The 5 Best Golf Travel Bags

Golf travel bags are the big bulky bags that golfers use to transport their golf clubs when flying. These bulky bags come in many different shapes and sizes and some are definitely better than others when it comes to ease of use and protection of your clubs. 

Below we are going to review 5 of the best golf travel currently available on the market and we are also going to unpack the key characteristics that need to be considered when shopping for a golf travel bag. Furthermore, we will also look at the importance of a travel bag and why it is recommended for golfers to use one when traveling. 

The 5 Best Golf Travel Bags:

1. Sun Mountain Journey Club Glider Golf Travel Bag

Sun Mountain Journey Club Glider Golf Travel Bag
ConstructionSoft-sided
WheelsYes
PocketsYes
Built-In Locking SystemNo

Sun Mountain is a renowned golf bag manufacturing brand. The brand initially made a name for themselves with their high-quality waterproof golf bags, but in recent years their Journey Club Glider golf travel bag has stolen the show.

Traveling with your golf bag can be quite the mission, but with the Journey Club Glider, all your travel issues will be a thing of the past thanks to this bag’s retractable legs and pivoting caster wheels. This leg mechanism is extended and retracted in a single motion to ensure ease and the support it offers makes wheeling your golf bag around the airport a breeze. 

In addition to mobility, the Journey Club Glider features a sturdy durable design. The travel bag features an internal strap to secure your golf bag inside the bag and 2 storage pockets are also located in the interior of this bag. Furthermore, this high-quality travel bag also features a heavy-duty two-way zipper that runs for the full length of the bag. 

Once you’ve owned a Sun Mountain travel bag you will never want to own any other travel bag, and to top it off this travel bag features a reasonable price tag. 

2. Amazon Basics Soft Sided Golf Travel Bag

Amazon Basics Soft Sided Golf Travel Bag
ConstructionSoft-sided
WheelsYes
PocketsYes
Built-In Locking SystemNo

If value for money is what you are after then look no further than the Amazon Basics Soft Sided Travel Bag. This basic bag won’t be the best option for regular travels but if you need a travel bag last minute this bag is a great option. 

The Amazon Basics travel bag is made out of durable Nylon with reinforced stress points to ensure that this bag can withstand the rigor of traveling in the luggage compartment of an airplane. This budget-friendly travel bag also features wheels and a user-friendly handle that can be used with ease to maneuver your bag around the airport with ease. 

To ensure maximum protection the Amazon Basics travel bag has a compression strap that ensures that your clubs are secure within the bag and the top section of the bag features additional padding for added protection. 

Last but not least this travel bag also features additional zippered pockets for storage of items such as golf shoes, gloves, etc. This simplistic golf travel bag might not look like much, but for the price tag, it has a lot to offer. 

In the market for a new pair of golf shoes to pack into one of those storage pockets? Click here to read our The 5 Best Men’s Golf Shoes Article. 

3. Callaway OGIO Alpha Golf Travel Bag

Callaway OGIO Alpha Golf Travel Bag
ConstructionSoft-sided
WheelsYes
PocketsYes
Built-In Locking SystemNo

Leading golf bag brand, OGIO recently became a part of the Callaway group of brands and this partnership has elevated the OGIO brand to new heights in recent years. When it comes to golf travel covers the Alpha Max by OGIO is one of the best options currently available on the market. 

When it comes to protection the Alpha Max design is packed with features to ensure that your golf clubs are safe at all times. The top of the bag features 360-degree premium padding to ensure maximum protection of your clubheads. Additionally, the bag also features two internal and three external compression straps that ensure that your golf bag stays in place while traveling. 

The Alpha Max is made out of durable heavy-duty ballistic 1680D polyester. Thanks to the use of this ultra-strong material this travel bag is built to last for many years. In addition to durability, the Alpha Max also features IGIO’s signature SLED wheel technology. These heavy-duty wheels ensure maximum maneuverability around the airport at all times and these wheels are designed to withstand the bumps that go along with traveling.  

