re: Clubs on plane

If anybody uses a hard case, that’s the guy I want to play for money. Hard cases = iron covers in my book.

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If anybody uses a hard case, that’s the guy I want to play for money.

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Beau Chene. I'll pay your guest fee, just show up, $10 hole.

Lemme know the day but will need more than two days notice to get the best tee times.

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I have flown across the world a couple times with a soft case with zero issue

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And I have flown across the world using a hard case zero issues.

The issue is with what the airlines protects against damage and more importantly if they're lost, air tag or not. You're much more exposed with a soft case.

I've had the same soft cover golf travel bag that I have used for over 35 years. It is a Mercedes Championship travel bag that I received at a tournament. It has wheels to roll it on (like a rolling duffle bag).

I've never used a "stick protector" or similar device. Not saying you shouldn't, but I just don't.

I pack several pairs of shoes, jackets, golf balls, sweaters, etc. in it. Just like an extra suitcase. Despite the weight, it has never been rejected nor have I had to take stuff out to "make weight." I fly with my golf clubs about 3 times/year, both domestically and internationally.

In fact, I just got back 2 days ago from 2 weeks in Scotland playing golf. We use Perry Golf in Scotland and they pack our clubs in a Sprinter Van to each course. I've used Southwest, American Airlines and United.

I have never had a problem with damage to my clubs by the airlines or the local handlers. The only issue, on overseas flights, was delayed luggage.

On our Scotland trip, my friends used ShipSticks and I checked my bags on my flight with American Airlines. My clubs arrived 20 hours late, but luckily in time for my first tee time. I've used ShipSticks on several overseas flights and if you are on a tight schedule (playing the day you arrive (which I don't recommend)), you may want to use them. Also, for overseas trips, you have to give ShipSticks your clubs several days (in our case, 7 days) in advance and I needed my clubs up until the day before our departure.

I realize everyone has different stories, but just sharing my experiences. Of couse, I am 64 years old and very trusting, but for 40 years, the travel odds have been in my favor (not always on the golf course, though (lol)).

Soft case with the stick in the middle, wrap a towel around for me. Traveled all over the world and never had an issue. Last trip I took I stuffed six pairs of my wife's shoes in that thing too.

Shipsticks is the worst. Last year going to England, two guys in my golf group used them and both didn't get their clubs until the last day of the trip.