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The 10 Best Travel Golf Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Make sure your clubs arrive safely with these durable and portable travel golf bags.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Others We Liked
• Other Gear You May Need
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

A durable golf travel bag is essential for protecting your clubs and giving you peace of mind whether you’re traveling by car or airplane to one of the world’s best courses. While there are plenty of storage options for safely traveling with your clubs, we tested the best golf travel bags based on qualities like durability, portability, and capacity. 

We love a gold bag that is made with durable materials with plenty of padding to ensure that your clubs make it to your destination safely. We were able to fit clubs, clothes, golf balls, and other accessories into our bags without any issues. Whether you’re looking for a hardside case or a budget-friendly bag, we found options for a variety of categories to fit the needs of all golfers. 

Best Overall

Club glove last bag large pro.

It’s built to last with single webbing reinforcement and burst-proof construction. 

The bag weighs more than 10 pounds.

The Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro golf travel bag is one of the best-made travel bags we've seen. Fit for a weekend golf getaway , the bag can comfortably fit a set of clubs in a standard-size carrier, golf balls, shirts, shorts, towels, and two pairs of golf shoes between the main compartment and two exterior pockets. Despite the 45-pound weight after packing, we thought the balance was evenly distributed throughout the bag and the inline skate wheels rolled smoothly and felt sturdy due to the plastic wheelbase that is designed for high-impact travel. We noted the high-quality feel of the water-resistant nylon material that adds durability to the bag, which truly feels like it will last a lifetime.

The bag is outfitted with self-lubricating YKK zippers and ITW Nexus buckles that come from a manufacturer that makes military-grade hoops, locks, and buckles. An aluminum stiff arm to reinforce the padded protection for impact during traveling is included. We flew with this bag twice in one month of testing, and it still looks like it just came out of the box. The durability, functionality, and sleek design of the Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro Golf Travel Bag make it well worth the price for golfers that are planning to travel with their clubs. 

The Details: 86 x 19 x 51 inches | 10.6 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Travel + Leisure / Kyle Tyll

Best Budget

Caddydaddy constrictor 2 travel cover.

This affordable bag has large pockets that can store all of your extra gear.

The sides aren't padded, so you may want to add cushioning to protect your clubs.

For frequent travelers or golfers who want an affordable bag that can store even their bulkiest gear, this CaddyDaddy bag is the perfect option. Not only is the bag itself large enough to store all of your clubs, but we love that it also features side pockets big enough to pack your shoes and even extra clothing. Even with all of this space, the bag still doesn't feel bulky.

The fabric is thick and well-stitched. Made of thick rubber and nylon, we feel confident this bag won't break, tear, or otherwise fall apart, making it a great value — and it's the lowest priced option on this list. To give you added peace of mind, it comes with a one-year full replacement warranty so you can test it for yourself.

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.

The interior has tons of room for clothing or shoes in addition to golf clubs. 

It has straps that are slightly uncomfortable.

The CaddyDaddy First Class Premium Padded Golf Club Travel Cover has tons of space for not only clubs, but also golf shoes, clothing, and anything else you would ever need on a golf trip. Since the golf travel bag weighs 10 pounds, golfers can pack up to 40 pounds of clubs, clothes, and other accessories before reaching the general 50-pound checked bag limit for most airlines. We loved the spacious side pockets for toiletries and golf shoes, as well as the well-placed straps that can be tucked in during traveling to prevent damage.

The weight of the golf bag is mostly evenly balanced, and the wheels and handles make it easy to carry and maneuver; however, the top handle could have been a little more comfortable. The materials and the zippers of the bag feel durable and well-made. We're confident that this bag would last a very long time and would not be something you'd have to worry about replacing anytime soon.

The Details: 51 x 13 x 15 inches | 10 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Best Softside

Sun mountain clubglider meridian travel cover.

There are fold-out legs in the center with wheels that make rolling this softside bag even easier.

Travelers might want to consider a stiff arm for added protection.

For golfers looking for a simple yet functional golf travel bag, the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Cover is a solid softside option. The design of the bag includes everything you need for a hassle-free packing and travel experience, including a spacious interior for a cart or stand bag, two exterior pockets, and a pull-out leg mechanism with an additional pair of wheels besides the ones at the bottom of the bag. We found it very easy to collapse the legs in and out, and the bag rolled a lot more smoothly than expected.

The high-quality, durable feel of the handles on the front, bottom, and middle of the bag equally impressed us by making it a breeze to lift and maneuver comfortably. While the nylon exterior material and padding feel sturdy and durable, the bag would likely only protect golf clubs against low-impact hits.

The Details: 51 x 15 x 14 inches | 8 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / David Engler

Most Durable

Club glove collegiate travel cover with stiff arm.

PGA Tour Superstore

It comes with a stiff arm to protect the heads of the clubs.

Packing the clubs was a tight fit with the length.

Traveling by air with golf clubs can be risky considering the potential for rough handling that comes with checking in luggage , but the Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate Travel Cover with Stiff Arm is made of high-quality materials and includes a stiff arm that is designed to protect gear from hard impact. The adjustable stiff arm is made of nylon plastic and lightweight aluminum, and although it doesn’t take up much room, we had to jostle the bag to get the stiff arm in with the golf clubs. With the smaller interior, we appreciated the two large exterior pockets that can fit some additional items like shoes, clothing, or sunscreen . The fully packed bag is comfortable to carry with top, bottom, and middle straps that evenly distribute the weight of the lengthy bag, and we liked how it can stand up on its own.

After flying with this Club Glove design, there weren’t any scuffs or damage to the bag. The exterior of the bag is made of water-resistant ballistic nylon fabric, and the backing has single webbing reinforcement — a common fabric used for climbing, military gear, and parachutes. 

The Details: 52 x 14 x 14 inches | 11.3 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen

Best Portability

Izzo golf high roller.

There are six wheels on the bottom of the bag so you can roll it upright. 

It feels slightly top-heavy.

The Izzo High Roller golf bag impressed us with how easy it was to transport by wheeling or carrying it. The six wheels on the bottom of the bag make it possible to push or pull it while it's standing upright. In addition, the bag can collapse down to just 12 inches for easy storage while traveling or at home.

While the bag felt a little top-heavy while we wheeled through an airport, the handles made it easy to lift and hold onto while rolling the bag. Even if the bag were to fall over, it has a solid amount of protective padding on the inside and outside, and it’s made with tear-resistant nylon that feels sturdy and durable. The interior of the bag is large enough for golf clubs and extra shirts, and the exterior pocket is big enough for a pair of golf shoes, but it was a tighter fit than we would’ve preferred. We think the Izzo High Roller bag is perfect for golfers who could benefit from having exceptional portability and durability while traveling through airports.

Dimensions: 53 x 16 x 12 inches | 8 pounds | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Martin Schnurr

Best Hybrid

Caddydaddy golf travel bag cover with hard case top.

Only the top half is made with a hardside material, which makes storing the bag much easier.

It feels top-heavy when you're carrying it.

The CaddyDaddy Enforcer Golf Travel Bag Cover With Hard Case Top is designed with traveling golfers in mind, especially those who live in big cities with limited storage space. This golf bag has a unique design in which the top half is a hardside case and the bottom half is softside. The partial hardside design gives you the protection you want for your clubs, and we love how the bag can compress into itself, making it more space efficient for storing when not in use.

The exterior of the bag has two pockets for storing balls or shoes, and although there aren’t any pockets on the inside, there was a good amount of room left over for clothes. Though the hardside top makes it slightly top heavy, the bag maneuvers well on the inline skate wheels at the bottom, while the top, bottom, and center handle make it easy to lift the bag into a car or onto a weight scale at the airport. 

The Details: 51 x 13 x 13 inches | 9 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Allison Widmer

Best Lightweight

Tourtrek tc pro travel cover.

Dick's Sporting Goods

This bag feels lightweight whether you're pushing it or pulling it over a variety of surfaces.

The interior of the bag could be bigger.

The TourTrek TC Pro Travel Cover offers an abundance of protective padding and excellent portability. We think this bag is a fantastic value thanks to durable design and interior space that’s roomy enough for a set of golf clubs and two mesh pockets for accessories, as well as an exterior pocket for a pair of shoes. The cushioning is very generous, and the bag feels protective and sturdy with 360-degree padding to keep your golf clubs safe whether you’re traveling by air or car. The handles are padded as well, making them comfortable to hold onto while lifting or rolling the bag. And it includes a lock and key set for an additional layer of security and peace of mind.

Weighing just 6.6 pounds, this golf travel bag is lightweight and takes up less of the allotted 50-pound weight maximum that most airlines limit checked bags to. While we think the interior could be a little bit bigger, this golf travel bag has high-quality features that lead us to believe it will protect golf clubs through rough travels and last a long time with prolonged use, too. 

The Details: 52 x 14 x 14 inches | 6.6 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel & Leisure / Chris Abell

Best Design

Stitch multi use traveler.

It's incredibly portable and easy to maneuver.

The bag is not very padded.

The Stitch Multi Use Traveler (or MUT) is really unique for a travel golf bag. It fits a ton of gear including shoes, outerwear, and accessories. When we checked this bag to bring it on a trip to Florida, it held six pairs of shoes, two rain jackets , a dopp kit, and plenty of golf balls and towels, in addition to the golf clubs. The design is where this bag shines — its nylon exterior is durable but has a premium look; the orange zippers pop and make it easy to spot on an oversize luggage pile; and the handles are in convenient, cohesive places.

The wheels are great, and while it occasionally felt imbalanced, we think that was due to overpacking as we found it much easier to maneuver the bag when packed with clubs alone. While the bag is not padded, it is made of durable, sturdy nylon that doesn't show scuffs or minor tears.

The Details: 22.8 x 12 x 12 inches | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Red Fabbri

Best Splurge

Tumi sport golf travel case.

This Tumi bag is spacious and rolls easily.

We wish it had more internal pockets to help with organization.

We flew with this bag carrying clubs in a standard golf cart bag, shoes, hats, a speaker , and a few other accessories. The case was easy to drag through the parking lot, into the airport tram, and up and down escalators. The wheels were slick and easily turned around reasonably tight corners and around slow airport travelers. Additionally, the side handles are convenient for lifting the case up horizontally to put it in and out of vehicles. It was also easy to pull on and off of the baggage claim belt as a result of the handles and big wheels at the bottom of the case.

The external zippers have very long pulls that were easy to maneuver and slide around the case. The clubs themselves are secured by two straps with a standard quick release buckle on a one-inch nylon strap. The main compartment is padded all around and has as special layer of padding for the club heads. Padding around the club heads is important because in transit they can typically bang together/bang into other external objects and become damaged. This is not something we worried about at all using this case. The exterior of the case did have some scruffs and scrapes after landing, but the fact that all internal items were well-protected makes this a high-quality choice.

The Details: 54.4 x 17.1 x 13.5 inches | 17.4 pounds | Wheeled | Polycarbonate

Travel + Leisure / Michael Weisbaum

We had our expert Travel + Leisure golfers take 21 golf travel bags on the road to find out which ones will keep your clubs safe whether you’re flying or driving. We evaluated the bags by flying, driving, walking around, and carrying the bags, taking detailed notes on the capacity, design, durability, and portability. 

Our team members packed their golf clubs into the travel bags and noted how easy it was to place the clubs into them and if there was room leftover for clothes, shoes, golf balls, or other accessories between the main compartment and any pockets. While packing the bags, we checked the quality of the zippers and buckles, as well as how much padding there was and if it felt sufficient for protecting the clubs. We looked for spacious bags that had extra room leftover after packing our golf clubs. We also loved the bags that had thoughtful and intuitive features that had golfers in mind because they made packing easier.

After packing up the travel bags, our traveling golfers tested portability by carrying and wheeling the bags to get a feel for how they maneuvered. The top performing bags for portability were exceptionally easy to lift and wheel with comfortable, padded straps and handles. The most durable bags stood up well to car and plane travel, with no damage to the exterior or items on the interior. We determined that the bags with the best value performed as or better than expected given the price, especially pricier bags that needed robust justification for the cost.

Other Golf Travel Bags We Liked

While we found plenty of well-performing golf travel bags, there were a few that almost made our list of best golf travel bags but fell short during testing. 

Samsonite Golf Deluxe 3-piece Travel Set : The bag is functional and has a sleek design, but there isn’t much padding, and the zippers are plastic, which made us question the durability of the bag while flying. 

Samsonite Hard Side Golf Case : This hardside case feels durable, but it doesn't have much give, so it was a tight fit to get the golf clubs in, and the case is difficult to store since it can’t break down.

Amazon Basics Soft-sided Golf Travel Bag : This bag is very affordable but has an unstructured bottom, so it can't stand up on its own.

SKB Cases ATA Deluxe Standard Hard Travel Golf Case : This case was built to withstand a lot of rough handling and has TSA-approved locks, but can become heavy due to its thick plastic.

Bag Boy Golf T10 Hard Top Cover : For minimalist golfers, this simple bag fits just what you need, but won't give you room for extra equipment or gear.

Other Golf Gear You May Need

When you're heading out for a long day on the course, be sure you're prepared with everything you need, from sunscreen to golf gloves, to ensure you stay completely focused on enjoying the game.

Titleist Players Flex Men’s Golf Glove : These high-performance gloves are a classic for a reason. The cabretta leather is silky smooth, offering optimal comfort and breathability so your hands won't sweat midswing. Plus, the Satin Net materials across the knuckles provide plenty of flexibility.

Peter Millar Solid Performance Jersey Polo : If you're someone who gets caught up in the game and forgets to reapply sunscreen, this golf shirt is for you. Not only is it made of moisture-wicking materials available in 13 vibrant colors, but it also provides UPF 50+ sun protection so you can stay safe without even thinking about it.

Adidas Men's Tour360 22 Golf Shoes : These shoes provide excellent cushioning to keep you comfortable all day long and still feature 11 metal spikes for traction and grip. They're also designed with roomy toe boxes and heel reinforcement to ensure your foot stays in place.

Tips for Buying a Golf Travel Bag

Consider buying a stiff arm .

Whether you’re buying a hardside or softside golf travel bag, a stiff arm can add another layer of protection to your golf clubs. A stiff arm is usually an adjustable metal rod with a plastic disc at the the top of it that extends longer than the driver or longest golf club. The rod is placed into a golf bag to absorb the hit if the bag is tossed around, and it prevent the clubs from being directly impacted. 

Hardside versus softside 

When looking for a travel golf bag, you'll want to look at durability and padding. Both hardside and softside golf travel bags can prevent damage to your golf clubs while traveling and are a worthwhile investment for golfers that travel several times per year. As with luggage, hardside bags have a firm exterior generally made of materials like polycarbonate, whereas softside bags are a bit more flexible and made of soft materials like nylon.

A hardside bag can get more scuffed than a softside golf bag, but you might not need to buy a stiff arm since a hard case offers a more structured layer of protection. On the other hand, a softside bag might need extra protection like a stiff arm, but it’s easier to store a soft bag than a bulky hardside case that you can't flatten or fold down. Some airlines will only cover damaged or lost clubs that are in a hardside case, so be sure to check with the airline to find out the exact policies. 

Look at the types of wheels

From upright wheels to inline skate wheels, golf bags are created with a variety of options to make transport easier for all types of players. You should look at wheels that will smoothly and easily roll over different terrains without adding weight to the overall bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ll want to make sure your golf bag and clubs can fit in a travel bag. While you don’t want to squeeze your clubs inside, you won’t want them swimming in a roomy case either. It helps to wrap club heads in a towel or other soft fabric to prevent the irons from banging together in transit. If there is extra room in your travel bag, stuffing the sides with more clothing or towels can help keep everything in place, especially if you’re flying. If you can remove and cover the club heads, that can further prevent damage to your gear. Some travel golf bags also have space for shoes and accessories, so be sure to utilize pockets to keep your gear organized and separated.

Every airline will be different, but most follow the same policies as regular checked luggage regarding weight and size limitations. The weight limit for checked luggage, including golf clubs, is almost always 50 pounds or less. If your bag weighs more, there will likely be a surcharge fee. Airlines also have different restrictions and policies for packing golf shoes or balls in your bag, and coverage for lost golf bags can be dependent on the type of golf travel bag. For peace of mind, consider securing an AirTag holder with a tracker to your golf bag.

Generally, airlines do not pay travelers for damaged golf clubs. Some, like American Airlines , may compensate if the equipment traveled in a hardside case that is visibly damaged and was properly packed, but you should always check your specific airline's policies before flying to guarantee safe and secure travel.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is the associate editor at T+L, where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best golf travel bags based on a series of tests completed by our testers while using the golf travel bags in a real-world setting. 

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Related Articles

Best Golf Travel Bags 2024

Heading away on a golf trip? A good travel cover is essential to keep your clubs safe

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The Quick List

Best with wheels, best padding, best for airlines, best hard case, best budget, best durability, best color choice, specifications table, how we test.

• How to choose

Best Golf Travel Bag: Quick Menu

1. The list in brief 2. Top pick 3. Best with wheels 4. Best padding 5. Best for airlines 6. Best hard case 7. Best budget 8. Best durability 9. Best color choice 10. How we test 11. How to choose 12. FAQs

A quality travel bag is a must-have for the globetrotting golfer. Your clubs are your prized possessions and taking them away with you can always be a risk, so keep that risk as low as possible with these bags. At Golf Monthly we are all regular golfers and all manage to go on golf trips often and as such we have managed to test a lot of different models out there. 

Therefore we think we are in a good position to pick out the best golf travel bag whilst also giving you advice on the several things to consider. First they have to be strong and able to deal with the trials and tribulations of travel in planes, trains and automobiles. Strong materials, padding, and excellent construction are all vital with models like the Motocaddy and Titleist leading the way here.

Additionally maneuverability is a huge benefit too because awkward travel bags make everything more difficult. Ones that move easily with strong wheels are hugely important which makes the Sun Mountain a top choice. We also think it is good for travel bags to be easy to identify because you never know what can happen in an airport in terms of people accidentally taking your luggage or clubs. As such the Ogio Alpha is one of the best out there and there are plenty of other models with distinctive designs as well.

(Finally we also recommend taking a look at some of our other guides too, such as the best golf luggage , best golf bags , and the best golf tops .) 

The MacGregor VIP II Premium features a cover that can stand up to airport abuse, it’s easy to transport, and it’s an exceptional value at its price.

Read more below

The ClubGlider Meridian is a joy to use and you will be the envy of the airport when wheeling it around whilst other golfers continually pick up their travel covers.

The Motocaddy Flightsafe travel cover is a versatile option if you are looking for a higher level of protection for your clubs and gear when travelling abroad.

Lightweight, easy to use, easy to maneuver and with plenty of storage, the Bag Boy T-660 ticks all the right boxes for the frequent golf traveller.

The Kube from Sun Mountain is an interesting and unique golf travel bag that looks great, has solid padded protection and folds away to a convenient size.

A well-thought-out and user-friendly golf travel cover, the Ram FX travel cover has plenty of space and solid protection for golf clubs and more gear.

Load the next 2 products

A very solid and reliable golf travel cover with an air of quality that allows you to fly with confidence knowing your clubs and gear are safe and secure.

Not only does the Ogio Alpha look great and stand out when travelling in several colors, but it performs well in every way you would want it to.

Best Golf Travel Bags

Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

MacGregor VIP II Premium Travel Cover with our golf bag zipped up inside of it

MacGregor VIP II Premium Travel Cover

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The VIP II Premium travel cover offers all the durable protection and ease of use of the Deluxe model, with a few extra features for added peace of mind - like additional padding around the top of the cover increases the layer of protection for the clubs, while an internal support strap keeps clubs secure during transit. We cannot stress how much of a difference these little design details make. As some of the best golf clubs can cost a lot of money you're going to want to ensure that your bag has a lot of protection on offer to keep them safe. 

Three heavy duty external straps provide a fail safe seal on the cover and lockable dual zips add a final level of security that makes this travel cover very good value for money. There is also plenty of space to throw in the clothing and footwear that didn’t make it into your suitcase. And to give you an idea of how much space there is, there’s enough to accommodate a 49-inch driver. We should also mention the price because despite having the word Premium in the name, it definitely comes at the value end of the price spectrum which is very appealing to us. 

• Read our full MacGregor VIP II Travel Cover Review

The Sun Mountain Club Glider Meridian Travel Cover pictured at an airport

Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Cover

The superbly-innovative ClubGlider from Sun Mountain will be your best friend when on a golf trip, featuring an integrated leg set that retracts easily and supports all the weight of the bag for easy wheeling on all surfaces. Just like the name suggests, the four wheels simply glide around the airport and this takes away any stress from your back, arms and wrists for when maneuvering it. Additionally when we tested it we found the legs to be very sturdy, akin to many of the best Sun Mountain golf bags and the wheels roll excellently

The padding around the top of the bag is very thick and should mean that there are no accidents with your driver and fairway woods. The bag also comes with two spacious outside pockets, one on either side, that can easily house jackets, coats, jumpers or anything else you see fit to put in there for easy access. Inside the bag, there are two straps to keep your golf bag secured and there’s enough room for plenty more too. Overall we loved this model, it does cost a little bit more than some others on this list but it is well made, performs well, protects your clubs and makes travelling with clubs significantly easier which is a big plus. 

• Read our full Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Cover Review

The Motocaddy Flightsafe Travel Cover resting on the floor of an airport departure lounge. 

