Traveling with your golf clubs, whether by plane or car, to hit the links at premier destinations requires more than just booking flights and tee times. A reliable Golf Travel Case is paramount to ensuring your valuable clubs arrive safe and sound, giving you peace of mind to focus on your game. We’ve rigorously tested a variety of golf travel bags, evaluating them on durability, portability, and capacity to bring you the best options available.
Our top picks are constructed from robust materials with ample padding, guaranteeing your clubs are well-protected throughout your journey. We successfully packed clubs, apparel, golf balls, and various accessories into these bags without any space constraints. Whether you prefer a hardside case for maximum protection or a budget-friendly softside bag, our curated list caters to diverse needs and preferences of every golfer.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Club Glove Pro Traveler at Amazon $540
Best Budget:
CaddyDaddy Constrictor 2 Travel Cover at Amazon $110
Most Spacious:
CaddyDaddy Golf Club Travel Cover with Wheels at Amazon $200
Best Softside:
Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Cover at Amazon $340
Most Durable:
Club Glove Collegiate Travel Cover with Stiff Arm at Clubglove.com
Best Portability:
Izzo Golf High Roller at Amazon $250
Best Hybrid:
CaddyDaddy Golf Travel Bag Cover with Hard Case Top at Amazon $180
Best Lightweight:
TourTrek TC Pro Travel Cover at Amazon
Best Design:
Stitch Multi Use Traveler at Stitchgolf.com
Best Splurge:
Tumi Sport Golf Travel Case at Tumi.com
Best Overall
Club Glove Pro Traveler
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PHOTO: Club Glove
$540 at Amazon $325 at Dicks Sporting Goods View on Clubglove.com
Why We Love It: Built for exceptional longevity with single webbing reinforcement and burst-proof construction.
What to Consider: Slightly heavier than other options, weighing over 10 pounds.
The Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro golf travel case stands out as a top-tier choice due to its superior construction. Ideal for any golf trip, from weekend getaways to extended golf vacations, this bag comfortably accommodates a full set of clubs within a standard carrier, along with golf balls, apparel, towels, and two pairs of golf shoes, distributed between the main compartment and two external pockets. Despite reaching 45 pounds when fully packed, the weight distribution remained balanced, and the inline skate wheels provided smooth and sturdy rolling, thanks to the high-impact plastic wheelbase. We were particularly impressed by the water-resistant nylon material, which not only enhances durability but also gives the impression of a bag designed to last a lifetime.
Equipped with self-lubricating YKK zippers and military-grade ITW Nexus buckles, this golf travel case showcases premium components throughout. It also includes an aluminum stiff arm, significantly enhancing the padded protection for your clubs against travel impacts. After rigorous testing, including two flights within a month, the bag retained its brand-new appearance. The Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro golf travel case delivers unmatched durability, functionality, and a sleek aesthetic, making it a worthwhile investment for golfers who frequently travel with their clubs.
The Details: 86 x 19 x 51 inches | 10.6 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kyle Tyll
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kyle Tyll
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kyle Tyll
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
Best Budget
CaddyDaddy Constrictor 2 Travel Cover
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: This budget-friendly golf travel case offers large pockets for ample storage of extra golf gear.
What to Consider: Side padding is minimal, suggesting the addition of extra cushioning for optimal club protection.
For golfers seeking an affordable yet spacious golf travel case, the CaddyDaddy Constrictor 2 Travel Cover is an excellent choice, particularly for frequent travelers. Beyond its generous capacity for clubs, it features sizable side pockets, ideal for storing golf shoes and additional clothing. Despite its ample storage, the bag maintains a non-bulky profile.
Constructed from robust, well-stitched thick rubber and nylon, this golf travel case instills confidence in its durability and resistance to wear and tear, especially considering its price point as the most budget-friendly option on our list. Further enhancing its value, it includes a one-year full replacement warranty, allowing users to test its reliability firsthand. For golfers prioritizing affordability without sacrificing essential features, the CaddyDaddy Constrictor 2 is a smart selection.
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
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PHOTO: Amazon
$200 $189 at Amazon View on Tgw.com
Why We Love It: Exceptional interior space, offering ample room for clothing and shoes in addition to golf clubs, making it a truly spacious golf travel case.
What to Consider: Straps can be slightly uncomfortable during extended carrying.
The CaddyDaddy First Class Premium Padded Golf Club Travel Cover is designed for golfers who need to pack more than just their clubs. This spacious golf travel case offers extensive room for golf shoes, clothing, and all other essentials for a comprehensive golf trip. Weighing 10 pounds itself, it allows golfers to pack up to 40 pounds of gear before reaching the standard 50-pound airline checked bag limit. The generously sized side pockets are perfect for toiletries and golf shoes, while thoughtfully placed straps can be tucked away during travel to prevent damage.
