Summer is here, tee times are booked, and the only thing standing between you and the best golf trip of the year is one question: did you pack everything?

Whether you're flying to Myrtle Beach, road-tripping to Scottsdale, or heading out for a long weekend at your favorite destination course, traveling with your gear takes a little more planning than tossing clubs in the car. Miss something obvious and you're borrowing a loaner wedge from the pro shop. Miss something subtle and you're playing 18 holes in the wrong shoes.

We've been there. Here's the list we wish we had the first time.

The Bag Itself

Before you pack a single item, your golf bag needs to be travel-ready. That means protected club heads, secure zippers, and a bag that can take the beating that baggage handlers and overhead compartments will inevitably give it.

The Caddy Daddy RevCore Lux Hybrid Stand Bag is built for exactly this — a stay-flat base, ScratchGuard synthetic leather, and a design that holds up round after round, trip after trip. Whether you're walking the course on day one and riding on day two, it transitions without a second thought.

Don't forget:

  • A stiff arm or club protector if you're checking clubs on a flight
  • The rain hood (it usually lives in that bottom pocket you never open — check now)
  • A luggage tag with your name and phone number on the bag itself

Clubs & Equipment

Sounds obvious, but packing your clubs in a rush is how wedges get left behind.

  • All 14 clubs — do a count before you zip up
  • Extra golf balls — at least two sleeves more than you think you need; resort pro shops charge a premium
  • Tees — a small bag of mixed lengths
  • Ball markers & divot tool — easy to forget, annoying to play without
  • Rangefinder or GPS watch — if yours has a charging cable, pack that too
  • Alignment sticks — optional, but great if you want to warm up properly

Gloves

Pack more than one. Heat and humidity destroy gloves faster than any other condition — a glove that feels great on hole 1 can feel like a wet paper towel by hole 9 in July.

The Caddy Daddy Claw Golf Glove is designed to hold up in the heat, with a fit that stays consistent round after round. Bring two or three for a multi-day trip.

Don't forget:

  • Store gloves flat in a side pocket between rounds so they dry properly
  • Don't leave them in a hot car — they'll stiffen up overnight

Clothing

  • Golf shirts — one per round, plus one extra
  • Golf shorts or pants — check the dress code at your destination course in advance
  • Rain jacket or pullover — summer storms roll in fast, especially in the Southeast
  • Belt — easy to forget when you're packing in a hurry
  • Hat or visor — sun protection is non-negotiable in summer
  • Sunglasses — polarized lenses make a real difference for reading greens in bright light

Footwear

  • Golf shoes — pack them in a shoe bag to keep your clothes clean
  • Casual shoes — most clubhouses require them for the 19th hole
  • Flip flops or sandals — your feet will thank you after 18 holes in the heat

Pro tip: Wear your golf shoes on the plane if you're tight on luggage space. Weird but effective.

Sun, Heat & Hydration

Summer golf is spectacular. It's also brutal if you're not prepared.

  • Sunscreen — SPF 50+, applied before you leave the hotel
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Cooling towel — soak it, snap it, instant relief on a hot back nine
  • Extra water bottles — carts run dry; fill up before the turn
  • Snacks — energy bars, nuts, or anything that won't melt in the heat

This is where the dual cooler pockets on the RevCore Lux earn their keep. Cold drinks stay cold, snacks stay intact, and you're not hunting for somewhere to stash your water bottle between shots.

Travel Logistics

  • Photo of your packed bag — take one before you leave home so you know exactly what you brought
  • Airline golf bag policy — check fees and size limits before you get to the counter; they vary widely
  • Locks for zippers — TSA-approved only if flying
  • A copy of your travel insurance — if it covers sporting equipment, know your claim process before something happens

The "Always Forget" List

These are the small things that somehow never make it into the bag:

  • Extra socks — especially if you're walking; blisters ruin trips
  • Blister bandages or moleskin
  • Pain reliever — Advil for the morning after 36 holes
  • Phone charger and portable battery — rangefinder apps and GPS watches drain batteries fast
  • Cash for the starter, bag drop, and caddies — not every course has a card reader at the first tee
Written by Rod Dunlap

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