Traveling with your golf clubs shouldn’t be a handicap. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend golf getaway by car or flying to a dream course across the country, a reliable golf travel bag is non-negotiable. It’s about ensuring your valuable clubs arrive safely, giving you peace of mind to focus on your game. While the market is flooded with options, we’ve rigorously tested a range of golf travel bags, focusing on key aspects like durability, portability, and capacity, to bring you the best choices. Although brands like Club Glove and CaddyDaddy often lead top recommendation lists, golfers frequently search for trusted names like Samsonite when considering travel protection for their valuable gear. This guide will explore what makes a great golf travel bag, incorporating insights relevant to those considering a Samsonite Golf Travel Bag, and highlight top-performing models across various categories.
We understand that a golf travel bag is more than just luggage; it’s protection for your investment. Our tests prioritized bags constructed from robust materials, featuring ample padding to cushion clubs against travel mishaps. We assessed the capacity of each bag, ensuring they could comfortably accommodate a standard set of clubs along with essential golfing attire, balls, and accessories. From hardside cases offering maximum protection to budget-friendly softside bags, our selections cater to diverse needs and budgets, guiding you towards the ideal golf travel companion, possibly even from renowned brands like Samsonite.
Top Golf Travel Bag Picks for Discerning Golfers
While specific Samsonite models weren’t top-rated in our direct tests against specialized golf travel bag brands, understanding the features of top performers can inform your decision if you are considering a Samsonite golf travel bag or similar options. Here are some of our highest-rated bags across different categories:
Best Overall: Club Glove Pro Traveler
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Why We Rate It Highly: The Club Glove Pro Traveler stands out for its exceptional durability. Built with single webbing reinforcement and burst-proof construction, this bag is designed to withstand the rigors of frequent travel.
Points to Consider: It’s a heavier option, weighing over 10 pounds, which might be a factor for some travelers concerned about weight restrictions.
The Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro is truly a top-tier golf travel bag. Ideal for any golf trip, from weekend getaways to extended vacations, it easily holds a full set of clubs in a standard carrier, along with golf balls, apparel, towels, and even a couple of pairs of golf shoes. Despite its substantial 45-pound weight when fully packed, the bag maintains excellent balance, and its inline skate wheels ensure smooth, sturdy rolling thanks to a high-impact plastic wheelbase. The water-resistant nylon material exudes quality and promises long-lasting durability, making it a worthwhile investment for serious golfers. Features like self-lubricating YKK zippers and military-grade ITW Nexus buckles further enhance its robust construction. It also includes an aluminum stiff arm to reinforce padding and protect clubs from impact during transit. After multiple flights, the bag remained in pristine condition, highlighting its exceptional durability, functionality, and sleek design, justifying its price for golfers who frequently travel with their clubs and demand top-notch protection, something consumers might also seek in a premium Samsonite golf travel bag.
Key Specs: 86 x 19 x 51 inches | 10.6 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon
PHOTO: Club Glove
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kyle Tyll
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kyle Tyll
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
Best Budget: CaddyDaddy Constrictor 2 Travel Cover
Why We Rate It Highly: The CaddyDaddy Constrictor 2 offers exceptional value, combining affordability with generous storage space, including large pockets for extra gear.
Points to Consider: Padding on the sides is minimal, suggesting you might want to add extra cushioning for optimal club protection, especially if comparing to hardside options or considering the robust reputation of brands like Samsonite in luggage protection.
For golfers seeking an economical yet functional travel bag capable of accommodating substantial gear, the CaddyDaddy Constrictor 2 is an excellent choice. Its spacious design not only fits all your clubs but also includes large side pockets perfect for shoes and additional clothing. Despite its roomy interior, the bag remains surprisingly compact. The thick, well-stitched fabric, constructed from durable rubber and nylon, inspires confidence in its resilience against wear and tear, making it an outstanding value. Its budget-friendly price point is further enhanced by a one-year full replacement warranty, providing added assurance. While not explicitly a Samsonite golf travel bag, it addresses the need for affordable and reliable club protection.
Key Specs: 27.5 x 18.9 x 14.5 inches | 9 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon and rubber
PHOTO: Amazon
Most Spacious: CaddyDaddy Golf Club Travel Cover with Wheels
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Why We Rate It Highly: The CaddyDaddy First Class excels in spaciousness, offering ample room for clubs, shoes, clothing, and other travel necessities, catering to golfers who need to pack everything but the kitchen sink.
