We’ve all heard the horror stories. Golf clubs arriving with five bent shafts or three snapped off club heads. Unfortunately, scenarios like these happen far more often than traveling golfers care to think about. Luckily, when you know how to protect your golf clubs when flying, damage is less likely to occur, especially when you ship ahead instead.

1. Pick a Durable Travel Bag

A high-quality soft travel bag or hard case is the first step in learning how to protect your golf clubs when flying. From waterproof lining to extra pockets, there’s an array of travel bags for you to pick from. Some of the most popular brands used among scratch golfers and tour players alike include Sun Mountain, Club Glove, and OGIO. 

2. Remove the Heads

While this may not be applicable for any of your clubs, it is recommended that you remove your club heads if you can. Removing the club heads decreases the likelihood of the heads getting snapped off in transit, one of the easiest ways of mastering how to protect your golf clubs when flying. Simply wrap the club head in a golf towel or a headcover and store it in an extra pocket of your golf bag. Be sure to mark what setting your driver or woods were in, too, for easy attachment before your round. 

3. Add a Stiff Arm

A stiff arm is an effective and affordable addition in learning how to protect your golf clubs when flying. A stiff arm can be placed in your golf bag like a normal golf club but will act as the tallest point in your bag. So, if airlines mishandle your bag or drop it from a significant height, the stiff arm will be the first point of contact and will take the brunt of the force. For just $29.99, a stiff arm is one of the best ways to protect your golf clubs when flying. 

4. Take Up Space

After packing your clubs in your soft travel bag or hard case, there’s likely a significant amount of extra space, especially at the top of your bag. To protect your golf clubs when flying, use extra golf towels, bubble wrap, or packing material to take up the extra space. Weave these between the club shafts to ensure they don’t rub together in transit. 

5. Avoid Connecting Flights

When flying with golf clubs, it’s worrisome enough wondering if your golf clubs will arrive at your destination. Throw a connecting flight into the mix and there are even more opportunities for your golf clubs to be damaged or, even worse, totally lost. Booking a direct flight is a great way to protect your golf clubs when flying. It may not be possible to avoid connecting flights for all destinations, in which Step 6 may be the best option for you.

6. Ship Your Golf Clubs

No matter where you’re headed on your golf vacation, shipping golf clubs ahead means you can avoid carrying, checking, and claiming them at the airport. With prices competitive with checking golf clubs at the airport, Ship Sticks is the best way to protect your golf clubs when flying. The service comes with an on-time delivery guarantee, access to tracking 24/7, and complimentary insurance for added peace of mind. So, if you’re still not confident with how to protect your golf clubs when flying, considering shipping them ahead and avoid the airlines entirely.