Edited by: Jordan Fuller
Reviewed by: John Marshall
Last Update:
There’s nothing better than packing up the clubs and hitting the road to play the best courses the world has to offer. But most golfers don’t want to rent clubs when they’ve spent hundreds of dollars and countless hours becoming familiar with their set.
When looking for a solution to this problem, this is the moment where the travel bag jumps in and saves the day. Durable and with wheels to make transporting a snap, travel bags protect your clubs on the plane or in the car.
We’ve spent countless hours testing bags, and we believe we’ve found ten of the best travel bags on the market. All share high ratings for durability, quality construction, protection, mobility and loads of storage. These select bags make carrying your clubs hassle-free through the airport and to the hotel, which is what every traveling golfer wants.
Here are the ten best travel bags that will keep you worry-free, allowing you to focus on the great experiences that lie ahead.
Featured Recommendations
Table Of Contents
- 1 Featured Recommendations
-
2 10 Best Golf Travel Bags
- 2.1 AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Travel Bag
- 2.2 CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 Travel Cover
- 2.3 Himal Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag
- 2.4 Caddy Daddy Golf Phoenix Golf Travel Bag
- 2.5 Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Bag
- 2.6 Sun Mountain Clubglider Journey Wheeled Travel Covers
- 2.7 OGIO Mutant Travel Bag
- 2.8 SKB ATA Standard Golf Travel Case
- 2.9 Athletico Padded Golf Travel Bag
- 3 Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
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4 Questions & Answers
- 4.1 Should I pick a hard or a soft case?
- 4.2 Are travel bags water-resistant?
- 4.3 Do all travel bags reviewed have wheels?
- 4.4 How can I make sure that the golf bag I buy will be durable and will have sufficient padding for my clubs?
- 4.5 What’s a recommended bag weight?
- 4.6 Do you have any golf packing tips?
- 4.7 What’s the warranty like on golf travel bags?
10 Best Golf Travel Bags
AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Travel Bag
Best Lightweight Travel Bag: Perfect For Most Golfers
Buy on Amazon $57.99
PROS
- Made from a durable, water-resistant nylon fabric that handles the rigors of travel well
- Rolling system is smooth and effortless for comfortable moving in airports
- One of the best bags for additional compartments with several pockets for storage
CONS
- The outside shell is softer than a hard shell case, so you’ll want to secure your clubs before traveling
A nice entry-level bag that is great for golfers looking for a quick fix, the AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Travel Bag has plenty of storage and a nice roomy interior for keeping your clubs secure.
The AmazonBasics bag features durable handles for carrying and moving, an excellent two-wheel system that is smooth for easy rolling and a heavily padded top that secures your clubs in the instance of hard impact.
Also assisting the handling of the bag is the heavy-duty rails that rest above the wheels, making it easy to pull up on a curb or stairs.
For protection, the AmazonBasics bag has two features that help lock your clubs in for a long trip. The first is two straps that secure the top of the bag, so your clubs don’t rattle around. The next is a thick layer of padding along the area where your club heads rest so that they stay intact if they should, unfortunately, encounter a hard impact collision during travel.
This travel bag does have a soft cover, and the lack of a hard shell does make it vulnerable to traveling on airplanes where high impact crashes can happen. If the AmazonBasics bag has a preferred use, it is inside a vehicle where you control the transportation and luggage that surrounds it during travel.
The AmazonBasics bag, measuring 50 inches tall, has a deep interior that will carry your tallest clubs and umbrellas plus allow you the room to store heavy clothing and larger accessories. Great for a car, even better for a golfer on a budget, this bag is solid performer worth a look.
CaddyDaddy Golf Constrictor 2 Travel Cover
Best Travel Bag for Quality and Durability
Buy on Amazon from $84.99
PROS
- A strong and durable travel bag that does an admirable job at protecting your clubs
- An internal strap that keeps your golf bag from shifting and sliding inside the travel bag exterior
- Additional padding does well to protect your clubs from direct contact throughout your travels
CONS
- Doesn’t have a strong composite or plastic support shell, but does have plenty of storage
One of the best companies for travel bags, CaddyDaddy has made an inexpensive, well-constructed cover with their Constrictor 2 model.