Points to Consider: The shoulder straps could be more comfortable for carrying, a minor drawback considering its primary function as a wheeled travel bag.
The CaddyDaddy First Class Premium Padded Golf Club Travel Cover is designed for golfers who don’t want to compromise on packing space. It easily accommodates clubs, golf shoes, clothing, and all essentials for an extended golf trip. Weighing in at 10 pounds, it allows for up to 40 pounds of gear before reaching the standard 50-pound airline checked bag limit. Spacious side pockets are perfect for toiletries and golf shoes, and thoughtfully placed, tuckable straps prevent damage during transit. Weight distribution is generally balanced, and the wheels and handles facilitate easy transport, though a more comfortable top handle would be beneficial. Durable materials and well-made zippers suggest longevity, assuring golfers that this bag is a durable travel investment, much like the reputation for durability often associated with Samsonite luggage.
Key Specs: 51 x 13 x 15 inches | 10 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon
PHOTO: Amazon
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
Best Softside: Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Cover
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Why We Rate It Highly: The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian stands out with its innovative fold-out legs and wheels, making it exceptionally easy to roll, a feature not always found even in premium softside bags or potentially Samsonite golf travel bag designs.
Points to Consider: While durable, softside bags generally offer less robust protection than hardside cases. For maximum club protection, especially for air travel, consider using a stiff arm or exploring hardside options or hybrid designs.
For golfers prioritizing ease of use and smooth mobility in a softside travel bag, the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian is an excellent choice. Its design incorporates all essential features for convenient packing and travel, including a roomy interior suitable for cart or stand bags, dual exterior pockets, and a unique pull-out leg mechanism with extra wheels. Collapsing and extending the legs is effortless, and the bag rolls remarkably smoothly. High-quality handles on the front, bottom, and middle ensure comfortable lifting and maneuvering. While the nylon exterior and padding are sturdy, softside bags offer moderate protection, suggesting the use of a stiff arm for added security, particularly for air travel. Consumers considering Samsonite golf travel bags might also weigh the benefits of softside versus hardside protection based on their travel habits.
Key Specs: 51 x 15 x 14 inches | 8 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon
PHOTO: Amazon
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / David Engler
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / David Engler
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang
Most Durable: Club Glove Collegiate Travel Cover with Stiff Arm
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Why We Rate It Highly: For ultimate protection, the Club Glove Collegiate Travel Cover includes a stiff arm, a crucial feature for safeguarding club heads against impact, especially valuable for golfers concerned about baggage handling.
Points to Consider: The interior space is slightly smaller, and fitting clubs with the stiff arm requires careful packing.
Air travel can be risky for golf clubs due to rough handling, but the Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate Travel Cover with Stiff Arm is built to minimize this risk. Constructed from high-quality materials and featuring a stiff arm, it’s designed to shield gear from hard impacts. The adjustable stiff arm, made from nylon plastic and lightweight aluminum, effectively protects clubs, although it does slightly reduce interior space and requires maneuvering to fit alongside clubs. Despite the tighter fit, two large exterior pockets offer space for shoes, clothing, or sunscreen. Comfortable top, bottom, and middle straps evenly distribute the weight, and the bag stands upright steadily. Post-flight inspections revealed no scuffs or damage, testament to its water-resistant ballistic nylon exterior and single webbing reinforcement, a material often used in demanding applications like climbing and military gear. For golfers prioritizing maximum durability, similar to what they might expect from a robust Samsonite hardside suitcase, this bag delivers.
Key Specs: 52 x 14 x 14 inches | 11.3 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon
PHOTO: PGA Tour Superstore
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen
Best Portability: Izzo Golf High Roller
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Why We Rate It Highly: The Izzo Golf High Roller excels in portability with its unique six-wheel design, allowing for effortless upright rolling, a significant advantage for navigating busy airports.
Points to Consider: It can feel slightly top-heavy when rolling, requiring a bit of balance.
The Izzo High Roller impressed us with its exceptional ease of transport, both when wheeled and carried. Its standout feature is the six-wheel base, enabling upright pushing or pulling. Additionally, it collapses to a mere 12 inches for convenient storage at home or while traveling, a practical feature for space-conscious golfers. While it felt slightly top-heavy when wheeled through an airport, the handles provided secure grip and control. Ample interior and exterior padding, along with tear-resistant nylon, ensure durability. The interior accommodates clubs and extra shirts, and the exterior pocket fits golf shoes, albeit snugly. The Izzo High Roller is ideal for golfers who prioritize effortless portability and robust durability, especially when navigating airports, perhaps offering a different approach to portability than some Samsonite hard case designs might.
