Are you traveling for an upcoming golf vacation? Or are you joining a golf tournament in another area? If this is the case, you need the best hard case golf travel bag to secure your clubs in transit. Unlike typical stand bags, hard case travel bags will give additional protection for your clubs featuring high quality materials such as heavy duty zippers capable of being locked these are ideal bags for airlines . You probably heard some horror stories about valuable items getting damaged during the rigors of travel. So if you are to fly with your golf gear, you might as well secure it properly and make sure you stick to the airline rules to do with weight etc.
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| GOLF CASE | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | SKB ATA Deluxe Standard Wheeled Golf Bag Travel Case |  | Check Price |
 | Samsonite Hard Sided Golf Travel Case |  | Check Price |
 | Founders Club Hard Shell Top Travel Luggage |  | Check Price |
Purpose of golf travel bags
Golf travel bags are made for one thing: to keep your golf gear safe wherever you go especially air travel. Unlike typical soft-shelled stand bags, travel bags are reinforced with a harder material that will cushion any potential impact to your club heads .
Also, it’s a great way to store your golf clubs and accessories if you’re not playing for a long time. So even if you’re flying or not, these bags come handy for a variety of uses.
However, make sure that you get the right size that fits your clubs. Also, always prioritize the quality and other aspects we discussed below.
Hard case vs. soft case golf bags
There are two types of golf travel bags based on material: hard case and soft case bags.
Soft golf travel bags are light, which is a big advantage and are generally the more affordable option. This is the typical choice of golfers who are tipping near the maximum set weight for air travel. However, it offers less protection for your golf clubs, golf shoes etc. As much as it secures your equipment, there’s no guarantee if it can shield the equipment from impact.
On the other hand, we have the hard case golf travel bags. These are reinforced shells where a golf bag can be secured. This way, your clubs, and accessories have solid protection against any impact while on the cargo area. Some hard case golf clubs even have a soft lining for added protection. They come with wheels to make transporting them around that bit easier.
Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bag – Buying Guide
Are you looking for the best hard case golf travel bag? Before you put your money in a model, make sure that you have thought of the following points first:
*Check the material
The first thing you have to check is the material. For hard case golf bags, the likes of ABS plastic, polyethylene, and PVC are the widely used material. All of these are durable but on various levels and for air travel we need strength to keep your clubs safe rather than making a baggage claim whilst also staying within the weight limits imposed by airlines.
ABS or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a thermoplastic polymer. It has a high strength-to-density ratio with a decent resistant to extreme temperatures. It’s also widely used on golf bags due to its low price.
Moreover, you can also consider PE or polyethylene. This golf bag material is very durable and widely used as pipe covers. Aside from that, it has better temperature resistance than ABS.
Lastly, you can consider PVC hard case bags. This is durable, available in a variety of colors, and resistant to extreme temperatures. However, it’s not the most eco-friendly option among the three.
*Extra lining
Since the best hard case golf travel bag has a stiff construction, you should look for padding if possible. It’s a soft lining, probably made of foam or cloth. This way, even if your expensive clubs move slightly inside, it will not sustain damages obviously ones with internal straps and extra padding are better options. Still, you should always use club head covers.
*Look for compartments
The extra storage compartments of the golf bag make it easier for you to organize your gear. This way, you won’t have to fumble in deep pockets full of balls, tees, head covers, and so on. Also, with the additional pockets/ compartment, you can easily take each club in and out of the bag without making a mess out of it. No golfer has ever said I do regret having those extra pockets or additional compartments.
*Choose the right size and weight
There’s no use to a durable golf bag if it doesn’t fit your golfing equipment. Always measure the longest club and look for a hard case travel bag that’s a few inches longer than the equipment. That way, you have extra room for adjustments.
Aside from the size, you should also factor in the weight of the bag. Take note that you’ll stuff it with loads of heavy equipment. If it’s too heavy when empty, you may need to pay extra at the airport.
Nevertheless, always expect hard case golf bags to be heavier than typical fabric bags.
*What are you going to put in it?
Are you taking your full set of golf clubs and countless accessories? If you’re packing for a big tournament, you might as well look for the largest golf bag.
*Go for wheels and handles
When it comes to the best hard case golf travel bag, try to look for a unit with built-in wheels. This bag can be cumbersome so oversized wheels will come handy while you push it around. Besides, you wouldn’t want an aching shoulder even if it comes with a padded shoulder strap before you get to the golf course.
Also, look for ergonomic handles that will make pulling easy for you. Opt for a golf bag with multiple handles on the top and sides. That way, you can easily retrieve it from the luggage conveyor.
*Durability
This should go without saying, but always prioritize durability over price and design. Your choice of the best hard case golf travel bag should be strong enough to withstand the unforgiving environment of the cargo area.
Also, look for a golf bag with a water-resistant, dirt-proof, and shock-proof build. That way, your clubs are safe, no matter how long you travel.
*Color and design
This is just a bonus part, but since you’re going to spend premium money on this bag, you might as well make the most out of it. Most hard case golf bags are color black. Still, you can chance upon other colors with varying designs.
