Going on a golf trip, whether with friends, family, colleagues or as a solo traveler, requires some thoughtful packing if you want to make sure you have a great time on the course and in your destination. As avid golfers know, having the right gear and clothing can make all the difference when it comes to playing your best game and maximizing your enjoyment.
This comprehensive packing list outlines everything you might need for a fun and successful golf getaway, from clubs and balls to clothes, shoes, accessories and more. It also provides tips on packing properly for air travel while keeping convenience and minimizing hassles top of mind. Read on for the complete guide to packing for your next golf vacation!
Contents
- 1 Golf Trip Packing List
- 2 Download Golf Trip Packing List Free PDF
- 3 Golf Clubs and Accessories
- 4 Clothing and Outerwear
- 5 Golf Shoes and Accessories
- 6 Toiletries and Miscellaneous Personal Items
- 7 Packing Properly for Air Travel
- 8 Golf Trip Packing FAQs
- 8.1 What is the most important gear to pack for a golf trip?
- 8.2 How should you pack golf clubs for airline travel?
- 8.3 What should you use to store and transport gear at golf destination?
- 8.4 What clothing items are necessities vs. optional for golf trips?
- 8.5 How many pairs of golf shoes should you pack for trip?
- 8.6 What snacks should you pack in golf bag?
- 9 Conclusion
Golf Trip Packing List
| Category | Item | Checked |
| Clubs | Driver | ☐ |
| Fairway wood/hybrid | ☐ | |
| Irons (6-PW minimum) | ☐ | |
| Wedges | ☐ | |
| Putter | ☐ | |
| Golf balls (1 dozen minimum) | ☐ | |
| Golf shoes | ☐ | |
| Golf gloves (2+) | ☐ | |
| Tees | ☐ | |
| Golf towels (2+) | ☐ | |
| Divot tool | ☐ | |
| Ball markers | ☐ | |
| Push/pull cart (optional) | ☐ | |
| Clothing | Golf shirts (3-4) | ☐ |
| Golf pants (3-4) | ☐ | |
| Golf shorts (2+) | ☐ | |
| Golf belt | ☐ | |
| Golf sweater/vest | ☐ | |
| Golf pullover/half zip | ☐ | |
| Golf jacket | ☐ | |
| Golf hat/visor | ☐ | |
| Golf beanie (optional) | ☐ | |
| Golf socks | ☐ | |
| Shoes / Accessories | Golf shoes | ☐ |
| Casual shoes | ☐ | |
| Sandals/flip flops | ☐ | |
| Sunglasses | ☐ | |
| Sunscreen | ☐ | |
| Blister care | ☐ | |
| First aid kit | ☐ | |
| Device chargers | ☐ | |
| Waterproof gear bags | ☐ | |
| Toiletries / Miscellaneous | Toiletries kit | ☐ |
| Medications | ☐ | |
| Healthy snacks | ☐ | |
| Reusable water bottle | ☐ | |
| Hand sanitizer | ☐ | |
| Lip balm | ☐ | |
| Sun glasses | ☐ | |
| Itineraries & reservations | ☐ | |
| Mobile devices & chargers | ☐ | |
| Camera (optional) | ☐ | |
| Cash/cards | ☐ | |
| ID/Passport | ☐ | |
| Packing/Travel | Golf travel bag | ☐ |
| Weigh bags, distribute evenly | ☐ | |
| Ship clubs if required | ☐ | |
| Arrive early for travel | ☐ | |
| Inspect gear before leaving | ☐ |
Download Golf Trip Packing List Free PDF
Golf Clubs and Accessories
Naturally, packing your golf clubs and gear properly is the foundation of prep for any golf trip. Here’s a checklist of must-have equipment:
Golf Clubs
Be sure to bring all the clubs you need to handle anything the course might throw at you:
- Driver
- Fairway wood and/or hybrids
- Irons (6-PW minimum)
- Wedges
- Putter
If traveling via air, invest in a durable, padded travel cover to protect your clubs in transit and use a TSA-approved lock. Don’t forget to attach ID tags both inside and out.
Golf Balls
Bring at least 1 dozen balls, more if you tend to lose a lot. Have a mix of new and used balls on hand. Be mindful of course rules restricting use of certain ball types.
Golf Shoes
The right performance golf shoe can make walking 18 holes much more comfortable. Pack your favorite pair of course shoes, making sure they’re broken in. Consider casual shoes or sneakers for after golf as well.
