Your Go-To Summer Golf Trip Packing Checklist
Getting ready for a golf vacation starts with knowing what to pack. This streamlined golf trip checklist has everything you need to know - from how to choose the best travel cover, the type of apparel you’ll need, and more - so you can focus on actually enjoying your trip.
As a leader in the golf space, you can trust PGA TOUR Superstore to help you turn a golf trip packing list into a stress-free routine, with all the essential gear and accessories you’ll need to enjoy your time away and on the course.

What to Know Before You Pack
Before you even grab your travel bag, take a few minutes to prep and protect your equipment during transit.
- Check airline weight limits - Weigh your golf travel bag before leaving for the airport to help avoid oversized baggage fees.
- Move heavier items into your suitcase - Shifting shoes or apparel into standard luggage can help keep your golf bag under airline weight limits.
- Remove adjustable driver heads when possible - Adding extra cushioning around clubheads using towels or apparel can help reduce movement during travel.
- Label your golf travel bag clearly - Luggage tags and TSA-approved locks can make your equipment easier to identify and more secure during flights.
- Keep valuables in your carry-on - Store items like rangefinders, watches, wallets, and travel documents in your carry-on or in your pockets during travel days.
Golf Travel Bags and Luggage Essentials
The right golf travel bag protects your clubs, helps you avoid airline fees, and keeps your gear accessible at all times. Understanding the difference between golf travel covers, luggage, and the types of travel accessories you’ll need can help you choose the right setup for your trip.
In this guide, we’ll break down how the system works and show you how to find your custom lie angle using the PING color code chart.
1. Golf Travel Cover
A golf travel cover is designed specifically to protect your clubs during transit.
Soft-sided travel covers are lightweight, easier to store, and ideal for golfers who travel a few times per year or need flexibility when packing rental cars and hotel rooms. Hard-shell travel cases offer maximum club protection and are often preferred for frequent flyers, destination golf trips, or golfers traveling with premium equipment.
When you’re ready to shop for a travel cover, look for features like reinforced wheels, internal straps, heavy-duty zippers, and padded clubhead protection.
2. Club Protection System
A support rod or stiff arm helps absorb pressure inside your travel cover and protects shafts from impact damage during flights.
For airline travel, club protection systems are one of the easiest ways to help reduce the risk of broken clubs during baggage handling.
The Club Glove Train Reaction System offers an easy way to grab matching travel sets across multiple bag sizes, and includes premium features like a padded clubhead area, all-terrain wheels, and a water-repellant exterior.
3. Golf Club Headcovers
Golf club headcovers add an extra layer of protection during travel by helping prevent scratches, dings, and clubheads from knocking into each other.
They’re also a great way to add some personal style to your game with our team and animal-themed options.
4. Shoe Bags and Accessory Pouches
Shoe bags and smaller travel organizers help separate shoes, apparel, electronics, and accessories inside larger luggage or travel covers.
These pouches are especially useful for longer golf trips where extra apparel, rain gear, or multiple pairs of shoes may be needed, plus putting the shoes you’re done wearing in a shoe bag makes it easier to keep the other items inside your travel bag clean.
5. Luggage Tags and TSA Locks
Golf travel often involves multiple bags between golf equipment and standard luggage.
Add identification tags to both your golf travel cover and suitcase, and use TSA-approved locks for added security during flights.
Golf Clubs and On-Course Equipment
Once you’ve got your travel bags, you’ll need the clubs, gear, and accessories to fill them with.
6. Golf Clubs
Before packing your clubs, always clean grooves, inspect shafts, and check grips so your equipment is ready to go on day one.
If you find yourself needing a tune-up, we offer in-store club repair services and many different aftermarket grip options to choose from.
7. Golf Balls
Pack more golf balls than you expect to use, especially when playing unfamiliar courses. If you don’t want to use up your favorite box during your trip, we carry several options online and in-store that come in at under $30 per box, providing an affordable way to still play with your favorite brands.
8. Tees
Keep extra golf tees in multiple pockets throughout your bag. The average golfer can expect to go through 6 to 7 tees every 18 holes, so depending on your skill level, it may not be a bad idea to keep around 15-20 in your bag to avoid running out during your trip.
