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I'm travelling to Florida in August and I'm wondering how I can get my clubs down there. I just have my golf bag, and don't really want to spend $100+ on one of those hard cases. Are there any alternatives, or do you guys pretty much just use those hard cases.

I use one of the soft rectangular Datrek cases and a "stiff arm". I make sure to put good covers on all of my clubs and wrap the clubheads with a couple of extra towels. It's worked like a charm so far.

I use a Mizuno TB-910M soft bag, and I LOVE it. I've never had any club breakage, due to:

* Use a broomstick or PVC pipe at least 1-2" longer than your driver, for protection against shocks. The broomstick or PVC will take the shock before your shafts will.
* Stick the heads of your woods in the BOTTOM of the golfbag for protection. (grips sticking upward)
* Use ironcovers, if you have forged irons, to reduce the banging and bashing.
* Wrap a large towel (or bubblewrap) in/around your clubheads, to secure them in place.
* Carry a glove, some tees, and balls on your carryon luggage. In case your clubs get lost/stolen, you can still play golf (with rentals) without having to invest in more gloves or balls.

Here are my thoughts on features of travel bags:

* Hard vs. Soft bags - I used to have a hardbag (which does protect your clubs better), but I was VERY frustrated lugging it around, breaking handles/locks, and attempting to squeeze it into small rental cars. I much prefer softcases, which can be folded up if necessary, and are a lot easier to manipulate.
* Insurance - check with your insurance company. Sometimes your homeowner's insurance will insure your clubs, if the airlines won't.
* Storage - I like softcases with at least 2-3 internal pockets for your accessories, and extras (raingear, shoes, etc.).
* Wheels - are a MUST.

IF you're on a budget - there are some soft cases from Datrek, BagBoy, and some other brands for under $50 that will work just FINE. Just make sure to get one with wheels.

I use a hard case, and the last time I flew they threw the thing around so much they cracked it... so whatever you use, be careful. I really don't think they care if they bust your clubs.

I just returned from a golf trip to Dallas and I bought a Datrek padded travel bag at Bass Pro for $44. I was worried about the rough treatment by the baggage guys so I bought a couple of "fun noodles" at Wal-Mart and I cut and taped until I felt that my clubs were ready for the best the bg's could dish out. I had NO damage to or from my destination. $50 and some duct tape = PROTECTION.

One of my local golf shops rents a hard case for $15 a week. I used to use that, but sometimes I fly out on short notice and don't have time to go by and rent it. I bought a soft case....it's a pretty cheap one, but the broomstick, pvc pipe suggestion is the way to go!!

Great help, thanks. I'm gonna pick up one of the soft cases and I have plenty of extra towels and such to wrap around the clubs. Thanks again.

I am travelling tomorrow for the first time with my clubs. I bought a hard case at Academy for $28.95. Actually, it only cost me $18.95 because they had sent me a $10 coupon. It should be more than adequate. I will be putting a couple of rubber bands made of inner tube around it just in case the clasps are securely fastened by the bag checkers. Hopefully they will put the bands back on. I plan to pack some of my clothes around the heads to protect them. If I hadn't already bought it I probably would have tried a regular headcover stuffed with towels/clothes with a length of pvc pipe with caps as sort of a homemade stiff arm. My biggest concern is a baggage gorilla tossing the thing down on the heads.

I am buying a soft travel case for my trip next wekend. I also ought headcovers for my irons, and plan on putting bubblewrap on my woods. I always carry 3 towels in my bag, so those will be wrapped as well
Let us know how your trip goes rainmanP