callaway clubhouse travel bag review

Best Golf Travel Bags 2024

Last updated: 31 January 2024

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If you’re flying with golf clubs, a good golf travel bag is a critical piece of equipment to protect your clubs and make them easy to transport on your next golf break.

Travelling with your beloved (and expensive) golf clubs is not without risk. There is always a small chance golf equipment can be lost or damaged by air travel companies, especially if they don’t have the correct labelling and protection.

A well-made golf travel bag can ease those fears a great deal and the likes of TaylorMade, Callaway, J Lindeberg, Puma and Benross are just some of the big brands who make excellent options.

A good measure of the strength of a material is the denier rating (D). Anything above 1,000 puts it in the elite level when it comes to toughness, making it ideal for protecting your precious gear. And the beauty of a golf travel bag is that they’re large enough for you to fit plenty of clothes, shoes and accessories in, too.

Of course, if you’re in the market for a golf travel bag then you’re probably in the market for a golf break, and we can help with that, too. Head over to our  Golf World Top 100 homepage  to find our rankings of the best golf resorts in  Great Britain and Ireland ,  Continental Europe  and the  World . We’ve also got guides to the places you have to play in the  USA , along with guides to the must-play courses in  England ,  Scotland ,  Wales  and  Ireland .

If that’s not enough then our superb  Golf Escapes  guide brings you loads of ideas for your next golf getaway.

And if you are looking for other golf equipment that makes transporting your clubs easy then check out our features on the best golf luggage ,  golf cart bags ,  stand bags ,  push trolleys ,  electric trolleys  and  golf accessories .

EXPLAINED: How we test golf equipment

But here is our selection of the best Golf Travel Bags and Covers…

Best Golf Travel Bags

Taylormade performance travel cover.

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The 10 Best Travel Golf Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Make sure your clubs arrive safely with these durable and portable travel golf bags.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Others We Liked
• Other Gear You May Need
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

A durable golf travel bag is essential for protecting your clubs and giving you peace of mind whether you’re traveling by car or airplane to one of the world’s best courses. While there are plenty of storage options for safely traveling with your clubs, we tested the best golf travel bags based on qualities like durability, portability, and capacity. 

We love a gold bag that is made with durable materials with plenty of padding to ensure that your clubs make it to your destination safely. We were able to fit clubs, clothes, golf balls, and other accessories into our bags without any issues. Whether you’re looking for a hardside case or a budget-friendly bag, we found options for a variety of categories to fit the needs of all golfers. 

Best Overall

Club glove last bag large pro.

It’s built to last with single webbing reinforcement and burst-proof construction. 

The bag weighs more than 10 pounds.

The Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro golf travel bag is one of the best-made travel bags we've seen. Fit for a weekend golf getaway , the bag can comfortably fit a set of clubs in a standard-size carrier, golf balls, shirts, shorts, towels, and two pairs of golf shoes between the main compartment and two exterior pockets. Despite the 45-pound weight after packing, we thought the balance was evenly distributed throughout the bag and the inline skate wheels rolled smoothly and felt sturdy due to the plastic wheelbase that is designed for high-impact travel. We noted the high-quality feel of the water-resistant nylon material that adds durability to the bag, which truly feels like it will last a lifetime.

The bag is outfitted with self-lubricating YKK zippers and ITW Nexus buckles that come from a manufacturer that makes military-grade hoops, locks, and buckles. An aluminum stiff arm to reinforce the padded protection for impact during traveling is included. We flew with this bag twice in one month of testing, and it still looks like it just came out of the box. The durability, functionality, and sleek design of the Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro Golf Travel Bag make it well worth the price for golfers that are planning to travel with their clubs. 

The Details: 86 x 19 x 51 inches | 10.6 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kyle Tyll
• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best Budget

Caddydaddy constrictor 2 travel cover.

This affordable bag has large pockets that can store all of your extra gear.

The sides aren't padded, so you may want to add cushioning to protect your clubs.

For frequent travelers or golfers who want an affordable bag that can store even their bulkiest gear, this CaddyDaddy bag is the perfect option. Not only is the bag itself large enough to store all of your clubs, but we love that it also features side pockets big enough to pack your shoes and even extra clothing. Even with all of this space, the bag still doesn't feel bulky.

The fabric is thick and well-stitched. Made of thick rubber and nylon, we feel confident this bag won't break, tear, or otherwise fall apart, making it a great value — and it's the lowest priced option on this list. To give you added peace of mind, it comes with a one-year full replacement warranty so you can test it for yourself.