This travel bag does carry quite a hefty price tag, but once you look at all it has to offer you will quickly realize that purchasing this travel bag will be money well spent if you are serious about keeping your golf clubs safe when traveling. 

4. Club Glove Collapsible Golf Travel Bag

Club Glove Collapsible Golf Travel Bag
ConstructionSoft-sided
WheelsYes
PocketsYes
Built-In Locking SystemNo

Club Glove is an industry leader in the luggage/golf travel gear sector. The Club Clove range extends beyond travel covers but for this article, we are going to focus on their collapsible Golf Travel Bag. 

This oversize travel cover offers ample space to fit either a stand or tour bag. In addition, it also features two zippered storage pockets for other items such as golf shoes or golf balls. The body of the bag is made out of water-resistant ultra-strong Invista Cordura 1000 D nylon. Furthermore, the zippers and compression straps also feature extremely durable designs. 

Arguably the most important feature to note is that this travel bag comes standard with a retractable Golf Club Travel Bag protector. The Club Glove version of this accessory is called the Stiff Arm. The Stiff Arm fits into your golf bag and it features a plastic dome that extends beyond your tallest club once placed into your bag. If your bag falls or if it is bumped against something the Stiff Arm will absorb the hit keeping your driver and other clubs safe in the process. 

In terms of maneuverability, the Club Glove travel bag features a set of high-quality durable wheels that ensures maximum mobility when traveling. Additionally, this bag also features Club Glove’s signature connectivity strap. When used in partnership with the brand’s other bags the travel club cover fits onto your normal bag to form a train that can be moved with minimum effort and strain. 

This travel cover does come with a pretty high price tag, but at the end of the day, it is worth the spend if you are a frequent traveler. 

To purchase the Stiff Arm/Travel Cover Club Protector individually click here

5. SKB Cases Deluxe Staff Travel Case

SKD Deluxe Staff Travel Case
ConstructionHard Shell
WheelsYes
PocketsNo
Built-In Locking SystemYes

Soft-sided golf travel covers offer ample protection when traveling, but if you are looking for maximum protection then a hard shell travel cover is the way to go. When it comes to hard shell travel covers the SKD Deluxe Staff Travel Case is one of the best options currently available on the market. 

The SKD hard shell travel case is big enough to fit a regular golf bag with a driver up to 49 inches long, standard drivers are 45 inches. Unfortunately, this travel bag doesn’t offer additional storage, but it makes up for this in terms of protection. The locking system of this bag features a built-in TSA-friendly locking system. In addition to security, this locking system also prevents moisture, dust, or dirt from getting into your golf bag while traveling. 

The SKD retails at a similar price point to most soft-sided travel covers. Yes, this travel cover is big and bulky but the protection it offers is unprecedented. 

Factors to Consider When Buying a Golf Travel Bag 

With so many options to choose from some key factors need to be considered when deciding on which golf travel bag to buy. Below we are going to take a closer look at these different factors to equip you with all of the information that you could potentially need to make an informed decision when buying a golf travel bag. 

Durability

Durability is always an important factor to consider when buying any new product and this is no different with golf travel bags. Golf travel bags get thrown around by airport handlers and these bags also get exposed to a range of conditions whilst traveling in the cargo load of a plane. 

With that being said it is easy to see why durability is important. Furthermore, this bag serves as protection for your golf clubs, if it breaks it can’t do the one thing that it is supposed to do which is to keep your golf clubs safe. 

Functionality & Size

Golf travel bags differ in terms of functionality and size. Soft travel bags without wheels are small and lightweight in comparison to travel bags with wheels and added padding for protection. Hardshell travel bags are also big and bulky but the protection offered by these travel bags is second to none. 

From a functionality perspective wheels are a must, this might not seem like a big deal now but trust me wheels on a travel bag are a lifesaver when you have to haul your luggage from one side of the airport to another. 

Security & Protection

The main purpose of a golf travel bag is to protect your golf clubs from breaking while traveling. Travel bags with padding in key areas offer additional protection, but this can’t be compared to the protection offered by a hardshell travel bag. Unfortunately, hardshell travel bags are heavy so prepare yourself for overweight charges when you buy one. 

