Traveling with your golf clubs can be a nerve-wracking experience for any golfer. The fear of damage to your prized possessions while in transit is a real concern. For years, I relied on a budget golf travel bag, thinking it would suffice for my occasional trips. However, after a few too many close calls and ultimately, a bag that didn’t even last half a dozen trips, I realized the importance of investing in a high-quality Club Golf Travel Bag.
My quest for the perfect travel companion for my clubs led me to the Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate. After hearing rave reviews and noticing its popularity among tour professionals, I decided to upgrade from my disastrously cheap previous bag, the Tour Trek GTS 3. The difference? Let’s just say it’s like trading instant coffee for a perfectly brewed espresso.
My first experience with the Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate was on a demanding trip to Scotland, playing some of the world’s top golf courses. This trip would be the ultimate test. It’s important to note that while my original review was based on the Club Glove “Burst Proof 2” (now discontinued and essentially renamed as the Last Bag Collegiate), the core features and quality remain consistent.
First Impressions: Built to Last
The Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate arrived in a straightforward, branded box. Unboxing it immediately revealed a product that exuded quality. The canvas material felt significantly thicker and more robust than my previous bag. The rivets and reinforcements were visibly sturdy, and the overall aesthetic of the bag was undeniably impressive. It simply looked like a professional-grade golf travel bag.
Club Glove Burst Proof 2
Club Glove’s reputation as a leader in golf travel bags is well-earned. Their claim that a majority of tour pros use their bags suddenly made perfect sense. Even before my first trip, the build quality suggested this bag was in a different league.
Performance on the Road: Smooth and Secure
The functionality of the Club Glove Last Bag is as impressive as its build. It features a spacious central compartment designed to accommodate your golf bag, along with two internal pockets ideal for shoes or accessories. I typically pack two pairs of golf shoes, one in each pocket, without any space constraints.
The rollerblade-style wheels are a game-changer. Navigating airports and city streets alike was effortless. The bag rolled smoothly and quietly, whether I was maneuvering through Edinburgh’s cobblestone streets or bustling airport terminals. This smooth rolling action is a key feature for any traveler looking for a hassle-free club golf travel bag.
The reinforced plastic base provided a welcome upgrade from my previous bag, which showed wear and tear after only a couple of trips. The Last Bag’s base is clearly designed to withstand the rigors of travel. Three robust external security straps allow you to cinch the bag tightly, ensuring your clubs are secure during transit. Furthermore, the padded top section provided peace of mind, knowing my driver and woods were well-protected against impacts.
Minor Drawbacks: Space Considerations
If I had to point out a downside, it would be the internal space. While it comfortably fits a standard golf bag and shoes, it might be a bit snug for golfers who tend to overpack. Being someone who leans towards bringing more rather than less, I found that fitting three pairs of shoes along with extra items required some strategic packing and resulted in a slightly challenging zip-up.
However, the zipper itself appears to be exceptionally durable, and the limited lifetime warranty offers reassurance against any significant defects. For most golfers, the space is more than adequate, but if you are a particularly heavy packer, considering the larger “The Last Bag” size might be beneficial.
Final Verdict: A Top-Tier Club Golf Travel Bag
Despite the minor space consideration, the Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate is an outstanding club golf travel bag. Reflecting on my purchase, while the Collegiate size works perfectly well, I can see the appeal of the larger “The Last Bag” for those needing extra room. However, for its intended purpose, the Collegiate model is more than sufficient and will undoubtedly serve me well for many years of golf travels.
The bag is available in a variety of colors, allowing for personal expression. For golfers particularly concerned about club breakage, the optional “Stiff Arm” provides an added layer of protection.
In conclusion, if you are in the market for a reliable, durable, and high-performing club golf travel bag, the Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate is a worthwhile investment. You’re unlikely to regret choosing this bag to protect your valuable golf clubs.
Club Glove Last Bag with Stiff Arm
Update October 2024: A Decade of Dependable Travel
Originally reviewing this bag in 2014, I can confidently say that after a decade of exclusive use, across dozens of trips and 14 countries, the Last Bag has proven its resilience. It has endured significant handling and remains my top recommendation for golfers seeking a high-quality and exceptionally durable golf travel bag.
In ten years, I’ve only encountered two instances of equipment damage during travel – a tripod leg snapping off seven years ago and, more recently, a carbon fiber leg on my Vessel Player Air bag breaking. While not ideal, these incidents are inherent risks with any soft-shell golf travel case.
While my loyalty to the Club Glove remains strong, I have recently begun using a Sun Mountain Club Glider. Although its durability is marginally less, the innovative “club glider” mechanism offers enhanced convenience during travel.
Both the Club Glove Last Bag and the Sun Mountain Club Glider are excellent choices, and I encourage you to also read my review of the Club Glider Meridian to make a well-informed decision when selecting your next golf travel bag.
Still a Top Pick After All These Years
9.0 – Buy It
My Club Glove bag has been a constant companion for nearly a decade, accompanying me on numerous golf trips across many countries. Its remarkable durability, despite the heavy use it has endured, earns my unwavering recommendation.
The Good:
- Exceptional build quality
- Attractive design with diverse color options
The Bad:
- Lacks a roller stand feature found in some competitor models
- Offers less protection compared to a hard-shell case.