The Details: 27.5 x 18.9 x 14.5 inches | 9 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon and rubber

Most Spacious

Caddydaddy golf club travel cover with wheels.

The interior has tons of room for clothing or shoes in addition to golf clubs. 

It has straps that are slightly uncomfortable.

The CaddyDaddy First Class Premium Padded Golf Club Travel Cover has tons of space for not only clubs, but also golf shoes, clothing, and anything else you would ever need on a golf trip. Since the golf travel bag weighs 10 pounds, golfers can pack up to 40 pounds of clubs, clothes, and other accessories before reaching the general 50-pound checked bag limit for most airlines. We loved the spacious side pockets for toiletries and golf shoes, as well as the well-placed straps that can be tucked in during traveling to prevent damage.

The weight of the golf bag is mostly evenly balanced, and the wheels and handles make it easy to carry and maneuver; however, the top handle could have been a little more comfortable. The materials and the zippers of the bag feel durable and well-made. We're confident that this bag would last a very long time and would not be something you'd have to worry about replacing anytime soon.

The Details: 51 x 13 x 15 inches | 10 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Best Softside

Sun mountain clubglider meridian travel cover.

There are fold-out legs in the center with wheels that make rolling this softside bag even easier.

Travelers might want to consider a stiff arm for added protection.

For golfers looking for a simple yet functional golf travel bag, the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Cover is a solid softside option. The design of the bag includes everything you need for a hassle-free packing and travel experience, including a spacious interior for a cart or stand bag, two exterior pockets, and a pull-out leg mechanism with an additional pair of wheels besides the ones at the bottom of the bag. We found it very easy to collapse the legs in and out, and the bag rolled a lot more smoothly than expected.

The high-quality, durable feel of the handles on the front, bottom, and middle of the bag equally impressed us by making it a breeze to lift and maneuver comfortably. While the nylon exterior material and padding feel sturdy and durable, the bag would likely only protect golf clubs against low-impact hits.

The Details: 51 x 15 x 14 inches | 8 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / David Engler

Most Durable

Club glove collegiate travel cover with stiff arm.

It comes with a stiff arm to protect the heads of the clubs.

Packing the clubs was a tight fit with the length.

Traveling by air with golf clubs can be risky considering the potential for rough handling that comes with checking in luggage , but the Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate Travel Cover with Stiff Arm is made of high-quality materials and includes a stiff arm that is designed to protect gear from hard impact. The adjustable stiff arm is made of nylon plastic and lightweight aluminum, and although it doesn’t take up much room, we had to jostle the bag to get the stiff arm in with the golf clubs. With the smaller interior, we appreciated the two large exterior pockets that can fit some additional items like shoes, clothing, or sunscreen . The fully packed bag is comfortable to carry with top, bottom, and middle straps that evenly distribute the weight of the lengthy bag, and we liked how it can stand up on its own.

After flying with this Club Glove design, there weren’t any scuffs or damage to the bag. The exterior of the bag is made of water-resistant ballistic nylon fabric, and the backing has single webbing reinforcement — a common fabric used for climbing, military gear, and parachutes. 

The Details: 52 x 14 x 14 inches | 11.3 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen

Best Portability

Izzo golf high roller.

There are six wheels on the bottom of the bag so you can roll it upright. 

It feels slightly top-heavy.

The Izzo High Roller golf bag impressed us with how easy it was to transport by wheeling or carrying it. The six wheels on the bottom of the bag make it possible to push or pull it while it's standing upright. In addition, the bag can collapse down to just 12 inches for easy storage while traveling or at home.

While the bag felt a little top-heavy while we wheeled through an airport, the handles made it easy to lift and hold onto while rolling the bag. Even if the bag were to fall over, it has a solid amount of protective padding on the inside and outside, and it’s made with tear-resistant nylon that feels sturdy and durable. The interior of the bag is large enough for golf clubs and extra shirts, and the exterior pocket is big enough for a pair of golf shoes, but it was a tighter fit than we would’ve preferred. We think the Izzo High Roller bag is perfect for golfers who could benefit from having exceptional portability and durability while traveling through airports.

Dimensions: 53 x 16 x 12 inches | 8 pounds | Nylon

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Martin Schnurr

Best Hybrid

Caddydaddy golf travel bag cover with hard case top.

Only the top half is made with a hardside material, which makes storing the bag much easier.

It feels top-heavy when you're carrying it.

The CaddyDaddy Enforcer Golf Travel Bag Cover With Hard Case Top is designed with traveling golfers in mind, especially those who live in big cities with limited storage space. This golf bag has a unique design in which the top half is a hardside case and the bottom half is softside. The partial hardside design gives you the protection you want for your clubs, and we love how the bag can compress into itself, making it more space efficient for storing when not in use.