The weight distribution of this golf travel case is mostly balanced, and the integrated wheels and handles enhance maneuverability. However, the top handle could benefit from improved comfort. The materials and zippers exhibit robust quality, suggesting long-term durability. We are confident in the longevity of this bag, positioning it as a reliable, long-lasting investment for traveling golfers.
The Details: 51 x 13 x 15 inches | 10 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
Best Softside
Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Cover
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PHOTO: Amazon
$340 at Amazon $340 at Dicks Sporting Goods View on Pgatoursuperstore.com
Why We Love It: Integrated fold-out legs with wheels in the center, simplifying the rolling of this softside golf travel case.
What to Consider: For enhanced protection, especially during air travel, consider using a stiff arm.
The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Cover is an excellent softside golf travel case for golfers seeking simplicity and functionality. Its design focuses on providing a hassle-free packing and travel experience, featuring a spacious interior suitable for cart or stand bags, dual exterior pockets, and a unique pull-out leg mechanism with supplementary wheels. The leg mechanism smoothly collapses and extends, significantly enhancing the bag’s rolling capability compared to standard wheeled bags.
The high-quality handles, positioned at the front, bottom, and middle, greatly impressed us with their durability and comfort, making lifting and maneuvering this golf travel case effortless. While the nylon exterior and padding are robust, this softside option offers protection against low-impact incidents, making it ideal for golfers who prioritize ease of transport and compact storage.
The Details: 51 x 15 x 14 inches | 8 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / David Engler
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / David Engler
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / David Engler
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
Most Durable
Club Glove Collegiate Travel Cover with Stiff Arm
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PHOTO: PGA Tour Superstore
Why We Love It: Comes equipped with a stiff arm to provide superior protection for club heads, making it an exceptionally durable golf travel case.
What to Consider: Packing clubs can be snug due to the bag’s length and internal dimensions.
Air travel with golf clubs carries inherent risks due to potential rough handling during baggage processing. However, the Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate Travel Cover with Stiff Arm is engineered with premium materials and includes a stiff arm specifically designed to shield your gear from significant impacts. The adjustable stiff arm, crafted from nylon plastic and lightweight aluminum, adds minimal bulk but required some maneuvering to fit alongside the clubs. Despite the slightly smaller interior, the two large external pockets offer valuable space for items like shoes, clothing, or sunscreen. The fully loaded golf travel case remains comfortable to carry, thanks to top, bottom, and middle straps that evenly distribute weight. We also noted its stable freestanding design.
Following air travel testing, this Club Glove design showed no signs of scuffs or damage. The exterior is constructed from water-resistant ballistic nylon, reinforced with single webbing—a material commonly used in climbing gear, military equipment, and parachutes—highlighting the robust durability of this golf travel case.
The Details: 52 x 14 x 14 inches | 11.3 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen
Best Portability
Izzo Golf High Roller
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PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: Features six wheels on the base, enabling upright rolling for exceptional portability in a golf travel case.
What to Consider: Can feel slightly top-heavy when fully loaded.
The Izzo High Roller golf travel case excels in ease of transport, whether rolling or carrying. Its unique six-wheel base allows for effortless pushing or pulling in an upright position. Additionally, this bag collapses to a mere 12 inches, simplifying storage during travel or at home.
While exhibiting slight top-heaviness when wheeled through an airport, the handles provided secure grip and control. Even if tipped, substantial internal and external padding, along with tear-resistant nylon, ensures robust protection. The interior provides ample space for clubs and extra apparel, and the exterior pocket accommodates golf shoes, though it’s a somewhat snug fit. The Izzo High Roller golf travel case is ideally suited for golfers who prioritize exceptional portability and durability when navigating airports and travel hubs.
Dimensions: 53 x 16 x 12 inches| 8 pounds | Nylon
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Martin Schnurr
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Martin Schnurr
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Martin Schnurr
Best Hybrid
CaddyDaddy Golf Travel Bag Cover with Hard Case Top
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PHOTO: Amazon
$180 $159 at Amazon $180 $160 at Walmart View on Caddydaddygolf.com
Why We Love It: Features a hardside top, offering protection while the softside bottom facilitates easier storage for this unique golf travel case.
What to Consider: Can feel somewhat top-heavy when being carried.
The CaddyDaddy Enforcer Golf Travel Bag Cover With Hard Case Top is specifically designed for traveling golfers, particularly those in urban environments with limited storage space. This innovative golf travel case combines a hardside top with a softside bottom. The hardside upper section provides crucial club protection, while the compressible softside bottom enhances space efficiency for storage when not in use.
