The Summer Golf Packing Guide

Travel is one of those things we all claim to love—until it’s 6 a.m., your Uber is outside, your charger is missing, and your buddy just texted “forgot my shoes.” A golf trip should be all vibes, but let’s be honest—travel days come with a little chaos, even for the most seasoned among us.

And when you’re headed somewhere you’ve never been—with clubs in tow and three rounds on the books—the anxiety hits a bit different. What’s the weather doing? What’s the course vibe? Why did I only pack one glove?

That’s where the prep comes in.

A good plan, a better fit, and a solid system can turn even the most unpredictable golf trip into something memorable—for all the right reasons. No pit stops at the pro shop. No regret-packed photos in the group chat. Just clean scripting, clutch layers, and a packing flow that makes you feel like this isn’t your first rodeo.

Because a golf trip isn’t just a vacation—it’s a true adventure, a space of recovery, a reminder that golf is a forever chase.

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Luggage: Don’t Wing It

Let’s start with the foundation. If you’re traveling with your clubs—and you should be—this is not the time to play it cheap. Your luggage needs to protect the goods. That means a proper travel bag for your clubs (not a dust cover and a prayer), a roomy yet smart roller, and a backpack that works as hard as you do.

Club Glove nails this entire system. The Tour Traveler is pretty much the gold standard when it comes to golf travel bags. It’s the one the pros use, and for good reason: it’s tough, secure, and has just the right amount of flex to take a beating without messing with your setup. Pair that with the Pro Check-In roller—lightweight but substantial, sleek enough to roll through a nice hotel lobby without looking like you’re en route to a campsite—and you’re covered on the main cargo.

Then there’s the Tour Backpack. This thing is money. It’s your in-flight bag, your range bag, your just-in-case-I-need-to-run-and-grab-something bag. With a velour-lined laptop sleeve and full-grain leather trim, it feels elevated without being flashy. It’s also surprisingly roomy, which means you can toss in extra socks or a swing shirt without worrying about bulk.

Footwear: Make or Break

Nothing will ruin a golf trip faster than bad shoes. You’re walking 18 in heat and humidity, then probably doing it again the next day. Comfort matters. So does versatility. You need shoes that hold up—and look good doing it.

Let’s start with your golf rotation. I always bring two pairs. One spikeless option that can double as an everyday shoe—something you can wear to the range or airport without needing to change. Then a performance pair with spikes, because depending on the course or the conditions, you’re going to want that grip.

Right now, the Payntr Eighty Seven SC is in heavy rotation for me. It’s insanely comfortable, even straight out of the box, and the waterproofing has saved me more than once. For something a bit more traditional (and always stylish), the FootJoy Premiere saddle never misses. Classic look, tour-trusted, and cleans up easy.

Off the course, you need at least one sneaker that can flex. Something you can wear to dinner or around town that doesn’t scream “I just finished my round.” Clean leather or neutral tones go a long way here. And don’t forget a pair of slides. Personally, I like Lusso—perfect for the hotel, recovery mode, or a lazy morning coffee run.

Travel Apparel: Elevated Ease

Airport fits matter. Not because you need to stunt at TSA, but because how you start the trip sets the tone. You want something clean, minimal, and comfortable—something that feels intentional without trying too hard.

This is where Reigning Champ shines. Their travel sets are elite. Whether it’s the stretch woven pant or the heavyweight tee, the whole vibe feels polished and relaxed. It’s the kind of look that works whether you’re walking through a terminal or checking into your hotel. And let’s be real—if you’re traveling with golf clubs, people are already watching. Might as well give them a reason.

Golf Apparel: Script It Like You Mean It

This is where it gets personal. Your golf fits are going to define the trip—how you feel, how you move, and how you show up in photos. But the first rule? Check the weather. Like, actually check it. No one wants to be the guy dropping $98 on a pro shop pullover because he forgot a layer.

For summer, I always think in terms of light, packable, and swappable. A good swing shirt—like the one from Public Drip—is non-negotiable. It’s windproof, folds into itself, and weighs almost nothing. You throw it in your bag and forget about it until you’re standing on the 10th tee with the breeze kicking up.

When it comes to tops, I go for variety: a blade or mock neck for twilight rounds, a bold or striped polo for the afternoon heat, and a classic pique for those mid-morning sessions. Mix in a long sleeve knit if you like the layered look. And bottoms? A pleated pant for cooler starts, and two solid shorts (I prefer an 8” inseam) in neutral tones that go with anything.

But here’s the real hack—make sure your outfits are interchangeable. Lay them out beforehand. That way if something spills, rips, or just feels wrong that day, you can pivot without looking like a mess.

And don’t overlook what’s underneath. Good socks and boxer briefs matter more than most people admit. Del Campo socks feel like clouds. And the Mark Walden Airknit Knot boxer briefs? Let’s just say they’ll change the way you think about daily comfort.

Accessories: Small Things, Big Impact

This is where you separate the dialed from the disheveled. The little details.

Bring a good pair of sunglasses. Actually, bring two—one for golf, one for life. Same goes for hats. I’m always packing a small rotation of five-panels or rope caps. Keeps the look fresh and helps build out each outfit.

If you’re a watch guy, this is the perfect time to bring something with a little personality. A GMT is a nice flex if you're traveling across time zones, but a clean sport watch always works.

The Overlooked MVPs

Let’s talk about the stuff you’ll be glad you packed when no one else thought to.

Pajamas. No joke. We’re all getting older and sleep matters. Bring a proper sleep kit—shorts, tee, whatever feels good. No one needs to know, but you’ll feel the difference after Round 2.

Also helpful: a packable laundry bag, a couple of recovery tools (lacrosse ball, travel roller), and a tote or sling for mid-trip errands. You don’t need a full second duffel, just something to get you through the day-to-day.

Toiletries + Golf Essentials

Your dopp kit should be tight. Deodorant, face wash, moisturizer, and a cologne that doesn’t punch people in the face. Toss in sunscreen and SPF lip balm. Hydration and protection matter more than ever.

With your golf bag, make sure you’ve got a sharpie, an extra glove, tees, divot tool, a towel, and your rangefinder. The goal is to never have to ask someone else for anything.

Final Word

This isn’t just about what you bring—it’s about how you show up. Pack with purpose, dress with confidence, and give yourself enough range to pivot when plans (or weather) change. When you script it right, your trip feels smooth. The fits hit. And the only thing you’ll be scrambling to find? The fairway.