The exterior of the bag has two pockets for storing balls or shoes, and although there aren’t any pockets on the inside, there was a good amount of room left over for clothes. Though the hardside top makes it slightly top heavy, the bag maneuvers well on the inline skate wheels at the bottom, while the top, bottom, and center handle make it easy to lift the bag into a car or onto a weight scale at the airport. 

The Details: 51 x 13 x 13 inches | 9 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Allison Widmer

Best Lightweight

Tourtrek tc pro travel cover.

This bag feels lightweight whether you're pushing it or pulling it over a variety of surfaces.

The interior of the bag could be bigger.

The TourTrek TC Pro Travel Cover offers an abundance of protective padding and excellent portability. We think this bag is a fantastic value thanks to durable design and interior space that’s roomy enough for a set of golf clubs and two mesh pockets for accessories, as well as an exterior pocket for a pair of shoes. The cushioning is very generous, and the bag feels protective and sturdy with 360-degree padding to keep your golf clubs safe whether you’re traveling by air or car. The handles are padded as well, making them comfortable to hold onto while lifting or rolling the bag. And it includes a lock and key set for an additional layer of security and peace of mind.

Weighing just 6.6 pounds, this golf travel bag is lightweight and takes up less of the allotted 50-pound weight maximum that most airlines limit checked bags to. While we think the interior could be a little bit bigger, this golf travel bag has high-quality features that lead us to believe it will protect golf clubs through rough travels and last a long time with prolonged use, too. 

The Details: 52 x 14 x 14 inches | 6.6 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

• PHOTO: Travel & Leisure / Chris Abell

Best Design

Stitch multi use traveler.

It's incredibly portable and easy to maneuver.

The bag is not very padded.

The Stitch Multi Use Traveler (or MUT) is really unique for a travel golf bag. It fits a ton of gear including shoes, outerwear, and accessories. When we checked this bag to bring it on a trip to Florida, it held six pairs of shoes, two rain jackets , a dopp kit, and plenty of golf balls and towels, in addition to the golf clubs. The design is where this bag shines — its nylon exterior is durable but has a premium look; the orange zippers pop and make it easy to spot on an oversize luggage pile; and the handles are in convenient, cohesive places.

The wheels are great, and while it occasionally felt imbalanced, we think that was due to overpacking as we found it much easier to maneuver the bag when packed with clubs alone. While the bag is not padded, it is made of durable, sturdy nylon that doesn't show scuffs or minor tears.

The Details: 22.8 x 12 x 12 inches | Wheeled | Nylon

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Red Fabbri

Best Splurge

Tumi sport golf travel case.

This Tumi bag is spacious and rolls easily.

We wish it had more internal pockets to help with organization.

We flew with this bag carrying clubs in a standard golf cart bag, shoes, hats, a speaker , and a few other accessories. The case was easy to drag through the parking lot, into the airport tram, and up and down escalators. The wheels were slick and easily turned around reasonably tight corners and around slow airport travelers. Additionally, the side handles are convenient for lifting the case up horizontally to put it in and out of vehicles. It was also easy to pull on and off of the baggage claim belt as a result of the handles and big wheels at the bottom of the case.

The external zippers have very long pulls that were easy to maneuver and slide around the case. The clubs themselves are secured by two straps with a standard quick release buckle on a one-inch nylon strap. The main compartment is padded all around and has as special layer of padding for the club heads. Padding around the club heads is important because in transit they can typically bang together/bang into other external objects and become damaged. This is not something we worried about at all using this case. The exterior of the case did have some scruffs and scrapes after landing, but the fact that all internal items were well-protected makes this a high-quality choice.

The Details: 54.4 x 17.1 x 13.5 inches | 17.4 pounds | Wheeled | Polycarbonate

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Michael Weisbaum

We had our expert Travel + Leisure golfers take 21 golf travel bags on the road to find out which ones will keep your clubs safe whether you’re flying or driving. We evaluated the bags by flying, driving, walking around, and carrying the bags, taking detailed notes on the capacity, design, durability, and portability. 

Our team members packed their golf clubs into the travel bags and noted how easy it was to place the clubs into them and if there was room leftover for clothes, shoes, golf balls, or other accessories between the main compartment and any pockets. While packing the bags, we checked the quality of the zippers and buckles, as well as how much padding there was and if it felt sufficient for protecting the clubs. We looked for spacious bags that had extra room leftover after packing our golf clubs. We also loved the bags that had thoughtful and intuitive features that had golfers in mind because they made packing easier.

