How to Pack Your Golf Travel Bag

If you are planning to join an Indian Golf Safari, you might be wondering how to pack your golf travel bag for the trip. In this blog post, I will share some tips and tricks that I have learned from my own experience of traveling with golf clubs across India.

What to Pack in the Bag
Before we talk about how to pack the bag, let’s talk about what to pack in the bag. Here are some essential items that you should not forget:

• A carry bag: If you plan on utilizing a caddie during your trip, remember the old adage that the player with the lightest bag gets the best caddy. Leave the staff bag at home and use a lightweight carry bag instead. Your caddie will appreciate you and it will save you some weight when checking the bag with the airline as well. I use this one by Jones golf Bag, but any kind of carry bag will do.
• Rain gear: India has a diverse climate and you might encounter a rainy day on the course, especially during the monsoon season. So it is always wise to pack a set of rain gloves, a rain jacket, and rain pants. Rain gloves are especially useful as they provide better grip when wet. I recommend Galvin Green or Zero Restriction for quality rain gear.
• Two pairs of golf shoes: In case your shoes get soaked from playing in wet conditions, it is nice to have a backup pair to wear the next day. You don’t want to put on wet shoes again and risk getting blisters or infections. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and waterproof.
• Golf balls: Take them with you as they are far more expensive in India and the exchange rate hurts as well. Pack enough balls for your expected rounds and maybe a few extra for practice or souvenirs.

How to Pack the Bag
Now that you have decided what to pack in the bag, let’s talk about how to pack the bag. I recommend using the Last Bag by Club Glove, which is a durable and spacious travel bag that comes in three sizes. Mine is the medium one, which fits my carry bag perfectly. It also comes with an extension rod that helps to protect the club heads during transit.
The first thing you want to do is to protect the club heads from any potential damage. Some people use bubble wrap for this, but I prefer to use my rain gear and wrap it around the club heads. Then I take a nylon shoe bag and put it over the entire set. This provides some nice padding at the top of the bag.
Next, I wrap a towel around the center of the bag to provide some extra cushioning. Then I put my two pairs of golf shoes in separate shoe bags and place them at the bottom of the travel bag. I also put my golf balls in a ziplock bag and place them next to the shoes.
Finally, I zip up the travel bag and attach a luggage tag with my name and contact information. I also use a TSA-approved lock to secure the zipper. And that’s it! My golf travel bag is ready to go.

How to Transit the Bag
The last topic to cover is how to transit the bag from your home to your destination. I usually ship my clubs ahead using a service like Ship Sticks or Luggage Forward. This way, I don’t have to worry about carrying them around or checking them in with the airline. I also like the peace of mind of knowing that they are waiting for me at my first destination.
However, if you prefer to take them on the airline, you will want to double check with your carrier as far as their weight restrictions and fees. You will also want to check the weight of your bag before you leave for the airport. It will save you some potentially costly rupees at the ticket counter.
And that’s it! You are ready to go on your Indian Golf Safari and enjoy some of the best golf courses in India. I hope you found this blog post helpful, but most importantly, I hope you find plenty of fairways, greens, and memories on your upcoming trip.