Featuring in-line skate wheels that provide exceptional mobility, a series of lockable zippers that accommodate your standard luggage lock and compression straps that secure the interior of the cover as well as the exterior, the Constrictor 2 delivers a well-rounded package.
Although this is a soft cover bag, CaddyDaddy has given the Constrictor 2 a full one-year replacement warranty that covers any damage incurred while flying.
While we usually wouldn’t recommend that you fly with a soft cover travel bag, the warranty does help assure you that you’ll be covered if flying with this cover.
Another feature that caught our eye was the heavy-duty zipper system that provided plenty of security once we utilized our luggage locks.
If you are worried about clubs sliding around, two durable wide straps lock in the middle and top of the bag to reduce movement and offer additional stabilization.
In our testing, we appreciated the outside pockets but wished they were better integrated with the interior of the bag because we hung them against corners and other luggage when trying to move the bag around.
Also, this is a better soft cover option, but it still does not rate well when potentially reducing high impact occurrences.
A high-quality softcover travel bag, the CaddyDaddy Constrictor 2 offers several high performing functions that will make your travels more comfortable and give you a better peace of mind knowing your clubs are safe and sound.
Himal Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag
Best Travel Bag for Holding While Walking
Buy on Amazon $43.99
PROS
- Great handle system gives the golfer plenty of options for holding, carrying and pulling the travel bag
- Wheel system is fluid and easy to roll, making the Himal a dream on hard floors such as concrete and tile
- Top of bag is heavily padded to make sure your club heads don’t receive direct contact causing possible damage
CONS
- Entry-level travel bag without a lot of bells and whistles, affordable but straight forward
A roomy travel cover with a large amount of storage for your golf bag and essentials is the Himal Soft-Sided Travel Bag. Made from polyester, the Himal wears well throughout your upcoming golfing vacations.
This soft-sided bag has several features that make it a reliable option for golfers looking to get an affordable travel bag.
The first highlight is a two-wheel system that rolls well on hard surfaces. The mobility of the Himal bag is aided by a sturdy strap system that gives the golfers plenty of help when lifting the bag.
The Himal measures around 50 inches from the bottom to the top of the bag, so you’ll have a lot of room on the interior for additional storage. Rounding out the features is a premium zipper that is always smooth, a solid handle at the top assists the rolling and a business card holder that allows you to place some identification in the pocket for anyone to see.
If there is a significant complaint about the Himal travel bag, it will deal with the construction of the bag. This bag is not one to take on a long flight, especially if you have a few connections to make because there isn’t much protection between the outside world and your clubs.
Ideal for the car, the Himal Soft-Sided travel bag is incredibly spacious with an additional pocket in the front. Although the wheel system is a bit small, you’ll never worry about becoming stuck or having an issue with getting the bag to its ultimate destination.
Caddy Daddy Golf Phoenix Golf Travel Bag
Best Overall Travel Bag If You Money Is No Object
Buy on Amazon $109.99
PROS
- Affordable bag with high-impact absorption shell made from EVA for incredible protection when traveling
- A sturdy foundation is led by a locked wheelbase and two hard pegs that provide stabilization when standing
- Three large pockets provide plenty of storage for any additional golf items
CONS
- Not much to dislike with the Phoenix, but could be a little bulky for smaller travelers
With a hard shell top that is highly rated for impact prevention, the Phoenix delivers excellent protection and exceptional storage for all your traveling needs.
Starting with the High Impact EVA Plastic Mold top that wraps around the area of your club heads, the Phoenix does a phenomenal job of making sure you’re not picking up a set of broken clubs after your flight.
The clubs are held in place by an internal compression strap that locks your clubs securely against the frame of the Phoenix, while an external strap makes sure that the bag will not open during travel.
If you want to carry additional shoes, clothes and golf accessories, then the Phoenix has three external wide and deep pockets to accommodate your needs.