Travel + Leisure / Martin Schnurr

After packing up the travel bags, our traveling golfers tested portability by carrying and wheeling the bags to get a feel for how they maneuvered. The top performing bags for portability were exceptionally easy to lift and wheel with comfortable, padded straps and handles. The most durable bags stood up well to car and plane travel, with no damage to the exterior or items on the interior. We determined that the bags with the best value performed as or better than expected given the price, especially pricier bags that needed robust justification for the cost.

Other Golf Travel Bags We Liked

While we found plenty of well-performing golf travel bags, there were a few that almost made our list of best golf travel bags but fell short during testing. 

Samsonite Golf Deluxe 3-piece Travel Set : The bag is functional and has a sleek design, but there isn’t much padding, and the zippers are plastic, which made us question the durability of the bag while flying. 

Samsonite Hard Side Golf Case : This hardside case feels durable, but it doesn't have much give, so it was a tight fit to get the golf clubs in, and the case is difficult to store since it can’t break down.

Amazon Basics Soft-sided Golf Travel Bag : This bag is very affordable but has an unstructured bottom, so it can't stand up on its own.

SKB Cases ATA Deluxe Standard Hard Travel Golf Case : This case was built to withstand a lot of rough handling and has TSA-approved locks, but can become heavy due to its thick plastic.

Bag Boy Golf T10 Hard Top Cover : For minimalist golfers, this simple bag fits just what you need, but won't give you room for extra equipment or gear.

Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen

Other Golf Gear You May Need

When you're heading out for a long day on the course, be sure you're prepared with everything you need, from sunscreen to golf pants , to ensure you stay completely focused on enjoying the game.

Titleist Players Flex Men’s Golf Glove : These high-performance gloves are a classic for a reason. The cabretta leather is silky smooth, offering optimal comfort and breathability so your hands won't sweat midswing. Plus, the Satin Net materials across the knuckles provide plenty of flexibility.

Peter Millar Solid Performance Jersey Polo : If you're someone who gets caught up in the game and forgets to reapply sunscreen, this golf shirt is for you. Not only is it made of moisture-wicking materials available in 13 vibrant colors, but it also provides UPF 50+ sun protection so you can stay safe without even thinking about it.

Adidas Men's Tour360 22 Golf Shoes : These shoes provide excellent cushioning to keep you comfortable all day long and still feature 11 metal spikes for traction and grip. They're also designed with roomy toe boxes and heel reinforcement to ensure your foot stays in place.

Tips for Buying a Golf Travel Bag

Consider buying a stiff arm .

Whether you’re buying a hardside or softside golf travel bag, a stiff arm can add another layer of protection to your golf clubs. A stiff arm is usually an adjustable metal rod with a plastic disc at the the top of it that extends longer than the driver or longest golf club. The rod is placed into a golf bag to absorb the hit if the bag is tossed around, and it prevent the clubs from being directly impacted. 

Hardside versus softside 

When looking for a travel golf bag, you'll want to look at durability and padding. Both hardside and softside golf travel bags can prevent damage to your golf clubs while traveling and are a worthwhile investment for golfers that travel several times per year. As with luggage, hardside bags have a firm exterior generally made of materials like polycarbonate, whereas softside bags are a bit more flexible and made of soft materials like nylon.

A hardside bag can get more scuffed than a softside golf bag, but you might not need to buy a stiff arm since a hard case offers a more structured layer of protection. On the other hand, a softside bag might need extra protection like a stiff arm, but it’s easier to store a soft bag than a bulky hardside case that you can't flatten or fold down. Some airlines will only cover damaged or lost clubs that are in a hardside case, so be sure to check with the airline to find out the exact policies. 

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Look at the types of wheels

From upright wheels to inline skate wheels, golf bags are created with a variety of options to make transport easier for all types of players. You should look at wheels that will smoothly and easily roll over different terrains without adding weight to the overall bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ll want to make sure your golf bag and clubs can fit in a travel bag. While you don’t want to squeeze your clubs inside, you won’t want them swimming in a roomy case either. It helps to wrap club heads in a towel or other soft fabric to prevent the irons from banging together in transit. If there is extra room in your travel bag, stuffing the sides with more clothing or towels can help keep everything in place, especially if you’re flying. If you can remove and cover the club heads, that can further prevent damage to your gear. Some travel golf bags also have space for shoes and accessories, so be sure to utilize pockets to keep your gear organized and separated.

