Europe's golf break hotspots
Southern Europe has become a favourite for golfers who want mild weather outside the northern season. The Algarve is famous for its clifftop and pine-lined courses, Mallorca has a good spread of courses within easy reach of Palma, and the coast around Barcelona and the Cote d'Azur both offer courses in attractive settings. Ireland, of course, has a deep golfing tradition of its own.
Whether you are planning a long weekend or a week of rounds, getting your clubs there safely is the first step.
Choosing a travel bag
Golf travel bags come in soft and hard varieties. Hard cases offer the most protection but are heavier and harder to store. Soft bags with good padding are popular and easier to handle, especially if you are moving between hotels.
Many golfers use a stiff arm, a telescopic rod that sits in the bag slightly taller than your driver, so that if the bag is dropped on its end the rod takes the impact rather than your club heads. Removing driver and wood heads if they are adjustable is another simple precaution.
Packing smart
Wrap club heads in towels or head covers, and use the spare space for shoes, waterproofs and balls. Be mindful of weight, as a bag stuffed with extras becomes difficult to carry. Keep valuable items such as a rangefinder in your cabin bag.
Take a photo of your clubs and bag before you leave. If anything is damaged, having a clear record makes any claim easier.
Booking clubs with AeroVista
A golf bag is treated as sports equipment: 45 euros per item per flight when booked online, with registration at least 24 hours before departure. Faro, Palma, Barcelona, Nice and Dublin are all on the AeroVista network, which covers many of the most popular golf regions.
If you are hiring a car, check that the boot is big enough for your golf bags as well as suitcases. A group of four golfers often needs an estate car or larger vehicle. AeroVista rental cars come with unlimited kilometres, basic insurance and free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up, which helps if your group size changes.
Good to know
- Book tee times before you travel, especially in spring and autumn high season.
- Use a stiff arm in soft golf bags to protect club heads.
- Confirm your transfer or rental car can take all the golf bags in your group.