Everything You Need for a Golf Trip in 2023 [Packing List]

I’ll never forget my first big golf trip to Florida. Apart from the fact that I forgot my golf shoes, it was a great experience. It was a good thing that I had my tennis shoes, but it was still embarrassing.

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 includes many essential items such as all your golf equipment. You will also need your passport, wallet, and boarding pass. Even though everything is essential, you can still buy some smaller items at your destination if they are not there.

• Golf Travel BagThis one is particularly important if your destination is far away. A golf travel bag that is large enough to hold your bag must be available. Make sure the bag protects your clubs.
• Golf ClubsMake sure you know the course and have all the necessary clubs. Keep in mind that you can only carry 14 clubs.
• Additional Tees and golf balls:These can be purchased at the course, but they are often marked up quite a bit.
• Ball Markers and divot tools
• Golf glovesBad blisters are not something you want! You should always have a few extra gloves in case one gets cut.
• Golf Umbrella:This is a great thing to have, even if it’s not the best weather forecast. Popup showers are common in the summer months.
• Pair of golf shoesThis was the hardest lesson I have ever had to learn!
• A Golf Towel or TwoOne to wipe your head, hands and feet and the other to clean out your clubs.
• Snacks in packages:This will save you tons of money over buying them at the proshop. Saving money is always a good thing.
• Water bottle Pro tip – Find one that will clip on the side of your golf bag.
• Suitcase:For all your non-golf luggage or other items.
• Carry-On Bag:Although it is optional, this can be useful during long layovers or delays at airports. I rarely travel without a carry on.
• Sunscreen: A sunburn can ruin your golf trip in no time! If necessary, bring enough sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun and pool.
• Sunglasses: You don’t want to be squinting the entire round.
• Shower bag All your toiletries
• Toothbrush and ToothpasteYou should never leave your bathroom without toiletries.
• 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 is especially useful in windy conditions. Chapped lips can be quite painful.
• Razors:This will depend on how long the trip 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: Tip the cart girls selling drinks on-course
• Passport
• Boarding PassIf not already stored on your phone,
• Books and magazines: For folks that don’t want to read on their phone at the airport
• Tee TimeYou may not be able to play on the golf course that you play on.

Clothing: Fall and Winter

We decided to divide the clothing section into 2 parts: one for cooler and one that is for warmer weather. No matter the season, be sure to bring proper golf clothing. It is not a good idea to arrive at your tee times in the wrong attire.

Although most golf vacations are in the warmer parts of the country, such as Florida, it is still possible to enjoy a cool round if you book an early morning tee. Layers are the best option if you’re worried about being cold at the start of your round. Layers are great because you can take them off as the temperature rises.

• 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 ShirtsTo be safe, I like to keep a few extra shirts on hand
• Long sleeves:Lightweight layers are best if you have an early start time.
• Beanie:Depending on the temperature, your ears may need to be kept warm
• Underwear
• Socks: maybe opt for extra thick ones if it’s going to be cool
• Belt:This is something that is easy to forget.
• Rain jacket:No matter the season, you should always have rain gear.
• Tennis Shoes or Dress ShoesActivities other than golf

Clothing: Spring and 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. For summer, you can choose from any of the Nike or Under Armour short-sleeve golf shirts.

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 important if your destination is Arizona or South Florida in the summer. I’ve found that putting on a dry shirt after the first nine holes helps keep me more comfortable.

• There are many golf polo shirts: Preferably the dri-fit versions if it’s going to be brutally hot on the course. Avoid cotton shirts as they can easily be weighed down by sweat.
• Golf shorts or golf skirts: Nobody wants to wear long pants if it’s going to be 90+ degrees outside
• Golf Hat or VisorThis will keep the sunlight out of your eyes, and protect your head and face against sunburn.
• Outfits for activities other than golf
• Underwear
• Socks
• Belt
• Rain gear:We also mentioned the annoying summer popup showers.
• SwimsuitsIf you are planning on staying near a beach, or using the hotel’s pool,
• Extra Towels
• Tennis Shoes or Dress ShoesFor more fun activities
• Flip Flops or SandalsYou can use the pool, beach or other fun places to go.

Electronics

We feel that we can’t live without our electronics in this modern age. 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 PhoneSelf explanatory
• Phone Charger Just don’t leave it in the hotel room when you check out 😉
• Headphones:You can listen to music or view videos while on the flight or at the airport.
• Tablet or LaptopIf you need to do any work on the plane, or if you want to download some movies for your flight,
• Charger(s), Laptop/Tablet
• Rangefinder: 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 and headphones
• Golf GPS Watch