Every airline will be different, but most follow the same policies as regular checked luggage regarding weight and size limitations. The weight limit for checked luggage, including golf clubs, is almost always 50 pounds or less. If your bag weighs more, there will likely be a surcharge fee. Airlines also have different restrictions and policies for packing golf shoes or balls in your bag, and coverage for lost golf bags can be dependent on the type of golf travel bag. For peace of mind, consider securing an AirTag holder with a tracker to your golf bag.

Generally, airlines do not pay travelers for damaged golf clubs. Some, like American Airlines , may compensate if the equipment traveled in a hardside case that is visibly damaged and was properly packed, but you should always check your specific airline's policies before flying to guarantee safe and secure travel.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is the associate editor at T+L, where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best golf travel bags based on a series of tests completed by our testers while using the golf travel bags in a real-world setting. 

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Best Golf Travel Bags 2024

Heading away on a golf trip? A good travel cover is essential to keep your clubs safe

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The Quick List

Best with wheels, best padding, best for airlines, best hard case, best budget, best durability, best color choice, specifications table, how we test.

• How to choose

Golf clubs and equipment are expensive so if you are someone who enjoys golf breaks abroad or who likes to play a round or two while you're away on your summer holiday, a quality travel bag is a must-have item of kit. You may not use it very often, but that doesn't reduce its importance. We've all heard those horror stories from fellow golfers of clubs being bent or broken by careless airport staff, and there are numerous videos out there showing airport staff flinging bags of clubs about. So any time you take your clubs with you when you travel there is a risk they can be damaged, so you need to minimize that risk with a travel bag that is sturdy as well as spacious.

At Golf Monthly we are all regular golfers and we often go on golf trips, so between us we have managed to test a lot of the different golf travel bags which are out there and we are therefore in a good position to pick out the best ones as well as giving you some pointers on what to look for when you buy one. 

Primarily they need to be strong and sturdy enough to cope with the trials and tribulations of travel in planes, trains and automobiles. Baggage handlers are not going to know (and in many cases care) if you have a prized Scotty Cameron putter in your bag or if you have just invested big bucks on the best driver to hit the market that year. You need to ensure you are taking every possible precaution to look after your gear, so strong materials, padding, and excellent construction are all essential. Motocaddy and Titleist excel in these areas.

Maneuverability is another important factor because a cumbersome travel bag makes life much more difficult, especially when you're also having to juggle a suitcase and hand luggage. You need something you can wheel around effortlessly and that can handle corners too. So travel bags with strong wheels are the way to go and Sun Mountain is a top choice in that category. Another under-rated factor that people don't give enough thought to is that you want a bag that is easy to recognise, otherwise you risk somebody accidentally taking your luggage or clubs because their bags look the same as yours, or indeed vice versa. The Ogio Alpha solves this issue, but there are plenty of other models out there with distinctive designs. If you do have a fairly uniform design then think about adding a colorful ribbon or something to the handle to make it easy to stop in baggage claim.

The MacGregor VIP II Premium is easy to transport, it features a cover that can stand up to airport abuse and overall it’s exceptional value at its price.

Read more below

The ClubGlider Meridian is a joy to use and you will be the envy of the airport when wheeling it around whilst other golfers continually pick up their bland, uniform looking travel covers.

If you are looking for a higher level of protection for your clubs and gear when travelling abroad the Motocaddy Flightsafe travel cover is a versatile option that we like a lot.

The Bag Boy T-660 is lightweight, user-friendly, easy to maneuver and offers plenty of storage. In short, it ticks all the right boxes for the frequent golf traveller.

The sleek looking Sun Mountain Kube is an interesting and unique golf travel bag that has solid padded protection and folds away to a convenient size.

The Ram FX travel cover is a well-thought-out and user-friendly golf travel cover that offers plenty of space and solid protection for golf clubs and more gear.

Load the next 2 products

Fly with confidence knowing your clubs and gear are safe and secure with this very solid and reliable golf travel cover with an air of quality. 

Not only does the unique looking Ogio Alpha catch the eye in baggage claim, but it comes in several colors and performs well in every aspect that is required in a travel bag.

Best Golf Travel Bags

Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

MacGregor VIP II Premium Travel Cover with our golf bag zipped up inside of it

MacGregor VIP II Premium Travel Cover

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Our top pick is the VIP II Premium travel cover from MacGregor, which in our view is the best all round option. It's very durable and offers good protection as well as ease of use. and it's packed with useful features to bring added peace of mind. One such feature is the additional padding around the top of the cover which increases the layer of protection for the clubs. It also has an internal support strap to keep clubs secure during transit, and we cannot stress enough just how much of a difference these little design details make. The best golf clubs cost a lot of money so you need a bag that offers a a lot of protection, and the VIP II Premium does just that. 

