There are almost as many choices for buying golf travel cases and bags as there are golf bags.  The purpose of this guide is give a brief overview of the different types of travel cases and a few things to consider when making such a purchase. 

The first distinction to make is the difference between a travel case and a travel bag.  A travel case can best be defined as a case (either soft-sided or hard-sided) which your golf bag (carry or cart sized) fits into.  A travel bag is a golf bag specifically designed for travel and usuallly has a hard detachable top to protect club heads.  There are two main advantages to a travel bag: 1) You won't have to deal an extra piece of luggage when traveling; 2) it eliminates having to put clubs in and take them out of the travel case.  The disadvantages of travel bags are 1) generally heavy bags, and desgned for riding carts, if you like to walk and carry your bag, a travel bag is not for you; 2) you have to transfer all of your golf gear from your regular bag to the travel bag for each trip; 3) they generally have limited space for additional gear.

Travel cases can generally be classified as either hard-sided or soft-sided.  Hard sided cases will protect the greatest protection for your clubs.  They are made of light weight fiberglass like material which can withstand the treatment of today's airline luggage handling system.  A good hardside travel case will also have foam padding at the top of the case to add further protection for club heads.  Soft-sided cases offer a wide range of protection, but will not provide the same protection as a hard-sided case.  Some soft-sided bags are no more than a heavy canvas bag in which to put your clubs.  Other may have additional padding at the top and pockets / compartments to hold additional gear (shoes, rain gear, etc.).  Soft sided cases are not as expensive as hard sided cases, and can usually carry more gear. 

Here are five things to consider when purchasing golf travel bags and cases.

1)  Will the bag or case you are purchasing protect your clubs?  That is what you are buying it for, so make sure you are getting the level of protect you want.

2) For travel cases, will your golf bag fit into the case.  This is not likely to be a problem if you have a carry bag, but some cart bags will not fit into hard-sided cases. 

3) Storage.  Where will you store your bag or travel case when it is not in use.  You are probably only using the travel bag / case for one or two weeks per year, and the rest of the year it will have to be stored.  Is space is an issue, you might consider a soft-sided bag which can be folded up and stored in its' original box.  At our ebay store gettingtopar we also have a hard-sided telescope like bag that collapses to 24" for storage and handling when not in use.

4) Does the bag or case have a warranty?  Most soft-sided cases are not covered by any warranty.  Hard-sided cases may have a limited warranty of hardware or on the case itself.

5) Pricing.  Are you paying for more than protection?  Like all products, there is a wide range of prices to choose from.  Name brand products are going to cost more, even though they do not necessarily provide any greater protection for your clubs.  

The travel cases pictured below can be purchased ("buy it now") at our ebay store GettingToPar.

Have a great golf trip!