In addition to the pockets, the bag measures 53-inches in height for plenty of room for your driver and other long clubs.
We loved the full, sturdy foundation of the bag which kept the bag upright and when it came time to move, the two wheels at the bottom rear of the Phoenix were seamlessly smooth for effortless motion.
If there is a complaint about the Phoenix, and we didn’t have one, we could see where smaller golfers might have a beef with the bulk of the bag as it is one of the taller and broader bags we tested.
For a dependable bag that checks all the boxes, including being very affordable for the value, the CaddyDaddy Phoenix is at the top of our list for best in show.
Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Bag
Best Luxury Travel Bag
Buy on Amazon $269.99
PROS
- The four-wheel system is extraordinary, providing plenty of convenience and stability in a variety of situations
- The zipper system does exceptionally well with locking the bag leaving the golfer with confidence that the bag is secure
- Internal straps keep the golf bag secure to the exterior shell for excellent damage protection
CONS
- Maybe a bit expensive for the weekend warrior, but is very well made and worth the expense
Our choices for the best luxury bag on our list goes to the great company, Sun Mountain, for their creation, the ClubGlider Meridian.
Boasting a four wheelbase that always keeps your clubs off the ground, the Meridian is a sizeable protective cylinder for your clubs that has a hard shell bottom half on the rear that holds the other two wheels for incredible stability.
If you are worried about someone getting into your bag while it goes through security, two large hefty zippers can be locked for your peace of mind in knowing your bag won’t be messed with by thieves.
Moving back to the wheel system, the bottom two wheels are locked in place but the extended mid-wheels pivot making the Meridian the best handling bag we tested on the list. The Meridian was indeed a dream when piloting tight corners, large crowds, and parking garages.
Weighing just under 12 pounds, the Meridian offers a luxury travel bag that provides a dense foam cover for the top of your golf bag, protecting those precious club heads from impact while flying.
Yes, the Meridian is expensive, but for your money, you are getting a bag that will last for many years and provide a convenience that very few bags can offer in the travel bag market.
Sun Mountain Clubglider Journey Wheeled Travel Covers
Best Travel Bag for Mobility
Buy on Amazon $249.99
PROS
- Two interior pockets give the golf plenty of storage space without exposing them to outside impact
- Terrific wheel system that moves smoothly, allowing the golfer to turn and maneuver through tight spaces quickly
- Leg mechanism adds two more wheels to the rolling system but also keeps clubs off the ground
CONS
- A luxury bag that does have a hefty cost but is durable and will maintain value for many years
We reviewed the Sun Mountain Meridian previously, calling it our favorite luxury bag, but their other bag, similar in design is the Journey.
This travel bag also has four wheels making it our favorite bag for mobility due to its smooth glide and wheels that pivot in all directions.
Features we love on the Journey include the two expansive interior pockets that allow for plenty of storage for shoes and rain gear. We had complaints with other bags that provided pockets on the exterior of the bag, but the Journey does it right by keeping them hidden.
The four-wheel system is aided by two legs that extend outward, propping the Journey up at an angle, so you will never have to let the bag lay on wet ground or dirty floors.
Sun Mountain has carved out a niche for creating high-quality bags that will take a bite out of your wallet but for your money you get one of the best and most dependable golf bags available to the traveling golfer.
With a dynamic four-wheel system, two large interior pockets, and a sturdy internal strap that keeps your bag snug inside the Journey, this travel bag is a wonderful helper for any golfer’s upcoming golf vacation.
OGIO Mutant Travel Bag
Best Travel Bag for Extra Storage
Buy on Amazon from $194.95
PROS
- Roomy interior with plenty of room for your clubs and any additional accessories you need to take to the course
- An extensive two-wheel system aided by two strong front pegs that give the Mutant stability when standing
- Padded compartment around the club heads prevent direct impact and shield clubs while traveling in airports
CONS
- Does not have a hard shell for better impact protection, but does an exceptional job at securing and keeping clubs locked during travel
The OGIO Mutant is our favorite bag for extra storage. With a soft cover, the Mutant has a narrow top that provides padded protection for the club heads in your bag and a large bottom area that is spacious for exceptional storage space.