Something else we liked about this bag were the three heavy duty external straps which provide a fail safe seal on the cover. Additionally you have the lockable dual zips to provide extra security to prevent would be thieves pilfering your clubs or accessories. Finally, there is extra space for clothing and footwear which is important because it will free up more room in your main suitcase and allows you to house all of your golf gear in the one place. The most impressive aspect about this bag though is its value. The price is at the value end of the market yet this is certainly a premium product, so you can't go wrong with this offering from MacGregor.

• Read our full MacGregor VIP II Travel Cover Review

The Sun Mountain Club Glider Meridian Travel Cover pictured at an airport

Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Cover

When it comes to getting around the airport smoothly the superbly-innovative ClubGlider from Sun Mountain is just the job. An integrated leg set that retracts easily and supports all the weight of the bag for a smooth ride on any surface makes life so much easier when you're trying to get through a busy airport while managing a case and hand luggage as well as your clubs. As the name suggests, the four wheels will glide around the airport which sure beats carrying! 

We found when we tested this bag that having a free wheeling option that can effortlessly be pulled around really reduces stress on the back, arms and wrists. We also found the legs to be very sturdy, something that we've come to expect from the best Sun Mountain golf bags , and the way the wheels roll so smoothly made this a pleasure to move around the airport. We also noted that the padding around the top of the bag is nice and thick, which is what you need to ensure that extra protection for your driver and fairway woods, which are the most vulnerable clubs in the bag when travelling. 

It has two spacious outside pockets - one on either side - which offer ample storage for items such as jackets, jumpers, coats, shoes, rangefinders or anything else you might want to put in there to save space in your suitcase. Two straps inside the bag will keep your golf bag secured and although it does cost a little bit more than some others on this list, we really loved this bag. It's premium quality, very well made and it protects your clubs well to make golfing abroad significantly easier and less stressful.

• Read our full Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Cover Review

The Motocaddy Flightsafe Travel Cover resting on the floor of an airport departure lounge. 

Motocaddy Flightsafe Travel Cover

Motocaddy are best known for producing some of the best electric golf trolleys and best golf cart bags so it probably comes as no surprise that they are amongst the market leaders in this category too. When we tested this bag we were more than satisfied with the protection it offered our clubs. This is due to the durable and padded nylon materials which ensure that clubs can take quite a buffering without suffering any damage. 

The thing we liked most about this bag was the size, as Motocaddy have resisted the temptation to make it too big and cumbersome. We feel they have found just the right balance as is just the right size to house all of your gear as well as any sized golf bag you choose to carry, even a chunky sized cart bag. While no space is wasted and there are bigger bags on the list, there is still plenty of room for other items too, such as extra clothing, waterproofs or a pair of the best golf shoes . 

We also loved how easy it was to manoeuver the bag around the airport thanks to a handy six-wheel design on the base. Meanwhile, internal and external straps do a solid job of holding your clubs securely to the travel bag. This is especially important as most damage to clubs in transit is caused when they move around too much in the bag. There may be more eye-catching flight bags on the market but aesthetically we feel that this has an understated, simple yet premium look which we liked. Primarily though it does a great job in keeping clubs safe and sound during transit.

• Read our full Motocaddy Flightsafe Travel Cover Review

The BagBoy T-660 Travel Cover resting on grass

BagBoy T-660 Travel Cover

The Bag Boy T-660 is ideal for the frequent flyer and it really blew us away in testing. The levels of performance were seriously impressive. To start with, there's a wrap-around zipper that opens up the entire front of the travel cover making it very simple to just lay your golf bag down in there before fastening it up again. Getting it in and out couldn't be more straightforward.

When we tested this bag we found that there was a lot to like about it. It's rammed with useful little features such as skid bars, a skid plate, reinforced corners plus a large front pocket which can be used for things like shoes, jackets or extra apparel. In terms of getting it around the airport, the T-660 comes with high quality inline skate wheels for a smooth roll, making it ideal for when you have to cover a fair distance through busy crowds to reach your check in. 

We found it to be lightweight yet strong, which combined with the excellent wheels make it easy to move around, while the sturdiness on offer means you won't need to worry about it being broken by heavy handed airline staff. It's competitively priced too, making it an ideal option for the golfer who uses the airport a lot.

One final point is that when folded it will easily fit into a small space and when not in use you can store it on a shelf at your house or in your garage without it taking up much room. 

