Subtitle: I’ve done both, and both have worked and both have not. Here are some factors to think about when choosing.
Let me set the scene:
You’re headed to Pebble, Pinehurst, or Bandon with your crew. The anticipation is high. You’ve been watching YouTube flyovers, you've practiced your lag putting, and you’ve already decided which hat makes you look the most “scratch.”
But now comes the logistical question that separates the planners from the stress-caddied:
Do you ship your clubs ahead of time, or drag them through the airport like a pack mule?
Let’s break it down.
Flying With Your Clubs: A Game of Tetris and Trust
Flying with your clubs seems easy. You pack them up, check the bag, and pick them up at your destination. In theory.
But in practice?
Pros:
- Usually cheaper (roughly $35–$50 as a checked bag)
- No extra planning needed
- On direct flights—especially to smaller golf hubs like Monterey or Myrtle Beach—it can work great. Land, grab an Uber, and you’re teeing off in under an hour
Cons:
- Rental car chaos: Golf travel bags are huge. Once you factor in suitcases, I’ve only ever fit 3 people max into a Suburban. Not ideal when you’re trying to travel like a team, not a relay squad.
- Baggage roulette: Airlines don't love your clubs as much as you do. Delays, reroutes, and broken shafts are all on the menu.
- Airport fatigue: Dragging your bag through a crowded terminal with tight connections? Miserable. Especially on the return when your body is asking you why you had so much Fireball and Transfusions.
- The longer the drive to your resort after landing, the riskier it feels if you don’t have your clubs in hand. If your clubs don’t make it, someone must make that drive to connect you with your clubs.
Ship Sticks: The Golf Trip Luxury You Didn’t Know You Needed
Ship Sticks (or similar services) coordinate with UPS or FedEx to pick up your clubs and deliver them straight to your destination. You track them like pizza. They’re often waiting for you at the pro shop before you even land.
Pros:
- No dragging, no lifting, no stress
- Your club bag isn’t hogging all the trunk space
- Resorts are used to receiving and storing your gear
- Long drive after the airport? Even more reason to ship
- Tracking is fun—especially if you throw an AirTag in the bag and suddenly become an amateur logistics enthusiast watching it ping through distribution centers in four states
Cons:
- Costs more (expect $75–$150 round trip)
- Still subject to FedEx/UPS errors
- Requires at least 3–5 days of shipping lead time, and a day buffer time
- You still need a good travel bag
Pro Tips:
- Whether flying or shipping, use an AirTag. It’s cheap peace of mind—and weirdly fun to watch your clubs visit Kentucky on their way to Oregon.
- Use a real travel bag. Soft cases are lighter but need strategic packing (towels, hoodies, club headcovers). Hard cases are protective but annoying to haul.
- Take the heads off your woods.
- Get your clubs there a day early. Whether your clubs are riding UPS or flying with you, things can go sideways. Give time for your clubs—and yourself—to be there a day early.
So, What’s the Move?
If you’re on a direct flight to a nearby resort with minimal travel time after landing, flying with clubs might be your move. Especially if you’re traveling light and solo.
If your itinerary includes layovers, long drives, tight car space, or a general desire to reduce mental load?
✅ Ship them. Let your clubs take the scenic route while you sip overpriced coffee in peace.