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Step 1
Consider available options: a hard case, a soft case and a combination golf bag/travel case. With both the hard and soft cases, you place your entire bag inside the travel bag. A combination bag/travel case is a golf bag with a removable travel hood. It can be purchased as a soft case, which resembles a traditional golf bag, or a hard case, which offers more protection for your clubs. You place the hood over the bag for traveling and remove it on arrival, ready for your round of golf.
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Step 2
Consider a travel case or bag/case combination. The combination bag/case offers the most convenience, as you travel with only one bag, which serves the purpose of a travel case and playing bag. However, if you wish to use the bag you already have, then you must opt for a hard- or soft-cover case. The advantages of a soft or hard case are that you can keep the bag that you already use, they generally hold more than bag/case combinations and a wide variety and price range are available.
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Step 3
Consider soft- or hard-cover cases. Whether you decide to use a golf travel bag or a travel/playing bag combination, you can purchase either in a soft or hard cover. The advantage of a soft (usually nylon) cover is that the total weight is much less than that of the hard covers. A combination travel/playing bag weighs only slightly more than a regular set of clubs, and some hard-cover cases weigh as little as 4 pounds (without clubs). Also, soft-cover bags can often hold more because of their flexibility, although heavier, hard-cover cases offer much greater protection for your clubs. In addition, they tend to be easier to maneuver on wheels, because they are made of extremely tough, rigid material, and if your clubs happen to be damaged, the airlines are more likely to reimburse you if your clubs are packed in a hard case.
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Step 4
Consider your investment in your clubs and your travel habits. If you are scratch golfer, with an expensive set of clubs, consider paying for a higher-end travel bag to protect your investment in your clubs. If you are a vacation golfer, hoping to get in a round with the clubs you've had in your bag for the last 15 years, then look for a mid- to low-range bag. That is, if you travel with your clubs often, you obviously want to ensure that you protect them from the wear and tear of traveling. However, if you only travel once or twice a year with your clubs, you must weigh the risk of damage against the cost of a higher-end travel bag.
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Step 5
Consider your budget. Golf travel bags vary in price significantly. As of 2009, a soft case combination travel/playing bag can run between $100 and $225. A hard case combination bag costs about $130. A full soft case can run anywhere between $40 and $300, depending on quality, size and accessories. A full hard case costs approximately $75 to $250. See Resources for a large selection of golf travel bags in a wide range of prices.