• Read our full Bag Boy T-660 Travel Cover Review

Sun Mountain Kube Travel Cover and its excellent luggage case

Sun Mountain Kube Travel Cover

We love Sun Mountain products so it's no surprise that we are big fans of the Kube. It's an excellent innovation that not only fulfils its main purpose of protecting your clubs during transit, but its clever foldaway system means it can be collapsed down to a neat size for easy storage. In fact, it's smaller than the average cabin bag (23 x 33 x 38). 

The protection on offer is impressive as a robust hard-case shell combines well with two external and internal straps to keep your clubs in place, while a reinforced padded area at the top end provides even more protection, especially for the most vulnerable clubs in the bag such as the driver and fairways. 

In testing we noticed that the wheels glide nicely across the floor while the handle of the case makes it very easy to move around and to lift when necessary. It also helps that it's very lightweight, coming in at just 3.08kg/6.6lbs. You also have a variety of color options from which to choose, including navy, green/black, orange/grey and pink/graphite. Sun Mountain make many fantastic products, especially when it comes to bags which is why we created a best Sun Mountain golf bags guide too.

Ram Fx golf travel cover review resting on the floor of an airport.

Ram FX Golf Travel Cover

In terms of value we think the the Ram FX is very hard to beat. It's a well-thought-out and user-friendly golf travel cover made from a very sturdy ripstop fabric that offers good protection for clubs and excellent durability. Extra padding across key areas where the golf clubs are housed really aids that protection, while clubs are held securely in place thanks to a strap in the large main compartment. 

We found there to be ample storage in the exterior pockets, one of which is perfectly sized to store a pair of shoes, while we used the other similarly sized pocket to house things such as spare golf socks and belts as well as other nik-naks that would otherwise have had to go in our main case or hand luggage. 

Another small thing we liked when we put this bag to the test on our travels is that it has blue accents on the side of the bag, which may not seem important but was actually invaluable to us as it made the bag very easy to spot even though there was a deluge of golf travel bags on the oversized baggage section in the airport. 

• Read our full Ram FX Golf Travel Cover Review

Titleist Players Travel Cover being wheeled into the airport

Titleist Players Travel Cover

The Titleist Players Travel Cover is an excellent choice from a brand you can trust. It's a high quality, high performing travel bag that we really enjoyed testing. It features two premium skate wheels and a large carry handle that makes it very easy to move around and to pick up when required. We tested this product extensively and were most impressed by the protection and quality on offer thanks to the durable polyester fabric which was able to handle with ease the various bumps and scrapes that happen during transit.

There is a handy strap on the inside to hold your clubs securely in place as well as ample room inside for one of the best golf cart bags . Of course if you are travelling light with a stand bag or even a pencil bag then you will have even more room inside. This proved to be ideal for us as we were able to place golf shoes as well as other apparel inside the bag with our clubs which allowed us to save weight in our suitcase.

The only potential down side is that it only comes in black. This does not bother us as it still looks the part and we like the no-nonsense aesthetic, but it won't appeal to the golfer who likes to make a statement when they walk into the airport with their golf clubs. There are other bags on this list to fulfil that requirement though. Still, plain black travel bags can be tricky to identify on baggage claim so we would advise adding stickers or tying a brightly colored ribbon to the handle to help to identify your bag from the rest.

• Read our full Titleist Players Travel Cover Review

The Ogio Alpha Travel Cover finished in blue

Ogio Alpha Travel Cover Mid

If you are one of the aforementioned golfers that likes to stand out from the crowd and make a statement with their gear, this is the bag for you. Ogio is a brand known for its bold color schemes and high fashion in their golf bags so it stands to reason they would look to make a similar splash with their travel bags too. 

While the main story here is the striking aesthetics, it would be remiss of us not to point out that there's much more to this bag than just the loud colors and striking patterns. The Ogio Alpha travel bag impressed us a lot in testing. It has tons of space and can store clothes, balls, shoes while still having enough room left to house a souvenir or two! 

We packed all of this equipment in and put it through some rigorous testing. We expected it to be somewhat cumbersome and heavy but we were pleasantly surprised to find that it was much lighter than expected when lifting it into cars or picking it up off an airport carousel. 

We would therefore suggest that this is an excellent travel bag for the golfer who wants to put as little strain on their backs as possible. It's great for pulling around too as it has two strong wheels which make it easy to maneuver in and out of crowds and around corners. There's a skid plate on the bottom which protects the bag from any abrasions while a durable material with extra padding around the club heads offers additional protection. 