In addition to protection, security is just as important. Most travel bags feature built-in locks, if a travel bag doesn’t feature a lock make sure to buy one and to lock all of your zippers on your travel bag. 

Price 

Last but not least is price. Some golf travel bags carry hefty price tags but a good travel bag will be money well spent. A broken driver shaft or damage to any of your other clubs will cost the same if not more than a top-of-the-range travel bag. 

The best travel bags aren’t always the most expensive ones, the most important part is for it to tick all of the boxes in terms of functionality, protection, and durability. 

FAQs

What is a golf travel bag?

A golf travel bag is a protective bag that golfers use to store their golf clubs in when traveling. In addition to offering protection for your clubs when traveling, travel bags also offer additional storage for your golf shoes and other golf-related necessities. 

Is it necessary to have a golf travel bag?

Airlines don’t have a rule that states that you have to have a travel bag to fly with your golf clubs, but if you care about protecting your clubs then yes a travel bag is a must.

Baggage handlers at airports don’t take caution when handling your golf clubs and as a result, many golfers have been left with damaged club heads or broken shafts after picking their baggage up from the conveyor belt at the airport. In addition to protecting your clubs, travel bags with wheels also make it a lot easier to manage your baggage at the airport. 

Do I have to get a golf travel bag with wheels?

Wheels on a travel bag aren’t a necessity but it is recommended. At most airports long walks between drop-off areas, the check-in counter, baggage collection, rental car shuttles, and pick-up areas are the order of the day. With this in mind, it is easy to understand why a travel bag with wheels will save you a lot of time and effort as you navigate your way through the airport.

What are some of the features of a good golf travel bag?

A good golf travel bag is an essential accessory for a golfer. It should be lightweight and durable, with a comfortable carrying strap for the player’s convenience. It should also have a variety of pockets to store all the necessary tools and accessories.

The bag should also have plenty of storage space to store golf balls and other items that are needed during the game. The top-loading design is convenient because it allows players to easily access their gear while on the course.

Golf travel bags can be found in different shapes and sizes, but they are typically made of leather or canvas material with a waterproof exterior, making them suitable for both wet and dry conditions.

What are some of the benefits of using a golf travel bag?

Golf travel bags are designed to carry the essentials for a golf trip. They usually come with a cover to protect the bag from rain or snow, as well as a divider to separate your clubs and keep them in their proper place.

Some of the benefits of using a golf travel bag include:

– A comfortable and convenient way to carry all your gear

– A good way to keep your clubs together while on the course

– A good way to keep your clothes clean and dry when you’re on the course

What are the best brands to buy a golf travel bag from?

Golf travel bags are the most important accessory for golfers. They provide protection and storage for the clubs, balls, tees, and other accessories.

It is important to buy a golf travel bag from a reputable brand that has been around for decades. Brand names like Callaway, TaylorMade, and Nike all make quality golf travel bags that will last you long enough to get you through your first few rounds of golf.

What is the standard size golf bag?

Golf is a competitive sport and a common activity that can get quite expensive. A golf bag is an essential piece of kit you will need to be successful on the course. The standard size golf bag is typically around 36 inches wide and 14 inches deep with a height of around 26 inches.

Final Thoughts 

All golf travel bags aren’t created equal. If you fly with your golf clubs regularly investing in a good travel bag is a must. A good travel bag will protect your clubs and it will also make your life a lot easier as you make your way through airport terminals with your luggage. 

With so many options available on the market deciding which travel bag to buy is no easy task. Out of the 5 travel bags we reviewed above the Amazon Basics Soft SIded Golf Travel Bag offers the best value for money, and from a functionality standpoint, the Sun Mountain Journey Club Glider is a step above the rest. Regardless of which option you go for, if it ticks all of the right boxes in terms of durability, protection, and functionality, you will be good to go on your next golfing adventure. 

This article was last updated on January 18, 2023 .

Bertine Strauss
Written by
Bertine Strauss
The Golf Blog