Key Specs: 53 x 16 x 12 inches| 8 pounds | Nylon
PHOTO: Amazon
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Martin Schnurr
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Martin Schnurr
Best Hybrid: CaddyDaddy Golf Travel Bag Cover with Hard Case Top
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Why We Rate It Highly: The CaddyDaddy Enforcer offers a smart hybrid design, combining hardside top protection with a softside base for easier storage, addressing a common concern with bulky hardside cases, and perhaps offering a similar balance to some Samsonite hybrid luggage designs.
Points to Consider: The hardside top can make it slightly top-heavy when carried.
The CaddyDaddy Enforcer Golf Travel Bag Cover With Hard Case Top is thoughtfully designed for traveling golfers, particularly those in urban environments with limited storage. Its unique hybrid construction features a hardside top and a softside bottom. The hardside top provides crucial club protection, while the softside bottom allows the bag to compress for space-saving storage when not in use. Exterior pockets accommodate balls or shoes, and despite lacking interior pockets, ample space remains for clothing. While the hardside top contributes to a slightly top-heavy feel, the bag maneuvers smoothly on inline skate wheels. Top, bottom, and center handles facilitate easy lifting into vehicles or onto airport scales. This hybrid approach offers a practical compromise between protection and convenience, appealing to golfers who appreciate smart design, possibly aligning with consumers who trust Samsonite for innovative luggage solutions.
Key Specs: 51 x 13 x 13 inches | 9 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon
PHOTO: Amazon
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Allison Widmer
Best Lightweight: TourTrek TC Pro Travel Cover
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Why We Rate It Highly: The TourTrek TC Pro stands out for its lightweight design without compromising on protection, making it ideal for travelers mindful of weight limits or preferring easier handling.
Points to Consider: The interior space is slightly smaller compared to more spacious models, which might limit packing extra gear.
The TourTrek TC Pro Travel Cover balances protective padding with exceptional portability. It offers excellent value, featuring a durable design and sufficient interior space for a set of golf clubs, plus two mesh accessory pockets and an exterior shoe pocket. Generous 360-degree padding provides robust protection for both air and car travel. Padded handles ensure comfortable lifting and rolling, and a lock and key set adds security. Weighing just 6.6 pounds, it maximizes your baggage allowance. While interior space could be larger, its high-quality features and lightweight design make it a reliable choice for protecting golf clubs during travel, appealing to golfers seeking a practical and easy-to-manage bag, perhaps similar in lightweight design philosophy to some Samsonite softside luggage.
Key Specs: 52 x 14 x 14 inches | 6.6 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon
PHOTO: Dick’s Sporting Goods
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PHOTO: Travel & Leisure / Chris Abell
Best Design: Stitch Multi Use Traveler
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Why We Rate It Highly: The Stitch Multi Use Traveler (MUT) boasts a unique expandable design, functioning as both a rolling duffel and a golf bag, accommodating clubs and a significant amount of extra gear, appealing to golfers who value versatility and stylish design.
Points to Consider: Padding is minimal, prioritizing design and capacity over heavy-duty protection.
The Stitch Multi Use Traveler (MUT) distinguishes itself with its versatile design. It’s remarkably spacious, holding shoes, outerwear, accessories, and golf clubs. On a trip to Florida, it accommodated six pairs of shoes, two rain jackets, a dopp kit, and numerous golf balls and towels, in addition to clubs. Its nylon exterior is both durable and stylish, enhanced by eye-catching orange zippers and well-placed handles. The wheels perform well, and while occasional imbalance occurred when overpacked, it maneuvered easily with just clubs. While padding is limited, the sturdy nylon material resists scuffs and minor tears. The MUT is ideal for golfers who prioritize design, versatility, and ample packing space, offering a stylish alternative in the golf travel bag market, potentially attracting consumers who appreciate Samsonite’s design aesthetics in traditional luggage.
