A step-by-step guide to safely packing and shipping golf clubs overseas from New Zealand.
Whether you're heading overseas for a golfing holiday, relocating internationally or sending golf clubs to family or friends, choosing the right packaging is essential.
Golf clubs are particularly vulnerable during transport because of their length, delicate shafts and expensive club heads. Without adequate protection, movement inside a travel bag or shipping carton can result in damage.
At Send Stuff, we help New Zealand customers arrange international shipping for golf clubs, sports equipment, excess baggage and personal belongings.
Follow our guide to learn how to pack golf clubs for international shipping.
1. Choose the Right Golf Club Packaging
Before packing your golf clubs, consider whether you'll be sending an entire golf bag or just a few individual clubs.
There are several packaging options available.
Hard-Shell Golf Travel Cases
Hard-shell golf travel cases provide a rigid outer layer that helps protect your clubs from knocks and pressure during transport.
They're particularly useful for expensive golf equipment and frequent international travellers.
A suitable hard-shell case may be accepted for shipping without an additional cardboard carton, depending on the carrier's requirements.
Padded Golf Travel Bags
Soft-sided golf travel bags are lightweight and convenient, but they generally provide less protection against external impacts.
If you're using a padded golf bag, consider adding a protective support rod and additional cushioning around the club heads.
Some shipments may require an outer shipping carton.
Cardboard Golf Shipping Boxes
Heavy-duty corrugated cardboard cartons are another option for international golf club shipping.
Specialist golf shipping cartons are available in different sizes, including:
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Full-length cartons designed to accommodate an entire golf bag.
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Narrow, elongated cartons for shipping one or several individual clubs.
Our recommendation: Use a suitable rigid travel case or strong corrugated shipping carton with sufficient internal cushioning. Confirm that your chosen packaging is acceptable before arranging shipment.
2. Remove and Protect Detachable Golf Club Heads
Drivers, fairway woods and other long clubs can be particularly vulnerable during shipping.
Where the manufacturer permits, removing detachable club heads can reduce the overall length and help protect the connection between the head and shaft.
Before packing:
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Remove detachable driver and fairway wood heads where practical.
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Record the club's adjustment settings before removing the head.
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Place detached heads into protective headcovers.
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Wrap vulnerable club heads individually with bubble wrap or suitable padding.
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Store adjustment tools and small components securely.
For clubs with fixed heads, use protective headcovers and additional cushioning.
Avoid placing unprotected metal club heads directly against other clubs.
3. Protect the Shafts and Bundle Clubs Together
Golf club shafts can bend or break if they experience excessive force during transport.
To reduce movement and contact between clubs:
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Group clubs together in manageable bundles.
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Place protective padding between shafts where necessary.
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Wrap bundles with bubble wrap or suitable cushioning.
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Secure the protective wrapping without applying excessive pressure.
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Position shorter clubs alongside longer clubs where practical.
Bundling clubs helps minimise individual movement within the golf bag.
Pay particular attention to graphite shafts, which can be vulnerable to damage from impacts and crushing.
4. Use a Golf Travel Support Rod
A golf travel support rod, sometimes called a stiff arm, is designed to help protect the longest clubs in your golf bag.
These adjustable supports extend above the club heads, helping absorb or distribute impacts that might otherwise affect the clubs.
When using a soft-sided travel bag:
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Position the support rod securely inside the golf bag.
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Adjust its height so it extends slightly beyond the longest club.
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Ensure it cannot move freely.
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Add cushioning around the upper section of the bag.
A support rod is particularly worthwhile when shipping expensive drivers or complete sets of golf clubs.
5. Fill Empty Spaces With Protective Packaging
One of the most important steps when packing golf clubs for international shipping is preventing movement inside the package.
Even well-protected clubs can be damaged if they shift around during handling.
Suitable cushioning materials include:
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Bubble wrap
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Packing paper
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Foam padding
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Inflatable air cushions
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Clean towels or clothing
If you're using a cardboard shipping carton, aim for approximately 5 cm of protective cushioning around the golf bag, where practical.
Place cushioning at the bottom of the carton before inserting the golf bag, then fill the spaces around the sides and top.
Make sure the clubs cannot move significantly when the package is gently repositioned.
Avoid overfilling the carton or forcing the contents into a box that is too small.
6. Check Golf Bag Pockets for Restricted Items
Before sealing your golf bag, inspect every compartment and pocket.
Golf bags commonly contain accessories such as golf balls, tees, gloves, clothing, shoes and electronic devices.
Some items may be restricted during international shipping, including:
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Aerosol sprays
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Certain cleaning products
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Loose lithium batteries
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Battery-powered rangefinders
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Electronic GPS devices
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Flammable liquids
Not all items that are suitable for airline checked baggage are automatically acceptable for international cargo shipping.
