Golf Vacation Packing Lists for Your Suitcase & Golf Bag Golflink.com

Golf suitcase packed with club, ball and glove

If you’re headed on a golf trip, you've got a long list of things to bring. Some items are quite obvious (like golf shoes), but there are others you’ll likely leave behind. Save an unnecessary dash to the store by using our golf vacation packing list.

Suitcase Checklist for a Golf Vacation

The size of your suitcase should be commensurate with the duration of your trip. Don't be the person who brings gigantic checked luggage for a weekend getaway. The key to packing for a golf trip is to first determine how much time you’ll be spending on the golf course. If you’re playing 36 holes per day, golf outfits will rule the space. If you’re playing 18 per day and have dinners and other off-course activities to attend, your packing should reflect that.

Pro tip: if you anticipate bringing merchandise from the course(s) you’re playing home with you, leave space in your suitcase for those items.

Here is a suitcase checklist every golfer should consider for their vacation:

One golf outfit per day (polo, shorts/pants, underwear, socks)
One additional outfit per day (polo/t-shirt, shorts/pants, underwear, socks)
Pajamas (whatever this means to you)
Comfortable, non-golf shoes
Nicer shoes if a fancier dinner or two is planned
Reversible belt (black/brown)
Appropriate toiletries to get you through each day
A light jacket or hoodie
Hat(s) to match your golf outfits
Swimsuit if your destination has a pool

Golf Bag Checklist

Your golf travel bag is the ultimate key to a successful golf vacation. You can live with lost luggage, but if you get to the other side without your sticks, it’s game over. Your golf travel bag is a great place to stash some additional items to and from your destination, but keep track of how much the bag weighs so you don’t incur additional travel fees from the airline. It’s best to make sure it weighs less than 50 lbs.

One item to think about when packing is golf balls. If you lose a lot of balls on your home course, you’ll likely lose a lot on vacation. It’s been estimated that the average mid-handicap golfer loses 2-3 balls per round. Multiply that by how many rounds you're playing, add a few insurance balls on top of that, and that should guide you.

Before you zip up that golf back, double check you have everything on our golf bag vacation checklist:

Clubs, including any additional wedges or hybrids you’re considering using
Golf balls
Golf shoes
Golf gloves
Tees
Divot fixer
Ball markers
Sharpie marker
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Rangefinder or GPS device
Pain reliever
Bandaids
Valuables pouch
Chapstick
Golf umbrella
Towel

Here are some expert tips for you to consider when packing for your golf vacation.

Strongly consider buying the Sun Mountain Club Glider, it's our top pick for golf travel bags.
Any travel bag has places for golf shoes. Use these instead of your suitcase.
Buy a travel arm for your golf bag
Use your golf travel bag for additional bulky items such as your jacket or hoodie
Remove the head from every adjustable club possible. Place heads inside of your golf bag pockets.
Use your golf towel as a cushion on top of your golf clubs
If you’re headed somewhere with variable weather, plan on layering your clothing for the golf course
Always have backup batteries for your rangefinder or GPS device

Safe Travels

Going on a golf vacation is exciting no matter where you’re headed. Whether it’s a trip with friends or with a significant other, packing your suitcase and golf bag are both critical to making sure your excursion goes smoothly. If you follow our tips, you’ll be a step ahead of the rest of your group.