The 18 items that golfers should always travel with

By: Jessica Marksbury October 28, 2022

Golf travel requires a lot of stuff. Here is our list of essentials.

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Welcome to Road Rules, a GOLF.com series in which we pick the brains of expert golf travelers, ranging from professional golfers and caddies to globetrotting course raters and teachers. We’ll unlock their must-have travel items, go-to airline tips and more to inform you for your next golf excursion.

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Traveling is never not stressful, especially these days, when checked luggage is apt to go missing for weeks and golf clubs are damaged at an alarming rate.

But there’s one way to mitigate some of the angst that accompanies air travel, and that’s to arrive prepared. Below, check out the 18 items that no golfer should ever travel without.

Alignment sticks

Alignment sticks are worth their weight in gold — and then some! They’re super easy to slip in your golf bag, and can help with alignment, ball position, trajectory practice and so much more.

Alignment Sticks – “The Icon”

$67

100% Genuine Hickory Length: 45” / Diameter: 3/8″ Medium-Dark Stain White/Valley Green/Light Yellow/Blood Red Color Combo Gloss Protective Varnish Nickel End Caps

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Resistance bands

Resistance bands are super lightweight and take up virtually zero space. An essential for warming up, stretching and even getting in a quick workout on the road.

Wireless headphones

Whether you want to zone out on the plane or on the range, you need a good pair.

Insulated cup

Once you go insulated, you’ll never go back. It’s the perfect choice for keeping cold beverages cold, and it’s good for the environment, too.

YETI Rambler 26 oz Stackable Cup with Straw Lid

$35

The Yeti Rambler 26 oz. Cup is built for big gulps from dawn ‘til dusk. It’s sized perfectly for anything you throw at it. Large swigs of water, XL smoothies, fewer refills, and retaining every degree of your drink’s temp, especially when you’re far too busy kickin’ back around the fire. Plus, it’s topped with our fan-favorite Straw Lid so you can say goodbye to single-use plastic straws.Rambler Straw Lids are built to last and have a molded-in stopper that holds your straw safely in place. Rambler Lids, it’s shatter-resistant, dishwasher-safe, and completely free of BPA.

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Cooler bag

Though most courses have an ice chest on the cart, it’s never a given that you’ll have one at your disposal — especially if you’re walking. That’s why this super-compact cooler bag is ultra-clutch.

Puma Golf Bag

$25

Puma’s Golf cooler bag is equipped with several compartments and pockets to bring along cold beverages and food items. The bag features handles for easy transporting and the compartments offer zip closure to secure your items.

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Band-Aids/First-Aid Kit

If you’re prone to blisters, Band-Aids are essential. And even if you’re not, it’s really nice to be a savior for someone who needs a bandage.

Packable jacket

Because you never know if you’ll end up needing one — or if the pilot decides to turn the plane’s cabin into a sub-zero tundra, a lightweight jacket is never a bad idea.

J. Lindeberg Ash Light Packable Golf

$136.5

The JL Ash Light Golf jacket is packable. It folds neatly into the chest pocket for easy access when needed. The jacket is made using lightweight, wind fabric that is also water repellent. In addition, the fabric offers stretch for comfortable wear and easy movement.

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Handwarmers

If you’re heading to Hawaii, we admit these might not be necessary. But warm hands are always a good thing! Keep these babies in your bag so you’ll never have to go without.

Extra gloves

Extra gloves are always a good idea. Humid weather, sweat, rain or accidental spills can ruin a glove during a given round. Don’t be the player without a backup, or two!

Callaway USA Weather Spann

$11.99

Callaway’s USA Weather Spann all weather glove is constructed with durable, premium Japanese synthetic material. The performance material is flexible for easy motion and breathable/moisture wicking to prevent sweat build up. The 4-way stretch at the knuckles and perforation at the palm, top hand, and fingers also provide easy motion and breathability. An adjustable, comfortable, secure fit is provided with Opti Fit closure and a stretch binding cuff. Improved grip is offered with the reinforced palm patch.

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Muscle relief

Your aching body needs some respite during a golf trip. Foam rollers can take up valuable space, but this nifty device is delightfully compact.

Theragun Mini Percussive Therapy Device

$199

The Theragun Mini Percussive Therapy Device is powerful and portable. This pocket-sized device offers quality deep muscle treatment. It features an ergonomic grip, 3 speeds, and a proprietary brushless motor with QuietForce technology. A 1 year warranty is included.

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Painkillers

Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, Excedrin — whatever your poison, make sure you have a stash at the ready.

Extra socks

Just as an extra glove can be a lifesaver, so too, can an extra pair of socks. Trust us.

RLX Golf Camo

$8

The Camo socks keep the foot free from sweat build up with moisture management properties. They offer zoned cushioning as well, along with flat toe seam for comfort and a reinforced heel and toe.

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AirTag

A small investment in this coin-sized Bluetooth tracker can deliver big-time peace of mind.

Sunscreen

Buy a bottle and keep it in your bag until it’s gone. Easy peasy!

Invisible Daily SPF 30

$27

No-shine, no streak sun protection for all skin types. Our innovative, transparent SPF moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated while fighting harmful rays. Dermatologist Tested. Non-Comedogenic. Formula patent pending. — Transparent, no-streak, no-shine SPF moisturizer for all skin types.

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Empty bag/Backpack

An empty bag is extremely useful, whether you have smelly shoes you want to separate from the rest of your gear, or you do a bit of unplanned shopping ahead of your flight.

Lip balm

Even golfers who remember to use sunscreen can neglect their lips. Don’t let sunburned lips ruin your trip!

GET MR. THE BALM (BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30)

$8

Fresh. Simple. Safe. Every Damn Day. Healthier, smoother lips in seconds. Dr. G developed The Balm as an all mineral moisturizing and UV defense chapstick all in one lip balm. Unlike other chapsticks, The Balm uses the safest mineral ingredient available, zinc oxide, while innovating to eliminate any white-cast or aftertaste. * Moisturizing* Water Resistant * Reef Safe * Cruelty-Free *Paraben-Free * Mineral (100% Natural) * Made in the USA * Female & Family Founded It’s simple. Better ingredients, a non-greasy finish, and a focus on your health above all else. So maybe grab two, one for at-home and another for on-the-go to stay protected, feeling and looking your best, Every Damn Day®

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Sunglasses

Sunglasses come and go with alarming frequency in my household, so I have a pair just for golf. That way, I’m never without.

RAEN Wiley Polarized Medium

$174.95

Clean, bold, and lightweight, the RAEN Optics Wiley Polarized Sunglasses deliver classic style that looks good whether you’re camping in the mountains or sailing on a yacht. Carl Zeiss lenses offer precise optical clarity, and they’re polarized to eliminate glare so they excel on the water or in the snow.

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Bug spray

Is there anything worse than being eaten alive on the course? Keep the critters at bay with a travel-size bottle of bug spray.

Pro shop

Shop more great gear for your game

Explore GOLF’s Pro Shop

Want to overhaul your bag for 2023? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf. For more on the latest gear news and information, check out our latest Fully Equipped podcast below.

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Golf.com Editor

As a four-year member of Columbia’s inaugural class of female varsity golfers, Jessica can out-birdie everyone on the masthead. She can out-hustle them in the office, too, where she’s primarily responsible for producing both print and online features, and overseeing major special projects, such as GOLF’s inaugural Style Issue, which debuted in February 2018. Her original interview series, “A Round With,” debuted in November of 2015, and appeared in both in the magazine and in video form on GOLF.com.