The exterior includes two pockets for storing golf balls or shoes. Although internal pockets are absent, ample space remains for clothing. Despite the hardside top contributing to slight top-heaviness, the bag maneuvers effectively on inline skate wheels. Top, bottom, and center handles facilitate easy lifting into vehicles or onto airport scales, making it a versatile and practical golf travel case.
The Details: 51 x 13 x 13 inches | 9 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Allison Widmer
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Allison Widmer
Best Lightweight
TourTrek TC Pro Travel Cover
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PHOTO: Dick’s Sporting Goods
View on Amazon $160 at Dicks Sporting Goods $160 at Golfgalaxy.com
Why We Love It: Exceptional lightweight design that feels effortless to maneuver across various surfaces, making it a highly portable golf travel case.
What to Consider: Interior space could be more generous for additional gear.
The TourTrek TC Pro Travel Cover balances protective padding with outstanding portability. This golf travel case delivers excellent value, featuring a durable design and sufficient interior space for a set of golf clubs. It also includes two mesh pockets for accessories and an external pocket for shoes. The generous 360-degree padding offers robust protection for clubs during both air and car travel. Padded handles enhance comfort when lifting or rolling the bag, and a lock and key set provides added security.
Weighing only 6.6 pounds, this lightweight golf travel case maximizes your baggage allowance, leaving more of the 50-pound limit for your clubs and gear. While interior space is somewhat limited, the high-quality features and protective design ensure your clubs are secure and well-protected during travel, promising long-term reliability.
The Details: 52 x 14 x 14 inches | 6.6 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon
PHOTO: Travel & Leisure / Chris Abell
PHOTO: Travel & Leisure / Chris Abell
Best Design
Stitch Multi Use Traveler
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PHOTO: Stitch
Why We Love It: Versatile expandable design functioning as both a rolling duffel and golf travel case, accommodating numerous accessories in addition to golf clubs.
What to Consider: Padding is minimal compared to other golf travel case options.
The Stitch Multi Use Traveler (MUT) distinguishes itself with its unique versatility. This golf travel case offers substantial storage for gear, including shoes, outerwear, and accessories. In our testing for a trip to Florida, it held six pairs of shoes, two rain jackets, a dopp kit, and numerous golf balls and towels, alongside golf clubs. The design is a standout feature: its durable nylon exterior presents a premium aesthetic; vibrant orange zippers enhance visibility for easy identification; and strategically placed handles provide convenient and cohesive carrying options.
The wheels perform excellently, and while occasional imbalance occurred when overpacked, maneuverability improved significantly when packed with clubs alone. Although lacking extensive padding, the durable, sturdy nylon material resists scuffs and minor tears. The Stitch MUT is a stylish and functional golf travel case for golfers who value design and versatility.
The Details: 22.8 x 12 x 12 inches | Wheeled | Nylon
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Red Fabbri
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Red Fabbri
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Red Fabbri
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Red Fabbri
Best Splurge
Tumi Sport Golf Travel Case
PHOTO: Tumi
Why We Love It: Spacious and exceptionally smooth-rolling, this Tumi golf travel case offers a premium travel experience.
What to Consider: Internal organization could be improved with more pockets.
The Tumi Sport Golf Travel Case represents a luxury option for golfers seeking premium protection and effortless mobility. We tested this golf travel case with a standard golf cart bag, shoes, hats, a speaker, and additional accessories. The case moved effortlessly through parking lots, airport trams, and escalators. Its wheels are exceptionally smooth, navigating tight corners and crowded airport areas with ease. Side handles provide convenient horizontal lifting for vehicle loading, and the large wheels simplify retrieval from baggage claim.
External zippers with extended pulls are easy to use. Internal straps securely hold clubs within the padded main compartment, which includes an extra layer of padding for club heads, crucial for preventing damage during transit. While the exterior showed minor scuffs after flights, the internal items remained perfectly protected, underscoring its protective quality. After five months of regular use, including four flights, this golf travel case remains in excellent condition. Note that TSA inspections were frequent, likely due to its resemblance to firearm cases, but this did not detract from the bag’s performance or our travel experience. The Tumi Sport Golf Travel Case is a high-end investment for discerning golfers.
The Details: 54.4 x 17.1 x 13.5 inches | 17.4 pounds | Wheeled | Polycarbonate
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Michael Weisbaum
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Michael Weisbaum
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Michael Weisbaum
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Michael Weisbaum
Our Testing Process
Our team of Travel + Leisure golf experts conducted on-the-road tests with 21 golf travel cases to determine the top performers for club protection during air and car travel. We assessed each bag through flying, driving, walking, and carrying scenarios, meticulously evaluating capacity, design, durability, and portability.
