I’ll never forget my first big golf trip to Florida. It was a terrific experience, other than failing to pack my golf shoes. Thankfully, I still had tennis shoes to play in, but it was still an embarrassing experience.

Luckily, thanks to this packing list, you won’t have to worry about forgetting an essential item like I did. If you’re heading out for a golf trip soon, use this packing checklist to make sure you are covered.

We’ve split this packing list into four sections to make things a little easier on you.

Essentials

This list contains several essential items, like all of your golf equipment. It also includes things like your wallet, passport, and boarding pass that you simply cannot travel without. Though everything on this list is listed as essential, some of the smaller items can be purchased at your destination if you forget to pack them.

• Golf Travel Bag: This one may be the most important, especially if you are flying to your destination. You need a golf travel bag large enough to carry your golf bag. Also, make sure that the travel bag protects your golf clubs.
• Golf Clubs: Study the golf course you are going to be playing on and make sure that you have all of the clubs that you are going to need. Remember, you can only keep 14 clubs in your bag.
• Extra Tees and Golf Balls: These can be bought at the course but are usually marked up quite a bit in price.
• Divot Tools and Ball Markers
• Golf Gloves: The last thing you need is a bad blister! Keep a couple of extra gloves in your golf bag in case one gets a hole in it.
• Golf Umbrella: This is always good to have on hand, even if the weather forecast is perfect. Remember, popup showers happen all the time in the summer months.
• Pair of Golf Shoes: I learned this one the hard way!
• A Golf Towel or Two: One to wipe the sweat off your head and hands and the other to clean your clubs.
• Packaged Snacks: This can save you a ton of money instead of buying them at the pro shop. Saving money is never a bad thing!
• Water bottle: Pro tip – Find one that will clip on the side of your golf bag.
• Suitcase: For all of your non-golf luggage and other items.
• Carry-On Bag: This is optional but could be handy during flight delays or long layovers at airports. I rarely travel without a carry-on.
• Sunscreen: A sunburn will ruin a golf trip in a hurry! Bring enough sunscreen for the golf course and the pool (if necessary).
• Sunglasses: You don’t want to be squinting the entire round.
• Shower bag for all your toiletries
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste: toiletries that you should never leave home without.
• Deodorant: This is essential since you’ll definitely be sweating on the golf course. Make sure it’s under three ounces if you are keeping it in your carry-on bag.
• Lip Balm: This will come in handy during windy conditions. Chapped lips are actually quite painful.
• Razors: This may or may not be essential depending on how long your getaway is. I never bring a razor if it’s going to be a short trip.
• Wallet
• Bottle Opener: This is essential if you drink beer that doesn’t have a twist top, but most hotel rooms will have one of these for you.
• Cash: To tip the cart girls that are selling drinks on the course
• Passport
• Boarding Pass (if not stored on your cell phone)
• Books or Magazines: For folks that don’t want to read on their phone at the airport
• Tee Time: The golf course you are playing on may not accept walk-up customers.

Clothing: Fall or Winter

We decided to split the clothing section into two parts, one for cooler weather and one for warmer weather. No matter what time of the year your golf trip is, make sure to pack proper golf clothing. The last thing you want is to show up for your tee time and not be in the proper dress code.

While most golf vacations are planned in warmer areas of the country like Florida, it can still be fairly cool if you happen to book an early morning tee time. Your best bet is to dress in layers if you are worried about feeling cold at the beginning of your round. The beauty of dressing in layers is that you can always take some off once the temperature starts ticking up.

• Long pants: Remember, most golf courses have a dress code that doesn’t allow jeans, so stick to black slacks or khaki pants.
• Vests: For extra warmth, if you think you’ll need it.
• Golf Shirts: I like to pack a couple of extra shirts to be on the safe side
• Long Sleeves: If you have an early tee time, it may be best to wear lightweight layers
• Beanie: Depending on the temp, you may need to keep your ears warm
• Underwear
• Socks: maybe opt for extra thick ones if it’s going to be cool
• Belt: This is always easy to forget
• Rain Jacket: always pack your rain gear, regardless of what season it is.
• Tennis Shoes or Dress Shoes for non-golf activities

Clothing: Spring or Summer

If it’s spring or summer, you probably won’t need to worry about packing any sort of long sleeves. In hot temperatures, it’s best to pack golf clothing that is lightweight, wicks sweat off your skin, and breathes well. Any of the Under Armour or Nike short sleeve golf shirts are a great choice for summer.