9. Rangefinder or GPS Device
Distance-measuring devices like rangefinders or GPS units help simplify course management, especially if you’re on a new course. Be sure to pack chargers or backup batteries too.
10. Golf Gloves
Pack multiple golf gloves for hot and humid rounds so you always have a dry option available.
Golf Apparel for Warm Weather Rounds
Packing the right apparel helps you stay comfortable during long rounds, which can make all the difference in how you play.
11. Moisture-Wicking Short Sleeve Golf Shirts
Short sleeve performance golf shirts for both men and women can help manage sweat and keep you comfortable during long summer rounds in direct sunlight.
12. Golf Shorts and Pants
For men, bring lightweight golf shorts plus at least one pair of golf pants for travel days or cooler evenings. For women, look to bring a combination of shorts, skorts, and pants for the most outfit options during your stay.
13. Golf Rain and Wind Gear
Lightweight golf rain and wind gear can save a round when weather changes quickly. Always be sure to double-check the weather forecast for the course a few days before your trip and plan accordingly.
14. Extra Socks
Always pack a few extra pairs of socks when you plan on playing in hot or humid conditions.
15. Golf Shoes
Bring comfortable golf shoes that are already broken in and suited for the course conditions. If you’re not sure whether the trip calls for spiked or spikeless shoes, check out our guide for more help.
Warm Weather Golf Essentials
Summer golf requires extra attention to hydration, recovery, and sun protection. Because most courses don’t offer much shade, packing the sun protection essentials is important before you ever head to the airport.
16. Sunscreen and Protective Skincare
Look for sweat-resistant sunscreen and skincare that includes broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and is 30-SPF or higher. Be sure to reapply at least every two hours during your round!
17. Reusable Water Bottle
An insulated water bottle, tumbler, or ice pack insert can help keep drinks cold during long rounds.
18. Cooling Towels
Cooling towels can help lower body temperature and keep you comfortable for those tee times that start during the hottest part of the day.
19. Electrolytes and Snacks
Playing in the heat for extended periods can lead to dehydration and energy loss. Pack electrolyte packets, protein bars, or other easy snacks to keep yourself hydrated, energized, and focused while you’re on the course.
20. Sunglasses
Nothing says vacation mode like a new pair of sunglasses. Not only do they help reduce glare so you can focus on your swing and track the ball, but they also embody the “do not disturb" vibes you’ll be going for on the course.
Essential Travel Accessories
The right golf accessories can make travel days smoother and help you stay organized once you arrive at the course.
21. Training Aids
Packable training aids like collapsible alignment sticks or a mini putting mat are easy to take with you and useful for quick warmups during your trip.
22. Brush and Groove Cleaning Tools
A compact club cleaning brush like the Club Scrub Pro helps keep grooves clear and maintain consistent spin throughout multiple rounds.
23. Ball Marker and Divot Tools
Keeping an extra ball marker and divot tool in your bag can save you from scrambling on the first tee. These are also a great option for golfers looking to show off their personal style or favorite team, with plenty of colorful design and sports team-branded options available.
24. Rain Hood or Bag Cover
A lightweight rain hood for your stand bag or a larger cover for a cart bag can add extra protection if the weather changes unexpectedly while you’re on the course.
25. Hand Towels
Golf hand towels help keep hands, grips, and golf balls dry during humid rounds, making it easier to maintain traction and consistency throughout your trip.
Pro Tip: Before leaving for your trip, double check travel documents, tee time confirmations, chargers, medications, headphones, toiletries, and other everyday essentials. Keeping important items together in your carry-on can help make travel days less stressful and prevent last-minute issues once you arrive.

Gear Up for Your Next Golf Trip at PGA TOUR Superstore
From golf travel bags and club protection to apparel, footwear, rangefinders, and on-course accessories, PGA TOUR Superstore has everything you need for your next golf trip.
Whether you’re prepping for a summer trip with friends, a destination golf vacation, or a full season of rounds at your home away from home, shop the latest golf travel essentials from the game’s top brands online or at your local PGA TOUR Superstore.