As one of the world’s most popular leisure activities, and one that someone of any age can excel at, it’s no wonder so many people build their entire holidays around the gentleman’s (and woman’s!) game of golf. But perhaps more than any other game, your prowess on the golf course can be greatly affected by the quality (or lack thereof) of your clubs, so if you’ve chosen to head off on a golf-themed holiday to Portugal, Spain or the Canaries, you’re more than likely planning to take your own gear with you.
But there’s no need to cringe at the logistics of getting your clubs to your destination safely and in one piece; taking a flight with your golfing equipment as baggage is a straightforward and fairly hassle free process.
Proper Research Equals Seamless Travel Arrangements
It’s impossible to recommend any particular airline as being the ‘best’ for transporting golf clubs, as each one will have its own rules and regulations regarding baggage allowances. While, naturally, your golf bag is going to be too large for hand luggage, it will depend on the individual airline whether it is considered ‘oversized’ check in or can be included as part of your regular allowance. A little research can go a long way in determining the airline that offers the best deal for the weight and dimensions of your golf bag.
As well as choosing a golf bag-friendly airline, you’ll need to make sure that you put your ground transport in place for when you land. Rather than denting your holiday budget with expensive taxi fares or struggling to make public transport connections with all your luggage, if you prebook appropriate shuttle transport to get you and your clubs to your accommodation, you’ll save yourself a world of hassle.
Packing Your Golf Gear
Unless you want to risk the chance of a broken driver, a bent putter, or a wonky wedge, you need to put some effort into packing your clubs for travelling. But it goes without saving that no matter how well prepared you are, taking out appropriate travel insurance to cover expensive clubs is a must.
The range of specialised bags is phenomenal and, depending on your equipment, you’ll have plenty of choice. You can choose from hard shell bags (much more expensive and heavy) or soft sided models; if you opt for a soft sided bag you should invest in the added protection of a club protection device that fits over your clubs. The most important aspects to consider when shopping around for a golf travel bag are adequate padding, strong handles, generous capacity, and durable wheels (you may be tempted to get a cheaper version without wheels, but think long and hard about this as it may be a false economy).
Whatever the capacity of your golf bag, make sure that when the clubs are packed there are no spaces inside that will allow for movement. Pack out the bag with clothing, bubble wrap, shoes, sleeves of balls, or anything else you want, but keep in mind the weight you’re adding as well. Some airlines will count a golfing umbrella as a separate piece of luggage, so check this before you decide to bring one, and if you use a GPS or rangefinder these are best taken on as hand luggage.
At the Airport
Many airlines will transport golf bags as part of the regular luggage allowance (provided it falls within the weight restriction), but it still pays to get to the airport early in case the check in staff send you to a different bag drop for oversized items. Try to find out where your luggage will come through at the other end before you get on the flight (although this doesn’t always prove correct), so you can either proceed directly to the luggage carousel or locate the oversized baggage point to retrieve your clubs.
Shuttle Direct – The Golfer’s Best Friend
At Shuttle Direct we know the least exciting part of your golfing holiday is the travel. We’re here to help make that as pain free and seamless as possible. We’re experienced in transporting all kind of oversized sporting equipment, so golf clubs are a breeze! Our friendly, efficient airport transfer services are simple to prebook online and you’ll get an instant confirmation of all your travel arrangements. No matter where you choose to tee off, we’ll get you and your clubs there!
Help Us to Help You
If you want to bring your golf clubs with you on holiday, please make sure you let us know at the time of booking your airport transfer, so we can dispatch the appropriate vehicle for your needs. Our Customer Care team is on standby to assist with any queries, so just contact them if you have any questions or need some help with your booking – they’ll be more than happy to hear from you.
