Best way to transport clubs

[COBRAboy]

So my first post here! I'm going on a trip this summer and will be bringing the clubs. I am flying and am wondering the best and safest way to bring my clubs. Some say shipping them with a company like fed ex or ups is the way to go but I don't know if I trust them. My clubs are my baby's The other option is being in the plane. The thing is I don't want to spend to much money on a case Looked around and it seems the best ones are 300$. This is my first trip with them and possibly my last so that kind of money doesn't seem necessary. So just wondering what you guys do.

[shakogolfer78]

I was kind of wondering the same thing.  I am going to Ireland for almost a month, and since I am a lefty I thought it might be a bit difficult for me to find rentals.

In regards to shipping the clubs, make sure that you have covers on ALL your clubs.  I bought iron covers after the airlines dinged up my last set on a flight to Florida.  In regards of a case, I just have a soft-sided TaylorMade travel case.  I think it was 70-90 bucks, and it gets the job done.  I tend to be real protective of my clubs, so I stuff a few towels in the bag to make sure nothing happens to the clubs.

Hope that helps.

[COBRAboy]

Thanks Ya I have covers for all clubs and kept the bubble wrap from my itons cause I too am OCD about my irons. I was just scared a soft case was slightly risky since airlines don't give a **** about the luggage

[Joe90lfer]

Hi,

I just use a fishing rod case. It's very sturdy and easily survived trips to Asia from Florida.

Not to mention, it's extremely compact. Goes inside the passenger compartment of a cab

without any problem.

It's the Plano Airliner Telescoping Rod Case. $65 at Bass Pro shops.

I posted in a previous thread with pictures about exactly the same thing.

http://thesandtrap.com/t/65981/traveling-with-your-clubs-suggestions-welcome#post_827871

[lumpuckeroo]

I had a friend use fed-ex last year on his trip to AZ, he said it was the way to go.  He was flying out on a Thursday, he took his clubs to fed-ex on Monday, and when he got to AZ, they were waiting on him at the hotel.  While I don't have first hand knowledge of using fed-ex I do have first hand experience of dragging clubs thru an airport, not a good way to travel.

[COBRAboy]

Thanks that's very helpfull!

[clearwaterms]

I just got off the plane today flying.

I have a cart bag (so big) and a cheap $40 soft travel case.  I use a club glove stiff arm set to the longest setting that still allows my bag to zipper shut.  I take my two golf pull overs that I keep in my bag and use one to wrap my graphite shafts and then wrap the other one around the entire bag.  I also have head covers on my Driver, FW, and hybrid.  The irons see no more bouncing around inside a bag than they would in the back of a golf cart / trunk of my car.

I have done this probably 6-7 times and NEVER had a problem.  I drop my luggage off at curbside check in, I am sure to tip the guy $2-$5 and have flown with my clubs to lots of different places.

The hard sided luggage cases are expensive, but some places rent them.  The problem is that they take up a ton of space, so you won't be able to rent a small car.

Fedex is fine, but it costs ~$100 by the time you are all said and done (box, packing material, round trip shipping) and I assure you that Fedex is NO more gentle than the people that load airplanes, its just out of site out of mind.

[minitour]

FedEx - When your clubs absolutely have to be there.

UPS - When you really couldn't care less when or if they get there.

USPS - You want them shipped to the FROM address so they can sit on your doorstep for 2 weeks while you're on vacation.

Airline - Check them so the TSA and the baggage handlers can work on their short game with your sticks while you're upstairs getting your "freedom frisk".