Motocaddy Flightsafe Travel Cover

A versatile travel bag that is perfect if you're looking for more protection for your golf clubs when traveling. Motocaddy are well known for producing some of the best electric golf trolleys and best golf cart bags on the market and their experience in the industry, using top class materials, makes them one of the most trusted brands around. When we tested this bag out, we were very impressed with the protection it offered our clubs. The durable and padded nylon materials made it very protective and we were enamored by the size of the bag. Motocaddy resisted the temptation to make it too big and cumbersome and it is just the right size for all your gear and a pretty chunky bag. 

You'll also be able to fit a pair of the best golf shoes in there too and some clothing or apparel. One of the highlights of this bag was how easy it was to maneuver the bag around the airport thanks to the handy six-wheel design on the base of the bag. In addition, there are both internal and external straps that do a good job of holding your clubs tightly to the bag an addition that really put our mind at ease that our clubs wouldn't move around too much in the bag. There’s no doubt you’ll find more eye-catching flight bags on the market. However, this has a simple, understated but premium look that we liked and it did an excellent job of keeping our clubs well protected. 

• Read our full Motocaddy Flightsafe Travel Cover Review

The BagBoy T-660 Travel Cover resting on grass

BagBoy T-660 Travel Cover

The new Bag Boy T-660 features a wrap-around zipper that opens up the entire front of the travel cover. From there, you simply lay your golf bag in there and, unless it's oversized or severely overstuffed, we found it to be pretty easy to get in and out of the bag. What's more, when folded up and not in use, you can easily fit it into a small space behind the seat of your rental car when you're traveling, or put it in the corner of the trunk. The T-660 also weighs less than 6 pounds, so it's easy to maneuver when not in use and you can store it on a shelf at your house or in your garage without it taking up much space. 

There were other elements we liked in testing - for example it also has reinforced corners, a skid plate, skid bars, and a large front pocket at the bottom for your shoes or outerwear. It also comes with high quality inline skate wheels for smooth rolling. Last but not least we think the price, given the solid performance, offers excellent value, and all of this makes it an ideal option for those golfers who go on trips via the airport. The lightness and strength of the bag ensures you can move it around easily, and yet won't get broken by the most heavy handed airline staff. We would say add a  colorful ribbon or something to a handle though, as it doesn't really stand out that much!

• Read our full Bag Boy T-660 Travel Cover Review

Sun Mountain Kube Travel Cover and its excellent luggage case

Sun Mountain Kube Travel Cover

We are big fans of the Kube. It's an excellent innovation that not only serves its main purpose of protecting your clubs well in transit, but also allows you to collapse it down to a neat size smaller than the average cabin bag (23 x 33 x 38) when not in use via its clever foldaway system. It has a robust hard-case shell with two external and internal straps to keep everything secure on the inside. We also like the reinforced padded area at the clubhead end for added protection. 

The wheels glide well and the case is easy to move around thanks to the handle, not to mention it weighs just 3.08kg/6.6lbs as well. Right now there are several colors to choose from so if the orange and grey isn't for you, you can also get it in navy, green/black as well as a pink/graphite finish. Sun Mountain make many fantastic products, especially when it comes to bags which is why we created a best Sun Mountain golf bags guide too.

Ram Fx golf travel cover review resting on the floor of an airport.

Ram FX Golf Travel Cover

A well-thought-out and user-friendly golf travel cover, the Ram FX is made from a very sturdy ripstop fabric with extra padding across key areas where the golf clubs would be. A large main compartment houses golf clubs and features one main strap to hold your clubs down once they are packed. 

Exterior pockets include one perfectly sized for a pair of the best golf shoes  and a similarly sized pocket we found useful for packing accessories like some of the best golf socks  and belts. Additionally it may seem like a small feature, but we really liked the blue accents on the outside of the bag because it made it very easy to spot when a deluge of golf travel bags get dropped off at the oversized baggage section in the airport. Overall with a lower RRP than some others on this list, this bag easily represents one of the best-value travel bags on the market, but you aren't compromising on that much performance.

• Read our full Ram FX Golf Travel Cover Review

Titleist Players Travel Cover being wheeled into the airport

Titleist Players Travel Cover

Featuring two premium skate wheels and a large carry handle, the Titleist Players Travel Cover is very functional and a safe home for your clubs. Having tested it extensively, we were very impressed with the protection and quality it offered. Specifically we felt it dealt with the trials of travel extremely well, with the durable polyester fabric handling bumps, scrapes and such very well indeed.

The bag also comes with a handy strap on the inside that'll hold your clubs in place and it's worth pointing out  that there would be ample space inside this bag for one of the best golf cart bags . But that additional storage space was great for us, as we could place our golf shoes inside the bag along side our clubs, without worrying about our suitcase being overweight. The bag does have a premium feel, but what's more is that it also comes with two premium skate wheels which operate very nicely in and around airports to help you transport your bag without straining too much to carry it. 

That is complimented by a very comfortable handle that is easy to grasp, hold and pull. One down side is that it comes in black only, which in fairness, is fitting for such a no-nonsense, high-quality product, yet may not appeal to those players looking to make a statement when they walk into the airport with their golf clubs. 

• Read our full Titleist Players Travel Cover Review

The Ogio Alpha Travel Cover finished in blue

Ogio Alpha Travel Cover Mid

The Ogio Alpha travel bag is a very roomy option that can store shoes, clothes, balls and still have space left over for a souvenir or two. With all of this equipment in it, we thought it might be overly cumbersome and heavy, but it was a fantastic lightweight option when lifting it into cars, or from an airport carousel. 

That makes it a great cover for golfers looking to put as little strain on their backs as possible and it features two strong wheels that make this bag very easy to maneuver and pull behind you while you're out walking. It features a skid plate on the bottom which protects the bag from any abrasions but is also made of a durable material that is well padded around your club heads for additional protection and structure. 

The D-shaped opening makes it easy to gain access to your clubs and the bag also features some handy compression straps which keep your clubs well secured inside the cover. The last thing to note is the eye-catching colors that the Ogio Alpha comes in. We tested out the Cover's 'Warp Speed' colorway and it was very easy to spot in the airport. But you can also get it in other colors like 'Terra Texture', 'Black', and 'Mid Haze'. In fact this color choice really differentiates it from the competition but you are guaranteed not to lose it in the airport or wherever you are. 

• Read our full Ogio Alpha Travel Cover Mid Review

Our  testing for golf gear  is built upon a comprehensive process combined with the knowledge and expertise of the Golf Monthly test team. Our team usually attend product launches and then when it comes to our actual testing, we test products over a period of time that we can gauge the performance. For travel bags we do our best to use them when travelling because doing this allows to gauge performance in scenarios that you might face as well. It should also be mentioned that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review and we make our conclusions from the testing and our experiences. This is because we strive to give the best reviews possible so you can get a greater understanding of the products themselves.

How to choose a golf travel bag

As your travel bag will help to protect your golf equipment, there are a variety of factors that you need to consider when looking to pick up a travel bag that's going to keep your clubs safe. So for that reason, we've outlined some key points that you're going to want to think about when you're purchasing your next travel cover. 

1. Strength/durability/materials

Above all else, a travel bag has to protect your golf clubs properly as well as be able to put up with general wear and tear of travel. As a result, the bag should be made from strong, tear-resistant materials, and they should also have some features to protect the clubs on the inside of the bag too like compression straps on the inside and outside, along with foam padding around the top of the bag. The wheels should also be strong and move properly.

2. Maneuverability

Good models are also very easy to move around which means having wheels that slide well and can change direction properly. From a luggage perspective we would recommend four-wheels but with travel bags two-wheels work well because they can be laid on the ground easily. 

Given you will be moving the bag around, weight is very important, especially if a model only has two wheels. Here a fine balance has to be made between lightness and strength because you don't want to compromise on either. Some of the best lightweight golf bags weight literally next to nothing when stored away in a very easy to carry travel bag, so make sure to think about that when purchasing your next cover.

4. Warranty

This is definitely a factor to consider if, god forbid, your clubs and golf gear are damaged or broken. We recommend checking with retailers and manufacturers themselves how long they offer on warranties. The longer the warranty the better! 

Finally have a think about how much you want to spend on a golf travel bag. We think this is not an area to compromise on given they are designed to protect your golf clubs however we do think there are good models that don't have to cost an arm and a leg, as the above models show. For more advice on the best golf bags on the market, take a look at our guides to the best golf travel bags for under $100 , best golf pencil bags and best golf cart bags .

What should you be looking for in a travel bag?

Strength and durability is your starting point. A good travel bag has to be strong and durable to put up with the general wear and tear of travel. This means being made of strong, tear-resistant fabrics, and also having some features to protect the clubs on the inside of the bag too like compression straps on the inside and outside, along with foam padding around the top of the bag. The wheels should also be strong and move properly.

Is weight important for a travel bag?

Given you will be carrying the travel bag around, weight is very important, especially if a model only has two wheels. Here a fine balance has to be made between lightness and strength because you don't want to compromise on either.

Good models are very easy to move around which means having wheels that slide well and can change direction properly. There are several excellent models above with more than two wheels and these are usually the best in this factor, but some two-wheel options move well too, such as the Sun Mountain Kube.

Can I put other golf equipment in a travel bag?

Depending on the weight you're allotted for your transfer or flight, you can sometimes opt to put more equipment in your travel bag, as well as your clubs. You may opt to put your waterproof gear, golf shoes or even some golf clothing in your travel bag. 

What kind of bag do pro golfers use?

From our research we have found the model that Tour players often use is from Club Glove and the official Large Pro model because it is big enough to house Tour golf bags which are the biggest in the game.

Do you need a travel bag to bring golf clubs on a plane?

You don't officially need a travel bag for golf clubs on a plan but it is highly recommended to make sure they are protected and aren't broken during travel. 

GOLF PROMO CODES AND COUPONS

From clubs, balls and tees, to essential sportswear and fitness products, keep it affordable with a little help from our promo and coupon codes.

TGW promo codes

These The Golf Warehouse coupon codes will help you save on golf clubs, golf shoes, golf balls and apparel.

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Dan has been with Golf Monthly team since 2021. He graduated with a Masters degree in International Journalism from the University of Sussex and looks after equipment reviews and buying guides, specializing in golf shoe, golf bag, golf cart and apparel reviews. Dan has now tested and reviewed over 30 pairs of golf shoes and is an expert in the field. A left-handed golfer, his handicap index is currently 6.5 and he plays at Fulford Heath Golf Club in the West Midlands. 

Dan's current clubs: 

Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2  

Fairway: TaylorMade Stealth 2 15°

Hybrid: Ping G425 

Irons: Cobra King Tec Utility , Ping i230 (5-PW) 

Wedges: Ping Glide Forged Pro

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X

Ball: Titleist AVX

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A good deal is what we’re all looking for – but how can you ensure that you get the most money for your old golf clubs?

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The Best Golf Travel Bags of 2024: What to Consider When Looking for the Best Golf Travel Bag to Protect Your Golf Clubs

By Lawrence Smelser

Updated On February 22, 2024

Our team did some much-needed post-covid golf trips with the best golf travel bags from Sun Mountain, Club Champ, and CaddyDaddy to help you choose the best one.

Our team tested more than 23 golf travel bags in the past 11 months before finalizing the top six for this review.

On their different journeys, we took these golf travel bags through a sea of airport check-ins and weekend road trips so they got tested in different environments. 

Walking / running with them through packed airports showed their wheels’ integrity, and the inevitable rough handling helped us analyze the build quality.

Touching all bases, like the material, budget, warranty, and durability, this review spans everything you need to know about the best golf travel bags.

Golfible Picks :

Editor’s Choice: CaddyDaddy Constrictor Travel Cover (click to see)

Best Golf Travel Bag For The Money: Izzo Golf Padded Travel Cover (click to see)

Best Hard Case Travel Bag : Sun Mountain Clubglider (click to see) Best Soft Golf Travel Bag : Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag (click to see on eBay) Best Golf Travel Bag For Storage : Club Champ Golf Bag Travel Cover (click to see on eBay) Best Golf Travel Bag With Wheels : Club Glove XL Travel (click to see)

In A Hurry? Here’s the Key Information On Our Top Picks for Golf Travel Bags

Top travel bag options for your golf clubs.

We have done the hard work for you and narrowed down what we consider to be the best travel golf bag options on the market today. Below we provide our picks for the best bag in several categories along with a brief description of their features along with the pros and cons of each.

Whether you are looking for a soft cover or a hard case, like to splurge on high end products or look for good deals, we feel confident this list will help you find the right bag to travel with.

CaddyDaddy Constrictor Travel Cover

Editor’s Choice

Rating: 9.4 /10

uSA Suppliers (Also deliver to Canada)

uK Suppliers

• Warranty against damage in transit
• Soft cover made from durable material
• Wheels for ease of personal transport
• Padding to protect club heads and compression straps to keep the clubs in place
• The locks for your zippers are not included.

With a one year replacement warranty coming with the purchase, CaddyDaddy is confident that its travel cover is made to do an effective job in getting your golf clubs to your destination without any problems.

At 9 lbs. weight, this golf travel bag does not significantly add to the weight of your clubs themselves which are well-protected by the external and internal compression straps, thick fabric, and the top padding that surrounds your club heads.

Heavy-duty curb rails and riveted handles add to the strength of the Constrictor bag which also has sufficient pockets for your needs. Many golfers also find it easy to fit their other golf gear in the travel bag like their shoes and clothes if you are short on space.

The zippers are lockable, and the skate wheels mean the travel bag can easily be maneuvered by you between home and car, car and check-in and the reverse at the end of your journey.

Izzo Golf Padded Travel Cover

Best Golf Travel Bags for the Money

Rating: 9.0 /10

• Budget price
• Soft cover lightweight for ease of carrying
• Collapsable down to just 7.5 inches for storage

This Soft Padded Travel Cover with a sturdy vinyl base offers good protection for your golf clubs as you travel to your next golfing destination. This golf travel bag weighs just 2 lbs. and has a padded strap to help you carry your clubs without ending up with sore shoulders.

This is a Cover at a budget price that collapses down to just 7.5 inches for ease of storage. Izzo’s Travel Cover when expanded can carry your 14 clubs with ease so you do not need to restrict yourself to a half set while you enjoy your golf holiday.

There is a nice little touch on the cover of the bag; a place to insert your business card for ease of identification.

Sun Mountain Clubglider Meridian

Top Golf Travel Bag Hard Case

Rating: 9.1 /10

• Clever designed legs to ease maneuverability
• Hard case made from extremely durable material
• Occasionally the mechanism for release can be stiff
• Central zip so not the easiest bag for getting clubs in and out

Sun Mountain offers a clever leg mechanism on this golf travel bag that can be extended and collapsed for ease of use. They slip back into a tray while your bag is in transit. Its zippers go the full length of the bag to make packing and unpacking a simple and quick exercise.

Internally, there are straps that keep your clubs in place with your golf bag. The 4 caster wheels on pivots make it easy to maneuver in every situation.

We liked the fact that The Meridian golf travel bag has dense foam padding to protect your clubs in transit with club heads perfectly safe from damage. It weighs just under 12 lbs. and each lb. is designed to ensure your precious clubs arrive safely so you can enjoy your golf holiday.

Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Travel Bag

Soft Golf Travel Bag

Rating: 8.7 /10

• Reinforced at pressure points
• Self-standing yet with wheels
• Multi-compartment and well-padded
• Soft cover made of durable nylon
• Fairly stiff canvas
• Water resistant but optimistic to say it is waterproof

This Travel Bag made of durable and waterproof nylon has reinforcements on pressure points and can stand on its own.

Fitted with smooth rolling wheels, compression straps help to keep your clubs in place during transit with extra padding at the top ensuring that your club heads are all well-protected.

There are several compartments in the bag each with zippers.

The bag can lie flat or stand up on non-skid patches when loaded with your golf gear. This golf travel bag is lightweight at nearly 9 lbs and collapsible for storage.

Club Champ Golf Bag Travel Cover

Top Golf Travel Bag for Storage

• Fully collapsible bags
• Wheels for maneuverability
• Padded to protect club heads
• Less sturdy than some of its competitors

With wheels for ease of maneuverability, this durable Cover is fully collapsible for ease of storage and padded at the top to protect your club heads.

This golf travel bag weighs just 2.5 lbs. so easy to move and travel around with it.

Club Glove XL Travel

Golf Travel Bag with Wheels

• Durable material and construction
• Limited warranty
• Good internal padding
• Bag considered too big by some if just bringing clubs alone

US-sourced and manufactured, this Travel Glove bag prioritizes durability and strength. It can hold all full-size clubs and has an integrated handle for additional support.

It has a limited warranty which is a definite plus because you can upgrade to a full warranty. There is internal foam in this golf travel bag padding to protect your golf club while it has the capacity to hold golf shoes.

Golf Travel Bag Buying Priorities?

The number one top priority when deciding which is the best golf bag to buy involves the protection of your clubs in transit.

However, there are factors concerning bags that deserve mention as diverse as cost, weight, ease of transportation, and how you are likely to travel for golf as well.

Here are some ideas in no particular order of those factors which have led us to our conclusions on the best golf travel bags.

Golf Bag Warranty/Price

We all want good value for our money and to pay the best price possible, but no bag purchase should be done on price alone.

Remember that the reason for buying golf travel bags is to ensure that when you arrive at your destination, you will find that all your clubs have survived the journey without any damage .

A bag manufacturer that provides a warranty against damage is clearly confident that its travel bag can do the job otherwise a warranty would not be offered.

Every bag manufacturer that offers a warranty is certain to have tested its product before it goes into the marketplace.

In the case of travel bags for golf clubs, that will include testing its ability to withstand the pressure of having other items of luggage placed on top of the bag sometimes for a prolonged period.

You would be certain that each golf club would be perfectly safe if they were packed in a solid metal travel case with plenty of internal packaging; even cotton wool.

Obviously, that is not a practical bag material for a number of reasons, especially weight.

Imagine how much extra you would pay an airline if you wanted to transport this type of golf case!

The lightest travel bag in today’s market weighs little more than 2 lbs while the heaviest bag is around 13 lbs. The latter is a perfectly acceptable weight for a bag given the weight of the clubs themselves.

The heaviest bag is not necessarily the best because the aspect of design and the strength of materials are all factors to consider.

Wheels For Ease Of Travel

Airlines regularly ask flyers to take golf clubs to a separate oversized area for checking and loading on to the aircraft. You may also have to take your bag to a different location to be checked by TSA or customs.

You need to be able to take your travel bag from home perhaps via the boot of your car to the airport and then on arrival to your transport for onward travel.

Even if you are traveling by road and simply want to pack your clubs in the boot, you still need to keep the clubs well-protected within a bag and then get them into your accommodation.

The easiest way to transport bags of any kind is if they are on wheels.

How many travelers do you see these days at airports pulling their luggage on wheels? The majority, I would say.

Golf travel bags should ideally have wheels that retract or certainly do not get snagged anywhere once you hand the bag in for loading.

Hard Cover or Soft Cover

As suggested with the ‘’metal travel case’’, a hard travel bag may provide more protection than a soft one.

Remember if you are flying, almost everyone on the plane, especially on long haul flights, will have luggage in the hold so a bag that can resist any impact from other pieces of luggage is ideal.

Soft bags are common in today’s marketplace and internal padding is essential when you choose such a bag.

Polyester, nylon, and vinyl are soft but durable materials that are commonly used for golf travel bags, and that extra padding, as well as straps to secure the clubs in place within the bag itself, are important to give your clubs the protection they need even in a soft case.

There are hard golf travel bag options on the market as well. A hard case tends to have a higher price point and they do tend to weigh quite a bit more than a soft bag or cover.

When choosing between a soft and hard golf travel bag, you are looking for a balance between maximum protection without prohibitive weight.

Bag Storage

You don’t want a travel bag that is too bulky and if you can fold it away for storage when you do not need it, that is a bonus.  

That should never be a top priority when you make your bag purchase decision, especially if you are doubtful about the bag’s ability to do the job that you want it to do.

In other words, there are more important considerations than how easy it is to store a bag when choosing a golf travel bag.

Our Final Thoughts on Golf Travel Bags

When it comes to your one best option for a golf travel bags cover, we recommend the CaddyDaddy Constrictor among a number of good alternative bags because it is the best balance between protection, durability, maneuverability and price. It is our overall pick when comparing the best golf travel bags.

You will have peace of mind every time you travel to know your clubs will be waiting for you on arrival in as good condition as they were when you left home.

What is the best way to pack a golf travel bag?

The best way to pack a golf travel bag is to wrap soft items around the clubs so they don’t break at the airport. Put towels, packing material or bubble wrap between the club heads and shafts. This way the clubs dont clank together or break when thrown around by luggage staff.

Are hard or soft golf travel bags better?

Hard golf travel bags are better for protection. They are built with extra padding ensuring if thrown around that your clubs have a better chance of remaining intact. Although, they can be more expensive than soft travel bags.

How heavy is a golf travel bag?

Golf travel bags weigh around 18 pounds. Stand and cart bags weigh more at 7-12 pounds. If a golf bag has clubs in it, the weight is about 25-30 pounds. The travel bag itself is light, the clubs added inside make it feel heavy.

