To take clubs or not?

[southpaw72]

 

In late March I have a Hawaii trip planned to both Maui and Kauai. I hope to play two rounds possibly one on each island.  Leaning towards kapalua bay course and Poipu. Taking any recommendations. 

My real question is as a lefty what is the rental situation like? I’ve never flown or shipped clubs but since this will be a big trip and I want to play my best at these amazing courses it really makes me want to bring my own bag that I know. But the stress of transport is also in the back of my mind. Any advice?

[Abh159]

You're far from the first person to fly to Hawaii with their golf clubs. Sure, there is a small risk that something could happen, but that risk is also there with every other piece of luggage you're taking. 

 

If you plan on playing that much I think you're going to want to have your own clubs. If you are truly worried about taking them on the plane then use a service like ShipSticks. However, using one of those services isn't guaranteed to go 100% perfectly. 

[Jimmy Mac]

Also a lefty, had one bad experience renting clubs (in Ireland on bucket list trip to play golf there with my dad). Ever since, I fly my clubs.

 

I simply check them as with any other baggage, typically around $50 each way. If I'm only playing a single round, I probably net out $10-25 more than the rental cost and it's worth it. If multiple rounds, it's cheaper. 

 

I use a hardcase with TSA locks. Interestingly they seem to be searched with every flight as there's always a TSA courtesy card. I've never had any item arrived damaged. The hardcase either fits in the trunk or across the back seat of the car. I unpack in my hotel and just leave it there until ready to return home. 

 

Have fun, I am taking my first trip there in November. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[tad950]

Just call the courses and ask what they carry. If you use X or even stiff shafts sometimes, you’re probably out of luck. If you don’t already have a travel bag it probably wouldn’t be worth bringing your clubs. Resort  courses in Hawaii usually rent pretty good equipment. But some not so good. And depending on your airline and cabin category, checked bag fees may apply. 

[Springsteennut]

Kapalua has nice rentals.They were Titleist if I remember right. Around 75/80 to rent but that was pre Covid. I’ve also used the Maui Golf shop. They have a large assortment of clubs and you basically build your own set and they are less expensive. Kauai I’ve always rented at the course and they have been pretty good. Being lefty as a previous poster said you should call ahead. 

[CaseyC]

You should splurge for the Plantation Course rather than the Bay Course on Maui

 

If you are staying South, then Poipu is good.  I prefer Makai up North.  But I wouldn't do the drive just to play.

[VNutz]

23 hours ago, southpaw72 said:

 

In late March I have a Hawaii trip planned to both Maui and Kauai. I hope to play two rounds possibly one on each island.  Leaning towards kapalua bay course and Poipu. Taking any recommendations. 

My real question is as a lefty what is the rental situation like? I’ve never flown or shipped clubs but since this will be a big trip and I want to play my best at these amazing courses it really makes me want to bring my own bag that I know. But the stress of transport is also in the back of my mind. Any advice?

You could always use ShipSticks. I assume to Hawaii it would be costly, but definitely should provide more peace of mind than airlines.

 

I can't imagine going to a course and playing clubs other than my own. No matter how good they might be there's always an adjustment period.

[cubuffs]

2 hours ago, CaseyC said:

You should splurge for the Plantation Course rather than the Bay Course on Maui

 

If you are staying South, then Poipu is good.  I prefer Makai up North.  But I wouldn't do the drive just to play.

cant second this enough.  If just one round on Maui, play Plantation.

[cassel191919]

1 hour ago, cubuffs said:

cant second this enough.  If just one round on Maui, play Plantation.

Please don't pass on the Plantation course, I really enjoyed the Bay course but its not close to the Plantation course and the price difference isn't that much.

[ESOX ZO]

I'd bring the clubs with, book another ticket and buckle her in to the seat next to you. Watch a movie together as you fly over the Pacific, then shoot a career low.

[Modad]

Another lefty here and I head over to Hawaii Sunday.  I always take my own clubs and usually play 3 rounds a trip.  I use a Caddy Daddy hybrid bag and it handles airlines well. They don't make it any more but there are some on Ebay. It's a one time purchase and worth it!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144791615670?hash=item21b640b8b6:g:L20AAOSwsIVjYT5j&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA4I1IuHpkFnRlfI76tkzISP%2F01NXar2eesdX%2Ft9LAQt8jV2UdaJCr3s6Qsl3EZyvX9QpuJgRgothQMfWKJveJ%2F9X791J%2BL40%2FYL3uZ4%2B0YRZDInqAEtWL0plnVmq%2FDYjKFZhA%2BnwgfgM0AhAxgRwbea3G1mlKMYOEGPyW4Yktkh%2FTi2TkC018TAwXsKoxfvzwF9usZ16YiyexY1cUYMiWuP9CiTkeNGrZF9gur1wc2GJM2uVEHU9z7IiObIXA3VHqEqgTDKIJ54eNihn4zldHaP1YDGp3mwzK3d73IcW3yLe8|tkp%3ABk9SR8LZyv64YQ

[2bGood]

15 hours ago, CaseyC said:

You should splurge for the Plantation Course rather than the Bay Course on Maui

Yes, big upgrade to play the Plantation is you are only doing one round. 

[br61]

I took my clubs last October when I flew from Oakland to Lihue, no problems. Taking your clubs on plane will be much cheaper than renting clubs. My son joined me for a long weekend so we played Ocean Course at Hokuala, it cost him $60 or so for rental Callaway shovels. He did not like them and ended up using my clubs.

 

Using your own clubs might make your vacation rounds more pleasant. Do play at Plantation course. You'll enjoy it.

[Muffy]

Lefty as well.  I usually bring my own clubs.  I normally take the heads off the driver and woods and invert the shaft (handle up) as I’ve heard of rough airline treatment (websearch “United Breaks Guitars”) but have never had an issue.  It is a slight pain to lug them to check-in, but probably saves time as opposed to renting clubs.  Trying to adjust to rental club swing weights, grips, length and lie….takes a lot of focus.  

[st1800e]

On 1/18/2023 at 7:57 AM, VNutz said:

On 1/17/2023 at 8:08 AM, southpaw72 said:

advice?

You could always use ShipSticks. I assume to Hawaii it would be costly, but definitely should provide more peace of mind than airlines.

How do you think Shipsticks gets them there? 

[ilikegolf26]

On 1/18/2023 at 9:57 AM, VNutz said:

You could always use ShipSticks. I assume to Hawaii it would be costly, but definitely should provide more peace of mind than airlines.

 

I can't imagine going to a course and playing clubs other than my own. No matter how good they might be there's always an adjustment period.

I’ve never understood who uses Shipsticks. Their rates are ridiculous. $170 each way to Hawaii? $70 each way to my parents house on 4-5 day shipping time? No thanks. I’ll pay the $40 the airline charges. 

[VNutz]

9 hours ago, st1800e said:

How do you think Shipsticks gets them there? 

Clearly they go by air if going to Hawaii, but with Shipsticks they usually travel within UPS or FedEx's own distribution chain. Say what you will about that, and I haven't looked at numbers, but their success rate is likely far greater than the airlines.