Starting with the cover made from a durable combination of nylon and polyester, the Mutant weighs just 8.2 pounds making it stunningly lightweight for all the storage that it provides the golfer.
We adored the oversized wheels that allow it to move easily when turning for terrific mobility. The wheels, with an assist from the front two pegs, let the Mutant stand upright so you can place your golf bag in the closet when traveling in hotels.
Two of the largest exterior pockets that we’ve seen in a bag provide external storage for everything you’ll need on the course. When we put our golf shoes in the Mutant, we were pleasantly surprised that the shoes did not cause a bulge in the travel cover but rather stayed internally for a pleasing appearance.
The Mutant has a soft cover, and despite the protection around the club heads, hard case seekers will be disappointed by the lack of strength in the exterior of this travel bag.
For incredible storage that accommodates golf bags of any size but allows the traveling golfer tons of room for anything else they’ll need, the Mutant is a dynamite innovation that earns its stripes as one of the largest travel covers we’ve ever tested that is worth our seal of approval.
SKB ATA Standard Golf Travel Case
Best Hard Shell Travel Case
Buy on Amazon $183.99
PROS
- The incredibly strong shell that locks your clubs in and provides exceptional protection for impact
- Tall enough to accommodate long clubs such as 48-inch drivers or tall umbrellas
- The case provides an exceptional seal with the locking mechanisms keeping dirt and moisture away from your clubs
CONS
- No extra storage, this case is streamlined with the ultimate goal of protecting your golf clubs
Our best bag for protection due to its hard shell case is the SKB ATA Travel Case. The ATA case is made from a tough compound known as polyethylene that is the material that the U.S. military deems acceptable for their cases and containers.
The ATA is capable of storing drivers up to 48 inches long and bags that are around one foot in diameter. This hard case won’t provide a lot of additional storage capability, but you can rest assured that your clubs aren’t going anywhere and won’t be damaged during travel.
This case is sculpted to hug your golf bag for security that no other bag on this list can offer. In addition to the custom fit, the three-latch seal system keeps out dirt plus moisture for exceptional water resistance.
The two-wheel system on the ATA, when coupled with the tow handle, makes for a pleasant rolling experience that will help get you to your destination without stress or strain on the body.
Another assurance with the ATA that STB provides is an unconditional lifetime warranty that covers all cracks and breaks, while also giving a $1,500 club guarantee if your clubs are damaged by the airlines during your trip.
Our recommended bag for flying golfers, the ATA is an exceptional case that doesn’t allow for much extra storage but does offer excellent protection.
Athletico Padded Golf Travel Bag
Best Travel Bag on a Budget
Buy on Amazon $44.99
PROS
- Well organized, simple travel bag with durable handles for easy carrying
- The vinyl base does help reduce wear and tear when you are sitting the bag upright on the ground
- Padded shoulder strap does help carry the bag long distances in place of wheels
CONS
- Does not have a wheel system to assist in mobility, so golfer is stuck carrying the bag from location to location
If you are looking for a low priced travel bag that offers a sizable cover for your golf bag, then the Athletico Padded Travel Bag is a reliable option.
Featuring an interior 5mm pad protecting your clubs, the Athletico may not give you a tremendous amount of protection, but it will provide you with enough padding to make a car trip safe for your clubs.
Other highlights for the Athletico included a long shoulder strap that makes it possible to carry along your back without getting your clubs exposed. The bag is also built using a durable polyester that will prevent interior scuffs and scratches if impacted along your trip.
There are several negative aspects of the Athletico that are worth noting. The first is the complete lack of a wheel system. This cover surrounds your bag enough to offer it a mild amount of protection from outside elements, but it is not convenient.
Another complaint we had is that although there is padding along the top of the bag, it is soft and you’ll need to prepare to wrap your clubheads in heavy clothing or blankets to prevent rattling.