Golf Gloves
Bring a couple of gloves in case one gets wet or worn. Always have backups!
Tees
Packing lightweight, broken-in tees you’re used to can help your tee game.
Golf Towel
Have at least two towels – use one to keep clubs clean and another to wipe hands and ball between shots. Can’t have too many!
Divot Tool and Ball Markers
These items are essential for practicing proper course etiquette and maintenance. Stow in your bag or pocket.
Rangefinder (optional)
For accurate distance measurement – useful but not essential.
Push/Pull Cart (optional)
Alleviates carrying bag if you prefer walking. Coordinate with hotel/course ahead of time.
Clothing and Outerwear
Comfort, fit, performance and layering are key considerations for assembling the right golf wardrobe.
Golf Shirts
Pack 3-4 quick dry polyester polos or athletic golf shirts. Have moisture-wicking and UV protection.
Golf Pants
3-4 pairs of flat front performance-fit pants in lightweight fabric allowing free movement. Choose from khaki, gray or black. Waterproof pants can be useful if rain likely.
Golf Shorts
Good option for hot/humid climes. Choose loose fit over athletic. Have at least 2 pairs.
Golf Belt
Essential for securely holding pants/shorts during swings. Go with classic leather or stretchy athletic material.
Golf Sweater or Vest
Ideal for layering in case of cooler early mornings or weather fluctuations. Choose breathable merino wool or microfleece.
Golf Pullover/Half Zip
Another flexible layering piece providing warmth without restricting movement.
Golf Jacket (waterproof)
For cooler destinations or rainy weather, pack a waterproof, windbreaking jacket designed for golf.
Golf Cap/Visor
Shield eyes from sun glare. Choose from logoed caps or visors from favorite golf brands.
Golf Beanie (optional)
For extra warmth and winter months. Merino wool regulates temperature well.
Socks
Focus on moisture wicking synthetic fabric over cotton. Have both short ankle and calf-height options.
Golf Shoes and Accessories
The right golf shoes can make walking 18 holes much more enjoyable while the following items address comfort, safety and convenience.
Golf Shoes
The most important gear decision besides your clubs. Pack your broken-in cleated shoes with performance features like:
- Waterproofing
- Maximum comfort and support
- Flexibility and traction for stability in swing
- Breathability
- Spikeless options work well too
Casual Shoes
Have some comfortable sneakers or slip-on shoes to change into after golf when feet need a break.
Sandals/Flip Flops
Lightweight and easy to slip on when going between hotel and course. Consider waterproof materials.
Sunglasses
Essential for protecting eyes from glare off grass, water hazards and sand. Polycarbonate polarized lenses optimize vision. Choose sports wrap frames that provide coverage.
Sunscreen
Vital for screening UV rays. Minimum SPF 30 recommended. Apply to all exposed areas. Remember to reapply every 2 hours!
Golf Glove
Already mentioned – but don’t forget extras! Sweat and humidity can shorten glove life.
Blister Prevention/Care
Pack moleskin/molefoam and bandages for “just in case” foot trouble. Better to prevent than treat after the fact!
Travel-size First Aid
From bandages to topical anti-inflammatories to aspirin, a mini first aid kit comes in incredibly handy for minor golf injuries.
Device Chargers
Don’t forget cables for phones, GPS devices, rangefinders etc! Backup battery pack provides insurance.
Waterproof Gear Bags
Use lightweight bags designed for golf to stash gear, shoes and dirty clothes away from the rest of luggage. Handy for separating stuff and keeping dirty items contained.
Toiletries and Miscellaneous Personal Items
Handling necessities like health, hygiene, hydration and more complete nearly all bases when packing for a golf trip.
Toiletries Kit
Pack all essential toiletries – shampoo, soap/body wash, toothbrush and paste, contacts/glasses, shaving supplies etc – in a waterproof shower bag for convenience.
Medications
Don’t forget any prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, supplements etc that you take regularly. Packing an extra day’s supply provides a buffer.
Healthy Snacks
Keeping energy and focus up for 18 holes means fueling properly. Pack protein bars/balls, trail mix, jerky or dried fruit for the course. Have extra in case rounds run long!
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is hugely important in golf – pack a lightweight insulated bottle for constant H2O replenishment. Most courses have fill stations.
Hand Sanitizer and Wipes
Extra protection against germs pre- and post-round. Also good for cleaning hands on course.
