The Best Golf Travel Bag To Protect Your Clubs (2023 List)

Whether you’re a casual weekend warrior or a serious golfer, protecting your golf clubs should be a top priority when traveling. Choosing the right golf travel bag is key to keeping your clubs safe and secure during transit. 

In this review of the best travel bags to protect your clubs, I’ll examine the top bags on the market that provide maximum protection for your precious clubs. 

From lightweight carry bags to wheeled models with rigid framing, I will compare the key features of each bag, including durability, padding, storage capacity, and extras like lockable zippers. 

By the end of this article, I guarantee you’ll have all the information you need to select the perfect golf travel bag to safely transport your clubs on your next golf getaway.

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Last updated on 2023-09-28. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.

Things to Consider When Buying the Best Golf Travel Bag

Durability

Travel covers, cases, and golf travel bags are only as good as their durability.

If you use bags for air travel, the bag has to withstand the punishment of being thrown into compartments, riding along the conveyor belt that throws bags in with other luggage, and general wear and tear along the way.

Since golfers have two choices, soft and hard case, for their golf 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 most 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 durable nylon or polyester. When looking at hardshell 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 golf travel covers and cases to choose from. The first is a softcover usually made from nylon or polyester. The cover’s softness 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 hardshell case is typically made from a high-impact rated plastic or composite material.

As Golfweek states, “Unlike soft travel bags, which has flexibility, the hard case shape is set, so measure to ensure the case is large enough for your golf clubs and bag.” In addition, the hardshell case must 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 golf clubs safe throughout traveling.

Whether 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 golf travel bag or case is to protect your golf clubs so that they make it to the course without any damage.

Although a hardshell case does much better than a soft case, companies have adopted the soft case to provide maximum protection with the materials used.

Ship Sticks is known for delivering your golf 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 golf travel bag or case, if it is a softcover, note how much padding is around the clubs. Does the inside of the golf travel 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 hardshell case, is the plastic or composite EVA rated for high impact protection? Before purchasing golf travel bags, running down a checklist of how the cover or case will or will not protect your clubs is essential.

Mobility

Most golf 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.

Hardshell cases are typically easier to move around because of the case’s rigidity, but soft bags have made considerable strides in recent years.

As USA Today stated in their article about golf travel bags, a hardshell case, “…(has) one benefit to these cases is that they tend to be easier to maneuver around busy airports.”

But softcover golf travel 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 quality golf travel bags 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.

However, not all the golf travel bags on our best-of list have wheels. The lone exception is the Athletico Padded Travel Bag. This bag works exclusively as a cover. It has three handles that help with mobility.

The first is on top of the golf travel bag and helps hold it vertically, and needs placement in a vehicle.

The second set of handles is in the middle of the bag and comes 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 golf travel bag in an airport or having to cross long distances, then incorporating wheels is an essential feature. It makes mobility so much easier plus removes strain from your body.

Storage

The last area to gauge the quality of a golf travel bag is by how much storage it contains for your clubs, shoes, towels, and other accessories.

Most golf travel bags will have exterior pockets for plenty of room for your rain gear, rain suit, and footwear, but some bags, particularly hardshell 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 using extra luggage. Heavy coats, sweaters, rain tops, and pants all do well, filling the extra space in golf travel bags.

Extra room in a golf 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 bag 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 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.

Hard Case vs. Soft Case

The difference between choosing a softcover 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 frequently travel 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 occasionally travel with their golf set by air.”

When deciding between the two, take note of how the bag handles its weaknesses. For example, a softcover will need to augment its protection, while a hard case will need to maximize its storage.

Weight

The standard weight of clubs alone is around 30 pounds. So any travel cover, whether a softcover or hard shell, will add substantial weight to the cumulative total.

This figure is essential to note, especially when taking your golf travel bags on an airplane, as most airlines have weight limits on bags before they begin to charge storage fees.

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.”

Softcover bags typically weigh around 8-10 pounds, with hardshell cases weighing 12-20 pounds.

Warranty

Most golf bags for travel 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 clubs like Ship Sticks offer $1,000 of protection on your clubs with any purchase but highly suggest using a case or travel bag.

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Best Golf Travel Bags 2023

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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 hardshell 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 Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Travel Bag has plenty of storage and a nice roomy interior for keeping your golf clubs secure.

The Amazon Basics 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 golf clubs in the instance of hard impact.

We recommend this product as one of the best travel bags for golf on the market right now.

Also assisting the handling of the bag are the heavy-duty rails that rest above the wheels, making it easy to pull up on a curb or stairs.

For protection, the Amazon Basics bag has two features that help lock your clubs in for a long golf trip. The first is two straps that secure the top of the bag so your golf 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 golf bag does have a softcover, and the lack of a hard shell does make it vulnerable to traveling on airplanes where high-impact crashes can happen.

