Golf Travel Case for Your Car

    If you only travel by car with your golf clubs, you don't need maximum protection for your clubs because you are the one handling them. Soft cases or hybrid cases will be your best choice because they are generally lighter, smaller and less expensive then hard cases. Soft cases zip over your entire golf bag and clubs, protecting them with padding. They usually have extra storage compartments that are removable and security locks. You can get them with or without wheels, and they weigh about 4 pounds to 12 pounds and cost from below $50 to over $200.
    Hybrid golf bags, on the other hand, function like standard golf bags; however, they have hard, detachable tops that protect your clubs while you are driving. Hybrid golf travel cases weigh 5 pounds to 15 pounds and cost anywhere from $59 to $200. The greatest advantage of using a hybrid golf travel case is that you don't need an additional bag that takes up room in your car. However, that advantage has a downside. The appearance of your bag and the exterior straps and zippers are not protected because the case is your golf bag.

Golf Travel Case for the Airport

    If you frequently take your golf clubs with you when you fly, you will want a well-built, padded case with wheels (Davis). The padding protects your expensive clubs from airline baggage handlers, and the wheels save your back from the weight of carrying your clubs in their travel case. Higher-end soft cases and hybrid cases can protect your clubs during a flight, but if you want extra protection, hard cases are your best option. Hard cases enclose your golf bag with padding and a tough outer shell. They are designed to handle the wear and tear of airport baggage handling. Their streamline shape and hard, plastic shell can't be snagged or torn like fabric, zippers and straps. Features on hard cases include security locks, sturdy handles and wheels.
    The main drawbacks of hard cases are that they are generally heavier and more expensive than other types of cases. They usually weigh 14 pounds to 18 pounds and cost about $60 to $250. Also, hard cases can take up space when they aren't in use because most of them can't be disassembled.

Golf Travel Cases for Other Modes of Transportation

    Although most people primarily travel by car or airplane, a situation may arise when a golfer needs to take his or her clubs aboard another mode of transportation. A general rule to follow is that if you won't be the person handling your clubs, get extra protection. On the other hand, if you will be able to monitor your clubs and make sure they are safe every step of the trip, then a less expensive, less protective golf travel case will do just fine.

    If you are unsure about how your clubs will be treated during a trip or what type of transportation you will be using, opt for a more protective case, even if it costs a little extra. Think of it this way. A top-of-the-line driver can costs more than $200. That's more expensive than most golf travel cases. The cost of a good golf travel case is insignificant compared to what most golfers have already invested in their golf clubs.