If you’ve ever played golf abroad and got your luggage wrong then you’ll know that, to get your holiday off to an uncomplicated and stress-free start, this is your first port of call. Too many of us have spent too much time cursing ourselves as we struggle from the wrong terminal to the right one or wrestling an old piece of luggage off the carousel because our travel bags aren’t up to the task.
So cast your eyes over the following selections in our list of the best golf luggage, which are all stylish, well thought through and mean that we can take all our necessary golfing and off-course gear away in comfort. Additionally if you want more golf gear, then be sure to have a read of our other golf guides - such as the best golf accessories and best golf bags.
Best Golf Luggage
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We are big fans of Ogio gear, especially when it comes to the travel bag/luggage range. Chiefly, the 9800 bag is one of our favorites. It is extremely spacious and well designed, thanks to an adjustable divider within, and a padded compartment which is ideal for the bits you need a bit more protection for.
The bag is very easy to maneuver thanks to the heavy duty wheels and the pull handle, and finally we have to mention the styling. There are loads of colors available ranging from ones to stand out at the airport like the Skull option pictured, or there are more understated finishes.
Read our full Ogio Rig 9800 Travel Bag Review
The MacGregor VIP II Premium features a cover that can stand up to airport abuse, it’s easy to transport, and it’s an exceptional value at its price. There are three heavy duty external straps which provide a safe seal on the cover whilst the lockable zips further add to the security too.
Space is plentiful as well meaning you can throw in plenty of clothing and footwear which you couldn't get in your case. We liked the performance and value of this case so much that we actually included it in our Editor's Choice List.
Read our full MacGregor VIP II Travel Cover Review
The Kube from Sun Mountain is an interesting and unique golf travel bag that looks great, has solid padded protection and folds away to a convenient size. Not only does it perform well as a golf travel bag, but it collapses down to small size comparable to the average cabin bag.
It also has a robust hard-case shell with two external and internal straps to keep everything secure on the inside. We also like the reinforced padded area at the clubhead end for added protection. It moves around very easily thanks to the wheels and it doesn't weigh that much either - the total package really.
Read our full Sun Mountain Kube Travel Cover Review
The T-660 features a wrap-around zipper that opens up the entire front of the travel cover. From there, you simply lay your golf bag in there and, unless it's oversized or severely overstuffed, it's pretty easy to get in and out of the bag.
What's more, when folded up and not in use, you can easily fit it into a small space behind the seat of your rental car when you're traveling, or put it in the corner of the trunk. The T-660 also weighs less than 6 pounds, so it's easy to maneuver when not in use and you can store it on a shelf at your house or in your garage without it taking up much space.
Read our full Bag Boy T-660 Travel Cover Review
A while ago Titleist introduced a new range of travel gear and one of our favorite pieces from said range is this Players Backpack. This, and the entire collection, offers an elegant and stylish look, especially in the black camo design here.
The backpack is constructed from high quality materials which makes this a highly durable item of luggage. It has a main zipper for storage of your larger items but also comes with extra pockets both on the inside and the outside, allowing you to organize easily. Also given the backpack can be used for anything, the value on offer here is worth mentioning.
A backpack that oozes a premium look, design and craftmanship the Vessel PrimeX Plus Backpack is a versatile option that can be used for business and leisure. What's great here is that you can stash your laptop in here and enough clothing for a trip lasting several days. It's worth noting too that this bag is carry-on approved for most airlines.
It comes with one large main compartment as well as two slip pockets and a zip pockets. The Vessel bag also comes with a magnetic accessory pocket that boasts a hook lock and an expandable storage pouch for easy portability during travel. Ultimately, it is really quite a roomy bag that, even when full, doesn't seem too heavy.
Read our full Vessel PrimeX Plus Backpack Review.
If you want a smaller travel bag then this TravisMathew design is a model to consider.
Measuring at 9.5” x 13” x 19.5", it easily stores away on transportation and despite its size possibly narrowing wha you can store in it, the bag itself has quick-access front pockets, interior mesh compartments, and ultra-convenient wheels that move around nicely, do not make too much noise and are also very well put together.
This über-smart offering is a beautiful piece of luggage with lots of very nice touches, including leather accent handles with magnetic closure and coated zippers. This is really classy and, again, this is a carry-on size with telescoping handle and premium wheels.
There’s room for an easy access laptop compartment with padded liner for protection and there is the option to custom embroider it.
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Our testing for golf gear is built upon a comprehensive process combined with the knowledge and expertise of the Golf Monthly test team. Our team usually attend product launches and then when it comes to our actual testing, we test products over a period of time that we can gauge the performance.
It should also be mentioned that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review and we make our conclusions from the testing and our experiences. This is because we strive to give the best reviews possible so you can get a greater understanding of the products themselves.
What to consider when buying golf luggage
When it comes to travelling, good luggage is a must, especially when it comes to protecting your golf clubs. As such what are some of the factors you should consider when looking to purchase golf luggage? Let's take a look.
Type
Do you need a backpack? Or a wheeled duffel bag? Or a full on travel cover for your golf clubs? Knowing where you have gaps in your luggage will therefore narrow down your search.
Strength/durability
Above all else, good golf luggage has to be strong and durable to put up with the general wear and tear of travel. This means being made of strong, tear-resistant fabrics, and when it comes to travel covers they should also have some features to protect the clubs on the inside of the bag too like compression straps on the inside and outside, along with foam padding around the top of the bag. The wheels should also be strong and move properly.
Weight
Given you will be carrying the luggage around, weight is very important, especially if a model only has two wheels. Here a fine balance has to be made between lightness and strength because you don't want to compromise on either. Additionally if you go for a backpack, the model shouldn't be too heavy on your shoulders.
Maneuverability
Good models are also very easy to move around which means having wheels that slide well and can change direction properly. There are several excellent models above with more than two wheels and these are usually the best in this factor, but some two-wheel options move well too.
Warranty
This is definitely a factor to consider if, god forbid, your clubs and golf gear are damaged or broken. We recommend checking with retailers and manufacturers themselves how long they offer on warranties.
Budget
Finally have a think about how much you want to spend on golf luggage. Ultimately this is not an area to compromise especially when it comes to travel covers because the bag is protecting your golf clubs but there are models for those who want ultra-premium designs, and also models for those who want good value.
For more advice on some of the best golf bags and luggage in the business, why not check out our guides to the best golf travel bags, best golf shag bags and best tour golf bags.
FAQs
What travel bag do PGA players use?
We have found out that many PGA players use Club Glove travel bags at the moment. For example we believe professionals like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Justin Thomas use the Last Bag Large Pro model that we featured in this guide and in our piece on our favorite travel bags.
Is a golf backpack necessary?
That depends on your needs as a player. If you do a lot of travelling for business and pleasure then a versatile golf backpack may come in handy for both!
Can I put shoes and clothes in a golf travel bag?
Yes you can! They are primarily designed to hold your golf clubs but you can also use your golf luggage bag to store things like clothes, waterproofs and other heavy items you might not want to take in your carry-on luggage.
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