If the Amazon Basics bag has a preferred use, it is inside a vehicle where you control the transportation and luggage that surrounds it during travel.

The Amazon Basics bag, measuring 50 inches tall, has a deep interior that will carry your tallest golf clubs and umbrellas plus allow you the room to store heavy clothing, sunscreen, and larger accessories.

This bag is excellent for a car and even better for a golfer on a budget. It is a solid performer worth a look.

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Specs

• Dimensions: 14x12x51
• Weight: 6.6 pounds
• Material: Nylon
• Colors: Black with Blue or Gray

Pros

• A strong and durable bag that does an admirable job at protecting your clubs
• An internal strap that keeps your 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 most known companies for manufacturing some of the best golf travel bags, CaddyDaddy has made an inexpensive, well-constructed cover with their Constrictor 2.

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 softcover bag, CaddyDaddy has given 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 golf 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 golf 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 bag’s interior because we hung them against corners and other luggage when trying to move the bag around.

Also, this is a better softcover option, but it still does not rate well when potentially reducing high-impact occurrences.

A high-quality softcover golf travel bag, the CaddyDaddy Constrictor 2 offers several high-performing functions that will make your travels more comfortable and give you better peace of mind knowing your golf clubs are safe and sound. This bag is a solid performer worth a look for a golfer on a budget.

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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 it 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 golf clubs after your flight.

It stands as our #3 on our best golf travel bags list.

The golf 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 golf shoes, clothes, and golf accessories, 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 the show.

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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 the 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 straightforward

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.

Ideal for the car, the Himal Soft-Sided 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.

This is a solid choice and stands as one of the best golf travel bags if you walk a lot on the course.

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Specs

• Dimensions: 15x11x51
• Weight: 12 pounds
• Material: Nylon
• Colors: Black, Navy Blue

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 go to the great company, Sun Mountain, for their creation, the ClubGlider Meridian.

Yes, the Sun Mountain ClubGlider 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 golf travel bag market.

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Specs

• Dimensions: 14x15x51
• Weight: 12 pounds
• Material: Nylon
• Colors: Black, Red, Blue, Black with Copper

Pros

• Club Glove Last Bag is the top name in travel bags
• Lightweight but excellent protection
• Attaches to other Club Glove products for convenience
• Free Stiff Arm offers excellent shaft protection

Cons

• Tight fit for cart bags

The Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate is the most-used bag on the PGA and LPGA tours for a good reason: despite its lightweight of just over 10lbs, it offers astonishing amounts of padding and protection for your delicate golf clubs.

It includes the essential Club Glove “Stiff Arm” that anyone using a soft bag should have to protect your graphite shafts from airplane mistreatment.

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Pros

• The solid 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 hardshell case is the SKB ATA Travel Case. It is made from a tough compound known as polyethylene which is the material that the U.S. military deems acceptable for their cases and containers.

The ATA can store 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 golf clubs aren’t going anywhere and won’t be damaged during travel.

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Pros

• Well organized, simple 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 the golfer is stuck carrying the bag from location to location

If you are looking for a low-priced bag that offers a sizable cover for your golf bag, then the Athletico Padded 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.

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Questions & Answers

The best way to pack golf clubs is to find a travel bag that offers premium protection. The outer shell will provide most padding that can handle impact into the bag, keeping the clubs safe while they travel.

Once you load the golf clubs in the golf bag, take a towel or even clothing like your rain gear and weave it through the golf club heads exposed from the bag’s opening.

You want to stabilize those golf clubs and not allow them to move during travel. Also, wrapping them adds another layer of protection to prevent them from rattling against each other.

Recommended: How to Organize A Golf Bag (Correctly)

While everyone should stay within their budget when adding new golf clubs and accessories to their golf bag to cover all their needs, a well-made golf travel bag is well worth the cost when factoring in the possibility of your golf clubs breaking or being damaged during travel.

Travel golf bags from Amazon have prices that run in the entry-level, budget-conscious category of around $60-$100. However, for golf travel bags with more protection, you can expect to pay anywhere from $80-150.

Finally, luxury travel golf bags by companies like Sun Mountain offer more convenience and better rolling systems while offering premium protection for the clubs.

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Conclusion

My top choice for the best travel cover bag, the OGIO Alpha Travel Cover, delivers exceptional all-around performance. With long-lasting durability and impressive mobility, the Alpha delivers tremendous value for golfers who love to travel.

I loved how easy the cover is to pull through crowded airports and over rougher terrain like asphalt. I also noted the cover’s high-grade protection that prevents my golf clubs from being damaged if impacted during travel.

Although the Alpha carries an elevated price tag, I felt the cost was worth the stretch to your golfing budget due primarily to the top-tier ratings in the durability and performance department.

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