An entry-level bag that misses some critical elements but will provide adequate cover for little money, the Athletico Padded Travel Bag is available to golfers.
Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
Durability
Travel covers, cases, and bags are only as good as their durability. If you use a travel bag for air travel, the bag has to withstand the punishment of being thrown into compartments, riding along the conveyor belt that throws the bag in with other luggage, and general wear and tear along the way.
Since golfers have two choices, soft and hard case, for their travel bags, it is vital to determine what each can bring in terms of durability. USA Today states that soft cases are “ideal for golfers who do the majority of their traveling by car rather than airplane.” On the other hand, hard cases “provide more protection, but are much heavier.”
For soft covers, make sure the material used is a durable nylon or polyester. When looking at hard shell cases, see if the plastic is EVA impact rated so that it can withstand the beating of air travel.
Materials
Typically, golfers have two types of covers and cases to choose between. The first is a soft cover usually made from nylon or polyester. The softness of the cover does well to keep out dirt and other debris.
Also, most manufacturers have added an inch or two of dense padding around the area that surrounds the clubs to prevent damage if that location is impacted.
The hard shell case is typically made from a high-impact rated plastic or composite material. As Golfweek states, “Unlike the soft bag, which has flexibility, the hard case shape is set, so measure to ensure the case is large enough for your clubs and bag.” The hard shell case must be able to deflect or absorb any possible impact that it encounters along the way.
Whether you choose the soft shell or the hard case, know that the materials used with each item are vitally important in keeping your clubs safe throughout traveling. No matter if you are riding with your clubs in a car or taking them through the punishment of an airport, each type of case must be durable and willing to withstand the rigors of travel.
Protection
The whole point of a travel bag or case is to protect your clubs so that they make it to the course without any damage. Although a hard shell case does much better compared to a soft case, companies have adapted the soft case to provide maximum protection with the materials used.
The company, Shipsticks, is known for delivering your clubs safely ahead of your arrival at a golf course. As they state on their website, “Flying or driving with your clubs and accessories requires protection. If you want to play your best on the course, your sticks have to be in good, playable condition, without any travel damage.”
So when looking for a bag or case, if it is a soft cover note how much padding is around the clubs. Does the inside of the bag have an internal strap system that will lock my clubs to the cover and not allow them to slide around?
If it is a hard shell case, is the plastic or composite EVA rated for high impact protection? Running down a checklist of how the cover or case will or will not protect your clubs is essential before purchasing the travel bag.
Mobility
Most travel bags, covers, and cases have a wheel system that allows them to roll around an airport, parking lot, or any hard surface area without a problem. Hard shell cases are typically easier to move around because of the rigidity of the case, but soft travel bags have made considerable strides in recent years.
As USA Today stated in their article about best travel bags, a hard shell case, “…(has) one benefit to these cases is that they tend to be easier to maneuver around busy airports.”
But soft cover bags are, as Top Travel Tips states, “easier to store and maneuver into different types of cars, making them an excellent choice if you are mainly traveling with your golf gear by car.”
When looking for a quality travel bag with high mobility, take note of the wheel system. Are the wheels small or large? Is the base wider or more narrow? Typically, a broader base with bigger wheels is easier to move around, especially in heavily trafficked areas like an airport or hotel.
Storage
Finally, the last area to gauge the quality of a travel bag is by how much storage it contains for your clubs, shoes, towels and other accessories.
Most bags will have exterior pockets for plenty of room for your rain gear and footwear, but some bags, in particular, hard shell cases, won’t have any additional storage.
It is wise to have a bit of spare room in the bag to give yourself the ability to pack more items without having to use extra luggage. Heavy coats, sweaters, and rain tops and pants all do well filling the extra space in a travel bag.
Extra room in a travel bag allows you to also complement the protection of your cover or case by packing it with extra clothes, especially around the area where the clubheads rest.