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Golf Club Protection: The Best Golf Travel Bags

Just imagine that you booked your ultimate golf bucket list trip. Maybe you chose somewhere iconice like Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, Bandon Dunes, TPC Sawgrass or Pinehurst.

You’re probably excited beyond belief. A vacation with your friends or family playing the course(s) you’ve always dreamt about playing.

That is, until you start thinking about the travel aspect of it. More specifically, how to travel with your precious golf clubs and make sure they don’t get damaged.

Because let’s face it, if you’re going to play a once in a lifetime course you need to play with your own clubs. This isn’t a time to try out some generic rental set when you’re forking out big bucks for a once in a lifetime round.

Luckily, traveling with golf clubs doesn’t have to be as bad as it seems. While we’ve talked about traveling with your clubs, I want to dive into the best golf travel bags on the market.

There are so many choices out there that if you haven’t bought one yet, I want to make sure you get the right fit for your game. I’m confident after reading this post, you will find the one that will help get your clubs to your dream destination or just safely to your next golf adventure.

Our Picks for Best Golf Travel Bag

• Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Golf Travel Bag – Best Soft Travel Bag for Most Golfers
• SKB Deluxe ATA Golf Travel Bag – Best Golf Travel Bag (Hard Case & Best Premium)
• Caddy Daddy First Class Travel Bag – Best Value Golf Travel Bag

What to Look for in a Golf Travel Bag

If you’re endlessly researching the best golf travel bag, you’ll quickly learn there are a ton of choices out there. From buying locally at a sporting goods store, on Amazon or somewhere else, there is no shortage of selection for golfers.

Key Takeaways

• You need some sort of golf travel case for your golf clubs, shoes, and other accessories on an airline. Do not attempt to check your clubs without a case! 
• There are two types of golf travel bags – hard shells and soft shells. 
• The hard shell cases are more protective but also weigh more which makes them harder to roll. Plus they’re bigger and not as easy to store in your car or garage.
• Soft shell cases are cheaper and easier to travel with. They also offer several versions with a hard shell top, more storage, and a kickstand. 

Here’s what you should compare when picking out your next golf travel bag.

Hard Case vs. Soft Case (Protection)

The first thing you’ll notice about the wide selection of golf bags is the case structure itself. Some have a hard exterior (hard cases) while others have a soft case like a normal piece of luggage. Both have their pros and cons depending on your golf travel needs.

The main pros of soft cases are that they are usually cheaper and easier to transport, especially if you have a smaller vehicle. Plus, they’re a lot easier to store in your garage when you’re not traveling. Hard cases on the other are usually much bigger and heavier but also provide more protection for your golf clubs.

I’ll review the best golf travel bags for both soft and hard shells, so this is more of a personal preference than anything else. Also, some companies make a shell top only that goes on your bag but we don’t recommend this option as it won’t protect your gear like a normal golf travel bag.

Durability & Padding

The next most important factor for picking out your golf travel bag is ensuring it’s durable and has plenty of padding inside to protect your sticks. Some have an internal compression strap system while others don’t or have as much padding on the inside.

Whether you choose a hard shell or a soft shell case, I always recommend a Bag Boy backbone travel cover support system too. This makes it less likely for your stuff to get damaged when handled at airports and thrown into a rental car or shuttle. Make sure you invest in a Bag Boy Backbone to ensure your clubs are protected and not crushed.

The last thing you want to have to deal with when you’re out of town is a snapped driver shaft. Keep your clubs safe and pack accordingly, especially for air travel.

Wheel System

The wheel system is another factor that will help you move around in crowded spaces. Some golf travel bags have spinner wheels while most only have two wheels (more like in line skate wheels) which make it a lot harder to maneuever. When researching your golf travel bag, make sure you consider the wheel system that works best for you.

Another big factor is the price of the bag. You’ll see these golf bags range from pretty inexpensive all the way up to the $500+ range depending on the model and brand you choose. 

Like any golf gadget, price isn’t everything thought. It’s important to find a bag that fits your budget but will also last a long time so you don’t have to revisit this a year down the line. 

Remember, this travel bag will protect the clubs that you probably spent thousands of dollars on. Don’t get cheap now and suffer when something happens to them in transit.

Depending on how frequently you travel, it’s important to get one that is relatively easy to transport back and forth. If you’re older or have some back issues, I recommend getting a lighter, soft shell bag to ensure it’s easy to get them in and out of the trunk. No need to suffer a pointless injury on the way to your golf vacation.

Plus, weight is a big factor for how much it costs to shipping your golf gear as well. Depending on the airline, if you go over a certain limit you’ll have to pay even more money each way. 

Also, it’s important to note unlike bags, these do not come with a shoulder strap and you’ll always have to push or pull it.

External Pockets 

Another important factor is the amount of storage within the bag itself.

This is one area where the soft cases usually win as they have 2-3 extra pockets outside the bag to house golf accessories (like balls, golf shoes) and other equipment. Extra storage is especially helpful if you’re playing somewhere that you might have to battle the conditions (like Bandon Dunes) and need to bring cold weather gear too. 

It’s important to remember to always check airline rules when it comes to the total weight for your golf bag. Usually, if it’s over 40 or 50 pounds, you’ll have to pay an extra $25 to $50 each way (which is a few sleeves of Pro V1s).

The last factor when selecting from our list of the best golf travel bags is the warranty.

You want to make sure the company behind the bag offers a warranty in case something happens (which the odds are a lot higher with air travel). This is more important with soft shell cases as they can get holes and tears while hard-shell bags seem to last a lot longer.

When researching these travel bags, I was surprised that some manufacturers have a warranty that covers incidents related to air travel!

Golf Travel Bag Reviews

Now that you know what you’re looking for before you buy, here are the best golf travel bags for airlines. You really can’t go wrong with any of these products!

1. Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Golf Travel Bag

The Sun Mountain ClubGlider Tour Series golf travel bag is for the serious golfer who doesn’t want to risk anything while traveling. If you’re a very serious player who’s invested a lot (i.e. PXG golf clubs) this is a great bag for you. The overall look plus durability, makes this one of the best golf travel bags for so many reasons. 

• Internal cinch strapping system to keep your bag secure.
• Lightweight – 11.8 pound design. Sort of a hybrid between soft and hard case.
• 4-wheel design unlike most golf travel bags which makes it easy to move around. The pivoting caster wheelers make it much easier to maneuver in tight spaces. 
• It has some of the best protection available and has some of the highest reviews on the internet. 
• Not only is durable but it’s aesthetically one of the best cases to look at with five color choices. 
• No external pockets for additional storage making it tough if you bring extra golf accessories.
• The biggest con for most golfers is the higher price tag as it’s one of the most expensive bags on the market but the quality of this bag is top-notch.

Overall Review

The 4-wheels make transporting it incredibly easy and the extra storage makes it easy to transport all your gear. Some reviews said the release mechanism is a bit stiff when opening and close and the main zipper isn’t that accessible. All in all, the internet didn’t have too many negatives for this epic golf bag.

All color options are great looking and easy on the eyes but with dark colors will withstand the wear and tear of travel. If you can afford it and are a serious jet-setter, this bag is well worth the price.

Go here to read our hands-on Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian review .

2. SKB Deluxe ATA Case Golf Travel Bag

The SKB Deluxe ATA golf travel bag looks more like a weapon to take to war more than one to transport your golf clubs. While its design is a bit over the top, it provides the ultimate protection for your clubs. If you’re someone who has aftermarket shafts or expensive clubs like PXG, this case will help you protect your investment more than most. 

• Hard shell case for maximum protection.
• Comes with a TSA locking system for safe travel and allows them to check it easily.
• Durability, durability, durability. This hard shell bag seems unbreakable. It’s made of polyethylene which also keeps moisture and dirt out. 
• The makers of this product are so confident about this case, they offer a $1500 club coverage and a million-mile guarantee.
• High price tag. It’s one of the higher investments on our list but provides incredible durability for your gear. 
• Weight – these golf travel bags weigh in just under 18 pounds before adding clubs. And as the average of clubs and gear weighs another 25-35 pounds, this makes it easy to go over the 40-50 airline weight limit pretty easily. 

The SKB golf travel bag is made of durability and works for both stand bags and cart bags but a little tight with bigger cart bags. They also have a TS lock which makes it more likely to be searched so don’t put too much else outside your bag itself. 

Overall, this is the best hard case on the market with the only con being the weight. Since it’s so heavy, make sure to pack accordingly and weigh it before you show up to the baggage counter. 

You can read our full hands on review of the SKB Deluxe ATA Travel case here .

3. Caddy Daddy First Class Premium

If you don’t need a hard case, the Caddy Daddy First Class Premium is another great choice. It’s lightweight but provides plenty of protection with 1000D Ballistic Nylon construction. 

Inside the case they have 2-layer foam padding to protect your clubs and hopefully avoid a lazy TSA agent. Like the other Caddy Daddy, this travel case has two generous sized external pockets with exterior zipper access. Plus, you can even lock these as well to make sure nothing falls out and keep your gear safe. 

But the main selling point for this travel case is the premium oversized wheels. While there are only two wheels in this case, I’m confident they won’t break anytime soon. The “all season” wheels are larger than most bags and very heavy duty. 

Unlike other bags, this one even has a 2-year warranty as well. Paired with the self-standing wheelbase, internal/external straps, this is a great option for golfers who travel frequently. At only 10 pounds, it has everything you need to protect your sticks. 

• Ultra-durable nylon construction.
• Two year full replacement warranty.
• Large side pockets for extra storage.
• All season, heavy-duty wheels are very sturdy. 
• No hard shell feature. 
• Only one color option.

You can pick up your Caddy Daddy First Class Premium travel bag here or read our full hands on review of the Caddy Daddy First Class premium .

4. CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 Travel Cover Bag

The CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 travel bag is a great bag that I’ve personally used for several years now. I’ve got hands-on experience with this one and they’ve helped get my clubs all over the country including a trip to Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hills. Needless to say, it’s very durable.

Here’s why it’s at the top of our list. 

• Accommodates cart bags and stand bags easily. 
• New internal compression straps to keep your bag secure.
• It’s super easy to fold up and put in a storage cabinet in the garage. 
• Molded luggage tag and business card window to find your bag quickly off the carousel.
• With 3 outside pockets, there is plenty of room to store clubs, shoes, rain gear and more. 
• Another huge pro is the 9 pound design. I’ve never had a problem loading it up with gear and ever going over 37 pounds of total weight. 
• The major downside is the lack of reinforcement around the clubs themselves. There’s very little padding next to the heads themselves so make sure to pack them with extra towels for protection. 

If you’re only traveling a few times a year and want a budget-friendly bag, this is a phenomenal option. It’s pretty inexpensive, it’s lightweight, easy to store and has tons of storage.

This is a great option for most golfers, especially if you have a smaller stand bag. Not to mention, a one-year warranty (which even covers damages caused by airlines). 

If you want more info, check out my in-depth review of the CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 .

5. Himal Soft Sided Golf Travel Bag 

Similar to the CaddyDaddy option is the Himal golf travel bag . It’s also a soft shell, all black design that is great for transporting your clubs. If you’re a golfer who doesn’t travel much and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, this is a great choice for you.

• Heavy duty velcro carrying handle.
• One external pocket for additional shoe storage.
• Business card holder on the front of the bag for easy verification.
• Made with 600D polyester oxford materials which is very durable. 
•  Warranty information. Unlike others on this list, the warranty length was a little gray and couldn’t find specifics for total warranty length.

This bag isn’t fancy by any means but for a casual traveler, it has everything you need to get your golf gear from A to B. While not as luxurious as Sun Mountain and others on this list, it’s very affordable and still a lot better than a travel cover.

6. AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag

At this point, I’m convicned Amazon basically makes every item imaginable, including a great golf travel bag. When they notice an item is consistently selling they’ll create their own “Amazon Basics” model for it, including a low-priced golf travel bag.

The AmazonBasics soft-sided travel bag is very affordable and has a ton of perks for such a low-priced golf bag.

• One of the few freestanding travel bags. When your bag is inside, you can rest it upright or lay it flat. 
• Aside from the price, the biggest pro is the durable nylon fabric and ability to stand on its own even when clubs are inside. 
• This bag has a ton of storage with two massive outside pockets. Plus, it has a ton of padding to protect your clubs too. 
• A few negative reviews (what few there are) talk about wheels falling off and ripping relatively easily. Luckily, users have gotten replacements but it’s still more work and hassle for you if a wheel pops off or need a replacement. 

At such a low price, it’s a great buy with little risk as the investment is so small. Overall, it’s ranked very high by golfers worldwide and a great choice if you’re not traveling often.

7. Founders Club Golf Travel Bag 

The Founders Club travel bag is another top choice among golfers, not to mention its great looking and easy to spot. The soft shell case is made of a very durable material and there is a ton of padding to make sure your clubs travel safe.

• One-year warranty.
• External shoe accessory pocket.
• Easy to transport with dual in line skate wheels. 
• Heavily padded handles that make it easy to grab off the belt or lift out of the car.
• Customizable embroidery panel. You can remove a small part of the bag and get it customized with your name, logo, etc. This will help you spot it quickly and ensure no one accidentally takes your bag. 
• While the external pocket is great, there are also two internal pockets as well. These are great for rain gear, extra towels, and more. Plus, an internal strap to keep your bag secure.
• Only one color choice (light gray) could get dirty quickly. Otherwise, this is an excellent bag.

Founders Club has become a go-to name with cart and stand bags so it makes sense to roll out a golf travel case in their product line. This is one of the most stylish travel bags on this list, very moderately priced, and has a ton of storage for your gear. 

If you like the style but want even more protection, make sure to check out the Founders Club Hard Shell cover bag . It has the same bottom style in a soft shell case with a hard top, making it truly unique and helps you get the best of both worlds. 

8. Caddy Daddy Enforcer Hard Top

If you need a heavy-duty travel case, you will love the Caddy Daddy Enforcer . The hard top design makes it one of the most protective cases on our list but not too heavy either. 

What’s great about this case is that it’s not a 100% hard shell, like others on this list. Instead, just the top part is hard while the middle and bottom section is made with strong fabric. This gives it maximum protection  without  making it too heavy and hard to drag around the airport. 

The case also has both internal and external straps to keep your gear locked in. This will help make sure they don’t rattle around too much during a bumpy drive or turbulent flight. 

The Enforcer Hard Top also features inline skate wheels (only two) but does some with extra pockets. These large pockets make it easy to store extra shoes, apparel, and more. 

But the best part of this premium travel case?

The case folds up so that the bottom fits inside the top hard shell portion.  This makes it easy to store in your garage or even a small closet if you live in an apartment. It looks like a traditional bowling ball bag as it’s so small and even has a handle on the top. 

This case weighs 10 pounds and measures at 51 x 13 x 13 inches. While it’s a higher price tag than some, it’s 100% worth it and consider it to be a nearly perfect travel bag. If you’re a road warrior, this is the best travel case for you! 

• Tons of internal padding to protect your golf clubs.
• The case folds up for easy storage despite a hard shell top.
• Hard shell and soft shell design is perfect for serious travelers but not too heavy either. 
• The lightweight design ​​won’t make you pay extra airline fees by going over the weight limit. 
• Only two in-line skate wheels. 
• Pockets on the outside seem a little small. 

Click here to learn more about the Caddy Daddy Enforcer.

9. Club Glove Last Bag

The Club Glove Last Bag is another trusted golf bag that is used and trusted by tour pros so it had to make this list. This tour series bag is made of CORDURA, which is much more durable than nylon and provides a ton of protection for a soft shell case. Plus, it’s so big it makes it easy to transport tour and cart bags with ease.

• It’s made in the USA and everything from the material to the zippers and clasps are made with super high-quality material. 
• It’s super easy to get your stuff in and out and there’s one main zipper. 
• Huge color selection. This travel bag comes in 16 colors so it makes it easier to identify it in the airport carousel.
• When it comes to soft shell cases there really isn’t much wrong with this as far as storage, weight, and looks go. 
• The only downside is the price. As with the Sun Mountain, this is one of the most expensive golf travel bags available.

The Club Glove last bag is legit and easy to see why it’s trusted by the best golfers in the world.

There is also a Club Glove Last Bag XL Tour pro version that’s even bigger and offers all the same benefits. Plus, at only 9 pounds it’s still incredibly light and easy to transport with ultimate protection, especially at the top of the bag.

Both of these models are great golf travel bags but they aren’t cheap. If you’re looking for a reliable bag and travel frequently with a cart or tour bag, this one’s for you. Remember, don’t skimp on quality for price when it comes to protecting your sticks!

10. Samsonite Golf Hard-Sided Travel Case

Some players prefer choosing functionality over aesthetics and the Samsonite Hard Sided Travel Case is a very heavy duty. While it isn’t the best to look at it, it is extremely durable and has plenty of extra storage for all of your equipment. This hard shell case will get your stuff from A to B safely!

• Five year manufacturers warranty.
• Three color choices (black, navy, and titanium).
• Even though it looks heavy and bulky, it is very lightweight and durable solid.
• Inside the hard case travel bag is a padded quilted interior with extra foam cushioning on top to protect club heads (huge benefit over most cases).
• Very easy to move around. With four multi-directional spinner wheels and two inline skate wheels allows the case to be pushed or pulled.
• Internal compression straps secure the bag inside the case to ensure your clubs are secure.
• Accommodates larger 10.5″ top golf bags with longer, 48″ clubs (that’s three inches normal than a standard, off the rack driver).
• There aren’t many downsides but price is important and it’s not cheap. It’s roughly 2-3X the prices of some of the other choices on this list.
• Appearances. Personally, I’m not a fan of the look because it’s bulky and kind of generic looking but at the end of the day, it’s easy to move and will keep your clubs safe.

I won’t lie, this heavy-duty bag won’t win any awards for appearances but it’s one of the best hard case options. It looks more like a rolling coffin but I am 100% confident that your gear will stay safe en route to your destination. The ABS Shell shields your bag and clubs from the wear and tear of travelling. 

Plus, this is one of the few options that allows longer clubs as well. With quality materials and packing features, this piece of luggage can take your clubs is a solid choice.

11. Samsonite Golf Deluxe 3-Piece Travel Set

If you’re skipping hard case golf travel bags because they aren’t as fashionable, I think you will love the Samsonite Golf Deluxe 3-piece travel set . Not only do you get a good-looking bag, this golf travel case also comes with a matching duffle bag and shoe bag too. 

• Six two-tone color choices that won’t get dirty or worn down easily.
• A Duffel bag makes a great carry-on bag that you can use year round.
• Sealed ball bearing inline skate wheels allows for the case to be pushed or pulled.
• Inside features a padded quilted interior with extra foam cushioning on top to protect club heads.
• Made with lightweight and durable polyester that shields your bag and clubs while still looking good!
• Functional shoe bag with mesh ventilation windows to help prevent moisture buildup, and large enough to accommodate two pairs of shoes (up to to size 13).
• Smaller size than most bags. If you have added length to your woods, they might not fit. 
• While the material looks sturdy, some reviewers on Amazon had a different experience. 

One thing I like about this choice is the matching shoe bag and duffle bag. Plus, all the colors are great looking and appear to have been made with high-quality material.

Looks aside, the bag seems highly functional with the extra foam cushioning to protect club heads. Plus, you can push or pull the bag around the airport easily. 

12. Athletico Padded Golf Travel Bag 

The Athletico padded soft cover bag is one of the most affordable options on the market. For a quick weekend trip, I think this is a solid option but for longer destinations, another bag could work better. 

• 5mm of padding throughout, to help protect your golf clubs during transit.  
• Easy to carry. A padded shoulder strap further allows you to carry the bag through crowder airports with ease.
• 600D polyester and feature a vinyl base to protect the bag from scuffs and abrasions. 
• One color choice but the material seems sturdy. 
• Zero external pockets. Where are you supposed to put your extra gadgets and shoes? On the exterior of the bag, the only thing is the strap and name tag. If you’re a golf hoarder and pack heavy, probably not the one for you. 

This soft bag doesn’t look like it’s the most protective but reviews about it have been glowing. Ideally, I think this option is best for a lightweight stand bag not a staff bag. For a quick trip, this one can work but with no outside pockets, you probably have to use your luggage space to carry some of your gear.

If you’re on a budget, you may want to seriously consider this option. Plus, if you need to keep moving through a busy airport, you can throw this on your shoulder and get moving.

FAQs about the Best Golf Travel Bag

Do you have more questions about finding the right travel bag? If so, we got you covered. 

Where should I buy my travel bag?

I think Amazon is always the best place as so many people are Amazon Prime members you can get your stuff delivered quickly. In most cases, you can get your brand-new travel bag in less than two days and in some instances, same-day delivery.

So if you notice your old golf bag has a hole or is looking a little worse for wear, you can easily replace it quickly. Plus, with Amazon’s generous return policy, you can return it if you don’t love it after opening the box. If you take it out of the box and think the material is too thin or a wheel is too loose and could fall off, imagine how bad it will do when a baggage carrier is tossing it around. 

How much should I spend on my golf travel bag?

As you probably know by now, golf is not a cheap sport but it’s so addicting, most golfers will do and spend whatever it takes. While I can’t determine how much you should spend on a bag, I think the total price comes down to what type of travel you plan on doing.

If you’re the type of golfer who is going to travel frequently, you should splurge on a bag that will protect your equipment above all else. Looks don’t matter with a travel bag like they do with a normal stand or carry bag. For avid travelers, protection above all else. 

