to be getting more expensive over the last few years and I believe some of the hire companies are a pretty good alternative and offer a really good service especially Spain/Portugal. Not used them but certainly going to have a look next time.

 

[need_my_wedge]

Q. Anybody had experience of doing this? Yep - Portugal last year
Q. Is it a stupid thing to do? Not at all
Q. Do I need one of those protective travel cases? Good idea - Mine was big enough to put all my golfing gear in alongside the clubs - so only one bag to check, well within the 23KG limit. One of my com padres just got a load of that black vinyl wrap and rolled that round (he took extra in the bag for the return), his clubs were fine both ways. I have a Club Glove bag (http://www.criticalgolf.com/category/reviews/golf-travel-bags/)
Q. Risk of theft? Insured by goods away from home whilst in my possession - basically insurance doesn't cover the period from check-in to pick up at the airport, but the airline is responsible for them during that time.

 

[Dan2501]

Rented clubs abroad once, and it was rubbish. Trying to get used to new clubs and playing decent golf straight away isn't easy. Since then, we've taken our own every year. We take 2 carry bags in one travel bag and never had any issues. Would definitely recommend it, much better than renting.

 

[Ethan]

If you have ever been to Malaga Airport you will see loads of clubs arriving.

I have taken my clubs to Europe, the US, Thailand, Dubai and a few other places. Never used a broomshaft, but have sometimes packed some laundry around the heads on the way back. I have never had a club broken or damaged.

I use a protective cover, but not a hard coffin style one. The more flexible types, made of ballistic nylon or something similar, are much easier. Club Glove is an excellent make, used by many Tour Pros.

 

[RustyTom]

Just wrapped towels around the heads of my clubs. Also, if more than one of you are going and all taking clubs, you can fit 3 sets between 2 travel cases to save cost. Just remember to bring a small pencil bag to put the extra set of clubs in. Unless you are using a buggy, might get away with using the same bag then??

 

[Hacker Khan]

I'm off golfing to a strange desolate foreign land soon. I'm a bit apprehensive as I hear they are not the most friendly of nations at times, I don't think I'll understand the locals much and they seem to have lots of weird customs and a strange national dress.

But I'm taking my clubs with me and am actually quite looking forwards to the forum meet at Trump and Carnoustie.....

 

[Tashyboy]

I bought a decent travel bag for £40, I didn't take an additional suitcase so put my clothes in a plastic bag and wrapped the round the club heads. I had not problems.
I also added golf clubs to my travel insurance to be on the safe side.

You never took a suitcase on holiday 😳 If I mention that to Missis T al end up with a shiner.

deffo get a travel case, deffo stick broom handle in, wrap towel around top of clubs.
Note: took a cart bag with me to Cuba, Portugal, and somewhere else ( having a moment). but took my carry bag to Mauritius. The leg brackets must of been rubbing on something because it made a hole/tear in the back of the bag. So take a cart bag, plus you will get more in it in the way of Duty free 😜

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Every year I go away for a couple of weeks and take my clubs. There are a few little tricks to learn.

1. I take one of the trolley wheelie bags on board as my hand luggage. If you travel light you can easily get what you need for your holiday in one of them. If required you can always pack a few items in the pockets of your golf bag to use up your 23kg allowance. This will allow you to check your clubs in for free as hold baggage.
2. Worth adding your clubs onto your insurance just to be on the safe side.
3. Buy or borrow a decent quality travel bag. A cheap one will self destruct after just one or two trips.

 

[Robobum]

I have always put a plastic waste paper bin over the top opening of the bag so all the heads are inside and put the rain hood on to keep the bin in place.

Overkill? Maybe but I've always had clubs to play with once I collect them from baggage