Also, if the weather is supposed to be extremely hot, it’s not a bad idea to take an extra golf shirt with you to the course. This is especially true if you are in south Florida or Arizona during the summer months. I’ve found that putting on a dry shirt after the first nine holes helps keep me more comfortable.

• Plenty of Golf Polo Shirts: Preferably the dri-fit versions if it’s going to be brutally hot on the course. Stay away from cotton shirts because they get weighed down with sweat too easily.
• Golf Shorts or Golf Skirts: Nobody wants to wear long pants if it’s going to be 90+ degrees outside
• Golf Hat or Visor: This will keep the sun out of your eyes and will help keep your head and face from getting sunburned
• Outfits for non-golfing activities
• Underwear
• Socks
• Belt
• Rain Gear: Did we mention those pesky summer popup showers?
• Swimsuits if you plan on being near a beach or using the hotel pool
• Extra Towels
• Tennis Shoes or Dress Shoes for other fun activities
• Flip Flops or Sandals: for the pool, beach, or other fun outings

Electronics

In this day and age, we feel like we simply cannot live without our electronics. On this list, you’ll find essential items like your cell phone and charger. However, most of this list is made up of items that aren’t necessarily essential but nice to have on hand during your golf trip.

• Cell Phone: Self explanatory
• Phone Charger: Just don’t leave it in the hotel room when you check out
• Headphones: To listen to music or watch videos at the airport or while on the flight
• Laptop or Tablet: In case you have to do any work while you are away or want to download some movies to watch during a long layover or flight
• Laptop / Tablet Charger(s)
• Range Finder: You may keep this in your golf bag, but some folks choose to put it in their carry on bag since airports can be kind of rough on luggage (Read my Bushnell Tour V4 review if you’re looking for a good range finder)
• Extra Batteries: for your range finder or headphones
• Golf GPS Watch

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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The PGA Tour continues in Hawaii this week for the Sony Open. Located at the Waialae Country Club on the island of Oahu, this event is one of the tour’s most charitable for Hawaii. Since 1999, it has raised over 18 million dollars for 350 local not-for-profit organizations. This year marks the 20th year anniversary of Sony’s sponsorship of the event.

Because of the competition pool and shoreline course, this event is always a fan favorite. Due to its pristine location, PGA tour fans will enjoy the laid-back splendor and beauty of Hawaii. Taking a trip here is an opportunity not to be missed.

Places and Activities to Check Out in Hawaii

Helicopter Tour Over Oahu

Hawaii has lots of scenic views and one of the best ways to see them is by air. Take to the sky with the wind in your hair on a helicopter tour over Oahu. You’ll see unobstructed views of the island beaches, waterfalls, and tropics.

Snorkeling

Hawaii is home to exotic aquatic life and underwater reefs. Take a break from the tour one morning and experience an underwater adventure like no other. You’ll be able to view sea turtles, dolphins, and whales in their natural habitat.

Hike Diamond Head Volcano

Diamond head is one of Hawaii’s most famous volcanoes. The ascent to the 760-foot summit offers breathtaking 360 views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean. Throughout the 3-hour excursion, you’ll experience the history of the crater and the landscape.

Check Out a Luau

For your nighttime entertainment, attend a Luau (Traditional Hawaiian Party). Hawaiian luaus typically feature a feast such as a Kalua pig, poi, poke, or lomi salmon. The feast also has traditional Hawaiian music and dancers. A luau is a terrific way to experience the Hawaiian culture.

Have A Drink on the Water

Nothing compares to a cold cocktail after a day out in the sun. Known for its signature island drinks, there’s a drink for all taste palettes. Sip and enjoy at one of the several tiki bars with great views of the water.

Travel Bag Free

If you plan on playing a round of golf while you’re in Hawaii, the easiest way to travel with your clubs is through Ship Sticks. With Ship Sticks, not only can you ship your clubs, but you can ship your luggage too. It’s one of the best ways to go completely bag free when you travel. For more information about Ship Sticks or to receive a free quote, click here.

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