Key Specs: 22.8 x 12 x 12 inches | Wheeled | Nylon
PHOTO: Stitch
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Red Fabbri
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Red Fabbri
Best Splurge: Tumi Sport Golf Travel Case
Why We Rate It Highly: The Tumi Sport Golf Travel Case is a premium option, offering spaciousness, smooth rolling, and the renowned quality associated with the Tumi brand, appealing to golfers who seek luxury and top-tier performance, similar to consumers drawn to Samsonite’s premium Black Label lines.
Points to Consider: It lacks internal organization pockets, a minor drawback given its high price point. Its design might also attract extra attention from TSA due to its resemblance to firearm cases.
The Tumi Sport Golf Travel Case is a luxury investment for discerning golfers. It easily accommodated clubs in a standard cart bag, shoes, hats, a speaker, and other accessories during testing. Effortless maneuverability across various airport terrains, from parking lots to escalators, is ensured by its slick wheels. Side handles facilitate easy lifting, and large external zipper pulls enhance usability. Internally, clubs are secured by straps within a fully padded compartment, featuring extra padding for club heads, crucial for protection during transit. While the exterior showed minor scuffs after flights, internal items remained perfectly protected. After months of regular use, including multiple flights, it remained in excellent condition. However, frequent TSA inspections are a consideration due to its firearm case-like appearance. For golfers seeking top-of-the-line quality and performance, and willing to invest in premium protection, potentially as an alternative to high-end Samsonite options, the Tumi Sport Golf Travel Case is an excellent choice.
Key Specs: 54.4 x 17.1 x 13.5 inches | 17.4 pounds | Wheeled | Polycarbonate
PHOTO: Tumi
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Michael Weisbaum
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Michael Weisbaum
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PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Michael Weisbaum
Our Golf Travel Bag Testing Methodology
To identify the best golf travel bags, Travel + Leisure expert golfers rigorously tested 21 models in real-world travel scenarios, evaluating their performance during flights and car trips. Testing focused on capacity, design, durability, and portability, with detailed notes taken on each aspect.
Testers packed their own golf clubs into each travel bag, assessing ease of packing and available space for clubs, clothing, shoes, golf balls, and other accessories in both the main compartment and pockets. Zipper and buckle quality, as well as padding thickness and effectiveness, were carefully examined to ensure adequate club protection. Bags with generous space and thoughtful, golfer-centric features were favored for their enhanced usability.
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Portability was assessed by carrying and wheeling bags to evaluate maneuverability. Top performers excelled in ease of lifting and wheeling, featuring comfortable, padded straps and handles. Durability was judged based on performance during car and air travel, noting any exterior damage or internal item damage. Value was determined by comparing performance to price, particularly scrutinizing pricier bags to justify their cost. This comprehensive testing process aimed to provide golfers with reliable recommendations for choosing the best golf travel bag for their needs, considering factors that are crucial whether choosing a specialized golf brand or a trusted luggage brand like Samsonite.
Other Golf Travel Bags Considered
While numerous golf travel bags performed well, some fell slightly short of our top picks during testing. Notably, while Samsonite is a well-known luggage brand, their golf travel bag offerings, like the following, presented certain drawbacks in our evaluations:
Samsonite Golf Deluxe 3-piece Travel Set: While functional and stylish, this bag lacked substantial padding, and its plastic zippers raised durability concerns for air travel. For golfers prioritizing robust protection, especially for frequent flying, heavier-duty options might be more suitable. Consumers expecting Samsonite’s renowned durability might find this set less robust compared to their core luggage lines.
Samsonite Hard Side Golf Case: This hardside case offers good durability but its rigid structure made it difficult to pack clubs snugly, and its non-collapsible design poses storage challenges. While hardside protection is a plus, the lack of flexibility and storage convenience might deter some golfers. Golfers considering hardside cases, including those from Samsonite, should weigh the benefits of rigid protection against potential packing and storage limitations.
SKB Cases ATA Deluxe Standard Hard Travel Golf Case: Built for maximum protection and featuring TSA-approved locks, this case’s heavy plastic construction can become cumbersome. While offering top-tier protection, its weight might be a concern for air travel and general portability.
Bag Boy Golf T10 Hard Top Cover: Suitable for minimalist golfers, this basic bag lacks space for extra equipment or gear. For golfers needing to pack more than just clubs, more spacious options are recommended.