You also want to make sure it is well under weight limits, so you don’t have to constantly worry about that each time you go to the airport. There’s nothing worse than having to move stuff around so you don’t have to pay extra baggage fees. 

If you’re someone who is only going somewhere 1-2x per year, you can choose a more budget friendly, soft sided bag. While they don’t offer quite as much protection as a hard sided bag, each one above is a quality golf travel bag. Plus, you’ll save 50-75% depending on your choice. 

What are the best ways to pack your clubs?

Regardless of the bag you pick from this list, make sure you use these tips to ensure you end up getting your clubs to the destination safely.

• To protect your club heads, detach your driver and fairways woods if they are adjustable. Then, store them in the pockets of your bag itself or in a separate, checked bag to save room and reduce weight.
• Use towels or bubble wrap for irons or other clubs. Even though it’s more work, you can ensure they don’t get scratched during travel.
• Double-check the weight of your travel bag before you go to the airport. Also, make sure to confirm with the airlines how much weight is allowed per bag so you don’t have to pay extra. 
• Avoid putting anything expensive in your bag in case it gets lost (for example, GPS watch, expensive rangefinder, golf GPS, etc.). Losing your clubs is already a huge pain so don’t compound it by having other valuables inside. 
• Always take pictures of your gear before you go to the airport. This way you have documentation in case anything happens in transit.
• Use a stiff arm if you are worried about using a soft sided bag. A stiff arm is a few inches longer than your driver and will create a more sturdy outer shell. 

These tips with the right golf travel bag should help protect your clubs from normal wear and tear. For more traveling tips and information, check out our full guide on How to Travel with Golf Clubs or go here for a full golf trip packing lis t.

My Experience 

I make several flights per year where I carry my clubs and flying with golf clubs is always a little stressful, even if it’s only an hour-long flight. We’ve all seen too many videos of airline employees throwing clubs around when loading into a plane. Since golfers spend months if not years creating the “perfect set” of clubs, it’s easy to get slightly concerned. 

My best tip to ease your anxieties is to make sure to buy one of the bags on this list so your case is protective. Next, I always pack my clubs strategically with towels between my irons/wedges/woods. It’s also not a bad idea to unscrew your adjustable woods and keep them in a larger pocket. 

Lastly, I always make sure my bag is under airline weight at home to avoid any chaos at the airport. I will also put an Apple AirTag in my bag so I can always track my clubs too. 

Final Thoughts on Best Golf Travel Bags

Regardless of whatever bag you choose, selecting the right travel bag is all about protecting your clubs and finding the right one for your budget. Not all golf travel bags are created equal and I think it’s a great idea to grab a Bag Boy spine as well.

If you’re going on a golf vacation, your number one priority is to make sure they ended up at the destination safely. A broken wood or iron shaft can ruin your mood and experience that you might have spent a lot of money on.

Whether you’re looking for a soft or a hard cases, make sure to do your research. Each golf club case should get your clubs safely but personal preference, budget, color, style, and features will play a factor as well. Not to mention, some of these store easily in your house or garage while others could take up a lot more room. 

Also, you want to ensure the inside of the bag has plenty of protection for your clubs. Don’t forget to factor in your golf bag as well. If you have a cart bag, you might need to get a large carry case or hard case as the smaller, more budget friendly ones won’t fit. 

Pick up one of these golf travel bags, book one of those lifetime golf trips and start enjoying golf more than ever before.

2 thoughts on “Golf Club Protection: The Best Golf Travel Bags”

This was well written for novice golfers and those planning on enjoying this AWESOME game while traveling.

I feel so much more comfortable in choosing the best travel bag for my budget, travel itinerary, other preferences,

Great article. Very informative and well written. Thank you for your assistance in my purchase decision. Your article has made it much easier.

Comments are closed.

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The 10 Best Golf Travel Bags to Protect Your Clubs on the Road

Keep your woods, wedges, and putters secure with these durable and efficient covers. , michael loré, michael loré's most recent stories.

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While there are plenty of indoor simulators, golf-entertainment venues, and traditional on-course opportunities in my own backyard, New York City, for me to enjoy, nothing beats swinging at some of the top courses in states such as Arizona, California, Florida, and the Carolinas, where golf is more than a weekend hobby. And with hopping on a plane becoming less restrictive, I’ve been itching to get to new locations, of course with one of the best golf travel bags money can buy. 

With a suitcase packed full of polos in playful patterns in one hand and my clubs in a protective golf travel bag in the other, I’m ready to embark on my next adventure. Golf gear and sets cost a pretty penny, from four to five figures these days, so their safety when traveling is almost as important as making sure you arrive at your final destination in one piece. 

I’m definitely not alone in my wanderlust. Thankfully, there are plenty of great options to keep your clubs protected. You don’t have to worry about the state of your prized possessions sliding down the conveyor belt at baggage claim or being piled up in a corner designated for oversized luggage. Here are our recommendations for the best golf travel bags for you to utilize on your next trip.

Best Overall Golf Travel Bag

Sun mountain clubglider meridian.

Certainly living up to its name, the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian golf travel bag will glide through the airport as you head to your flight. With four wheels, including two as part of an integrated leg set that easily retracts, you don’t have to worry about bearing the brunt of the weight of this bag and its contents on your trip. It’s easy to see why this product, available in multiple colors and featuring two external pockets, was awarded the Golf Digest Editors’ Choice award for six consecutive years.

Buy Now on PGA Tour Superstore: $340

Buy Now on Amazon: $340

Most Rugged Golf Travel Bag

Ping rolling travel cover.

Crafted with rugged, abrasion-resistant 400D nylon, the Ping Rolling Travel Cover is as durable as it is easy to open, load, and even fold down. Featuring an outside pocket and six external handles to make transporting a breeze, the only drawback is the limited space for non-essentials, so you’ll probably have to put your golf shoes and other accessories in your carry-on. With a set of four sturdy and smooth urethane wheels and interlocking skid rails, this bag rolls smoothly over curbs and through the airport, giving you one less thing to worry about as you run to your terminal.

Materials: 400D nylon. Dimension: 53 x 17 x 14.5 inches. Weight: 8.9 pounds. Wheels: 4.

Buy Now on TGW: $340

Best Everyday Golf Travel Bag

Titleist players travel cover.

Developed by one of the most trusted names in the game, the Titleist Players Travel cover is a simple black bag built for functionality. It also has plenty of space. Featuring a large main compartment for your clubs, as well as an internal pocket for your golf shoes, you’d be surprised that it weighs just 7.5 pounds. Not only are your clubs secure in this padded polyester pull bag, but internal padded straps will give your stuff added protection when traveling.

Materials: 100 percent padded polyester. Dimension: 51 x 15 x 18.5 inches. Weight: 7.5 pounds. Wheels: 2.

Buy Now on PGA Tour Superstore: $215

Best Lightweight Golf Travel Bag

Bag boy t-660 travel cover.

Simple and lightweight, the Bag Boy T-660 Travel cover features a fully wraparound zipper that makes packing and unpacking your clubs efficient. If only playing golf was this easy! An internal compression strap helps stabilize the bag during travel, an oversized garment pocket is perfect for storing shoes and accessories, and deluxe in-line skate wheels offer smooth rolling. All this, and it only weighs 5.9 pounds.

Buy Now on PGA Tour Superstore: $110

Best Multi-Use Golf Travel Bag

Stitch multiuse traveler bag (mut).

A mutt is a dog that’s a mix of multiple breeds. This perfectly describes Stitch’s Multiuse Traveler. An everyday roller duffle transforms into a golf travel bag with a single zipper, giving us the best of both worlds, not to mention something that can easily be stored. With a durable nylon padded top and extra reinforcement in high-wear areas, the MUT also comes with a torsion bar that expands and slides into your bag to help prevent damage to your club heads while traveling.

Materials: Ballistic nylon. Dimension: 60 x 12 x 12 inches. Weight: 8 pounds. Wheels: 2.

Buy Now on Stitch Golf: $498

Most Tour-Trusted Golf Travel Bag

Club glove last bag large pro.

Trusted by PGA Tour and LIV professionals—including Rory McElroy, Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, and Jason Day—this travel golf bag from Club Glove is spacious and sturdy enough for these names to rely on week in and week out. Available in more than 20 colors, this single piece of burst-proof construction is made with 1000D nylon, is water resistant, and lasts five times longer than standard polyester. While it might be overkill for casual golfers, it certainly won’t need replacing anytime soon. 

Materials: 1000D nylon. Dimension: 51 x 19 x 16 inches. Weight: 10.6 pounds. Wheels: 2.

Buy Now on Club Golf: $379

Buy Now on Amazon: $509

Most Stylish Golf Travel Bag

Ogio alpha travel cover .

Materials: 1200D polyester. Dimension: 51 x 13 x 14 inches. Weight: 9.3 pounds. Wheels: 2.

Buy Now on Ogio: $280

Best Hybrid Golf Travel Bag

Caddydaddy enforcer hard top.

The CaddyDaddy Enforcer Hard top is a great hybrid golf travel bag with a soft-sided body that’s complimented with a hardshell for additional protection. A full wraparound zipper makes packing and unpacking easy, while two oversized pockets offer enough extra space for your shoes, rain jacket and other accessories you may need on your trip. When you aren’t traveling, you can tuck the soft cover body inside the hard top for easy storage. All things considered, it’s no wonder why it’s the highest-rated travel cover brand on Amazon.

Materials: 1800D all-weather fabric. Dimension: 51 x 13 x 15 inches. Weight: 9 pounds. Wheels: 2.

Buy Now on Amazon: $180

Best Convertible Golf Travel Bag

Sun mountain kube golf travel cover .

Upon first glance, the Sun Mountain Kube Golf Travel cover looks like a traditional piece of sturdy overhead luggage. But hidden within the carry-on is a golf travel bag. Made of a combination of ballistic-style nylon fabric with plastic shells at the top and bottom and dense foam padding, you can feel confident that your clubs are in safe hands. It’s available in eight stand-out colors, ensuring that you can identify your clubs in a whole pile of luggage. You also can’t go wrong with this robust case that’s easy to use in an airport and easy to store until your next trip.

Materials: Ballistic-style nylon. Dimension: 52 x 14 x 14 inches. Weight: 6.8 pounds. Wheels: 2.

Best Budget Golf Travel Bag

Macgregor vip ii premium wheeled travel cover.

If you’re looking for a quality golf travel bag that offers plenty of protection and durability without breaking the bank, the MacGregor VIP II Premium Wheeled Travel Cover can’t be beat. With plenty of storage space for your clubs, shoes, and clothes, this bag features additional padding at the top for extra protection, while an internal anti-burst strap and three heavy-duty external straps keep your most prized possessions—including up to a 49-inch driver—secure and snug.

Materials: Premium 900D oxford fabric and liner. Dimension: 54.3 x 14 x 15 inches. Weight: 6 pounds. Wheels: 2.

Buy Now on Amazon: $92

What to Consider Before Buying the Best Golf Travel Bags:

Like with anything in golf, from clubs and shoes to ball markers and rain jackets, there’s always a number of factors and key characteristics to consider before making a purchase. When trying to find the best golf travel bag, be sure to do your homework on the materials, price, weight, size, and additional features such as external pockets and number of wheels. Of course, don’t forget about personal preference.

Material: The most important factor when searching for a golf travel bag is its material. Whether you’re looking for a soft bag or a hardcover one, ensuring the interior and exterior will protect your clubs is the top priority. After all, that’s the whole point of a golf travel bag. Many options these days are made of ballistic-style nylon. Read: If it’s good enough for flak jackets, it’s good enough to protect your clubs. If you’re hesitant about softer nylon material covers, more heavy-duty hardcover or hardtop cases can withstand bumps and bruises during travel.

Weight and Size: Going hand in hand with a golf travel bag material is its weight and size. Obviously, bigger bags made of thicker materials are heavier. And the size should be substantial enough to fit all the essentials. If you need to stuff in a pair or two of shoes, additional outerwear, or other golf accessories, it’s always best to get something that’s spacious. 

Style: Once you’ve checked all of those boxes, as well as finding a product in your price range, the final thing to consider is the aesthetic. If you look good, you feel good, and hopefully play good. Which means choose the bag that suits your personal style, whether it’s a fun colorful pattern or all-business black. With more people taking to the skies to hit the links, it might behoove you to differentiate your bag, especially if you opt for the latter option, so you can easily identify it after you land. Nobody wants to waste time at baggage claim when you could be golfing.

Michael LoRé

Based in New York City, Michae LoRé has 15 years of experience as a storyteller, journalist and editor in the sports industry. As a contributor to Forbes SportsMoney, he has covered sports and events…

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6 Best Golf Travel Bags (2024) – Best For Protecting Your Clubs

Traveling with golf clubs does not have to be complicated.

Today’s golf traveling bag has everything you need to have the best golf trip ever, a trip where all your clubs arrive in one piece.

We have put together some of the best golf travel bags on the market .

We have options for the budget shopper and the golfer that would protect their clubs over themselves! 

Best Golf Travel Bags in 2024

• CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor Golf Travel Cover (Best Golf Travel Bag )
• Bag Boy Golf 2018 T-10 Hard Top Travel Cover (Runner Up 1)
• Club Glove Last Bag Collapsible Travel Golf Bag (Runner Up 2)
• Club Champ Golf Bag Travel Cover (Best Cheap Golf Travel Bag)
• Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Golf Travel Bag (Best Premium Golf Travel Bag)
• Samsonite Hard Sided Travel Cover Case (Best Hard Cover Golf Travel Bag)

Best Golf Travel Bag: CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor

• Lightweight
• Thick fabric
• Comes with the North Pole to open the bag up
• Does not fold flat for storage

At the top of our list is the CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor . This is one of the best golf travel bags because of the pricing , quality , and the protection that it provides the clubs.

You will notice that this bag also comes with a product called the North Pole protector. 

The North Pole is essentially like a stick that stretches your golf travel bag out fully. It does this so that the Driver is not damaged if the bag is hit from the front end. 

The Caddy Daddy is made from a 1800D Fabric , which is very thick. You can lock the zippers on the bag if you want, but the TSA locks are not included.

If you are not going to purchase a hard case, you need a product with thick fabric and additional padding at the top of the bag. The Caddy Daddy offers all of this and at a reasonable price. 

The Caddy Daddy only weighs 1.2 pounds so you can throw in that extra box of golf balls that you know you are going to need on your next trip.

Runner Up 1: Bag Boy Golf 2018 T-10 Hard Top Travel Cover

• Very easy to pull and maneuver
• Hardtop to protect golf clubs
• Lots of room inside
• Fabric is not as durable as some other brands

BagBoy makes a lot of great travel bags and golf bags as well. They certainly know what golfers need, and they know how to protect your golf clubs from damage.

The Bag Boy Golf T10 stands out because of the Hard Top Travel Cover . 

The majority of this travel bag is a soft cover with a 600D Polyester fabric . That is not the thickest fabric out there, but it certainly does the job. The most crucial part is that the heads of the golf clubs are protected. 

The Hardtop is made with an ABS crush-resistant material that truly will keep your golf clubs from breaking.

The inline skate wheels make the bag very easy to pull, and there is a handle built into the hardtop that makes this one of the best golf travel bags on the market.

Runner Up 2: Club Glove Last Bag Collapsible Golf Travel Bag

• High-quality product
• Zippers, fabric, and wheels hold up over time
• Storage on the inside and out
• Easy to maneuver
• Available in lots of colors

Club Glove has the best golf travel bags, but there is one thing about them that keeps them from the top of our list. They are just very expensive! 

If you plan on doing a lot of traveling with your clubs, there is no question that this is a great choice for you to consider. The bag collapses after use , and you can store it away without any trouble. 

On the outside of the Club Glove Last Bag, you will see two exterior shoe or storage pockets. These give you quick and easy access without having to unzip the entire bag. K

eep in mind the Club Glove also comes in many colors so you will be able to choose something that stands out from the crowd. 

The Fabric is a Cordura 1000D that is not only extremely strong , but it is also water-resistant . If you have ever traveled in the rain, you know how wet the golf bags can get, even though the best golf travel bags. 

The Club Glove is made for serious golfers, and it has all the right pockets and zippers in all the right places. If you want to take care of your golf clubs but don’t want to invest in a hard shell, the Club Glove is undoubtedly the next best thing.

As you will notice, they call it the Last Bag because you will never again be shopping for a golf travel bag.

Club Champ Golf Bag Travel Cover

Best Cheap Golf Travel Bag

• Very low price
• Fully collapsible
• Heavy-duty construction
• Fabric is not as strong as other choices

It is only fair to offer an option for the best golf travel bag for the budget shopper. If you are a person who only travels periodically, there is no reason to spend $300 or more dollars on a golf travel bag. 

With the Club Champ , you can protect your clubs for a very low price. There are built-in wheels and extra padding around the top of the clubs to help make sure things are protected and secured.

If you are traveling soon and just need an option to get you from point A to point B this is absolutely the choice to go with.

When you are done using the bag, it will collapse fully , and you can store it in a closet.

Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian

Best Premium Golf Travel Bag

• Won’t have to bend down to pack/unpack
• High quality fabric
• Wheels are easy to use

SunMountain makes some great travel bags and traditional golf bags. We love the ClubGlifer Meridian because of the features that it offers that other manufacturers are not offering. 

The ClubGlider has padding at the top of the bag to help keep the clubs protected. This is a soft storage bag, but it has 1200 Denier polyester fabric that will keep it in great shape for years to come. 

The most interesting part about this golf travel bag is the pivoting caster wheels and leg mechanism .

The bag will rais up off the ground so that you can pack it and unpack it without being on the ground.

Who really wants to be on the floor of a hotel room unpacking their bag? 

The SunMountain comes equipped with internal straps to keep things from moving around during your travel, and the legs will retract and fit into their molded tray.

The legs and wheels are very high quality and should not cause any issues long term. If you want a high-quality bag that will save your back and clubs, the ClubGlider is an excellent choice.

Samsonite Golf Hard Sided Travel Cover Case

Best Hard Cover

• Protects clubs very well
• Easy to glide around
• Takes up alot of room when not in use
• Will not accommodate very large golf bags

Samsonite has been a leading name in the luggage industry for many years. It turns out they also make some great golf bags for traveling. The Samsonite Golf Hard Sided Travel Cover Case is the best option if you want a hard shell storage case for your clubs. 

The entire construction is lightweight and durable ABS. With this type of travel cover, you will have plenty of storage and protection. The one downside to the hardstyle case is that if your golf bag is large, it may not fit. Where you can stretch a soft case, you won’t be able to do so with the hard ones. 

The Samsonite has wheels and is quite tall as well. If you play with a longer driver, you won’t have any issues fitting it inside this one. 

golf Travel Bags Buying Guide

Knowing your options is only half the battle. Now you must pick a golf bag for traveling that works for you, your style, and your clubs.

We have put together a few questions that should help you narrow down your decision just a bit. 

What Is The Difference Between Hardcover And Softcover Golf Travel Bags? 

A hard case golf travel bag has a protective shell around it. This shell is designed to keep the clubs inside protected from any kind of damage.

We know that luggage is thrown around when you travel. If you have expensive golf clubs that may be hard to replace, the hard case does a great job of keeping everything intact. 

The problem with the hard case is that it is heavy, and you can’t fold it to put it away. If you have space in your home, this won’t be an issue, but if you are already short on space, you do not want to figure out how to store a hard shell travel bag. 

As long as the softcover travel bag you choose has padding and protective coverings, you should not have to worry about golf clubs breaking. These bags do a great job of protecting your clubs even if they are not quite as sturdy as the hard cover cases. 

Will A Cart Bag Fit In A Travel Golf Bag? 

A cart bag will sometimes not fit in a travel bag. You have a few options here. One of the first things you can do is purchase a carry or stand bag that is more lightweight and use it for traveling.

Another option is to measure the cart bag and the travel bag and see if it will fit. 

Some of the larger golf travel bags can accommodate a cart bag but the problem will be the weight. By the time you add a cart bag and all of your belongings to the travel bags, chances are the pricing is going to get a bit high. 

Do All Golf Travel Bags Have Wheels? 

Not all golf bags for travel will have wheels. Some are just going to have a single carry strap that you can use to lug the clubs around.

Certainly, these are the less expensive type because carrying your clubs in this way is quite difficult. If you are looking for the best golf travel bag, make sure to include wheels on your list of must haves. 

Should I store Shoes And Other Things In My Golf Travel Bag? 

People love to stuff their travel golf bags full of extra equipment and gear. There is usually quite a bit of room in these bags, so that is completely understandable, but you should be careful as to how you do this. 

Make sure that nothing but soft goods are put anywhere near the clubhead. Also, make sure that all items are strapped down or tucked inside the bag. If you leave a golf club outside of your bag but within the travel bag, there is a high potential that it could break during travel. 

Hopefully, our choices for the best golf travel bag have helped you narrow down your options. There are many good travel bags out there, but it is important to choose something that has the fabric, storage, and the durability that you need for your travel schedule. 

The Caddy Daddy gives golfers great club protection, an easy way to carry the bag, lightweight design, and lots of storage. This is a travel bag that you will likely have for many years before needing to replace it.