As Paul Schmidt, a golf travel specialist with Premier Golf in Duluth, Ga, told the PGA website, “If you’re going to Scotland or Ireland, it’s easy because you’re going to be throwing extra sweaters or a windbreaker in there to give it extra protection.”
When looking for the best travel bag for your game, always account for the storage capabilities because it will undoubtedly save you a lot of headaches when you’re ready to pack.
Questions & Answers
Should I pick a hard or a soft case?
The difference between choosing a soft cover or hard case is primarily dependent on how you travel.
As Top Travel Tips notes, “a hard case gives the best protection and tends to be preferred by those that travel frequently by air with their golf set.”
The site further states that, “a soft case is lighter, cheaper and easier to maneuver and therefore popular choice by those that travel occasionally with their golf set by air.”
When deciding between the two take note of how the bag handles its weaknesses. A soft cover will need to augment its protection, while a hard case will need to maximize its storage.
Are travel bags water-resistant?
There are not many water-resistant travel bags on the market. Since their primary function is to give your golf bag protection during travel, there won’t be too many opportunities where your golf bag is exposed to moisture.
However, Amazon makes the AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bag that has a waterproof black canvas that repels water. If interested for a more in-depth review, we have covered the AmazonBasics bag in this best travel bags list.
Most hard shell cases will claim to be moisture resistant due to the locking mechanism that seals out dirt or any water from getting into the case.
Do all travel bags reviewed have wheels?
Not all the bags on our best of list have wheels. The lone exception is the Athletico Padded Travel Bag. This travel bag works exclusively as a cover. It has three handles that help with mobility.
The first is on top of the bag and helps hold the bag when it is vertical and needs placement in a vehicle. The second set of handles is in the middle of the bag and come together to provide a secure holding point. Finally, a shoulder strap allows golfers to place the bag tightly against their back for carrying.
If you are using your travel bag in an airport or having to cross long distances, then the incorporation of wheels is an essential feature. It makes mobility so much easier plus removes strain from your body.
How can I make sure that the golf bag I buy will be durable and will have sufficient padding for my clubs?
The best way to assure that your clubs will get maximum protection is by using a hard shell case when transporting.
As Golfweek recently wrote in an article about travel bags, “the best option is a “hard case” made of plastic or fiberglass. The hard case provides the highest level of protection, and many airlines require them for golf bags.”
If you are locked in on a soft cover bag, make sure there is padding around the top of the bag where the club heads will rest and make sure to wrap your clubs in dense clothing or blankets when traveling.
What’s a recommended bag weight?
The first thing you need to take into account is that a standard weight of golf clubs alone is around 30 pounds. So any travel cover, whether it be a soft cover or hard shell, will add substantial weight to the cumulative total.
This figure is essential to note, especially when taking your bags on an airplane as most airlines have weight limits on bags before they begin to charge fees for storage.
The PGA website encourages golfers to always check with the airlines for details. “And if you’re unsure on the cost or weight allowance, check with the airline or your travel agent.”
Soft cover bags typically weigh around 8-10 pounds with hard shell cases weighing anywhere from 12-20 pounds.
Do you have any golf packing tips?
The most important thing to do when packing a travel bag for either shipment or travel is to minimize the free space inside the bag or case.
As Paul Schmidt, a golf travel specialist with Premier Golf in Duluth, Ga offered this great tip to the PGA website, “You can put gifts and other things you’re bringing back home in that golf bag.”
Also, it’s a great idea to take bulky items such as jackets, heavy shirts or sweaters and wrap them around the club heads to lock them into place, so they don’t rattle against each other during the trip.
What’s the warranty like on golf travel bags?
Most golf travel bags have a one-year warranty that protects your bag from the rigors of running around airports and throwing the clubs in the back of cars undoubtedly causes degradation to cases and covers.
However, some of the more elite bag companies, such as Samsonite, offer five-year limited warranties. You can see an example of the company’s warranty here at the Luggage Pros website.
Shipping companies that handle golf clubs like Shipsticks offer $1,000 of protection on your clubs with any purchase but highly suggest the use of a case or travel bag.