Testers packed their personal golf clubs into each golf travel case, noting ease of packing and available space for clothing, shoes, golf balls, and accessories within the main compartment and pockets. Zipper and buckle quality, padding thickness, and club protection sufficiency were also examined. We favored spacious bags with extra room and those with thoughtful, golfer-centric features that simplified packing.
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Portability testing involved carrying and wheeling each golf travel case to gauge maneuverability. Top-performing bags were exceptionally easy to lift and wheel, featuring comfortable, padded straps and handles. Durability was assessed through car and air travel simulations, checking for exterior damage and internal item integrity. Value assessment focused on performance relative to price, particularly for higher-priced bags requiring strong justification for their cost.
Other Golf Travel Bags We Liked
While numerous golf travel cases performed well, some narrowly missed our top picks during testing.
- Samsonite Golf Deluxe 3-piece Travel Set: Functional and sleek, but limited padding and plastic zippers raised durability concerns for air travel.
- Samsonite Hard Side Golf Case: Durable hardside protection, but tight fit for clubs and bulky, non-collapsible storage.
- SKB Cases ATA Deluxe Standard Hard Travel Golf Case: Robust build with TSA-approved locks, but heavy due to thick plastic construction.
- Bag Boy Golf T10 Hard Top Cover: Minimalist design suitable for basic needs, but lacks space for extra equipment or gear.
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Other Golf Gear You May Need
For a successful day on the course, ensure you’re equipped with essentials from sunscreen to golf pants.
- Titleist Players Flex Men’s Golf Glove: Classic, high-performance glove with smooth cabretta leather for comfort and breathability, plus Satin Net for flexibility.
- Peter Millar Solid Performance Jersey Polo: Moisture-wicking polo with UPF 50+ sun protection in 13 colors.
- Adidas Men’s Tour360 22 Golf Shoes: Cushioned golf shoes with metal spikes for traction, roomy toe box, and heel reinforcement.
Tips for Buying a Golf Travel Bag
Consider buying a stiff arm
Enhance your golf travel case protection with a stiff arm, an adjustable metal rod with a plastic disc, extending beyond your longest club. Placed inside your golf bag within the travel case, it absorbs impact and prevents club damage.
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Hardside versus softside
Choose between hardside and softside golf travel cases based on your needs. Hardside cases offer rigid protection (polycarbonate), while softside bags (nylon) are more flexible.
Hardside cases may scuff more but offer inherent protection, potentially negating the need for a stiff arm. Softside bags may require a stiff arm but are easier to store. Some airlines may have specific policies favoring hardside cases for damage claims, so verify with your airline.
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Look at the types of wheels
Consider wheel types for easy transport. Golf travel cases feature upright wheels or inline skate wheels designed for smooth rolling across diverse terrains without adding extra weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I pack a golf travel bag?
Ensure your golf bag and clubs fit comfortably in your golf travel case—not too tight, not too loose. Wrap club heads in towels or soft fabric to prevent irons from clanging. Fill extra space with clothing or towels to secure items, especially for air travel. Removing and covering club heads can further minimize damage risk. Utilize pockets for shoes and accessories to maintain organization.
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What are the airline restrictions for checking in a golf travel bag?
Airline policies vary but generally align with standard checked luggage rules for weight and size. The weight limit is typically 50 pounds. Overweight bags incur surcharges. Airlines have varied rules on packing shoes or balls and on coverage for lost bags, which may depend on the golf travel case type. Consider using an AirTag tracker for added security.
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Can I check golf clubs without a travel bag?
While possible, using a golf travel case is highly recommended. They are designed to protect expensive equipment, unlike regular bags. Golf clubs in standard bags may attract TSA scrutiny, increasing inspection and damage risks. For secure golf club travel, invest in a dedicated golf travel case.
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Will airlines pay for damaged golf clubs?
Airlines generally don’t compensate for damaged golf clubs. Some, like American Airlines, may offer compensation if clubs are in a visibly damaged hardside case and properly packed. Always review your airline’s specific policies for clarity before flying.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Anna Popp, Associate Editor at T+L, specializing in travel products, led the testing and review process for golf travel cases. With travel writing experience since 2018 and product testing since 2021, Anna collaborated with travel editors to evaluate and rank the best golf travel cases through real-world golfer testing.
Updated by Taylor Fox, Outdoor Gear Editor at Travel + Leisure, and Anne Taylor, Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure. Edited by Jackie Cucco, Testing Editor at Travel + Leisure.
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