Planning For A Golf Trip - What To Pack

After taking my share of golf trips, I realized I always forgot a few things on each trip. I admit I was a careless packer becuase I had the attitude that as long as I had my clubs and a credit card I could survive and have a great time. However at times, my trip got costly buying extra shoes, windshirts and umbrellas at the proshop. My Golf buddy, an experience golf traveler, shared that he had a golf trip check list.

In reviewing his list, I got a chuckle because some of the items were no brainers. (Sidenote: For what it is worth, in my younger days I met a friend at a mountain bike race and he forgot his bike. So for the sake of completeness I will list everything.)

Preparation:

Before I start packing, I review the weather forecast. If there is a hint of rain or fowl weather I will double up on things like socks, shoes, gloves, etc. If there are no signs of bad weather I still will take a few things, just in case.

In addition, to properly planning for weather I like to stay organized. I will create an envelope or folder with my itinerary including hotel confirmations, plane tickets, rental car information, etc.

Lastly, I will do a once over on my golf bag to make sure I have the proper amount of equipment and get ride of the unnecessary items like used score cards, old golf balls, etc. My least favorite thing to do is polish my shoes and replace any worn soft spikes.

The Golf Gear

• Golf bag and clubs
  
• Golf travel bag
  
• Balls
  
• Golf gloves
  
• Towel(s)
  
• Tees, divot tool and ball marker.
  
• Laser or golf yardage device. (extra batteries) If you are using a service, do not forget to download maps.
  
• Golf shoes - 2nd pair if bad weather is expected or it is a longer trip.
  
• Rain suit, umbrella, rain hat, drizzle stick or golf bag cover
  
• Hat/visor
  
• Sunglasses

The Gadgets

• Camera and charger
  
• Film or extra memory card
  
• Camcorder, tapes and charger
  
• Laptop and charger
  
• Cell phone and charger
  
• Music (like cds, MP3 Player, radio)

Golf Clothing

• Pants/shorts
  
• Windshirt
  
• Shirts
  
• Socks
  
• Undergarments

After Golf Clothing

• Shoes
  
• Jacket or sports coat
  
• Swimsuit - For a quick swim or hot tub after golf.

Toiletries

• The essentials - tooth brush, tooth paste, electric razor, deodorant,
  hairspray, comb, etc.
  
• The extras - aspirin, pain relievers, ice packs, band aids, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent

Carry Ons

• Golf Magazines
  
• Tickets/boarding pass
  
• Itinerary Folder
  
• Golf guides or brochures.
  
• Maps, directions or GPS Unit. (If you are planning on driving a GPS is a great investment.

Misc

• Money ( or foreign currency) and credit card - I thin down my wallet in case I lose it. A good rule of thumb I learned is half the clothes and twice the money. I always end up buying a hat and shirt somewhere on the trip.
  
• Biz cards - I have meet some great people and contacts on my trips.
  
• For my family, I leave behind my itinerary along with hotel contact information.

In using my check list, I am better prepared for my golf trips and I have reduced that sick feeling driving to the airport that I forgot something. I also have eliminated the need to run to the golf shop to drop $200 on an emergency rain suit.