*Warranty
This is very important, especially with very expensive hard case golf bags. As much as possible, look for a golf bag with a money-back guarantee, or at least a limited warranty. This will secure your purchase should any issues with the product come up.
Any form of guarantee is ideal so you can hold the seller accountable for any defects.
*Value for money
Last but not the least, always look for the best value for money. This is the right balance between quality and price. Take note that although some golf bags may have a higher price tag, it’s worth the splurge given the high-end quality offering maximum protection and ample storage. As much as you want to save money, opting for cheap golf bags will only do your gear a big disservice.
3 Best Hard Case Golf Travel Bag Options
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP CHOICE: SKB ATA Deluxe Standard Wheeled Golf Bag Travel Case
Product Name: SKB ATA Deluxe Standard Wheeled Golf Bag Travel Case
Product Description: Our top recommendation is the SKB ATA Deluxe Standard Wheeled Golf Bag Travel Case. It’s made of polyethylene that has a high molecular weight that meets the ATA 300 Category I. Aside from that, this case comes with a TSA locking system so you can bring it to the plane with no hassle. Moreover, this bag is tight and secure to prevent moisture, dirt, and dust from getting into your clubs. It even has a patent-pending valence closure plus latch security.
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Durability
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Value for Money
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Design
Overall
Summary
Overall, this golf bag can fit cart bags, driers, and carry bags for up to 48 inches. Inside the case is a contoured compartment to secure your bags and gears. Aside from that, there’s also foam lining at the upper area to prevent damages to your clubs.
This golf bag weighs 19 pounds, which is relatively light for its rugged build. It has a durable side handle that allows you to pick it up on the go.
Aside from the golf bag case, this SKB item also comes with the brand’s $1,500 club coverage!
Pros
✔️Proprietary Perfect-Match valence closure
✔️Inclusive of SKB’s $1,500 club coverage
✔️TSA-accepted
Cons
❌Has only a single handle (not a biggie)
RUNNERS-UP
Samsonite Hard Sided Golf Travel Case
If you’re looking for a stand-up golf case, don’t miss the Samsonite Golf Hard Sided Travel Case. It’s made with ABS shell shields that will guard your clubs and accessories against wear and tear. Also, we love its quilted and padded interior packed with extra foam as shock absorbers.
Moreover, this case has multi-directional wheels as well as in-line skate wheels so you can easily maneuver it wherever you are. Aside from that, there are internal compression straps that will hold your soft golf bag inside. This has top and side handles as well as interlocking zipper pulls.
Take note that this case works for clubs that are no longer than 48 inches. Overall, this Samsonite golf bag case has a slim design and an unbeatable 5-year warranty.
So if you often travel with your golf equipment, you might as well invest in this high-quality golf case. Also, if you have photography equipment that you need to transport, this golf case comes handy as well.
✔️Padded interior
✔️Rubber-reinforced bottom
❌A bit difficult to handle
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Founders Club Hard Shell Top Travel Luggage
For short trips, we recommend the Founders Club Golf Travel Luggage. It’s a hybrid bag with an ABS top shelf and a 600-denier polyester body. This gives the head of your clubs the best protection while cutting off some excess weight at the bottom of the bag.
The base of this golf club bag has transport wheels that allow you to push and pull with ease. Aside from that, this bag has three padded handles so you can easily lift it up.
Moreover, this golf club bag can accommodate golf clubs that are no longer than 50 inches. Aside from that, it has two compartments where you can store shoes and other smaller gears. Also, it has lockable zippers, though you have to purchase a TSA lock separately.
What we really love the most about this golf bag is its 1-year replacement warranty. If the products showed defects within a year, you can get a replacement, no questions asked.
✔️Fits clubs up to 50 inches long
✔️1-year replacement warranty
❌Not a fully hard case unit
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to bring golf clubs on a plane?
A: Golf clubs are usually classified as a second bag, which has a base cost of about $35 (will vary widely per airline). For larger and third bags, it could cost between $75 and $150. If you want to save money from transporting your golf equipment, you should consider shipping instead.
Q: How tall is a hard case golf travel bag with clubs?
A: Usually, hard case golf bags can accommodate up to 50 inches so more than enough for that driver even with the club head covered. This is way longer than the standard 36-inch golf stand bag.
Q: What is the difference between a golf cart bag and a golf stand bag?
A: Golf stand bags are smaller and allow the golfer to carry a much lighter weight. However, this convenience is at the expense of storage space. On the other hand, golf cart bags are much larger and have a removable top that allows it to be used as a caddy bag on the golf course.
Q: How heavy is a golf travel bag?
A: If stuffed with golf equipment, these bags can weigh as much as 35 to 50 pounds. When empty, it will weigh around 10 to 20 pounds.
Q: How do you protect your golf clubs when flying?
A: The best way to protect your golf gears from damage while flying is placing it inside the best hard case golf travel bag. You can also wrap each club in bubble wrap for extra protection and additional cushioning.
Final words
The best hard case golf travel bag is a great investment to protect your equipment. Just make sure that you choose one with the strongest material and excellent build. And even if hard case golf bags cost more, it’s a worthy splurge that will prevent expensive damages, especially on premium clubs.
