Packing for a golf trip – 13 handy tips

Packing for a golf trip can be a balancing act between economy, efficiency, and ensuring you have everything you need for your time on and off the course. Here are 13 practical tips to help you pack light and smart, while saving both space and money when traveling with your golf gear.

1. Avoid Extra Hold Luggage

When traveling for a golf trip, try to minimize the amount of luggage you check in. The only thing that should go in the hold is your golf travel bag. All other items—clothes, toiletries, etc.—should fit into your golf bag or be carried as hand luggage.

2. Maximize the Use of Available Space

Your golf travel bag likely has extra pockets, such as shoe compartments, that you can use for more than just shoes. These can be great places for items like socks, nightwear, or small accessories. Additionally, many golf bags, like the Big Max Double Decker Travel Cover, include clothes pockets, which help optimize the use of the available space.

3. Utilize Your Weight Allowance

Most budget airlines allow 20kg for golf bags and 23kg for other luggage. A golf bag typically weighs around 12kg, so you have about 8-10kg of capacity left for other clothes and personal items. Use this allowance to your advantage, packing clothes and gear into your golf bag wherever possible.

4. Pack Scrunchable Clothing

Seersucker shirts and jackets are ideal for golf trips since they don’t wrinkle easily. These types of fabrics can be scrunched up in your bag without any noticeable damage to their appearance, making them perfect for packing light and efficiently.

5. Go Light on Clothing

A savvy traveler once shared a great tip: wear the same golf shirt the evening before your round and play in it the next day. Afterward, change into the next day’s shirt for the evening. This way, you have a fresh shirt for formal occasions without packing an extra one. Consider packing one shirt per day, which simplifies your packing and keeps your suitcase light.

6. Pack Clothes That Can Be Worn On and Off the Course

Choose versatile clothing items that can be worn both on and off the course. Golf street shoes are a great example. They can double as casual shoes for outings after your round and save you the space and weight of an extra pair of footwear.

7. Pack Smart for Souvenirs

If you plan to bring home wine or other fragile items, use bubble wrap or pack clothing around them for extra protection. That way, you won’t need to buy special packing materials, and your souvenirs will be cushioned within your golf bag.

8. Check the Weather Forecast

Before your trip, check the weather forecast to determine if you might encounter rainy conditions on the course. If so, pack accordingly. You may need an additional waterproof layer or golf rain gear.

9. Roll Soft Clothing to Fill Gaps

Rolling clothes, rather than folding them, helps save space and reduces wrinkles. Group items together when rolling to keep everything neat and organized. You can roll softer items like T-shirts, shorts, and socks to fill gaps in your bag.

10. Pack Light-Colored Clothing Inside Out

If you’re packing light-colored clothing, consider turning it inside out. This can help prevent any dirt or stains picked up during transit from showing on the outside of your clothes, keeping them looking fresh.

11. Handle Liquids Carefully

Any liquids over 100ml cannot be taken in hand luggage, so make sure to pack them in your golf bag. If you’re traveling with toiletries or sunscreen, place them inside your checked bag, ensuring they’re securely sealed to prevent leaks.

12. Stuff Your Shoes to Maximize Space

Shoes take up a lot of space in your golf bag, but you can make the most of that space by stuffing them with smaller items like socks, belts, or other accessories. This helps utilize all available space while keeping your shoes in good shape during transit.

13. Use Only One Bag for Hand Luggage

To avoid the hassle of carrying multiple bags, try to use the airline’s hand luggage allowance to take just one small bag in addition to your golf bag. This way, you won’t be burdened with carrying a big suitcase and a golf bag at the same time.

Bonus Tip: Pre-Pack Smart Essentials

Before packing your golf gear, make a checklist of the essentials, including golf tees, gloves, balls, and any specific gear you need for the courses you’ll be playing. This will help you avoid unnecessary packing while ensuring you don’t forget anything important.

By following these 13 tips, you’ll be able to pack smarter, avoid excess luggage fees, and enjoy a stress-free golf trip. With the right planning, you’ll be ready to hit the course with everything you need—and nothing you don’t.