Golf travel guide: What to take on holiday

Golf travel guide

STAY-COOL POLOS

There’s more technology than ever in golf apparel these days and most brands offer polos that keep you cool when the weather heats up. They cleverly take moisture away from the body and keep the cool air flowing through, avoiding any embarrassing sweat patches.

A LIGHTWEIGHT STAND BAG

It’s unlikely you’ll be taking your own trolley and there’s every chance you’ll be using a buggy at your destination so do away with the tour bag and get your clubs in a smart stand bag. 

It will take off a bit of weight while still having all the pockets you need. Look out for the Sun Mountain Two Five which is one of the lightest on the market while some even have a special pocket to keep your drinks cold.

A HANDHELD GPS

You may prefer to use a laser or even a GPS watch but we think your best friend from a course navigation and distancemeasuring device point of view will be a handheld GPS.

Chances are you won’t have played the course before so it’s great to have a full hole flyover views to see exactly where you are going and what is around that dogleg. They can be easily clipped on to your bag or trolley or even just left in the buggy. The GolfBuddy PT4 and SkyCaddie Touch both have nice large screens with detailed course and hazard information.

A PAIR OF SPIKELESS SHOES

Even if you’re a fan of something more traditional when back in the UK, you’ve got to go for maximum comfort when playing in hot, dry and firm conditions. Play 18, stop for a spot of lunch and then back out for another 18 without even changing your footwear.

The traction on most spikeless models is excellent these days so there really is no compromise. The Puma Ignite Spikeless and Ecco Biom Hybrid 2 are among the most comfortable while the FootJoy DryJoys Casual are the ultimate all-rounders.

SOME SUNBLOCK AND A CAP

It’s no good if you can’t make people jealous with your tan because it peels off before you make it home. Save the sunbathing for the pool where you can always nip into the shade.

Being out on an exposed golf course for four hours without the right protection can ruin the rest of your trip through sunstroke, dehydration or both. Don’t take any chances, wear a cap and apply sunblock. Caps such as the Dobby Tech Fitted Hat from Titleist are made of a moisture-wicking fabric to prevent you from overheating.

A COPY OF NATIONAL CLUB GOLFER AND LADY GOLFER

Don’t bother with newspapers or glossy celeb magazines – you’re away to play golf so why not immerse yourself in the best features, instruction and equipment articles around. There will be more than enough to keep you going on the flight and on the clubhouse balcony while admiring the sunset with a piña colada in hand.

A PAIR OF SUNGLASSES

It’s not just about looking cool like Lee Westwood while strutting the fairways. There are a number of practical reasons why a pair of shades are a must for golfing abroad. They offer extra UV protection, can help you keep track of your ball and some can even help you see the contours on the greens better.

A bit like spikeless shoes, they’ll get plenty of use off the course too. There aren’t loads of brands offering golf-specific sunglasses but the likes of Bolle, Sundog and Sunwise have models designed to stay in place throughout your swing.

A TRAVEL COVER

If you’re taking your clubs then a decent travel cover is essential. You want to make sure your prized possessions arrive in one piece and you want to look the part when strolling through the airport. Another bonus is all that extra luggage room. Sticking your bag of dirty washing in for the trip home is a top tip of ours.

Big Max have even created an all-in-one case – the Double Decker – which has enough space for one large golf bag or two small ones as well as separate pockets for clothes, shoes and accessories.