Shipping clubs for a trip

[Lihu]

1 hour ago, jsgolfer said:

$40/round for rentals?  That would get pricey if you played more than a couple of rounds.

True, but that's for a decent set of clubs. $50 for a very decent set, possibly better than your own?

It's a trade off between number of rounds and having to lug around clubs. In China, it's kind of a status symbol to lug around your clubs, where porters move them around for you. So it makes some sense there. Unfortunately for me, my $89 Costco bag with standard clubs isn't exactly status worthy. Plus, my game isn't all that impressive either, so lugging clubs around isn't really justifiable.  

Everywhere else, it was just a hassle, especially if you need to bring 3 or more sets of clubs and luggage for multiple people. You need to get a rental vehicle big enough to carry them, and it usually ends up being the largest one which also costs a lot more. For one round, it's not worth bringing your own clubs. Maybe for 3 or more per location? Plus, they usually give you a break for multiple days or sets or both if the demand for them is low enough.

[billchao]

1 hour ago, Lihu said:

For one round, it's not worth bringing your own clubs. Maybe for 3 or more per location? Plus, they usually give you a break for multiple days or sets or both if the demand for them is low enough.

If you're only going to play one round then it's probably more economical to rent, but if you're planning on a golf trip where you are going to play multiple courses on multiple days, then no. I doubt you'd get a discount from a bunch of courses that have nothing to do with each other.

I played with rental clubs once and I won't do it again. Clubs are tools - you're going to get the most out of your own.

[Lihu]

20 minutes ago, billchao said:

If you're only going to play one round then it's probably more economical to rent, but if you're planning on a golf trip where you are going to play multiple courses on multiple days, then no. I doubt you'd get a discount from a bunch of courses that have nothing to do with each other.

Yeah, I didn't specify that "one location" meant one club or region. In any case, you can rent clubs from some shops as well. I haven't really checked into if they have a weekly rate or not, though. Haven't really had the need.

 

20 minutes ago, billchao said:

I played with rental clubs once and I won't do it again. Clubs are tools - you're going to get the most out of your own.

Some people like their own tools and some don't really care. I've gotten used to using whatever is handy over the years doing many different things, so that's me and possibly some population of golfers and probably why there are rentals.

However, I do have a few playing partners who absolutely won't play rentals. They're very picky about a lot of things as well, and it seems to make a huge difference to them.

[Mr. Desmond]

I noticed that with use of UPC codes on your bags, at least the airlines know the location of your labels - as long as they haven't been torn away - they will find your luggage. On my last trip from SFO to DFW, we stopped at John Wayne and changed planes. First time with clubs I had not gone non-stop. So guess what, even with a 1.5 hr layover Alaska or American did not get my clubs to DFW. After my bag did not show, CS input my UPC Code - luggage tag - and said they were still in Orange County. Filled out late bag claim, and the next evening they were dropped off at the house.

My first bags are free on some airlines, but when one uses miles, one must pay the $25. As to hassle, it's only getting it to the ticket counter, and when arriving, from baggage claim to the rental car, so I can deal with that short term inconvenience. Like some here, I use the SM Club Glider Journey, and while its turn radius on an elevator is non-existent, it glides easily, sometimes with one finger.

Edited September 3, 2017 by Mr. Desmond

[jsgolfer]

8 hours ago, Lihu said:

True, but that's for a decent set of clubs. $50 for a very decent set, possibly better than your own?

It's a trade off between number of rounds and having to lug around clubs. In China, it's kind of a status symbol to lug around your clubs, where porters move them around for you. So it makes some sense there. Unfortunately for me, my $89 Costco bag with standard clubs isn't exactly status worthy. Plus, my game isn't all that impressive either, so lugging clubs around isn't really justifiable.  

Everywhere else, it was just a hassle, especially if you need to bring 3 or more sets of clubs and luggage for multiple people. You need to get a rental vehicle big enough to carry them, and it usually ends up being the largest one which also costs a lot more. For one round, it's not worth bringing your own clubs. Maybe for 3 or more per location? Plus, they usually give you a break for multiple days or sets or both if the demand for them is low enough.

Pretty sure my clubs are better than any rentals.  

ive been lugging my clubs through airports for years and have yet to have an issue. But then again, when I go on trips I'm playing as many rounds as I can get in, so my clubs go everywhere. 

 

[Lihu]

1 hour ago, jsgolfer said:

Pretty sure my clubs are better than any rentals.  

Some of those sets are pretty nice. Of course the generic ones probably aren't as good as yours. . .

 

1 hour ago, jsgolfer said:

ive been lugging my clubs through airports for years and have yet to have an issue. But then again, when I go on trips I'm playing as many rounds as I can get in, so my clubs go everywhere. 

I've never had any issues either, but clubs are heavy.

[dave s]

One more tip if you choose air travel with your clubs:  Remove the heads from your driver and woods if you can.  Those clubs can easily be broken off when using a soft-side bag.  Airlines will also make you sign a waiver for clubs in anything but hard-shell cases.

Last thought:  Ship them via FedEx (again) in the box you can buy from them and ship nearly everything you need IN the box along with your clubs.  And take the heads off your woods!

dave

[WUTiger]

If you fly Southwest Airlines, bring your clubs along. SWA allows 2 (two) checked bags for free as long as they weigh less than 50 lbs. each They will count a golf-bag carrier as a checked bag (weigh it to ensure less than 50 lbs).