As Arizona greets the golf aficionados with its beckoning courses, there's more than just the game to consider for those arriving with gear in tow. "Every golfer’s fear is their clubs not showing up," Michael Leonard, golf sage and author, told azfamily.com, stressing the importance of securing a sturdy travel case for your precious cargo. He suggests either a hard shell for maximal protection or a lighter soft shell to dodge airline weight limits.
Removing club heads is a must, according to Leonard, which simply docs off with a wrench in today's adjustable world. Wrap them in a towel and stow them in the bag's big pocket, safe and snug. To those headed for the sunny expanses of Arizona, bring on the extra gear, as those golf shirts and shoes not only up your style quotient but also double as padding. And let's not forget technology's little helper—an AirTag on your bag to keep tabs just in case they go rogue.
Shipping clubs ahead may hit the wallet harder, but companies like UPS and Ship Sticks offer peace of mind for the non-pro who can stomach the expense. Yet, as Leonard points out, renting clubs on arrival is an option worth checking against exorbitant airline baggage fees. Golfing in Arizona isn't just about the clubs, though. It's a strategic dance with the weather and terrain, balancing early tee times and hydration with the awe-inspiring, sometimes hazard-filled landscapes.
Visitors are advised by Visit Arizona to brace for sudden thunderstorms, even when the weather app gleams with sunshine. The sweeping greens bordered by local critters like rattlesnakes and Gila monsters, offer more than just stunning views, they demand a respect for nature's inhabitants. And in the chance meeting with an elk near the fairway, play it cool and safe.
For those weaving in sightseeing with their swing, Grand Canyon National Park is a drive away—and who would pass on a historic drive through parts of Route 66? Arizona's golf courses are renowned, like TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course or Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, where "Tin Cup" fans can walk the Hollywood-famed greens. And if you're around in February, the Waste Management Phoenix Open presents a chance to see pros in action, rounding out an Arizona golf trip that's as much about the experience as it is about the game.
