New to Shipping Clubs

[Sidehatch]

I'm headed to Kaipulua Maui, and want to play the Old Blue course because it's close to the hotel. I'd love to ship my own clubs. I don't own a travel bag, but am considering buying a cheap one. Unfortunately, bringing the clubs as checked baggage on the airplane doesn't work due to kid's luggage requirements.

What service do you recommend? Should I buy a travel bag? How long before should I make arrangements?

Edited January 8, 2019 by Sidehatch

[klineka]

I've never shipped clubs before, buy ShipSticks is one of the main ones. I'd start there, still would probably want a cheap travel case.

Also I've seen other people recommending removing the driver/wood heads from the shaft if you have the wrench prior to shipping.

[Lihu]

49 minutes ago, Sidehatch said:

I'm headed to Kaipulua Maui, and want to play the Old Blue course because it's close to the hotel. I'd love to ship my own clubs. I don't own a travel bag, but am considering buying a cheap one. Unfortunately, bringing the clubs as checked baggage on the airplane doesn't work due to kid's luggage requirements.

What service do you recommend? Should I buy a travel bag? How long before should I make arrangements?

I’ve done both, but found that as luggage is better. The airlines are usually pretty good about taking care of the clubs. Keep the bag light though.

If the heads are removable on your woods it’s not a bad idea what @klineka suggested.

Honestly, a third route is to just rent decent clubs there. I prefer that at this point. You get used to the rental clubs pretty quickly.

[DaveP043]

2 hours ago, Sidehatch said:

I'm headed to Kaipulua Maui, and want to play the Old Blue course because it's close to the hotel. I'd love to ship my own clubs. I don't own a travel bag, but am considering buying a cheap one. Unfortunately, bringing the clubs as checked baggage on the airplane doesn't work due to kid's luggage requirements.

What service do you recommend? Should I buy a travel bag? How long before should I make arrangements?

For one round of golf, I think @Lihu has the best idea, just rent some.  If you're talking about Old Blue, you must mean you're looking at Wailea on the southwest side of the island.  They appear to have Taylor Made rental clubs for $60, you can't touch that cost checking your clubs as luggage, and Shipsticks is always more expensive.

[Sidehatch]

Thanks guys, rental clubs sounds like pretty good advice. Only thing is I am used to hitting a draw driver, draw hybrids, and my 58. While those clubs are key to my game, it’s also not worth the risk of breaking those either. Why not just avoid the hassle and do some rentals then!

[Double Mocha Man]

55 minutes ago, Sidehatch said:

Thanks guys, rental clubs sounds like pretty good advice. Only thing is I am used to hitting a draw driver, draw hybrids, and my 58. While those clubs are key to my game, it’s also not worth the risk of breaking those either. Why not just avoid the hassle and do some rentals then!

Rent 'em when you're there.  You can probably adjust the Taylormade driver to a draw bias.  If you were a scratch handicap I'd say take your own clubs.

Besides, you might find yourself falling in love with the Taylormades and buying new clubs.

Edited January 10, 2019 by Double Mocha Man

[Vinsk]

On 1/8/2019 at 1:02 PM, Sidehatch said:

I'm headed to Kaipulua Maui, and want to play the Old Blue course because it's close to the hotel. I'd love to ship my own clubs. I don't own a travel bag, but am considering buying a cheap one. Unfortunately, bringing the clubs as checked baggage on the airplane doesn't work due to kid's luggage requirements.

What service do you recommend? Should I buy a travel bag? How long before should I make arrangements?

I think the rental is a good option. I’ve used ShipSticks several times. On one ocassion they really screwed me good and offered zero compensation. 

[DeeBee30]

Sidehatch, rentals for 1 or 2 rounds is definitely the way to go.  I played Wailea and Kapalua late last year and rented from Jimmy’s Golf Club Rentals.  Half the price of the on-course rentals, and he has some nice sets if you can book them in advance.  I got a Titleist set: 716 AP2s, 917 D3 driver , 818 Hybrid and 917F3 3W.  He also delivers and picks up from the course as long as you give a day or so lead time.  

 

Best deal on the island, and I didn’t have to drag my clubs through the airport or worry about the expense or potential damage from shipping them.

[DeeBee30]

On 1/9/2019 at 10:08 PM, Double Mocha Man said:

Rent 'em when you're there.  You can probably adjust the Taylormade driver to a draw bias.  If you were a scratch handicap I'd say take your own clubs.

Besides, you might find yourself falling in love with the Taylormades and buying new clubs.

Yep - hit the range with 'em to figure out what shots they're giving you, then go have fun!

[Sidehatch]

On 1/9/2019 at 8:08 PM, Double Mocha Man said:

Rent 'em when you're there.  You can probably adjust the Taylormade driver to a draw bias.  If you were a scratch handicap I'd say take your own clubs.

Besides, you might find yourself falling in love with the Taylormades and buying new clubs.

Good point, I think I'm going to be on the market for some new ones in 2019. And I'm a 14 handicap, and I agree, it's usually more my fault than the clubs' fault.

[Double Mocha Man]

7 minutes ago, Sidehatch said:

Good point, I think I'm going to be on the market for some new ones in 2019. And I'm a 14 handicap, and I agree, it's usually more my fault than the clubs' fault.

Have fun on your trip and enjoy those rental clubs shooting low scores for you.  :)

[Sidehatch]

Well, I paid $75 for the "premium rentals" and rented the Callaway Rogues I've been interested in and played in some 30-40 mph winds. I found a putter that I really enjoyed and made some big putts with. Had some problems with distance control, but as the low-handicappers I played with said, it's not worth bringing your clubs on the plane if you are only playing one round. If you're playing multiple rounds, then bring 'em. Those low handicappers said they only cost about $25 to bring them on the airline, and that you can even buy a metal tube around the top of your travel bag on some golf sites to protect your clubs. 

And on the problems with distance control, I hit a hybrid 230+, which is pretty rare for me. I think I usually max out at about 210-220 yards. But the wind was so strong it was definitely a factor, one of the low handicappers just gave up on a hole after a 4-putt, so that definitely threw a wrench into our games. 

The thing I was most worried about - driver - wasn't the club's fault, it was more some swing errors on my part. So I was pleased with the new driver's control.

All in all, great advice everyone!

Mahalo!

[iSank]

Did you play this past weekend? Yea that was a sporty breeze and Maui looks like it got it pretty good. Thanks for sharing how it went!

[Kevlar10]

For one round, renting is the best way to go imo.  When we go for a golf trip, we ship UPS, they have a box sized for golf clubs and it’s always been $35 to ship.  I’ve never had issues.  I’ve actually rented several times at different PGA courses , but since I’ve dropped my handicap below 10, I prefer my own clubs.