Henry Foster

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15 Best Golf Travel Bags You Need For 2024

We all love a good golf trip. Hop on a plane with a group of friends and fly to a golf destination for new courses and new 19th holes. Always a good time. There’s one issue, though. We invest in our golf clubs. We want our golf equipment to be safe and air travel can feel risky for your prized possessions.

The solution is simple. You need a golf travel bag you can trust. Remove the stress of traveling with your clubs and be confident your golf bag and sticks will arrive in one piece. Not all golf travel cases are the same. We can help you find the right one.

We’ve assessed the golf travel bag marketplace and identified our 15 favorite products. Don’t let a baggage handler ruin your next golf trip. Keep your clubs safe and all you’ll have to worry about is bad drives and 3 putts.

What To Look For In A Golf Travel Bag

Let’s get started by reviewing the features you need to consider when picking your golf travel case.

Type of Case (Hard vs. Soft)

Your first decision is a big one. Do you want a hard or soft golf travel bag? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each.

A hard case is, well, hard. The outer shell provides maximum protection for your clubs. They’re extremely durable and can even be locked. On the downside, they’re heavier, cost more, and take up more space in your vehicle.

A soft case golf travel bag provides protection, but not as much as a hard case. They’re more lightweight, take up less space, and cost less. This decision will ultimately come down to protection vs. price/weight.

The idea of a golf travel bag is that it handles the beating so your clubs don’t have to - with this in mind, you need it to be durable. Pay attention to the materials used to construct your golf travel case and check our customer reviews. A high-quality golf travel bag should be a piece of luggage you can use for years, if not decades.

Weight & Wheels

Never forget about the “two Ws.” Your flight is only part of your golf trip. You have to get your clubs from your home to baggage claim and after you land, you have to drag them through the airport and to your room.

Lightweight helps, but if your golf travel case has a great set of wheels, you can handle more weight. Be careful to avoid a heavier bag with poorly designed wheels. You don’t need that headache (or backache) while traveling.

If you’re a frequent flier, you know some crazy stuff can happen to your luggage during your flight. The airlines don’t do it on purpose, but your golf travel bag can get damaged. The right warranty can save you money if something unexpected happens. Check the fine print. How long is the warranty on your golf travel bag and what does it cover?

Checking bags on your flight can get expensive and we’re pretty sure your golf clubs won’t be considered a “carry on.” One way to save is to pack other items in your golf travel case. Does your golf travel bag offer additional storage for clothes, golf shoes , and other items you need on your trip?

We all have a golf budget . In a perfect world, we get the best product for the lowest price. If you save on your golf travel bag, you’ll have more spending money on your trip. Price is always an important component when you are making a decision. Our recommendation - find your favorite golf travel cases and let the price be the tiebreaker.

15 Top-Rated Golf Travel Bags

Now that we know what to look for, let’s take a look at our options.  

1. The Mule Golf Travel Bag by Sunday Golf

The Mule is a sleek and slender golf travel bag designed to make your next golf trip simpler. There is no reason to drag that large/awkward travel bag around the airport if you have the Mule. It has 4mm ultra-thick foam protection to keep your golf gear safe. It has a concealed valuables pocket and a shoulder strap making it perfect for a weekend getaway. Bringing your golf shoes? There is a pocket for them as well.

Simplify your travel experience. The Mule is lightweight and will only cost you $159.99!

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2. Linksouldier Travel Bag - Pro

The Linksouldier Travel Bag Pro   is a Club Glove collapsable option (soft case). It’s made with water-resistant nylon and includes an over-the-top zipper for easy loading. You’ll have enough storage for your golf gear and other course essentials. 

There are wheels for easy transportation and the bag weighs 10.6 pounds. The cost is $360.

3. Caravan 3.0 Golf Travel Bag

This golf travel bag is made of strong 600 denier polyester blend material. It’s constructed with two exterior pockets, a Security strap, and a protective PVC bottom. The padded top provides extra protection and this golf travel bag weighs 11 pounds.

The wheels make it easy to pull and it does come with a 2-year limited warranty. The Caravan 3.0 is economically priced at $150.

4. SKB ATA Golf Travel Case

SKB   offers a simple, but effective hard case golf travel bag. No frills - this piece of luggage was crafted with one thing in mind: to keep your clubs safe. This product is designed to fit stand golf bags and a pair of shoes. It comes standard with TSA-accessible locking latches and wheels for easy transport.

It will cost you $270.99.

5. Caddy Daddy Constrictor Heavy Duty Case

The third   Caddy Daddy   golf travel bag to make our list is an economical option. The Constrictor is made with ultra-durable 1800D all-weather fabric and weighs 9 pounds. It has heavy padding on the top to protect your clubs and has multiple storage pockets. 

The Constrictor has inline skate wheels to help you pull it through the terminal and comes with a 1-year full replacement warranty. There are four different color combinations for $110.

6. Sun Mountain Clubglider Meridian

Sun Mountain   offers a unique golf travel bag with the Clubglider Meridian. It’s made from dense foam padding through the top of the bag, which protects your clubs. It weighs just over 11 pounds and offers storage for your golf gear.

What separates the Clubglider is the unique wheel and leg mechanism. Retractable legs make pulling and maneuvering it around the airport a breeze. This golf travel bag won the Golf Digest Editors’ Choice for Travel Bags for 2016-2019. For $320 you can pick from 8 different color combinations.

7. Caddy Daddy Enforcer Hard Cover Travel Bag

The 2nd   Caddy Daddy   golf travel bag to make our list is the Enforcer. It’s a blend of hard/soft - the bottom has a soft case, but the top is made from crush-resistant ABS to provide extra protection to your clubheads. There are two oversized pockets to store everything you’ll need on the golf course.

This golf travel case weighs 9 pounds, has inline skate wheels, and comes with 1-year bag replacement protection if damaged by the airline. The cost is $170.

8. Samsonite Hard Side Golf Travel Bag

This golf travel bag by   Samsonite   is the first true hard case option to appear on our list. Constructed with a solid ABS shell and a padded interior to handle the wear and tear of travel. Four multi-directional spinner wheels and two in-line skate wheels allow the case to be pushed or pulled.

This golf travel bag weighs 20 pounds and comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty. You do have room to store your golf shoes and you can buy this product for $270.

9. Ping Rolling Travel Cover

PING   is a well-known golf brand and they offer a high-quality golf travel bag that’ll give you peace of mind during your flight. Made with rugged 900D heathered gray polyester and designed to be easily rolled when tilted or upright. 

More storage than most - you can bring your golf shoes, rain gear, wind protection, and various other items. PING likes to say it’s a “fortress your clubs deserve.” It can be yours for $300.

10. Thinksea Soft-Sided Golf Club Travel Bag

The soft case golf travel bag by   Thinksea   is another product we would place in the “budget” category (compares with #10 on our list). Lower cost means fewer features, but it’s still an option if you don’t plan to travel too often. 

Made of premium 900D heavy-duty polyester, this golf travel case is lightweight and comes with enough storage to get all of your golf gear to your destination. It’s constructed with “easy roll” wheels and a handle to make pulling the bag easy. You can buy this bag for less than $75.

11. Himal Golf Travel Bag

The Himal Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag   is a low-cost option. It doesn’t provide as much protection as other products on our list, but it does come with several nice features.

This golf travel case is made from premium 600D heavy-duty polyester and has wheels to help you roll it through the terminal or resort hallway. There’s additional storage available for golf shoes, rain gear, or other items. You can have a Himal golf travel bag for less than $75.

12. Tour Trek TC Pro Travel Cover

The TC Pro   by Tour Trek is a soft case golf travel bag. The 360-degree padding is designed to keep your clubs safe on a bumpy flight. It has dual inline skate wheels and includes several pockets for you to pack your golf essentials. 

This golf travel case is made with Polyester and weighs nine pounds. There are several padded handles to help you lift the bag.  For $185 you can select Black, Gray Camo, or Navy, Red, White. 

13.  Titleist Players Travel Cover

If you’re looking for a simple, yet sophisticated golf travel bag from one of the leading golf brands take a look at the   Players Travel Cover   by Titleist. It’s a soft case and includes two internal zipper pockets for golf shoes or other gear.

The Players Travel Cover has premium skate wheels and has an accessible external valuables pocket. It’s black, with white lettering and a rubber patch logo. The cost is $215.

14. Caddy Daddy Phoenix Golf Travel Bag Cover

The Phoenix   by Caddy Daddy is a well-padded soft case golf travel bag with an internal EVA mold for added protection. It’s made with all-weather fabric and has three oversize “shoe pockets” to help you store your gear. The Phoenix weighs 12 pounds and comes with a 1-year full replacement warranty.

It’s been constructed with in-line skate wheels and a self-standing wheelbase that can come in handy in the terminal. This golf travel case can be yours for $159.99.

15. Club Glove - Last Bag Large Pro

The Last Bag Large Pro   by Club Glove is a soft case golf travel bag. It comes with a “stiff arm” that helps keep its shape when in use, but once you remove it, the bag can be stored in a small space. This golf travel case is made with Denier Nylon which is water-resistant up to 3x stronger and lasts up to 5x longer than standard polyester.

Plenty of storage for additional golf gear and shoes. It weighs just under 11 pounds and has a patented high-impact plastic wheelbase with integrated support for smooth transportation. This golf travel bag comes with a limited lifetime warranty for defects and you can purchase (additional fee of $79) a 5-year “no questions asked” warranty. You can select from 23 different color combinations for $369.

Golf Travel Bags: Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need a travel bag for golf clubs.

Yes. If you plan to fly with your clubs , we recommend you invest in a golf travel bag. You don’t want to be sitting on your flight worried about the safety of your golf clubs.

How much does it cost to bring your golf clubs on a plane?

Your golf bag counts the same as other luggage you check with the airline. Prices do vary, but typical fees range between $25 - $50. There can be additional charges if your bag is overweight.

Can you take golf balls on a plane?

Yes. You can bring golf balls in your “carry on” or leave them in your golf travel bag that you check with the airline. 

Do airlines insure golf clubs?

Yes, similar to other luggage, you can purchase baggage insurance that covers sports equipment. If the airline loses your clubs they’ll replace them, but you’ll be forced to deal with a challenging process and paperwork. Damage by the airline can be hard to prove.

It’s Time To Start Planning Your Golf Trip!

Play golf in a new part of the country or world. Bring along a group of buddies. Try out new courses. Who doesn’t love a good golf trip?

Make some tee times, book your room reservation, and buy a golf travel bag. Relax and enjoy your flight. Your clubs will safely make it to your destination and your only concern will be trying to make that 5-foot putt on the last hole to win a few bucks off your friends.

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Golf Digest Awards Sun Mountain Golf Travel Bags

Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian golf travel bag and Kube golf travel cover received 2022 Golf Digest Travel Essentials Awards.

ClubGlider Meridian golf travel bag with legs that extend to support all of the weight and the Kube golf travel cover that folds small for easy storage were deemed must-have golf trip and travel essentials, according to Golf Digest Editors.

Regarding the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian golf travel bag the editors said, “I pack my golf travel bag right up to the 50-pound limit, which makes it pretty tough to lug around airports and rental car parking lots. I got this Sun Mountain travel bag and haven’t looked back. Pull the stand out and your bag becomes basically weightless. Ok, not weightless, but I forget about how heavy the bag is until I pop my rental car’s trunk. It’s incredibly convenient: The gap between the legs and the bottom wheels is properly spaced out so that I don’t have an issue on escalators in airports. The stand can be a little tough to pop out, but once you get it you’re in for a much-improved airport experience.”

ClubGlider is the only golf travel bag that has extendable legs and wheels to support 100% of the weight, while eliminating the repeated bending and lifting required with traditional travel bags. ClubGlider is available in four different models – Pro, Tour Series, Meridian, and Journey – offering protection for golfers ranging from weekend warriors to touring professionals.

About the Sun Mountain Kube golf travel cover the Golf Digest editors said, “I hate having to find space to store my travel bag when it is not in use. This one folds into a little cube and I can forget about it until I need it again.”

Kube looks like an ordinary, small, plastic suitcase but unbuckle it and it opens into a full-sized golf travel bag. Kube is constructed from durable, ballistic style fabric in combination with plastic half-shells with dense foam padding through the top of the bag to protect golf clubs. When not in use, Kube folds small for storage.

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The 5 Best Golf Travel Bags (Tested & Reviewed)

This article may contain affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy .

Traveling with your golf clubs can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t have the right bag to protect them.

For those who don’t know this, Michael is a MAJOR golf enthusiast who never leaves his golf clubs behind, regardless of where we travel. Whether it’s road trips, overseas vacations , or spontaneous weekend getaways, Michael always manages to make time for a round of golf.

As full-time travelers, we understand the importance of having a reliable golf travel bag that provides optimal protection and durability. Airlines are notorious for breaking luggage and nothing is worse than showing up on a trip with a busted golf club (and a grumpy significant other lol)

With that being said, a reliable golf travel bag is an essential investment for any golfer who loves to hit the greens while exploring new destinations!

Here is our review of the top Travel Golf Bags!

This post is all about the best golf travel bags.

Best golf travel bags overview, best overall golf travel bag:.

→ Club Glove Last Bag Pro at PGA Tour Superstore

BEST HYBRID TRAVEL GOLF BAG:

→ Founder’s Club Golf Bag At Amazon

TOP HARD SHELL BAGS:

→ Samsonite Golf Hard-Sided Travel Cover Case

BUDGET GOLF TRAVEL BAG:

→ Himal Outdoors Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag

BEST LUXURY GOLF TRAVEL BAGS:

→ Sun Mountain Golf ClubGlider Meridian

Golf Travel Bags Reviewed

1. club glove last bag large pro.

Our all-around #1 pick for the best golf travel bag is the Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro! This bag is a highly regarded travel bag among golfers for its exceptional durability, craftsmanship, and spacious design. This bag is specifically designed to withstand the demands of frequent travel and provide maximum protection for your golf clubs.

My Dad has used his Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro on multiple flights, both in the US and internationally, with zero complaints! He loves that it can easily accommodate oversized golf bags, which allows you to pack your clubs without disassembling them, saving you time and effort.

Note: If you want a smaller version of this bag, check out the standard Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate .

The Club Glove is super sleek, stylish, and sturdy. No wonder this travel bag is used by nearly every current and past Touring Player.

You’ll love that the Club Glove Pro Tour bag is made with Invista™ Cordura® 1000 D water-resistant nylon, which is said to be 3x stronger and last up to 5x longer than standard polyester that is found on most golf bags.

The Club Globe travel bag also has excellent maneuverability for ease of transport due to the company’s patented high-impact plastic wheelbase with integrated support and in-line skate wheels. You won’t be disappointed taking the splurge on this luxury golf travel bag!

Also Read: Best Travel Gifts For Him

2. Founder’s Club Golf Travel Bag (our top hybrid pick!)

Our all-around #1 hybrid pick for the best golf travel bag is the Founders Club Golf Travel Cover Luggage for Golf Clubs with ABS Hard Shell Top Travel Bag. This bag is moderately priced, durable, and functions well for travelers.

We have been using this golf bag for over a year now and the bag has held up exceptionally well.

No damage, not even a scratch!

Most golf travel bags come in either the standard soft-sided golf travel bag or a fully hard-sided bag. This bag is unique in that it’s hybrid! The top portion of the golf bag is made with a hard shell ABS Top while the bottom half is made up of an All Weather soft bag material.

The bag also features padded interior and exterior pockets with straps to secure your clubs in place and therefore prevent any movement during transportation. It even includes external pockets for storing golf shoes or other golf gear.

The lightweight, yet sturdy design, makes this golf bag super easy to transport through airports, hotels, and other travel destinations. The in-line skate wheels allow for super smooth rolling, even at full-weight capacity. My favorite thing about this quality golf travel bag is that the bottom half folds up into the top, making it fit in our small storage space when not in use.

Note: The Founder’s design is similar to the Bag Boy T-Hard Top Travel Cover , but without the high Bag Boy price tag.

Golf Bag Accessories You’ll Love

3. Samsonite Golf Hard-Sided Travel Cover Case

If you are looking for a hard-sided bag, then the Samsonite Golf Bag is for you. When it comes to robust protection and superior durability for your golf clubs during travel, the Samsonite Golf Hard-Sided Travel Cover Case stands out as a reliable option.

With its sturdy construction and thoughtful design, this well-padded golf travel bag cover ensures that your valuable golf clubs remain safe and secure throughout your journeys. Samsonite is renowned for its quality and attention to detail, and the Golf Hard-Sided Travel Cover Case is no exception.

Michael used this Samsonite golf bag for almost 8 years before an airline cracked the bag and had to replace it! Yes, you read that correctly- 8 years of golf trips. Even with the small crack, the golf clubs and case were not damaged at all due to the internal straps holding the clubs securely in place.

Also Read: 43+ Most Useful Amazon Travel Must Haves

One of the standout features of this travel cover for travel is its spacious interior. It easily accommodates most golf bag sizes, allowing you to transport your clubs without the need for disassembly.

The padded interior and 2 adjustable straps keep your clubs secure and firmly in place and minimize any movement during transportation to protect your clubs from any scratches or dings. The smooth-rolling wheels on the Samsonite Golf Travel Cover Case make it easy to maneuver through airports, hotel lobbies, and other travel destinations. The only issue we had with this bag is that it doesn’t fold up, and therefore takes up quite a bit of storage space when we’re not traveling.

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4. Himal Outdoors Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag

If you have been searching for budget-friendly golf travel bags, look no further than the Himal Outdoors Soft-sided Golf travel bag.

You’ll love that the spacious interior provides ample room for your clubs, and the adjustable straps securely hold them in place during transit. The bag also includes extra padding to safeguard your club heads and prevent any damage. The Himal is made from heavy-duty 600D polyester Oxford material. The company claims exceptional durability and wear resistance, ensuring that your clubs stay protected throughout your travels.

We love that this Himal Outdoors golf bag completely folds up in a super compact way, unlike most golf travel bags on the market.

In terms of value for money, the Himal Outdoors Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag is an excellent choice. It provides the necessary protection, ease of use, and durability that golfers look for in a travel bag without breaking the bank.

5. Sun Mountain Golf ClubGlider Meridian

Our top luxury Golf Travel bag pick is the Sun Mountain Clubglider Meridian Golf Bag . This travel bag is highly regarded among golfers. In fact, this golf bag was Awarded Golf Digest Editors’ Choice for Travel Bags for 2016-2022!

The ClubGlider Meridian is made from durable materials to withstand the rigors of travel. The dense foam padding at the top of the bag ensures the best golf club protection. But with any bag, we recommend removing your driver’s head when traveling for extra protection.

Two of our friends own the Sun Mountain bag and will not stop talking about how easy the travel bag is to maneuver. Finally, after months of them raving about it, we were able to see firsthand how incredible this travel bag really is.

The unique Mountain Clubglider Meridian travel design allows you to choose between using 2 or 4 smooth rolling wheels, which conveniently pop out with a touch of a button. This allows you to easily glide through the airport or hotel lobby without being weighed down by a heavy travel bag. You’ll love that the bag has a ton of storage space! The bag includes multiple pockets (with dual zippers) for items such as golf balls, tees, gloves, or other golf accessories, keeping everything organized and easily accessible on your trip.

Fun Golf Accessories

Other Golf Travel Bags We ‘ve Been Eyeing

There are plenty of golf travel bags that will prevent your clubs from being damaged while traveling. Since publishing this article, we have come across a few notable bags that we felt should be added to this list! We will continue to add to this list as we test out bags in the future.

We love that this bag has a ton of space! The wheels and handles make it easy to carry or wheel through an airport.

Our neighbor just shared with us the Tour Trek TC Pro and we just knew we had to add it to our list. This bag has 360 padding which is perfect for those who travel with golf clubs frequently. The inner dimensions are 50 inches long by 30 inches wide which gives you plenty of space to pack your golf clubs, shoe bag, and any other golf accessories that you will take on your next golf vacation. The bag also comes in standard black, as well as a ton of other fun colors and patterns!

Also Read: Must Have Travel Essentials – Amazon Edition

Investing in a reliable golf travel bag is crucial for protecting your valuable golf clubs during your journeys. After extensive testing and review, the Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro emerges as the clear winner, offering superior durability, intelligent design features, and ample storage capacity.

For those looking for a hybrid bag, the Founders Club Golf Travel Cover Luggage with ABS Hard Shell Top Travel Bag is a solid choice. The outer pockets and roomy interior are perfect for packing everything you need for your upcoming golf vacation. The bag has held up exceptionally well.

The Sun Mountain Golf ClubGlider Meridian Club Cover Travel Bag is our luxury favorite! This golf travel bag provides golfers with a practical and user-friendly solution for traveling with their clubs. Its unique gliding feature, sturdy construction, and ample storage make it a reliable choice for golfers who value convenience and protection.

However, we encourage you to explore the other bags mentioned above to find the one that best suits your specific needs. Whichever option you choose, these top-rated golf travel bags will ensure that your clubs stay safe and secure, allowing you to focus on enjoying your golfing adventures wherever they may take you.

Top Rated Golf Gear

FAQs Golf Travel Bags

How do i choose a golf travel bag.

When choosing a golf travel bag, consider factors such as durability, protection, convenience, and size. Look for bags made from sturdy materials with reinforced corners or hard shells for maximum club protection. Consider features like padded interiors, adjustable straps, and wheels for easy maneuverability through hotels and airports. Also, ensure that the bag can accommodate your golf bag size and offers sufficient storage for accessories.

