Types of Golf Travel Cases

    The three main types of golf travel cases are hard cases, soft cases and hybrid cases. Each style of case is designed to be used differently and has different strengths and weakness. To determine which type is right for you, consider how much you travel with you clubs, what means of transportation you use and how much money you want to spend. Understanding your golf travel situation will help you narrow the selection of golf travel cases.

Hard Cases: Hard golf travel cases surround your golf bag and clubs in a rigid shell. They are streamline and compact, ensuring that they make it through airport baggage handling without any problems. Hard golf travel cases are nearly indestructible and designed to withstand a beating. Regardless of how big or small your golf bag, there is a hard case that will fit it. Features on hard cases include security locks, wheels and durable carrying handles.
    The downsides of getting hard golf travel cases are that they don't have extra storage pockets or compartments, and they are often heavier and more expensive than other types of cases. They weigh from about 14 pounds to 18 pounds and cost anywhere from under $100 to over $200. The median price is a little more than $100. Additionally, most hard cases take up a lot of room when you aren't using them because they can't be disassembled. If you only travel with your clubs a couple times a year, you probably don’t need a hard case. Save your money and storage space. Plus, you'll avoid the inconvenience of lugging around a heavy case. However, if you travel with your clubs frequently or usually fly when you do travel, the extra protection from hard golf travel cases can give you peace of mind.

Soft Cases: Soft golf travel cases zip over your regular golf bag, surrounding it with padding and a durable cover. They come with wheels, security locks and lots of extra storage compartments, which are often removable. They are the lightest type of golf travel case and can be the most inexpensive. They weigh from about 4 pounds to 12 pounds and cost from below $50 to over $200.
    The downsides of getting soft golf travel cases are that they are sometimes bulky and may not be as durable as harder cases. You can minimize the bulkiness if you get models with removable, external pockets. Taking the pockets off while traveling will minimize a bag's size. If you are going to be flying with your clubs or traveling a lot, you will want to ensure that your soft case is very durable. Look for soft golf travel cases that have tough fabrics, sturdy zippers and strong stitching. Also, cases with multi-year or lifetime warranties are more likely to stand up to wear and tear.

Hybrid Cases: Unlike soft and hard golf travel cases that surround your golf bag, hybrid golf cases function like standard golf bags. The difference is that they have hard, detachable tops that protect your clubs while traveling. Hybrid cases range in price from about $59 to $200 and weigh from 5 pounds to 15 pounds. Features on hybrid bags often include detachable covers, removable pockets, wheels and security locks. However, the main benefit to having a hybrid bag is that you don’t need to hassle with an extra bag or case while traveling. The same bag that protects your clubs can be strapped into a golf cart and used on the course.
    The main drawback to having a hybrid case is that the wear and tear of travel is visible on your actual golf bag. The fabric, straps and zippers can take quite a beating during a trip, causing your bag to not only look unsightly, but also not function properly. However, some models have a removable outer shell that you store in a separate bag, which eliminates that problem.

    To make the most of your money, make sure you know what you need from a golf travel case. Once you know how you will be using your golf travel case, it will be easy to find the right one.