It never fails: it’s 103 in the shade, you’re on the far end of the thirteenth hole, you’re thirsty, you’re hot… and there’s not a beverage cart or even a water fountain in sight. Sounds The Same? Well, you don’t have to put yourself at the mercy of the elements or the beverage cart route, once you get an insulated golf bag cooler. These handy little items are insulated, waterproof, and soft-sided, so they can be stored in a shoe compartment or other large opening in your bag. And if they’re not holding beverages and ice, you can just collapse them into the bag pocket, or even use them for extra golf bag storage.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
A quick scan of the Internet shows that collapsible, insulated golf bag coolers come in sizes that hold from eight to ten cans of your favorite cold beverage. You can pack these watertight bags with ice, or you can order cooler packs that are re-freezable for repeat use. Most models are made with watertight zippers that line up with the zipper on your bag’s shoe compartment, for convenient, discreet beverage enjoyment. Some sponsors and manufacturers have even started printing corporate logos on these and giving them away as promotional items, so keep your eyes open at your next pro-am.
Outside the Bag
Coolers are also available with larger capacities, but these are usually designed to sit on the back of the golf cart in plain view. Some of the more fancy models even feature wine and cheese racks, with service for two. Golf-bag-shaped models are also available. These golf bag coolers hold more and don't take up space in your bag, but some clubs frown on the notion of golfers bringing their own beverages onto the course—with good reason, considering the amount of money the club makes on selling beer and soft drinks. Thus, the idea of the golf bag cooler was born; a “stealth” solution to golfers’ thirst, and a way to make sure that you’ve always got your favorite cold drinks with you on the course.
Not Only For The Golf Course
Naturally, the golf bag cooler doesn’t have to be “hidden." Most models come with a handy shoulder strap, so they can be carried as a convenient, all-purpose travel cooler, as well. Their durable construction and heavy insulation makes them great for picnics, tailgating, or even taking cold beverages to a get-together at the neighbor’s house.
When you’re traveling with your clubs, whether it’s for a simple business-combined-with-pleasure outing, or an extended golf vacation, it’s important to know that you’ve got everything you need to make your round the best it can be. When you’re on an unfamiliar course, there are lots of things you can’t control. But the most important thing you can control—after your golf swing, that is—is making sure all your gear is where it’s supposed to be and easily within reach. This means you need your golf clubs, travel bag, and everything else set up to allow you to focus on enjoying your round of golf. Let’s take a look at a few of the options.
All-in-One or Combo?
The first decision you need to make is whether you want to re-pack your golf club bag for travel, or simply use your existing bag and put it in a travel case. Some golfers like the ease and portability of a special golf club travel bag that doubles as a travel case. These golf club travel bags come in both soft sided and hard sided models, and some have wheels built in, for extra ease around airports. They’re super lightweight, so they can easily double as your bag on the course, and they do a great job of protecting your clubs in transit. In fact, some of the hard sided models are so tough that the airlines will actually guarantee your clubs against transit damage if you’re using one of the approved models of hard sided golf club travel bags or bag cases.
Travel cases
If you really like your existing bag and the way you’ve got it set up, maybe a special golf club travel bag isn’t right for you. Instead, you might prefer to invest in a quality travel case, and simply pack your bag and gear inside the case. Most of these travel cases are hard-sided for maximum protection against travel damage, but lots are padded and soft-sided to allow maximum packability. Some feature special "fold away" features that allow for easier storage when not in use. Most feature sturdy wheels with bearings that can take all the punishment of curbs, stairs, and even off-road use. Many of the top-line cases offer a lifetime warranty against travel damage. This can be really important, especially when you consider the investment you’ve already made in your clubs, shoes, and other gear. Also, look for a sturdy base to provide extra stability and protection.
For the avid golfer, few accessories (other than a really great swing) are as important as a custom golf bag. When you have at your fingertips everything you need for your round, you can relax and focus on hitting the ball and having a wonderful time. There are lots of choices in custom golf bags out there, so let’s take a look at a few and start to narrow down the field.
“Pro” Style custom golf bag or “Practice Bag?”
If you play a lot of golf and you like to walk, you may want to consider adding a practice bag to your equipment. Practice bags are very lightweight, so they don’t wear you out as much during the round. Newer models are available in a variety of durable fabrics that can stand up to years of steady use. However, if you usually ride or use a pull cart, there’s nothing like the convenience and “class” of a full-size, pro-style custom golf bag. Many full-featured bags also double as golf travel bags, which is super convenient for the true devotee who doesn't go anywhere without the clubs.
All-in-One Travel custom golf bag or Different Combination?
You may already have the perfect bag and have your gear all stowed and set up exactly the way you want it. In that case, you'll want to find a good, durable travel cover to go over your bag. Hint: even if your bag has a snap-on hood to enclose the clubs, a travel cover is still a good idea. There’s nothing more frustrating than standing at the airport baggage claim and seeing your clubs come out of the chute…one at a time. You can choose from hard travel covers or soft travel covers for your custom golf bag, depending on your taste. However, the combination units are also very convenient. They can provide all the storage you’re used to with your regular bag, but also convert easily to a secure travel container for your clubs and gear—and many models weigh about the same as a regular bag. That can really be a time and space saver when you're traveling with your custom golf bag.
Hard-cover or Soft-cover?
Once again, the decision between a hard-cover travel case or a soft-cover custom golf bag with a nice travel cover is really up to you. Some golfers prefer the hard-cover units because of the superior protection they provide for clubs and gear, as opposed to a regular custom golf bag. Others cite the better portability of the hard units; they're easier to wheel around. But the soft custom golf bags with travel cases have their supporters, too, often because of the lighter weight and increased flexibility, for those times you need to cram in “just one more” sleeve of balls.