What size golf bag can I take on an airline?

The size of golf bags allowed on airplanes can vary depending on the airline and their specific regulations. Most airlines consider a standard golf bag with clubs to be within the acceptable size limits for checked baggage. It’s recommended to check with your specific airline for their baggage policies regarding golf bags to ensure compliance and avoid any potential issues. For example, Delta bags cannot exceed 115 linear in/292 cm (length + width + height). While Southwest, allows you to bring a set of golf clubs in your golf bag free of charge, in place of its standard free baggage allowance

Is there a weight limit on golf clubs for flying?

Most airlines include golf clubs as part of your overall checked baggage allowance, which typically has a weight limit. The weight limit can vary depending on the airline and ticket class. We advise you to check with your airline regarding their specific policies and any additional fees that may apply for exceeding weight limits.

What are the best hard-shell golf travel bags?

Some of the best hard-shell golf travel bags on the market include the Founder’s Club Golf Bag (hybrid), the Samsonite Golf Hard-Sided Travel Cover Case, and other reputable brands known for their durability and protection. These bags offer a robust outer shell and reinforced corners for excellent club protection during travel. However, personal preferences and specific needs may vary, so it’s recommended to research and read reviews (like ours!) to find the best fit for your requirements.

This post is all about the best golf travel bags for your next golf vacation!

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This video of two Delta bag-handlers launching a college golf team's travel bags is every golfer's worst nightmare

F lying with your golf clubs, while often necessary, is among the least fun ways to travel. Not only are they a b---h to lug around, but once you finally do get rid of them at bag check, you now have to deal with the mental anguish of not knowing where they are or how they are being handled between now and your destination. Air travel is stressful enough as is. Add one of your most prized possessions to the equation and the stress multiplies by 10.

RELATED: Former Masters champ Trevor Immelman dunks on Twitter troll after PGA

One way to quell the stress is to get a window seat, that way you can attempt to lock eyes with your sticks after the plane has landed and the baggage handlers start loading up a trolley. The problem with that is it can be a "see how the sausage is made" situation, which is exactly what happened to the East Tennessee State men's golf team after they landed ahead of the NCAA Championships. 

Some things are better off unseen ... 

Good lord. Every golfer's worst nightmare right there. Right when you think you can take a deep breath because you see that your clubs have safely made it to your destination, these two clowns start tossing your bag around like a hot potato for absolutely no reason at all. It's almost as if the one guy was actively trying to cause damage to everything inside of those bags. 

Now, just imagine what happens to your clubs when nobody's watching, and filming, from 37B. It's a miracle they ever end up to where your going and in one piece at all. Hopefully, no real damage was done to anyone's clubs. And hopefully Delta never allows this guy near anyone's bags again.

RELATED:  Video of Scottie Scheffler's lawyer and the prosecutor arguing about a court date is the golf drama we didn't know we needed

RBC Canadian Open

Hamilton Golf & Country Club

Golf Digest Logo Distinctive Designs

America’s 100 Greatest Golf Holes

It should be no surprise that our 2024 ranking of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Holes, the first of its kind since 1999, is heavily populated with representatives from the America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses ranking . These holes are why those courses are considered great. To formulate this ranking, Golf Digest compiled a list of more than 1,200 candidate holes, then asked our course-ranking panelists to judge each on a scale of 1 to 10, in four categories: Aesthetics (the visual and emotional power the hole evokes), Challenge (the degree of skill required to play it well), Uniqueness (how original it is compared to other holes) and Overall (sometimes a hole is better—or worse—than the sum of its parts).

The results introduce 22 holes that didn’t exist in 1999, and 37 others that have been resurrected through renovation or reappraisal. Many of the old war horses return, but more so this list represents where we are today at the intersection of revisionist history and the boundless possibility of architecture in breathtaking settings. To compare the 2024 ranking to 1999, see the March 1999 issue at archive.golfdigest.com .

Scroll through our latest ranking of America's 100 Greatest Holes, and be sure to click through to each individual course page for bonus photography and reviews from our course panelists. We also encourage you to leave your own ratings on the courses you’ve played … so you can make your case for why each course deserves, or doesn't deserve, more notoriety.

(100) THE OCEAN COURSE / 13TH HOLE 404 YARDS, PAR 4

You might assume that any hole making the ranking from this Pete Dye masterpiece would come from the ocean dunes, but the panel pays respect to this inland hole where players drive diagonally across a lagoon and then thread a needle to a green set hard on the water.

(99) WINGED FOOT G. C. (WEST) / 10TH HOLE MAMARONECK, N.Y. 194 YARDS, PAR 3

Tillinghast considered the 10th his best par 3, and Ben Hogan, considering the house behind it and the precision needed to place the ball on the correct section of a green that appears to levitate above bunkers, described it as “a 3-iron through some guy’s window.”

(98) OAKMONT C.C. / 18TH HOLE 484 YARDS, PAR 4

Getty Images

Unflappable Dustin Johnson made this hole look rudimentary hitting driver/6-iron to four feet at the conclusion of the 2016 U.S. Open, but the five fairway bunkers, stiff rough and green that feels like putting down an escalator more typically turns players to blubber.

(97) BALLYNEAL G. & HUNT C. / 17TH HOLE HOLYOKE, COLO. 481 YARDS, PAR 4

Channing Benjamin

The entire 17th hole at Ballyneal in the Chop Hills of northeast Colorado appears molten, from the lava-lamp fairway that deflects drives into blind side pockets to a simmering putting surface of bubbles and basins, one of the wildest greens on a course full of them.

(96) EASTWARD HO! / 18TH HOLE 460 YARDS, PAR 4

Courtesy of Jon Cavalier

Eastward Ho! flaunts some of the most adventurous golf terrain in the country, exemplified by an 18th hole that bounces over a hump on the blind drive and into a hollow by the water’s edge before climbing on the approach back to an elevated bulwark green.

(95) THE COUNTRY CLUB (MAIN) / THIRD HOLE BROOKLINE, MASS. 456 YARDS, PAR 4

Like the 11th (see No. 74), surreal topography makes this hole dazzle as drives are hit to a fairway that flutters like a kite tail past a trench bunker, then dips between two fescue-covered outcroppings before sliding into a low, square green set against a pond.

(94) OAKMONT C.C. / 17TH HOLE 313 YARDS, PAR 4

The lure of driving the green has sealed the fate of both members and major-champion hopefuls because the small target, set on a high ridge, spills into five bunkers including “Big Mouth” lurking nine feet below the putting surface on the right.

(93) PACIFIC DUNES / THIRD HOLE 499 YARDS, PAR 5

Pacific Dunes’ emotional energy comes from the way holes alternate between intimate and expansive spaces, and the third does both, parachuting from a panoramic tee to a vast gorse plain and back up to a green notched in dunes above the ocean shoreline.

(92) BETHPAGE STATE PARK (BLACK) / 15TH HOLE 478 YARDS, PAR 4

With its small, sectioned green sitting 50 feet above the fairway over steep, recessed bunkers, the 15th has been the toughest hole in relation to par during each of the three majors the Black has hosted: the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Opens and the 2019 PGA Championship.

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(91) PALMETTO G.C. / SEVENTH HOLE AIKEN, S.C. 139 YARDS, PAR 3

Derek Duncan

Alister MacKenzie remodeled Palmetto's bunkers and greens in 1932 when he was completing work 20 miles away at Augusta National, but he wouldn’t have had to do much to the dainty little seventh with its elevated putting surface platformed into a wooded hillside.

(90) PETE DYE G.C. / SECOND HOLE 439 YARDS, PAR 4

Sean Covich

Similarities exist between the second and the 18th (see No. 82) with Simpson Creek running down the left and a green stretched out above the hazard, but the tee shot is more diagonal, and players can attempt to steal yardage by taking aggressive risk/reward lines.

(89) ROYAL NEW KENT G.C. / SECOND HOLE PROVIDENCE FORGE, VA. 605 YARDS, PAR 5

Mike Strantz built big fishhook par 5s that curl around hazards at several of his original designs, but the one here is the most exciting because of the temptation to crush 230-yard second shots directly over no man’s land to a lower green roosting on the rim.

(88) SHINNECOCK HILLS G.C. / 16TH HOLE 540 YARDS, PAR 5

Shinnecock is a second shot course, even on par 5s: There’s room to drive to the slithering fairway toward the iconic clubhouse horizon, but from there care needs to be taken to avoid acres of native grass, 10 greenside bunkers and putts from above the hole.

(87) WHISTLING STRAITS (STRAITS) / 17TH HOLE HAVEN, WIS. 249 YARDS, PAR 3

Another in a long line of Pete Dye’s card-destroying par-3 17ths, this one is chiseled into the palisades over Lake Michigan and features an alligator-eye bunker blocking part of the putting surface and nine circles of hell for any shot that strays left.

(86) PEACHTREE G.C. / SECOND HOLE ATLANTA 584 YARDS, PAR 5

Courtesy of Peachtree GC

The downhill second shot sums up Robert Trent Jones’ “heroic” style of architecture: Players have the choice of hitting to a larger right fairway to set up a short pitch across a pond or attempt a deep carry over the water to a sliver of land short left of the green.

(85) SAND HOLLOW RESORT / 12TH HOLE 443 YARDS, PAR 4

Sand Hollow’s 12th speeds along the same red rock ledge as the 13th and 15th, but the catcher’s mitt shaping around the green makes it more forgiving, though players who want the best angle into it still need to challenge the precipice.

(84) FRIAR’S HEAD / 16TH HOLE 380 YARDS*, PAR 4

There may be no greater walkup to a hole than the 300-foot stroll between the 15th and 16th at Friar’s Head across a footbridge suspended over the shore of Long Island Sound, and the hole is almost as good, rambling down and up between high dune embankments.

(83) SAND HOLLOW RESORT / 13TH HOLE 320 YARDS, PAR 4

Brian G. Oar - Fairways Photography

Bunkers squeeze the landing area in front of the green on this short par 4, and drives that miss left will find recoveries impossible from the valley floor 100 feet below (see No. 59), meaning the smart tactic is to lay up, wedge on, make par and just enjoy the view.

(82) PETE DYE G.C. / 18TH HOLE BRIDGEPORT, W.VA. 518 YARDS, PAR 4

Courtesy of Gary Kellner

The 18th bears similarities to Dye’s 18th at TPC Sawgrass in the way the fairway arcs uncomfortably to the left from tee to green around a falloff into Simpson Creek, and it becomes a three-shot hole for drives that chicken out to the right.

(81) PACIFIC DUNES / SIXTH HOLE 316 YARDS, PAR 4

Many try to drive this small, narrow green set atop a knoll, and most who do end up down an embankment on the right pitching back uphill to a putting surface just 15 paces deep, or worse, in the bunker left, 15 feet below the green.

(80) PRAIRIE DUNES C.C. / EIGHTH HOLE HUTCHINSON, KAN. 468 YARDS, PAR 4

Courtesy of Stonehouse Golf

If there were a ranking for the greatest fairways in golf, the eighth at Prairie Dunes would be top 10 with its indescribable swells and swales. The ferociously tilted green, perched aside a dune, is also great and one of the most fearsome on the course.

(79) SAND HILLS G.C. / SEVENTH HOLE 283 YARDS, PAR 4

Depending on the wind, the green, stepped into the side of a dune, is drivable for most golfers playing the correct markers, but the tee shot must walk a tightrope past a 10-foot-deep blowout bunker short left and a short-grass valley falling away on the right.

(78) THE COUNTRY CLUB (OHIO) / 15TH HOLE 459 YARDS, PAR 4

Andy Johnson/The Fried Egg

William Flynn had a gift for using bunkers and landforms as interesting cross hazards, and he incorporated both at The Country Club’s 15th hole, banking a string of bunkers into a diagonal ridge to create high and low fairways and long, blind approach shots.

(77) SHEEP RANCH / 11TH HOLE 529 YARDS, PAR 5

The 11th is one of Sheep Ranch’s few holes not on or even much in view of the ocean, a testament to the visual impact of this par 5 that plows through a conifer forest before rising toward a green set inside a volcano-like crater of stone.

(76) COUNTRY CLUB OF BUFFALO (N.Y.) / SIXTH HOLE 187 YARDS, PAR 3

Laurence Lambrecht

Donald Ross designed upward of 7,000 holes in his career, but only one like Buffalo’s sixth, a singular specimen framed by a rock-walled quarry with a strange altar-like green that appears to be melting away like a sandcastle in the tide.

(75) MONTEREY PENINSULA C.C. (DUNES) / 14TH HOLE PEBBLE BEACH 177 YARDS, PAR 3

Jon Cavalier

The Pacific Ocean backdrop always made for a spectacular setting, but this hole didn’t become one of the best in America until architects Tim Jackson and David Kahn (working with Tom Fazio) remodeled it in 2016, exposing sand and adding the lone cypress behind the green.

(74) THE COUNTRY CLUB (MAIN) / 11TH HOLE BROOKLINE, MASS. 513 YARDS, PAR 5

Called “Himalayas,” this par 5 is a multi-chapter journey over a tectonic minefield starting with an elevated drive over outcroppings of puddingstone to a low fairway that crosses a stream, finishing with a third shot over bunkers to a blind green in a hillside saddle.

(73) ROLLING GREEN G.C. / 12TH HOLE SPRINGFIELD, PA. 361 YARDS, PAR 4

Christian Hafer

Compared to the heaving natural landforms that enliven this property the dogleg 12th feels genteel, rising slowly around a cluster of fairway bunkers on the inside corner that force a decision: play short, play left, or go over the top.

(72) PEBBLE BEACH G. LINKS / 10TH HOLE 444 YARDS, PAR 4

Warren Little/Getty Images

The 10th caps the last of five straight holes that all make the ranking, in this case a slightly mellower follow-up to the roller coaster ninth (see No. 34). There might be better trios of holes somewhere, but no course can match Pebble Beach’s run from six through 10.

(71) PIKEWOOD NATIONAL G.C. / 12TH HOLE 220 YARDS, PAR 3

Playing downhill across a gorge to a green that kicks balls to the left, this is Pikewood National’s fourth hole in the ranking, a remarkable feat considering neither of the architects/owners, J. Robert Gwynne and John Raese, had designed a golf course before.

(70) MYOPIA HUNT C. / NINTH HOLE SOUTH HAMILTON, MASS. 136 YARDS, PAR 3

Among the most disconcerting short irons in golf, hitting onto this 2,200-square-foot green wedged between mounds and seven coffin-like bunkers is like playing to the seat cushion of a La-Z-Boy that will steal more than your change.

(69) MERION G.C. (EAST) / 11TH HOLE 358 YARDS, PAR 4

Stephen Szurlej

With a green set perilously above a bend in Cobbs Creek, this short par 4 has been one of the game’s most beloved holes since Bobby Jones closed out Eugene Homans, 8 and 7, to win the 1930 U.S. Amateur and capture the fourth leg of the Grand Slam.

(68) THE RIVIERA C.C. / SIXTH HOLE 169 YARDS, PAR 3

Courtesy of Joann Dost

Bunkers in the center of greens is a template that never caught on (probably for the best), but it works here because it’s attractive, and the distinct hole locations around it can be accessed with putts via banks and ramps.

(67) MERION G.C. (EAST) / 18TH HOLE 462 YARDS, PAR 4

Only 11 birdies—and zero on Sunday—were recorded on this hole during the 2013 U.S. Open, namely because the green, approached with long clubs and sitting above a small valley, is extremely difficult to hold with the back half running away.

(66) THE COUNTRY CLUB / 17TH HOLE PEPPER PIKE, OHIO 388 YARDS, PAR 4

Players with enough horsepower can get drives close to this attractive green encased in bunkers and set on the far side of a grassy basin. Everyone else positions tees shots over a blind rampart leaving a short-iron second that needs to be played with precision.

(65) CAPROCK RANCH / 18TH HOLE VALENTINE, NEB. 213 YARDS, PAR 3

CapRock’s 18th guarantees you go out feeling flush with emotion—elation because your tee shot has made the sizable carry over the edge of the Snake River canyon eating into the property from far below or dejection because it hasn’t.

(64) SPYGLASS HILL. G. CSE. / FOURTH HOLE PEBBLE BEACH 376 YARDS, PAR 4

Courtesy of Pebble Beach Company

Spyglass’ fourth, playing through fields of sand and ice plant near 17 Mile Drive, bears similarities to the ninth at neighboring Cypress Point, particularly the long thread of a putting surface cocked at a 45-degree angle.

(63) CYPRESS POINT C. / NINTH HOLE 289 YARDS, PAR 4

Carlos Amoedo

Drivable par 4s are all the rage now, but holes like Cypress Point’s ninth, with a tee shot that must navigate sand dunes, steep terrain and a slender angled green that rises six feet from front to back, were as rare in Alister MacKenzie’s day as this one is beautiful.

(62) PIKEWOOD NATIONAL G.C. / FOURTH HOLE 492 YARDS, PAR 4

A few holes in the ranking play 100 feet above an ocean or valley floor, but this one plunges 100 feet down off a skyline tee to a narrow fairway that runs into a green protected on the left by a Road Hole pot bunker.

(61) PEBBLE BEACH G. LINKS / SIXTH HOLE 498 YARDS, PAR 5

Photo by Joann Dost

If there’s another par 5 that’s anything like the sixth, with a drive scissorred by bunkers and an ocean crevice followed by a blind second shot over a rocky cliff to a green showing 360-degree views up and down the Monterey Peninsula, we’ve yet to see it.

(60) OLD ELM C. / SECOND HOLE HIGHLAND PARK, ILL. 445 YARDS, PAR 4

Balancing a razor’s edge between simplicity and sophistication, the fairway is 70 yards wide playing into a bunkerless green, but any slightly off-target approach to the knoll putting surface will roll down embankments leaving maddening recoveries.

(59) SAND HOLLOW RESORT (CHAMPIONSHIP) / 15TH HOLE HURRICANE, UTAH 230 YARDS, PAR 3

The setting of this par 3 in southwest Utah, with views stretching 20 miles north, is one of the most memorable in the United States with the green propped on a red rock terrace that falls over 100 feet to a valley floor on the left.

(58) NATIONAL GOLF LINKS OF AMERICA / FOURTH HOLE 195 YARDS, PAR 3

Larry Lambrecht

Seth Raynor found inventive ways to tweak the angle and tilt of the many Redan greens he built throughout the country, but National’s Redan—the first of its kind in the United States—remains the most refined and naturally connected to the land.

(57) YALE G. CSE . / NINTH HOLE NEW HAVEN, CONN. 201 YARDS, PAR 3

Already the most majestic Biarritz green in the world, 65 yards deep with a five-foot depression centered between the front and back putting platforms, Yale’s ninth is about to get even more dialed in with a 2024 remodel by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner.

(56) BANDON DUNES / FOURTH HOLE 410 YARDS, PAR 4

Bandon Dunes’ fourth is one of the great reveals in golf—the tee shot plays for position toward a gap in a dune ridge on the right, a portal that opens to a green set on the edge of the cliffs and the course’s first encounter with the Pacific grandeur.

(55) EASTWARD HO! / SIXTH HOLE CHATHAM, MASS. 455 YARDS, PAR 4

Only unfathomable geological forces—not man or machine—could create the landforms of such a hole that crests over a hill to a luge-run fairway, passes through a pinch point of dunes and then lurches back up to a bluff overlooking the expanse of Pleasant Bay.

(54) PINE VALLEY G.C. / 10TH HOLE 161 YARDS, PAR 3

The magnetic, nearly inescapable pot bunker short right of the green (see No. 3) gets all the attention, but the slippery putting surface, tilted back to front and left to right, deserves its own anatomically derived moniker.

(53) SEMINOLE G.C. / 17TH HOLE JUNO BEACH, FLA. 185 YARDS, PAR 3

Ben Hogan thought the par-4 sixth was the best hole at Seminole, but we have it as the 17th, a wind-whipped par 3 playing from the seaside dunes toward a thin green surrounded by seven deep bunkers—missing it somewhere other than the sand is pure luck.

(52) BETHPAGE STATE PARK (BLACK) / FOURTH HOLE FARMINGDALE, N.Y. 517 YARDS, PAR 5

Massive fairway bunkers dictate shot shapes on this uphill par 5, calling for a right-to-left drive followed by a left-to-right cross-hazard second to set up a third into a small, table-top green that falls away sharply right and long.

(51) SOUTHERN HILLS C.C. / 12TH HOLE 461 YARDS, PAR 4

Southern Hills’ 12th never lets up with a semi-blind tee shot to a sharp dogleg fairway, a long, downhill approach from a hanging lie and a wickedly canted Perry Maxwell crowned green slipping into a water hazard short right.

(50) MERION G.C. (EAST) / 17TH HOLE 241 YARDS, PAR 3

Merion’s second of back-to-back quarry holes (see No. 7) set ups a long, frightening tee shot across a grassy basin, but the green, rising toward the back with a deep thumbprint depression front left, is the bigger problem.

(49) FISHERS ISLAND C. / NINTH HOLE 364 YARDS, PAR 4

Patrick Koenig

The ninth moves toward a point on the opposite side of the island from Fishers’ previously ranked holes, playing out to Seth Raynor’s three-level double plateau green set against the water horizon, a warning not to go long.

