| It's off-season for many golfers in the northern states | | | | extra thick to protect your clubs and choose a bag |
| of the US. Time to take a break from those early | | | | that has lots of extra pockets with solid zippers so |
| morning tee times and take time to do some "in-door" | | | | you can carry all those "extra" items. |
| golf, i.e. at computer-generated golf courses or with a | | | | Hybrid Bag: This type of bag can be used both the |
| temporary indoor putting green in the middle of the | | | | golf course and while traveling. Look for one that |
| living room. | | | | offers all the features of a cart bag, and has a rigid |
| For those golfers determined to play all year round and | | | | "helmet" you can add when you take it on the road. |
| are traveling south to warmer climes, a golf travel bag | | | | Choose a bag with in-line wheels for an easier time |
| becomes a necessary purchase. Whether you are | | | | crossing those long airport lobbies. |
| traveling by plane or train, your golf clubs need | | | | Hi-Impact Polyester Travel Bag: This type of bag has |
| protection. (A few years ago, traveling to Hilton Head | | | | a cloth cover but should be reinforced with some |
| for golf, one of the women in our group had the head | | | | interior lamination, usually using PVC. Soft sides should |
| of her very expensive driver snapped off when a | | | | be well padded. Quilted material is best. And be sure to |
| careless baggage handler tossed her golf travel bag | | | | test the bag strap for easy carrying and the wheels |
| onto the tarmac. The airline gave her some monetary | | | | for a smooth glide. |
| compensation, but as the driver was not brand new, | | | | The bottom line in deciding which type of golf travel |
| the amount was not equal to the cost of replacement. | | | | bag you purchase depends on the amount of traveling |
| - That's another story.) The point is that your clubs | | | | you plan on doing, how much protection you need, and |
| represent a large investment and they need to be | | | | the value of your clubs. Soft cases with lots of |
| protected when you travel. | | | | padding are lighter, and easier to handle, and they |
| So which bag is best? Hard case? Soft case? Your | | | | protect your clubs in most circumstances. Hard cases |
| choice might depend on how much you travel with | | | | are usually heavier but promise better protection, |
| your golf clubs, how much extra space you need for | | | | though they can snap open unless you add strapping |
| shoes, balls, towels, etc. (I stuff all kinds of extra stuff in | | | | for security. Almost every travel case can fit 14 clubs |
| my bag, including my bed pillow! which helps give a little | | | | plus your golf bag, but if you have an extra long driver, |
| extra padding. And with the airlines charging you extra | | | | be sure the length of the travel bag can |
| for that second bag anyway, why not stuff the golf | | | | accommodate it. You don't want to leave that special |
| travel bag with clothes as well?) | | | | club at home! |
| Here are a few types of travel bags you might | | | | Ask your golfing friends. Visit a variety of websites to |
| consider using on your next golf trip. | | | | see what they offer. But remember, you get what you |
| Heavy Duty Soft Bag: This style is used by more | | | | pay for. Do you really want to put your thousand dollar |
| touring professionals on the PGA, Champions, and | | | | clubs inside a $29 bag you bought at the local Big |
| LPGA tours - choose a bag with wheels that makes it | | | | Lots? |
| easy to maneuver. Check to be sure the padding is | | | | |