Lip Balm
Shield lips from sun and windburn with SPF lip balm.
Sun Glasses
Already touched on – vision and eye health aids – but don’t forget these!
Golf Trip Itineraries
Print out booking confirmations, course info, reservation details etc to have handy in case devices fail. Old school but effective!
Mobile Devices
Phones, tablets, GPS devices and the like. Have portable backup chargers and cables!
Digital Camera/GoPro (optional)
For capturing trip memories and beautiful courses – if photography a hobby. Extra battery and SD cards.
Cash and Plastic
Have payment options on hand for tipping caddies, paying for food/drinks, shopping etc. Notify banks of travel to prevent fraud triggers.
ID and Other Essentials
Goes without saying but don’t forget wallet, passport if international travel, driver’s license etc.
Packing Properly for Air Travel
If flying to your golf destination, optimizing luggage and equipment transportation calls for special preparation.
Golf Travel Bag
Protect clubs in padded bag with in-line or spinner wheels for easy transport. Affix ID tags inside and out.
Ship Clubs Separately
Some airlines allow golf bags as checked bags but fees can be exorbitant. Shipping via UPS/FedEx or luggage transport service may cost less.
Coordinate Weight Restrictions
Research airline baggage allowances. Fees apply for overweight bags. Distribute weight wisely in cases.
Consider Carry-On Only
If just a short trip, carry clothes/shoes separately and rent clubs at destination to avoid checked bag headaches.
Arrive Early
Provide extra buffer to clear airline counter processes, baggage checks and security when golf gear in tow. Don’t tempt fate and miss your flight!
Inspect Gear Before Returning
When arriving home, thoroughly inspect all golf gear for any damage that may have occurred in transit before leaving airport. Report promptly and document with photos for any claims.
Golf Trip Packing FAQs
What is the most important gear to pack for a golf trip?
Your golf clubs top the list of gear priorities, followed by golf-appropriate clothing/outerwear that delivers comfort, performance and layering ability. Proper golf shoes also rank highly given the amount of time spent walking courses. Don’t skimp in these departments!
How should you pack golf clubs for airline travel?
Use a padded, rigid travel cover with in-line wheels to protect clubs in baggage handling. Affix ID tags inside and out. Airlines treat golf bags differently – some allow as checked luggage (for a fee) while others require shipping clubs through carriers like UPS. Understand policies of your airline.
What should you use to store and transport gear at golf destination?
Waterproof, durable gear bags help organized equipment, shoes and dirty clothes while protecting other luggage contents. Forward-thinking hotels provide dedicated storage areas – ask ahead to coordinate. Rental car oversized trunk space also handy for gear hauling.
What clothing items are necessities vs. optional for golf trips?
Must-haves: moisture wicking shirts/pants, shorts, hat/visor, socks, layers, waterproof jacket. Nice-to-haves: sweater, pullover, beanie. Focus choices on breathability, flexibility, comfort and sun protection. Proper attire goes a long way!
How many pairs of golf shoes should you pack for trip?
For trips less than a week, packing 1-2 pairs should suffice assuming you can properly clean dirty pairs between rounds. Any longer and consider 3 pairs to rotate. Having options to switch out of wet shoes important. Don’t forget after-golf casual shoes too!
What snacks should you pack in golf bag?
On-course snacking provides an energy boost plus convenience. Ideal snacks are salty, crunchy, filling and not-too-messy or perishable since riding in bag for hours. Some great choices – protein/granola bars, trail mix, peanut butter crackers, beef jerky or sticks, dried fruit, pretzels. Stay hydrated too!
Conclusion
Planning and packing properly for a golf trip may seem daunting but getting organized ahead of time alleviates a ton of stress. Use this comprehensive checklist as your go-to guide covering all equipment, apparel and personal item basics you could need.
Remember the keys areas: clubs/gear, golf appropriate clothes providing comfort/performance, shoes, weather considerations and layers, toiletries/medications and miscellaneous accessories/items addressing safety, health and convenience away from home.
Thinking through travel logistics like airline baggage allowances and golf bag transport options also ensures no hassles or surprises on arrival. Addressing every contingency keeps you focused on what matters – enjoying great golf and making lasting memories on your trip of a lifetime!
Here’s to spectacular courses, beautiful destinations, card-shooting rounds and camaraderie that makes golf travel so special. Get packing!
Resources:
Golf Digest: Complete Guide to Golf Course Travel