(48) FRIAR’S HEAD / 10TH HOLE 210 YARDS*, PAR 3

Evan Schiller

A large dune blocks the front two-thirds of this green excavated from a valley of sand, but there’s 15,000 square feet of putting surface behind it and an almost infinite variety of hole locations.

(47) HAZELTINE NATIONAL G.C. / 16TH HOLE CHASKA, MINN. 402 YARDS, PAR 4

David Cannon/PGA of America via Getty Images

This par 4 has been Hazeltine’s most recognizable hole since Robert Trent Jones designed it in 1962, calling for a precision drive to a 30-yard-wide fairway followed by a nervous approach to a peninsula green jutting into a lake.

(46) NATIONAL GOLF LINKS OF AMERICA / 16TH HOLE 415 YARDS, PAR 4

The undulations of National’s 16th are remarkable with a central spine running the length of the fairway and falling into deep pockets on either side along with a tall bunker fortress hiding a small punchbowl green that feeds shots onto the putting surface.

(45) HARBOUR TOWN G. LINKS / 18TH HOLE HILTON HEAD ISLAND 472 YARDS, PAR 4

Harbour Town’s 18th, its wide fairway skirting Calibogue Sound and famous striped lighthouse standing sentry beyond the green, was an announcement, in 1969, of the arrival of the Pete Dye era of golf design.

(44) SAND HILLS G.C. / FIRST HOLE 549 YARDS, PAR 5

Like no. 45, the first hole at the minimally constructed Sand Hills, galloping like a bronco through low, fescue-blown dunes before rising toward the distant ridge top green, was also a symbolic announcement in 1995 that golf design was entering a new era of naturalism.

(43) THE OCEAN COURSE / 17TH HOLE KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. 223 YARDS, PAR 3

The Ocean Course's 17th (center) is not an island green like the 17th at Sawgrass, but it’s every bit as harrowing with a slender, angled putting surface set against a water hazard, the father back the flag the longer the carry needed in the intense coastal winds.

(42) PIKEWOOD NATIONAL G.C. / 11TH HOLE 466 YARDS, PAR 4

This tough, narrow hole cut through trees proves bunkers aren’t needed to make a hole photogenic as the fairway bends right toward an infinity green set on the edge of a mountain ridge with forever views beyond.

(41) MAIDSTONE CLUB / NINTH HOLE EAST HAMPTON, N.Y. 415 YARDS, PAR 4

Courtesy of the club

Maidstone is a tale of two parts, with seven holes inland through an East Hampton neighborhood and the rest in sandy dunes, including the linksy ninth running along the Atlantic Ocean frontage.

(40) NATIONAL GOLF LINKS OF AMERICA / 17TH HOLE 375 YARDS, PAR 4

A “Leven” template, the 17th showcases one of the game’s great strategic concepts that rewards drives in proportion to how much distance they can carry over diagonal fairway bunkers, with longer tee shots resulting in increasingly shorter and more unobstructed approaches.

(39) AUGUSTA NATIONAL G.C. / 12TH HOLE 155 YARDS, PAR 3 *See No. 38

(38) CYPRESS POINT C. / 15TH HOLE 135 YARDS, PAR 3

Tough company when one of the most spectacular holes ever created—a short par 3 set in a stunning natural amphitheater of cypress and rock, playing over a cove of sea-sprayed Pacific Ocean—is looking up at 37 others.

(37) THE CREEK / 11TH HOLE LOCUST VALLEY, N.Y. 195 YARDS, PAR 3

This Biarritz green doesn’t have the most pronounced swale we’ve seen (see No. 57), but it does have a one-of-a-kind setting with the entire putting surface an island in a waterway, one barrier reef away from Long Island Sound, so missing it is not an option.

(36) PACIFIC DUNES / 11TH HOLE 148 YARDS, PAR 3

The beauty of this green cradled in a nest of bunkers, fescue and sea plants along the ocean headlands distracts from the task of putting a clean strike on the ball—missing left, right or short can be game over.

(35) PINE VALLEY G.C. / SEVENTH HOLE 636 YARDS, PAR 5

American golf’s original Leviathan, this nasty, brutish and anything but short three-shot par 5 jumps from one island fairway over Hell’s Half Acre to another, then runs dead end into a second sand cavern in front of a green that is itself an island.

(34) PEBBLE BEACH G. LINKS / NINTH HOLE 483 YARDS, PAR 4

The rolling topography of the ninth makes this more than just another stunning hole along the sea, and bold players can use the big left-to-right slope to get at the most advantageous angle into the green.

(33) AUGUSTA NATIONAL (GA.) G.C. / 13TH HOLE 545 YARDS, PAR 5

Arguably the most exciting par 5 in tournament golf, the 13th has been lengthened by 60 yards over the past 25 years to preserve the "momentous decision,” as Bobby Jones famously put it, of going for the green in two.

(32) THE KITANSETT CLUB / THIRD HOLE MARION, MASS. 167 YARDS, PAR 3

LC Lambrecht/Courtesy of The Kittansett Club

This “island” hole, with a foot stool green surrounded not by a body of water but by a battlefield of sand on the shore of Buzzards Bay, was the 19th best par 3 in 1999—this time it’s the 12th.

(31) OAKMONT (PA.) C.C. / THIRD HOLE 426 YARDS, PAR 4

The Church Pews bunkers that have made this par 4 one of golf's most identifiable holes for a century should be avoided at all costs, but the crowned, elevated green is this hole’s real superpower.

(30) SAND HILLS G.C. / 17TH HOLE MULLEN, NEB. 150 YARDS, PAR 3

This is one of eight par 3s in the ranking of less than 150 yards, but like the seventh at Pebble Beach, Sand Hills’ postage stamp 17th can play three or four clubs longer in the brutal Nebraska winds.

(29) SHINNECOCK HILLS G.C. / 18TH HOLE 426 YARDS, PAR 4

Putting the ball in play off the tee is critical at Shinnecock, a task made more difficult by the sweeping, angled fairway at 18 (near) that produces unlevel lies and awkward approaches into one of the largest and most pitched greens on the course.

(28) SOMERSET HILLS C.C. / SECOND HOLE BERNARDSVILLE, N.J. 205 YARDS, PAR 3

Of all the great Redan holes in the United States, this one is our favorite with its severely bowed green running away at the rear, and it’s designed not by C.B Macdonald or Seth Raynor who popularized the concept in this country but by A.W. Tillinghast.

(27) MANELE G. CSE. / 12TH HOLE LANAI CITY, HAWAII 202 YARDS, PAR 3

Eleven of the first 27 holes in the ranking are set on and over parts of the Pacific Ocean, none more video game-like than this Golden Tee sea-shot to a green waiting atop a sheer 70-foot escarpment.

(26) PEBBLE BEACH G. LINKS / SEVENTH HOLE 107 YARDS, PAR 3

The shortest hole in our ranking, set on the far tip of an outstretched peninsula and exposed to the most extreme winds and pulse-racing views, received the second-highest score in Aesthetics.

(25) PINE VALLEY G.C. / 18TH HOLE 483 YARDS, PAR 4

Not even an elevated tee shot and wide fairway can relieve the dread of facing this behemoth par 4 requiring a long, blind uphill second over water and a wall of sand, the last thing anything wants to see after struggling to survive the previous 17 holes.

(24) FRIAR’S HEAD / 15TH HOLE BAITING HOLLOW, N.Y. 480 YARDS*, PAR 4

The anticipation that begins to build from the view of Long Island Sound through a break in the distant dunes is paid off with a sense of arrival once you emerge from the fairway valley onto a green tucked near the shoreline.

(23) PINE VALLEY G.C. / 13TH HOLE 486 YARDS, PAR 4

The 13th, yielding radically different approach shots for drives attacking different sections of fairway—challenging a ridgeline on the left leaves shorter and more direct approaches over a deep barren—is the most strategic hole on a course known for penal ones.

(22) MCLEMORE (HIGHLANDS) / 18TH HOLE RISING FAWN, GA. 435 YARDS, PAR 4

Bill Bergin and Rees Jones’ new 18th hole, built in 2018 on a previously unused section of property below the old 18th, cloud walks on a sliver of rock hundreds of feet above a valley cove.

(21) SHINNECOCK HILLS G.C. / 11TH HOLE SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. 159 YARDS, PAR 3

Photo by Dom Furore

Ben Crenshaw once called this wind-whipped par 3, with its tiny green teetering atop a dune that dives into bunkers short and a low chipping area behind, the shortest par-5 in America.

(20) TPC SAWGRASS (PLAYERS STADIUM) / 17TH HOLE PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLA. 137 YARDS, PAR 3

Photo by Chris Condon/US PGA TOUR

An acceptance of punishment—some would say a desire for it—is wired into the golfer’s psyche. Thousands of people a year travel to TPC Sawgrass to surrender hundreds of dollars a round for the right to chunk and flair balls into the water at the 17th hole. Pete Dye’s island green wasn’t the first of its kind, but it was revolutionary in its understanding of human nature and our innate attraction to scenes of horror and suspense.

(19) SHEEP RANCH / SIXTH HOLE BANDON, ORE. 460 YARDS, PAR 4

Bill Coore’s Sheep Ranch routing manages to fit nine greens along the course’s high Pacific ramparts (including the shared third/16th putting surface), but only one hole plays across the breach, 60-feet below. Angled over an abyss of campers and driftwood, six puts players’ fates in their own hands with a drive that offers progressively longer carries, from a mere 150 yards to more than 300. Depending on the seasonal winds, the lines of attack at both extremes are likely to be explored.

(18) CYPRESS POINT C. / 17TH HOLE 386 YARDS, PAR 4

How often do you encounter a 386-yard three-shot hole? That’s Cypress Point’s 17th when drives aren’t executed bravely. The boldest will cut across the Pacific and hug the rocks on the right edge of the fairway, leaving a clear short-iron approach over the crags to an elevated green. Longer drives hit down the left into a studio apartment of fairway will also have a direct pitch from the other angle, but anything in the vast middle between these two tactics will be blocked out by a grove of large cypress, necessitating a layup.

(17) SOUTHERN HILLS C.C. / 18TH HOLE TULSA 491 YARDS, PAR 4

Gary W Kellner

A stream crosses the landing area of this demanding par 4 and curves down the right side, and the green, perched well above the fairway, is diabolically tilted and easy to three-putt. The hole almost always draws blood during major championships—winners need to arrive here with at least a two-shot lead because they usually walk away with a five. Mito Pereira’s lead was only one in the 2022 PGA Championship, and he flared his drive into the creek, took six, and missed the Justin Thomas/Wil Zalatoris playoff by a stroke.

(16) MAUNA KEA G. CSE. / THIRD HOLE WAIMEA, HAWAII 272 YARDS, PAR 3

Courtesy of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

At the time Mauna Kea’s sensational par-3 third opened in 1966, nearly 40 years had passed since any bluff-to-bluff oceanfront golf holes had been built in the United States. Those holes were at Cypress Point. Here on the northwest coast of the Big Island, Robert Trent Jones built a modern, mirrrored doppelganger of Cypress’ famed 16th (see below). From the crazy tees it’s a 245-yard carry over a piece of Kauna’oa Bay to the front of the green, but there are shorter tees and a landing spot of fairway short-right for everyone who doesn’t have the big shot in the bag.

(15) NATIONAL GOLF LINKS OF AMERICA / THIRD HOLE SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. 426 YARDS, PAR 4

Many of the hole concepts C.B. Macdonald pioneered at National Golf Links like the Redan, the Eden, Punchbowl and Bottle (cribbed from holes in the United Kingdom) matriculated into the common design vernacular and are still being reproduced. Not the Alps, the third hole at NGLA (in the foreground, playing toward bottom) modeled after the 17th at Prestwick. Why? Not too many golfers enjoy hitting long second shots over a high hill to a green they can’t see, one that’s also guarded by bunkers in front. That makes playing the real thing more exciting.

(14) PACIFIC DUNES / 13TH HOLE 444 YARDS, PAR 4

Like the fourth at Pacific Dunes, the 13th is an awesome specimen, defined by the ocean cliffs on the left and a towering sand dune right of the green with two bunkers carved into its face, 80 yards tip to tip. The fairway crests and is more rumpled than its sibling, and the putting surface is a pedestal benched into the foot of the dune, but otherwise the strategy is similar: Play toward peril for the least obstructed line to the green. The original property didn’t include the green site. The now iconic section of land and dune was off-the-map, and Tom Doak and Jim Urbina discovered it late in the routing process.

(13) FISHERS ISLAND C. / FIFTH HOLE 229 YARDS, PAR 3

Like its previous hole, the punchbowl fourth (see No. 4), Fishers Island’s fifth is another Macdonald/Raynor ideal hole, this one the Biarritz, a template identified by a deep, thin green with two plateau sections elevated before and after a deep swale (the club maintains the front plateau as fairway rather than green). Many consider Yale’s Biarritz (see No. 57) the finest of its type, but the setting of Fishers Island on the rocky edge of the Atlantic carries it in this ranking.

(12) BANDON (ORE.) DUNES / 16TH HOLE 363 YARDS, PAR 4

David Cannon

Golf was not being built on oceans at the time David McLay Kidd was constructing this hole in the late 1990s on a priceless piece of land that only Mike Keiser had the foresight to buy. The Bandon site was a revelation, giving Kidd nearly a mile of Pacific frontage to play with, and he took advantage by creating a tantalizing short par 4 that offers safe tee shot options and the chance to take on the cliffs with a drive toward the green. Gorgeous and tactical, this is the hole that put Bandon, and destination resort golf, on the map.

(11) SLEEPY HOLLOW C.C. / 16TH HOLE SCARBOROUGH-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. 149 YARDS, PAR 3

The 16th at Sleepy Hollow is the ugly duckling of the rankings. C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor built their provocative “short” template here on a high point overlooking the Hudson River, but over the years trees grew to block the views, and modern circular bunkers and mounds were added around the green. The work of Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner from 2006 to 2016 cleared away the trees and brush, then recreated Macdonald’s green contouring and surrounding moat bunker to reveal a breathtaking swan with miles-long views up and down the river.

(10) PACIFIC DUNES / FOURTH HOLE BANDON, ORE. 463 YARDS, PAR 4

The fourth hole wins Pacific Dunes' battle of Cain and Abel. Both this and the par-4 13th (see No. 14) are two prodigious two-shot brothers, mirror images almost, their back tees just 60 yards apart, cruising the edge of Pacific bluffs in opposite directions. The thought of drives sailing onto the beach makes players hedge to the left, but the only way to hit good second shots onto a green notched between a dune and the western precipice of North America is to play from the right, which means hanging out cliffside.

(9) THE RIVIERA C.C. / 10TH HOLE PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIF. 315 YARDS, PAR 4

“This is a shameless little harlot that just sits there at the end of the bar in her mesh stockings and miniskirt and winks at you. It’s only a little over 300 yards long and looks as drivable as the 405 Freeway. Don’t go for it. Take your 4-iron and hit it safely and sensibly left. The peninsula green will open up from there. If you try to drive it, you will find the green as narrow as a burlesque runway.” Jim Murray, columnist, Los Angeles Times, 1961-1998.

(8) PINE VALLEY G.C. / SECOND HOLE 368 YARDS, PAR 4

Playing the shortish par-4 second has always been like trying to escape the pre-Colombian ruins in Raiders of the Lost Ark. The drive must run a gauntlet of small, poisonous bunkers on both sides of the fairway, and approach shots catapult over pyramid steps of sand and rugged fescue brows onto a giant swaying green. Tom Fazio removed two trap-door pot bunkers short of the green in 2016, replacing them with a single yawning orifice, but our panelists approve of the changes.

(7) MERION G.C. (EAST) / 16TH HOLE ARDMORE, PA. 429 YARDS, PAR 4

The greatness of Merion lies in the diversity of its holes. The design keeps confronting players with new looks and challenges—even after 15 holes the course still has tricks. Following two graceful, uphill par 4s, the 16th switches direction suddenly to make players situate a precision drive to a slender and partially blind fairway, then execute all-carry second shots up and over a burly quarry to a wavy green showing just a tease of false front.

6) PEBBLE BEACH G. LINKS / 18TH HOLE 541 YARDS, PAR 5

This is a three-star Michelin meal, a sensory extravaganza from start to finish. There are few experiences like contemplating the hole from the promontory tee over the crashing waves, driving across the curve of Stillwater Cove, deciding how close to the edge of land to push the second shot, then holing out on the green where Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Tiger Woods and so many others have celebrated victory. Magnifique.

(5) PIKEWOOD NATIONAL G.C. / EIGHTH HOLE MORGANTOWN, W.VA. 562 YARDS, PAR 5

In 2020, Ron Whitten and I named this the best eighth hole in the United States built since 2000. Our panelists agree. It's a par 5 you can’t take your eyes off that needed little more than tree-felling to create. The double-dogleg slices right around the crescent of a vast chasm and asks golfers to assess how much of the grotto to bite off with each shot, with the ultimate option of cutting across the deep hazard to reach the green in two, either an idiotic or heroic choice that can shave almost 100 yards off the hole.

(4) FISHERS ISLAND (N.Y.) C. / FOURTH HOLE 397 YARDS, PAR 4

Contemporary architects have rediscovered the quirky attraction of large punchbowl greens and have gleefully designed them in wildly different configurations. Seth Raynor, however, was building some of the best and still most original over 100 years ago. The first great example was at National Golf Links of America (see No. 46), but his model at Fishers Island, with its hidden green propped on an appendage of land above the Atlantic with only a sighting pole to aim at, is our favorite.

(3) PINE VALLEY G.C. / FIFTH HOLE CLEMENTON, N.J. 238 YARDS, PAR 3

Pine Valley’s par 3 10th (coming later in the rankings) possesses one of golf’s deepest and most famous bunkers (the “Devil’s Asshole”), but the demanding fifth, climbing uphill over water and a ski jump fairway is more intimidating, despite the aforementioned allusion. Trees used to crowd the green but now an avalanche of cratered sand pits spills down from the left and in the background, intensifying the visage. As impressive as the fifth is, all four of Pine Valley’s one-shot holes could rightfully be included on this list.

(2) PEBBLE BEACH G. LINKS / EIGHTH HOLE 416 YARDS, PAR 4

Pebble Beach’s eighth is the par-4 version of Cypress Point’s 16th. The first half is quiet and strangely unsettling with a drive played blindly uphill into the blue sky and nothing particular to aim for. Then comes the thunder, a long and terrifying second shot from high above an ocean inlet to a tiny (they’re all tiny at Pebble), well-bunkered green. Both holes offer room for an extra shot to fairways left of the greens, but what’s the fun of playing safe when glory is at stake?

(1) CYPRESS POINT C . / 16TH HOLE PEBBLE BEACH 233 YARDS, PAR 3

The No. 1 par 3 in our 1999 ranking hasn’t lost any of the spectacular mojo that Alister MacKenzie and Marion Hollins designed into it (or stumbled upon, depending on the view). Requiring long, all-or-nothing tee shots over a rocky cove of the Pacific Ocean, it’s the stuff golf dreams are made of and still the hole that most triumphantly combines aesthetics, challenge and uniqueness.

*Approximate—no official yardage listed

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Five things to know: Hamilton Golf and Country Club

Need to Know

A view of the 18th hole at Hamilton Golf and Country Club. (Courtesy Hamilton Golf and Country Club)

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Hamilton Golf and Country Club, one of Canada’s top-ranked facilities, will host the RBC Canadian Open for the seventh time this week.

But the course will look very different than when the PGA TOUR was last here in 2019. Not long after Rory McIlroy’s dominant win five years ago, the club underwent a nearly $8.5-million restoration under world-renowned architect Martin Ebert.

Hamilton commissioned Ebert’s firm – which also advises on eight of the 10 venues in The Open rota, including this year’s host, Royal Troon – in 2014 to give the club a throwback look to its original Harry Colt design. Having spent time at Pine Valley in 1913, Colt came to Hamilton a year later. The official club opening was in 1916.

A view of the 11th hole during 1919 at Hamilton Golf and Country Club. (Courtesy Hamilton Golf and Country Club)

Ebert and design partner Tom Mackenzie had never done a restoration effort like the one at Hamilton. Most of the work was overseen from afar due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the travel restrictions, but it worked.

Golf Digest named Ebert’s work on Hamilton the "Best Renovation" of the year in January 2023.

“Harry Colt is one of the world’s greatest – if not the greatest – architects so having one of his rare North American golf courses is a keystone element of what makes Hamilton special,” said Andrew Harvie, an authority in Canadian golf architecture and founder of Beyond the Contour. “In technical terms, the routing is brilliant, with the layout largely routed in triangles around the hilly property with the Ancaster Creek on the bottom.

“How the layout handles the severity of the property while giving players fresh looks and strategies on every tee is a clinic in routing.”

With the RBC Canadian Open returning to Hamilton – before heading to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in 2025, a debut venue – here’s everything else you need to know about the iconic Canadian club.

It's the same but different

Hamilton’s membership voted in favor to proceed with a Golf Course Improvement Plan Project about a month before McIlroy’s seven-shot triumph at the RBC Canadian Open in 2019. The plan included reconstructing tees, bunkers and greens on all 27 holes (the West/South PGA TOUR layout along with the East). There would also be a new irrigation system, practice putting green and new practice area.