There's a D-shaped opening which makes for easy access to your clubs while we really liked the handy compression straps which kept our clubs well secured inside the cover. Despite all this functionality though, clearly the main selling point of this travel bag - and indeed most Ogio bags - is the is the eye-catching colors available. We tested the 'Warp Speed' colorway and as you would expect it was very easy to spot in the airport, but there are other color options too, including like 'Terra Texture' and 'Mid Haze' which also really stand out from the crowd.

• Read our full Ogio Alpha Travel Cover Mid Review

Our  testing for golf gear  is built upon a comprehensive process combined with the knowledge and expertise of the Golf Monthly test team. We take great pride in the quality of our product reviews and our team usually attend product launches whenever possible so we can speak to manufacturers and learn about the latest technology and features on offer. When it comes to our actual testing, we test products over a period of time so that we can properly assess the performance in different situations. For travel bags specifically, we do our best to use them when travelling whenever possible because this allows us to judge the products' performance in real life scenarios that you might face as well. We must stress that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review and that our conclusions are based on our own testing and experiences. We strive to give the best reviews possible so you can get a greater understanding of the products themselves.

How to choose a golf travel bag

When looking to pick up a travel bag that's going to keep your clubs safe there are several factors you should consider. Here, we've outlined some things for you to think about when you're purchasing your next travel cover to ensure you get maximum value for your money as well as a product that meets your needs. 

1. Strength/durability/materials

This is stating the obvious, but above all else a travel bag has to protect your golf clubs properly from the general wear and tear of travel. That is its primary focus and if it can't do that then it's pretty useless. A travel bag therefore needs to be made from strong, tear-resistant materials, and must also have features to protect the clubs on the inside of the bag too. Things like compression straps on the inside and outside, along with foam padding around the top of the bag are essential. The wheels should also be strong and move properly, because the last thing you need in a packed airport is a broken wheel and a travel bag that you have to drag across the floor.

2. Maneuverability

The best models are very easy to move around and have wheels that slide well and can change direction properly. From a luggage perspective we would recommend four-wheels but with travel bags two-wheels work well because they can be laid on the ground easily. 

Given you will be moving the bag around, weight is very important, especially if a model only has two wheels. There is a fine balance between weight and strength because you don't want to compromise on either. Sacrificing strength to save on a bit of weight is counter productive, but equally you don't want something that is essentially bulletproof but weighs a ton! Some of the best lightweight golf bags weight literally next to nothing when stored away in a very easy to carry travel bag, so make sure to think about that when purchasing your next cover.

4. Warranty

This is definitely a factor to consider if, god forbid, your clubs and golf gear are damaged or broken. We would recommend checking with retailers and manufacturers themselves to see how long they offer on warranties. Obviously the longer the warranty the better! 

This can be a tricky one so you should think long and hard about how much you want to spend on a golf travel bag. You may not want to spend much as it's not something you will use very often, but we do not think this is an area to compromise on given how important it is to prevent your clubs getting damaged. Nevertheless,  there are good models that don't have to cost an arm and a leg as you can see above. For more advice on the best golf bags on the market, take a look at our guides to the best golf travel bags for under $100 , best golf pencil bags and best golf cart bags .

What should you be looking for in a travel bag?

Primarily, a good travel bag 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 also having 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.

Is weight important for a travel bag?

Given you will be carrying the travel bag 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.

Good models are 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, such as the Sun Mountain Kube.

Can I put other golf equipment in a travel bag?

Depending on the weight you're allotted for your transfer or flight, you can sometimes opt to put more equipment in your travel bag, as well as your clubs. You may opt to put your waterproof gear, golf shoes or even some golf clothing in your travel bag. 

What kind of bag do pro golfers use?

From our research we have found the model that Tour players often use is from Club Glove and the official Large Pro model because it is big enough to house Tour golf bags which are the biggest in the game.

Do you need a travel bag to bring golf clubs on a plane?

You don't officially need a travel bag for golf clubs on a plan but it is highly recommended to make sure they are protected and aren't broken during travel. 

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Dan has been with Golf Monthly team since 2021. He graduated with a Masters degree in International Journalism from the University of Sussex and looks after equipment reviews and buying guides, specializing in golf shoe, golf bag, golf cart and apparel reviews. Dan has now tested and reviewed over 30 pairs of golf shoes and is an expert in the field. A left-handed golfer, his handicap index is currently 6.5 and he plays at Fulford Heath Golf Club in the West Midlands. 

Dan's current clubs: 

Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2  

Fairway: TaylorMade Stealth 2 15°

Hybrid: Ping G425 

Irons: Cobra King Tec Utility , Ping i230 (5-PW) 

Wedges: Ping Glide Forged Pro

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X

Ball: Titleist AVX

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