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Essential Golf Gear for Your Trip
Beyond a reliable golf travel bag, ensure you’re well-equipped for the course with these essentials:
Titleist Players Flex Men’s Golf Glove: A classic for performance, these gloves offer comfort, breathability, and flexibility thanks to silky smooth cabretta leather and Satin Net knuckle materials.
Peter Millar Solid Performance Jersey Polo: This moisture-wicking, UPF 50+ sun protection golf shirt is available in 13 colors, combining performance and sun safety.
Adidas Men’s Tour360 22 Golf Shoes: Offering comfort and traction, these shoes feature excellent cushioning, metal spikes, roomy toe boxes, and heel reinforcement for all-day play.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Golf Travel Bag
The Value of a Stiff Arm
Whether you opt for a hardside or softside golf travel bag, incorporating a stiff arm provides an additional layer of crucial protection for your clubs. This adjustable metal rod with a plastic disc extends beyond your longest club, absorbing impact and preventing direct damage to club heads during rough handling. For golfers prioritizing maximum protection, especially for valuable clubs, a stiff arm is a worthwhile investment, irrespective of the bag brand, including if considering a Samsonite golf travel bag.
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Hardside vs. Softside Golf Travel Bags
When selecting a golf travel bag, durability and padding are paramount. Both hardside and softside options can effectively protect your clubs, representing a smart investment for frequent golf travelers. Hardside bags, typically made from polycarbonate, offer a rigid exterior, while softside bags, constructed from flexible materials like nylon, provide more give.
Hardside bags may show scuffs more readily but offer superior structural protection, potentially negating the need for a stiff arm. Softside bags, while easier to store when not in use, might benefit from a stiff arm for enhanced protection. Hardside cases, similar in construction to Samsonite’s hard shell luggage, offer maximum impact resistance. However, some airlines may have specific policies regarding coverage for damaged clubs based on the type of case, so always verify with your airline. Choosing between hardside and softside depends on your travel frequency, desired level of protection, and storage considerations.
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Wheel Types for Easy Transport
Golf travel bags incorporate various wheel designs, from upright to inline skate wheels, aimed at simplifying transport for golfers. Prioritize wheels that roll smoothly and easily across diverse surfaces without adding unnecessary weight to the bag. Durable, high-quality wheels are essential for navigating airports and golf courses efficiently, a feature to look for whether considering specialized golf bag brands or established luggage brands like Samsonite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Travel Bags
How should I pack my golf travel bag effectively?
Ensure your golf bag and clubs fit comfortably within the travel bag – not too tightly, nor too loosely. Wrap club heads in towels or soft fabrics to prevent irons from clanging together during transit. Utilize any extra space by packing clothing or towels around the clubs to keep them secure, especially for air travel. Removable club heads, if covered separately, offer added protection. Many golf travel bags include compartments for shoes and accessories; use these to organize and separate your gear.
What are typical airline restrictions for golf travel bags?
Airline policies vary, but most align with standard checked luggage regulations regarding weight and size. The common weight limit is 50 pounds; exceeding this usually incurs surcharges. Airlines have differing rules about packing golf shoes or balls, and coverage for lost bags may depend on the travel bag type. For added security, consider attaching a tracker like an AirTag. Always check specific airline policies before traveling.
Can I check golf clubs without a dedicated travel bag?
While technically possible, using a golf travel bag is highly recommended. Standard bags lack the protective design needed for golf clubs, increasing the risk of damage. Golf clubs in regular bags might also attract TSA scrutiny, leading to inspections and potential damage. Investing in a golf travel bag is the best way to ensure your clubs’ safety during travel.
Will airlines compensate for damaged golf clubs during transit?
Generally, airlines offer limited compensation for damaged golf clubs. Some, like American Airlines, may consider compensation if clubs are in a visibly damaged hardside case and properly packed, but policies vary. Always review your airline’s specific policy before flying to understand your coverage and ensure secure travel.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure’s Golf Bag Reviews
Anna Popp, Associate Editor at T+L, specializing in travel product reviews since 2018, collaborated with travel editors to evaluate golf travel bags through rigorous real-world testing by experienced golfers.
Updated by Taylor Fox, Outdoor Gear Editor at Travel + Leisure with over ten years of writing and editing experience, and Anne Taylor, Updates Writer and avid traveler with seven years of writing and editing experience.
Edited by Jackie Cucco, Testing Editor at Travel + Leisure, with extensive experience in product testing and reviews, and over 100 TV appearances discussing consumer products.
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