SEND STUFF PACKAGING GUIDES
How to Pack Golf Clubs for International Shipping
Travelling overseas for golf, relocating or sending your clubs internationally? Learn how to protect golf club heads, shafts and travel bags before shipping your equipment from New Zealand.
VIEW PACKING STEPS →Golf clubs can be expensive and delicate, particularly modern drivers, fairway woods and clubs with lightweight graphite shafts. When sending golf equipment internationally, appropriate protective packaging is essential.
Golf travel bags and cases may pass through multiple handling facilities and transport connections before reaching their destination. Preparing your equipment carefully helps reduce the risk of impact and movement.
This guide explains how to pack golf clubs for international shipping with Send Stuff, including travel case selection, club head protection, shaft support, accessories and final shipping measurements.
Choosing the Right Golf Travel Case
The travel case is the primary protective barrier between your golf equipment and external handling conditions.
Golf travel cases generally fall into two categories: hard-shell cases and padded soft-sided bags.
| Case Type | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Hard-Shell Travel Case | Rigid exterior provides additional protection against external compression and impact. | May be heavier and larger. Check the case for cracks, damaged closures and wheels. |
| Padded Soft Travel Bag | Often lighter, easier to store and may include internal straps and compartments. | Offers less rigid protection against crushing. Additional padding and shaft support may be needed. |
| Protective Shipping Carton | Can provide an alternative outer package when appropriately designed and packed. | Requires suitable internal protection and must meet carrier requirements. |
Our recommendation: A well-fitted hard-shell golf travel case is worth considering for international freight, particularly for valuable equipment. Always confirm the carrier's specific packaging and acceptance requirements before shipping.
Recommended Golf Club Packing Materials
The appropriate packing materials depend on the case design, number of clubs and level of protection required.
- Golf travel case: A strong, suitably sized hard or padded case.
- Club headcovers: Protection for drivers, woods, hybrids and other suitable clubs.
- Soft towels or padding: Additional cushioning around vulnerable areas.
- Shaft protection: Suitable protective sleeves or supports where needed.
- Support rod: A purpose-made golf travel support device for appropriate soft travel bags.
- Internal straps: To secure the golf bag and reduce movement.
- Protective bags: For suitable loose accessories.
- Shipping labels: Applied according to the carrier's instructions.
Avoid loose equipment. Golf clubs, shoes and accessories should not be able to move freely inside the travel case. Movement can cause clubs to strike one another or damage the case lining.
How to Pack Golf Clubs for International Shipping
Follow these general steps when preparing your golf equipment for overseas freight.
Inspect Your Equipment
Check your clubs, golf bag and travel case for existing damage. Photograph the equipment before packing.
Remove Detachable Heads
Where manufacturer instructions permit, consider removing adjustable driver or wood heads and packing them separately with suitable cushioning.
Protect Club Heads
Fit appropriate headcovers and add padding around the top of the golf bag to reduce impact and contact between clubs.
Support the Shafts
Use suitable shaft protection and, where appropriate, a travel support rod to reduce pressure on longer clubs.
Secure the Golf Bag
Place the golf bag inside the travel case and fasten internal straps. Fill suitable empty spaces with cushioning.
Close & Check
Secure all zips, latches and closures. Check that the clubs cannot move excessively and that the case is ready for handling.
Protecting Golf Club Heads & Shafts
Club heads and shafts are among the most vulnerable parts of golf equipment during transport.
Drivers & Fairway Woods
Drivers and fairway woods can have large heads and long, lightweight shafts. Where the club manufacturer permits, detachable heads may be removed to reduce the overall length and protect the connection.
Wrap detached heads individually and secure them within the case so they cannot move. Keep any adjustment tools or small components together in a suitable protective pouch.
Irons & Wedges
Iron and wedge heads can strike adjacent clubs during movement. Suitable headcovers, soft dividers or additional padding can reduce contact.
Graphite Shafts
Graphite shafts can be vulnerable to concentrated pressure or impact. Avoid tightly binding clubs together or allowing hard objects to press against exposed shafts.
Use a Travel Support Rod Where Appropriate
A purpose-made support rod can help protect the upper section of a soft golf travel bag by providing a structural point above the club heads. It should be positioned and adjusted according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Helpful tip: After packing, gently check whether the clubs move excessively inside the case. Add suitable cushioning if necessary, without placing excessive pressure on the shafts.
Packing Golf Shoes, Balls & Accessories
Golf travel cases often have additional space for accessories, but these should be packed carefully and checked against the carrier's contents requirements.
Golf Shoes
Clean and dry golf shoes before packing. Use a suitable shoe bag or protective wrapping and keep hard soles or spikes away from vulnerable club components.