“The players want to enjoy the experience of playing the golf course so that’s a big component of (an event’s success) and the amazing thing is that it was really well received, and it was fantastic before,” tournament director Bryan Crawford said. “The fact that it’s gotten even better – it’s almost unthinkable that it could have gotten better than it already was.”

Ebert said Hamilton’s topography was always its distinguishing factor.

A view of the first hole at Hamilton Golf and Country Club. (Courtesy Hamilton Golf and Country Club)

“The impressive nature of the terrain, that was the key thing,” he said. “Whether it’s a new piece of land or an existing course, how many times do you stand on a tee and have your breath taken away? That’s pretty regular at Hamilton. That was one of the first takeaways.”

A legend still called the shots

Although Colt only came to Hamilton once, Ebert said he and his team wanted to “pay as much respect” to Colt as possible. The club had all the old plans, with descriptions of the bunkers, which Ebert called “so important” to the appearance of courses and specific holes.

“I was really pleased how they worked out,” Ebert said, “especially given our restrictions on travelling and not being able to get there during any of the construction. That was a real positive for me.”

The club’s original set of 1914 drawings from Colt included ragged edges, additional depth and “fescue eyebrows” near the bunkers, which players will see once again. SCOREGolf.com reported in 2021 – when the course first re-opened – that Ebert compared Hamilton’s bunker renovation to the recent work he did at Royal Portrush.

Tech provided COVID-19 workaround

Ebert was expected to make about 12 visits to Hamilton for the project but those were all cancelled due to the pandemic. Drone technology, 3D video and even virtual reality allowed him and his team to review the progress, finalize approvals and make changes remotely.

He finally saw the course in person in September 2021.

“It would have been far better to review our design and the contractor work on the ground, there’s no doubt about that,” Ebert said. “But we couldn’t. As a result of the techniques we developed during COVID, and since our detailed plans give so much information to the contractor, we had the confidence we could still pull it off to an extremely high standard.”

He admits it took one hole (the fourth) to really settle in on a process for the contractor and Ebert, but they got rolling quickly after the virtual back-and-forth style was agreed upon.

“It was a challenge, but we weren’t petrified because we do really concise levels (of planning),” Ebert said. “Having the VR headset and 3D camera was so instrumental with the bunker shape, bunker depth and green surrounds. It was exciting to develop those innovative techniques and we’ve used them in other projects like doing bunkers in Chile.

“Doing Hamilton with those techniques taught us a lot.”

Even the toughest holes got longer

The golf course will play 112 yards longer than it did in 2019. The par-3 sixth, the second-most difficult hole at the 2019 RBC Canadian Open, will play 25 yards longer. The par-4 seventh (new back tee) will play 35 yards longer.

A view of the sixth hole at Hamilton Golf and Country Club. (Courtesy Hamilton Golf and Country Club)

The par-4 11th hole (21 additional yards) and par-4 14th (24) will require additional pop, as will the par-5 17th, which now measures 580 yards (30 yards longer with an entirely new green site that has been pushed back and to the left), and the par-4 18th (the hardest hole during the 2019 Canadian Open got an additional 11 yards).

Ebert said he’s hopeful the course will demand more precise ball-striking. The new greens will have more areas for pin positions and the bunkering will force players to think their way around the course.

The objective of the renovation, according to Harvie, was to create a cohesive version of the course, which had received numerous tweaks by numerous architects over the generations.

“In the renovation, they addressed all these,” he said. “Trees are out to allow some rediscovered views across the tumbling property, while mow lines are back expanded out, and greens and bunkers are uniform and consistent across the entire property.”

'The Rink' returns

A smiling Ebert said he never could have imagined that one of the holes on a course he’s worked on would be wrapped in hockey boards. But "The Rink" (in its sixth year) will make another appearance at Hamilton.

The par-3 14th hole will have the hockey-inspired atmosphere, complete with an organist, which is new this year. Ebert, who was in Hamilton for the 2019 Canadian Open, called it a “brilliant atmosphere” at The Rink.

A view of the 14th hole at Hamilton Golf and Country Club. (Courtesy Hamilton Golf and Country Club)

“When players were coming on to the tee – that was fantastic,” he said. “I really, really did enjoy that. I’m not sure it’ll happen at The Open. But even there, they want a good par 3 to excite the crowds. But nothing quite as intense as a cauldron of atmosphere like we’ll have with the hockey hole.”

“It's a marquee hole for us,” added Crawford. “It allows for us to bring it tournament to tournament when we go to different venues. I don’t think anybody could have dreamed when that idea was brought forward that it would have grown to what it is today.”

Best golf bags for every kind of golfer and budget range

A golf bag may not seem like it’s integral to a great game, but there are many ways it can help make golfing more enjoyable. Different golf bags have special features like attached stands, weatherproof material and even extra pockets. In short, there’s a lot more to consider than the number of clubs and balls it can hold on the course. Here, you’ll find our picks for the best golf bags available.

What to consider when buying a golf bag

Size and weight.

“Probably the first and most important aspect to consider is the size and weight of the bag,” says Jaimee Newcomer, co-founder and director of customer experience for women’s golf apparel brand Pirdie Golf . “Selecting a lightweight yet durable bag ensures comfort when I’m carrying without compromising on quality.”

A round of golf doesn’t just require a killer shot and the ability to read wind conditions. Players also need to maintain a certain level of comfort, whether they’re carrying their bag from hole to hole or carrying them from the car to the course. “Features like padded straps and ergonomic designs make carrying the bag easier, especially when I’m walking on a course,” says Newcomer.

A golf bag might look good with an outfit or on the course, but the material might not be ideal for certain weather conditions and can deteriorate over time if it’s not cared for properly. “Golf bags are usually either made of nylon, polyester or leather,” says Newcomer. “I tend to like nylon — it’s easy to clean and lighter to carry.”

Organization

A bag with a wide variety and good layout of pockets with quality zippers and fasteners is also an important part of shopping for a golf bag, says Chris Cain , director of the Professional Golf Association University (PGAU) program and professor-in-residence at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Harrah College of Hospitality.

“What do you need to have with you while playing golf?” asks Cain. “I like to consider this as the final question, because each person has their own needs and preferences when experiencing the game. Places for medication, food, drink, music, additional clothing; maybe they plan to lose a lot of golf balls so they may need some extra space.”

Our picks for best golf bags

Best value golf bag: sunday loma par 3.

Sunday Loma Par 3

Sometimes golf bags have more features and frills than a person needs for a simple game of golf. This popular model from Sunday is about as simple as golf bags get and that includes the price. This lightweight option has a lifetime warranty and comes with an array of thoughtful touches, including a stand, a padded shoulder strap and a place to stash a beverage.

Specifications:

• Weight: 1.95 pounds.
• Dimensions: 7.5 inches long x 5.5 inches wide x 31.5 inches tall.
• Number of dividers: Two.
• Number of pockets: Two.
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty.
• Strap type: Detachable and adjustable.
• Price on publish: $129.99.

What we like:

• Works under all types of weather conditions.
• Lightweight and easy to carry.
• An amazing warranty.
• It’s even got a place to hold a canned or bottled drink.

What we don’t like:

• Could use an extra pocket or two.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

This golf bag is reasonably priced but doesn’t skimp on thoughtful features or a generous warranty.

Get it here: Sunday Loma Par 3

Best premium golf bag: Vessel 2024 Season Opener Player IV Pro

Vessel 2024 Season Opener Player IV Pro

Golf can be an expensive game and this premium bag is no exception, but it’s worth it. The huge bag can hold a full set of clubs for the serious player and has plenty of pockets for accessories. One of them even has a magnetic rangefinder. It comes with a carbon fiber stand but it can also stand on its own, with a rotating base so it’ll stay upright on pretty much any terrain. It's even got its own strap for a pen or a tee.

• Weight: 7 pounds.
• Dimensions: 14 inches long x 12.5 inches wide x 35 inches tall.
• Number of dividers: Six to 13 depending on the model.
• Number of pockets: Nine on the exterior and six in the interior.
• Warranty: One year.
• Strap type: Equilibrium double.
• Price on publish: $435.
• Great material with a nice finish.
• Plenty of pockets with waterproof zippers.
• Retractable carbon fiber stand.
• Rotating base.
• Warranty could be longer for the price tag.

This premium golf bag has a high sticker price, but offers many features you’ll appreciate on the course, including a retractable stand and rotating base and an overall attractive design.

Get it here: Vessel 2024 Season Opener Player IV Pro

Best golf stand bag: Sun Mountain Mid-Stripe Ace Stand Bag

Sun Mountain 2023 Mid Stripe Golf Stand Bag (Black)

A stand bag can come in pretty useful on the course. It not only makes the bag easier to pick up and put down but it can keep your clubs out of harm’s way. The Sun Mountain Mid-Stripe Ace Stand Bag is your best bet, being functional, durable and attractive. “Their color and design options are vast and they look pretty good too,” says Cain. “Sun Mountain has a great reputation for versatility and longevity.”

• Weight: 5 pounds.
• Dimensions: 36.9 inches long x 11.4 inches wide x 10.9 inches tall.
• Number of dividers: Four.
• Number of pockets: Seven.
• Strap type: Single with dense foam.
• Price on publish: $339.99.
• Comes in a bunch of cool colors.
• Lots of pockets that can be removed or modified.
• The weight is pretty low for what’s included.
• Comes with a free rain hood and a box of matching tees.
• Not for the minimalist player.

The Sun Mountain Mid-Stripe Ace Stand Bag is a great choice if you’re interested in a stand bag. It features many pockets and a one-year warranty.

Get it here: Sun Mountain Mid-Stripe Ace Stand Bag

Best women's golf bag: Sunday El Camino

Sunday El Camino

One of the trickiest parts of choosing a golf bag is the club-to-weight ratio. Naturally, the more clubs you need, the heavier it's going to be and nobody wants to lug around a bag with added weight. The Sunday El Camino offers the best of both worlds, with space for 10 clubs and a self-balancing shoulder strap that makes carrying easier. “It holds all my necessary clubs with an ergonomic design that makes carrying a breeze,” says Newcomer. For that reason, it’s also our pick for the best hybrid golf bag.

• Weight: 3.9 pounds.
• Dimensions: 34.6 inches long x 10.8 inches wide x 8.4 inches tall.
• Number of pockets: Four.
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty included.
• Strap type: Premium double.
• Price on publish: $189.99.
• Works as a cart and walking bag.
• Has a flat, padded, self-balancing base.
• Easy to carry.
• Holds 10 clubs with full-length dividers.
• There’s even a pocket just for keeping drinks cold.
• Takes some getting used to in order to carry it.

AP Buyline takeaway:

Thanks to its ergonomic design, this bag makes it easy to tote clubs, even if you have a lot of them.

Get it here: Sunday El Camino

Best leather golf bag: Stitch SL2 Gen 2

Stitch SL2 Gen 2

Appearance may have nothing to do with a player’s game, but there’s nothing wrong with looking good on the course. Stitch’s SL2 Gen 2 bag fits that bill, but it’s also very functional with multiple pockets that can hold up to 12 balls, durable zippers and durable material. “Stitch offers some wonderful leather options from the best-looking premium Tour bag to the Sunday bag ,” says Cain. “They have a unique styling that appeals to most generations.”

• Weight: 5.5 pounds.
• Dimensions: 35 inches long x 11.5 inches wide x 9.5 inches tall.
• Warranty: One-year warranty.
• Strap type: Single or double available for order.
• Price on publish: $398.
• Comes in four colors.
• Very lightweight for its size.
• Multiple functional pockets.
• Water- and stain-resistant.
• Lift assist handles for easy carrying.
• Sealed, sturdy zippers.
• Doesn’t come with a stand option.

Available in a variety of colors, this lightweight bag combines function with a sophisticated appearance.

Get it here: Stitch SL2 Gen 2

Best golf bag for walking: Ping Hoofer Lite

Ping Hoofer Lite

A good walking bag requires more than just a lightweight frame and a comfy shoulder strap. It also needs to be able to handle all those clubs and accessories without adding to the pound count. This Ping golf bag offers that and then some, with the whole thing weighing only 5 pounds.

• Dimensions: 37 inches long x 9.5 inches wide x 13 inches tall.
• Number of pockets: Nine.
• Warranty: None, but the manufacturer recommends calling customer service to discuss replacement options.
• Strap type: Padded and convertible.
• Price on publish: $245.
• Comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
• Lots of pockets for accessories and even apparel.
• Sturdy, durable material.
• Ergonomic design for easy carrying.
• Deep pocket volume.
• No set warranty limit.

This lightweight bag has an ergonomic design to help make it easy to carry while you walk.

Get it here: Ping Hoofer Lite

Best looking golf bag: Stitch MIP SL2

Stitch MIP SL2

This Stitch bag is for the player who wants to win and look good while doing it. It’s a tall, sleek, stylish golf bag, but it’s about more than just good looks. Designed to be both stylish and functional, it has added storage space and stretchy pockets along with a durable construction that can stand up to just about any golfing condition.

• Weight: 4 pounds.
• Dimensions: 35 inches long x 9.5 inches wide x 7.5 inches tall.
• Strap type: Double.
• Price on publish: $276.
• Good value.
• Looks great.
• Very durable material.
• Light and easy to carry.
• Only comes in two colors.

Turn to a Stitch bag for an attractive, durable option that offers plenty of storage and pockets for a reasonable price.

Get it here: Stitch MIP SL2

Best cart golf bag: Vessel Lux Cart

Vessel Lux Cart

It takes more than a flat stand to make a good cart golf bag — it should also be just as functional and easy to carry and use as any other golf bag for any other purpose. The Vessel Lux Cart bag has all of those things and more. Made from durable tour-grade synthetic leather and featuring an antimicrobial lining in the pockets, it also has leather zipper pulls and handles for added durability.

• Weight: 6.55 pounds.
• Dimensions: 35.5 inches long x 10 inches wide x 15.5 inches tall.
• Number of dividers: Three.
• Strap type: Single.
• Price on publish: $415.
• Cool design that comes in several colors.
• Sturdy material.
• Holds a lot of clubs without overcrowding them.
• Surprisingly light and easy to carry.

If you use a golf cart, you’ll appreciate this bag's durable design and large capacity.

Get it here: Vessel Lux Cart

Most functional golf bag: Titleist Hybrid 14

Titleist Hybrid 14 Golf Stand Bag 2024

The name Titleist is as synonymous with golf as Nike is with basketball. The world-renowned golf ball brand has been in business since 1932, so they certainly know their way around a golf course. It’s no surprise, then, that they offer one of the best and most functional golf bags you can buy. “The Titleist Hybrid 14 golf bag is a great option for versatility and function,” says Cain. “It provides a crossover between a cart and carry bag and it comes in 11 different colors.”

• Weight: 6.1 pounds.
• Dimensions: 36.2 inches long x 10.2 inches wide x 9.6 inches tall.
• Number of dividers: 14.
• Warranty: Limited one-year warranty.
• Price on publish: $264.99.
• A lot of bag for a reasonable price.
• Plenty of space for your clubs, balls and then some.
• Comes with a retractable stand.
• Nice variety of colors and styles.
• Even has a place for your water bottle.
• Warranty could be a little better.

This golfing bag can be carried or placed in a cart, and it has a retractable stand and nine pockets.

Get it here: Titleist Hybrid 14

Best lightweight golf bag: Izzo Ultra-Lite Stand Bag

Izzo Ultra-Lite Stand Bag

Having a lightweight bag shouldn’t mean skimping on functionality and space for all your clubs, balls and whatever else you may need on the course. Izzo’s stand bag offers all that and more with features like an umbrella holder, a smartGRIP handle and a rain hood. “IZZO has been offering a lightweight stand bag for quite some time,” says Cain. “It’s great for walking and comfort.”

• Weight: 6 pounds.
• Dimensions: 35.1 inches long x 13.75 inches wide x 9.25 inches tall.
• Strap type: Adjustable.
• Price on publish: $94.54.
• Available in a variety of colors.
• Holds a lot of stuff for the size.
• Tough polyester material.
• Dual-strap carry system.
• Price could be a little better.

Weighing in at 6 pounds, this golf bag from Izzo is ideal for a lightweight option that can still carry a lot of essentials.

Get it here: Izzo Ultra-Lite Stand Bag

Best golf bag for travel: Club Glove Pro Traveler

Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro Travel Cover with Stiff Arm

This heavy-duty club carrier looks like a modern-day iron maiden and that’s a good thing. Traveling golfers need a bag that’s going to stand up to a rough and bumpy ride so their clubs arrive at their destination in one piece. Club Glove’s Pro Traveler bag does that while being incredibly tough and long-lasting. “I have owned a Club Glove for 15 years now,” says Cain. “They offer premium travel bags that are durable and provide maximum protection.”

• Weight: 10.6 pounds.
• Dimensions: 51 inches long x 19 inches wide x 16 inches tall.
• Number of dividers: One.
• Warranty: No warranty.
• Strap type: Convertible.
• Price on publish: $379.
• Durable and tough.
• Huge space.
• A convertible strap makes it easy to carry.
• Comes in many colors.
• Could use at least a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

If you’re on the road, try this durable, tough bag. It offers tons of space and can withstand bruising if it’s thrown onto a luggage cart.

Get it here: Club Glove Pro Traveler

How we selected the best golf bags

We chose these golf bags based on interviews with golf management and organizational experts who have a ton of experience with using them. We also examined the available prices and weighed them against the value of each item’s special features and ease of use, as well as thoroughly researching customer reviews.

Types of golf bags

Cart bags are designed for storage on a golf cart and typically have a flat base and an optional strap. They can be carried, but are heavier than most bags. They also have more pockets for storage and extra dividers for clubs.

Carry bags are designed for players who prefer to walk courses instead of driving carts, so they tend to be lighter than average. Some also come with retractable stands to keep them from falling on the ground and pockets to help with storage, while keeping the weight level low.

Tour bags are used by pros, so they’re larger to accommodate for more clubs and offer deep pockets for additional storage. Some brands can be paired with a buggy or trolley for transport.

Pencil bags

Pencil bags are the simplest and smallest type of golf bag. They’re usually used for casual games or just a simple trip to the driving range and are lighter than usual. Some also come with stands.

Travel bags

Travel bags are the biggest type of golf bag. They’re designed to be heavier and sturdier so they can withstand the wear and tear of long trips and transportation. They are also heavily insulated and covered to protect clubs during trips.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can a stand bag fit on a golf cart or push cart.

A stand bag can be stored on a cart during a game but Newcomer has some recommendations to ensure the safety of the equipment:

• Bags of any type should be secured to your cart at all times. “Ensure the stand bag is strapped securely to the cart to prevent it from moving or tipping over,” says Newcomer.
• The bag should be positioned so that all of its pockets are easy to access without moving or damaging the bag. If the bag has stand legs, they should be “folded away to avoid any obstruction or interference with the cart’s design,” says Newcomer.
• The payload on the back of the cart should also be well-balanced to prevent anything from tipping over or falling out of the cart. “Distribute the weight evenly across the cart to maintain stability and prevent any imbalance,” says Newcomer.

How long do golf bags last?

The longevity of a golf bag ultimately depends on how it's being used and cared for between games. Some bags may have more durable material or a strong frame, but they still require regular care to prolong their usage. “Our lifestyles, preferences and needs all change as we age,” says Cain. “My sense is that our golf bag preferences may change as well. If you play often, say, once per week, normal wear and tear may require a replacement every five years. Less frequent play, less frequent replacement.”

What is a hybrid golf bag?

“It's the best of both worlds,” says Newcomer of hybrid golf bags. “They’re made to work well whether on your back or on a cart. A hybrid golf bag combines the features of both stand bags and cart bags, making them super convenient and suitable for a wide range of golfers.”

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All charges dropped against scottie scheffler following louisville arrest at pga championship, share this article.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Charges have been dropped against Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1 golfer, who was accused of assaulting a Louisville police officer during a traffic incident outside the PGA Championship earlier this month.

Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell made a motion to dismiss all charges Wednesday inside a courtroom at the Hall of Justice, following widespread criticism over how Louisville officials handled the arrest.

The May 17 confrontation between the famous golfer and a Louisville Metro Police detective kicked off a national media storm shortly after it was first reported by eyewitnesses and later confirmed by officials.

According to an arrest citation, Scheffler ignored directions from Detective Bryan Gillis while trying to bypass a traffic jam caused by an earlier fatal collision on Shelbyville Road outside Valhalla Golf Club.

NEW: Scottie Scheffler's attorney issues a fiery response to the charges being dropped against Scottie Scheffler. Listen to what Romines told @NataliaWAVE3 when she asked why Scheffler originally agreed with the claim that he dragged Det. Gillis: @wave3news pic.twitter.com/TP01669eIH — Ward Jolles (@wardjolles) May 29, 2024

Police say Scheffler “accelerated forward, dragging Gillis to the ground” during the encounter, causing Gillis to suffer “pain, swelling and abrasions to his left wrist and knee.”

Scheffler was arrested at 6:20 a.m. and booked into Metro Corrections on charges of second-degree assault, third-degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic.

He was quickly released on personal recognizance and returned to Valhalla Golf Club, where he called the incident a “big misunderstanding.”

Soon after the arrest, LMPD confirmed Gillis violated department protocol when he failed to activate his body camera during the arrest.

LMPD conducted an internal investigation into Gillis’s actions and required him to get counseling from “a member of his command staff,” according to a memorandum released by LMPD.

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