Important: Remove potentially restricted items until their shipping eligibility has been confirmed.
If you're unsure whether something can travel with your golf clubs, contact Send Stuff before packing.
7. Seal Your Golf Club Shipping Box Correctly
Once your clubs are protected and the empty spaces have been filled, it's time to secure the outer packaging.
For cardboard shipping cartons, we recommend the H-taping method.
How to H-Tape a Shipping Carton
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Close the top flaps of the carton.
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Apply strong pressure-sensitive packing tape along the centre seam.
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Apply additional tape across both outer edges where the flaps meet the box.
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Repeat the process on the bottom of the carton.
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Reinforce any areas that may be exposed to additional stress.
This creates an H-shaped tape pattern across the carton.
Use good-quality packing tape rather than household adhesive tape, masking tape or string.
For hard-shell travel cases, ensure all locks, catches and zips are properly secured.
For soft-sided travel bags, secure loose straps and handles to reduce the risk of snagging.
8. Measure and Weigh Your Packed Golf Clubs
Before requesting an international golf club shipping quote, measure and weigh your fully packed equipment.
You'll need:
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Length: The longest point of the packed golf bag or carton.
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Width: The widest point.
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Height: The highest point.
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Weight: The total packed weight in kilograms.
Include protruding wheels, handles and other external features in your measurements.
Why Dimensions Matter
International freight charges are commonly calculated using the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight.
Golf clubs can be relatively lightweight but occupy a large amount of space because of their length.
For this reason, the dimensions of your golf travel bag can significantly affect your international shipping quote.
9. Attach Your Shipping Label Securely
Your shipping label must be securely attached and clearly visible.
For cardboard cartons, apply the label to a flat surface where it won't wrap around an edge or cover a seam.
For hard-shell golf travel cases, a suitable luggage label pouch or securely attached shipping tag may be required.
Avoid placing shipping labels directly over zips, handles or moving parts.
When shipping through Send Stuff, we'll advise on the appropriate shipping label and documentation arrangements.
10. Clean Your Golf Clubs Before International Shipping
If your golf clubs have been used outdoors, thoroughly clean them before shipping.
Remove:
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Soil and mud from club heads
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Grass and organic material
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Dirt from golf shoes
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Debris from golf bag pockets and wheels
Some destination countries have strict biosecurity requirements for used sporting equipment.
New Zealand and Australia, for example, maintain biosecurity controls on goods that could introduce pests or contaminants.
Cleaning your equipment before shipping can help reduce the likelihood of biosecurity issues at the destination.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship Golf Clubs Overseas From NZ?
The cost of shipping golf clubs internationally from New Zealand depends on several factors.
These include:
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Destination country and delivery address
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Actual packed weight
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Package dimensions
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Packaging type
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Collection and delivery requirements
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Applicable customs and handling charges
For example, a full golf bag in a large hard-shell travel case may cost more to ship than a small number of clubs packed in a narrow shipping carton.
At Send Stuff, we review each shipment individually and provide a tailored quote based on its requirements.
Can You Ship Golf Clubs From New Zealand to Australia?
Yes, golf clubs can generally be shipped from New Zealand to Australia, subject to packaging, customs, biosecurity and carrier requirements.
Used golf clubs should be thoroughly cleaned before shipping, particularly the club heads, golf shoes and bag.
The same general packaging principles apply when sending golf clubs to the United Kingdom, United States, Europe and other international destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest way to ship golf clubs internationally?
A suitable hard-shell golf travel case or strong corrugated shipping carton with adequate internal cushioning is generally a good option. Protect the club heads, minimise movement and consider a travel support rod.
Can I ship golf clubs in a soft travel bag?
Potentially, yes. However, soft travel bags offer less rigid protection and may require additional outer packaging depending on the shipping service.
Should I remove my driver head before shipping?
If the driver has a removable head, detaching it and packing it separately can help reduce the risk of damage. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and record the adjustment settings first.
Can I ship individual golf clubs without a golf bag?
Yes. Individual clubs can be packed in appropriately sized, strong corrugated cartons with sufficient cushioning around the head and shaft.
Can I include golf shoes and clothing?
Generally, these can be packed with your clubs, subject to the destination and carrier requirements. Ensure everything is clean, dry and properly declared.
Do I need to provide the value of my golf clubs?
You may need to provide an accurate value for customs documentation, even when shipping used personal equipment.
Ready to Ship Your Golf Clubs Overseas?
Whether you're travelling, relocating or sending your golf equipment internationally, Send Stuff can help arrange shipping from New Zealand.
Simply provide your destination, approximate packed weight and dimensions, and we'll review your requirements.
Get a Free Golf Club Shipping Quote
Packaging guidance is general information only. All shipments remain subject to carrier acceptance, applicable transport restrictions and destination requirements. Proper packaging reduces risk but cannot guarantee against damage during transit.