Golf Balls & Tees
Keep golf balls, tees and other small accessories inside closed compartments or suitable bags to prevent movement.
Golf Clothing & Towels
Clean, dry clothing and towels may be useful for cushioning, provided they do not place unwanted pressure on the clubs or cause the case to become overpacked.
Do not pack unapproved hazardous products. Some golf-related items, such as certain cleaning sprays, aerosols or battery-powered accessories, may be subject to transport restrictions. Check before packing.
Customs & Restricted Items
Golf clubs shipped internationally may be subject to customs declarations, import processing and destination-specific requirements.
The documentation required can depend on whether the equipment is being permanently imported, temporarily taken overseas or sent to another person.
Information You May Need
- Description of the golf equipment.
- Number of golf bags or cases.
- Whether the equipment is new or used.
- Reasonable declared value of the contents.
- Sender and recipient details.
- Purpose of shipment and any relevant customs information.
Golf equipment may also require cleaning to satisfy destination biosecurity requirements. Remove visible soil, grass and other organic material from shoes, clubs and accessories.
Travelling temporarily? If you intend to take your golf clubs overseas and later return them to New Zealand, check the relevant temporary import and re-export requirements before shipping.
Learn more in our Customs & Import Duties Guide .
Weighing & Measuring Your Golf Travel Bag
Golf travel cases are often long and unusually shaped, so accurate measurements are important when requesting an international freight quote.
Record the final packed weight and the longest external length, width and depth of the travel case.
Measurements to Provide
- Total packed weight including the case and accessories.
- Overall length of the golf travel case.
- Maximum external width.
- Maximum external depth.
- Number of golf bags or cases being shipped.
- Collection location and destination postcode.
Oversized shipment considerations: Long or bulky golf cases may be subject to additional handling requirements, size limits or carrier charges. Acceptance depends on the service and package dimensions.
Read our Shipping Costs Explained guide for more information about how package dimensions affect international freight.
Golf Club Shipping Checklist
Before handing over your golf equipment for international shipping, review the following checklist.
Before You Send Your Clubs
- Golf clubs and travel case have been inspected.
- Existing damage has been photographed.
- The travel case is suitable for the equipment and carrier.
- Detachable club heads have been protected where applicable.
- Club heads have suitable covers or cushioning.
- Shafts are protected from concentrated pressure.
- A support rod has been fitted if appropriate.
- Clubs and accessories are secured against movement.
- Golf shoes and equipment are clean and dry.
- Restricted items have been removed or checked.
- The travel case closes securely without excessive pressure.
- Old shipping labels have been removed.
- Final packed weight and dimensions have been recorded.
- Customs information and declared values are accurate.
Consider retaining photographs of the packed equipment and proof of value. These records may be useful if a shipment issue needs to be investigated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship golf clubs internationally from New Zealand?
Golf clubs may be accepted on suitable international freight services, subject to the carrier's packaging, size, weight and destination requirements. Send Stuff can review your shipment details and available options.
Do I need a hard golf travel case?
A hard-shell case is worth considering because it provides a rigid outer structure. However, exact packaging requirements depend on the carrier and service selected.
Should I remove the head from my driver?
If your driver has a removable head and the manufacturer permits removal, this may help protect the club during transport. Wrap the head separately and secure it inside the case.
Can I include golf shoes and clothing?
These items may be acceptable, subject to carrier requirements and customs declarations. Pack them securely and avoid placing pressure on the clubs.
Can I ship golf clubs in a cardboard box?
A suitable protective carton may be accepted on some freight services. It must provide adequate internal protection and meet the carrier's packaging requirements.
How should I measure a golf travel bag?
Measure the final packed case at its longest and widest external points, including protruding wheels or handles. Provide its total packed weight.
Will I need to pay customs duties on my golf clubs?
Customs requirements depend on the destination, shipment purpose and applicable import rules. Used personal equipment is not automatically exempt from duties or taxes.
What happens if my golf clubs are damaged?
Photograph the damage and packaging, retain the case and protective materials, and report the issue promptly. See our Claims, Loss & Damage Guide for further information.
Ready to Ship Your Golf Clubs Overseas?
Whether you're travelling for a golf holiday, relocating overseas or sending equipment to another country, tell us your destination, golf case dimensions and packed weight. We'll review your requirements and provide a personalised shipping quote.
GET A FREE SHIPPING QUOTE →Disclaimer: This guide provides general packaging advice only. Carrier acceptance, packaging requirements, customs procedures and shipping restrictions vary by service and destination. Customers must comply with the requirements applicable to their shipment.