#Golf Knowledge
Jan 05, 2022
POSTED BY: Nicholas Venditti

How To Ship Golf Clubs Internationally: A Basic Guide

Playing courses abroad, planning a golfing tour across the US, or just wanting a round or two on your foreign vacation, shipping golf clubs can make even the most seasoned traveling golfer more than a little nervous.

The best way to ship golf clubs within the US or internationally is to use designated couriers rather than including your golf bag and clubs as airline luggage. 

There are plenty of restrictions about what can go in your golf bag and hefty fees for oversized bags from most airlines.

The leading delivery companies all offer a golf club shipping service that will allow your clubs to travel safely and in style without any of the hold-ups and difficulties encountered in many international airports.

How Much Will It Cost To Ship Golf Clubs Internationally?

FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL will ship golf clubs anywhere in the world. How much it costs depends on the destination and the level of insurance coverage you require, but expect a few hundred dollars depending on the variables.

The cost is also dictated by the individual carrier and the type of service you choose, express being more expensive than a standard package. Don’t forget the size of the parcel and its weight will also influence the price. 

The leading carriers have cost calculators on their websites to get a realistic estimate of shipping rates.

Will Your Clubs Be Insured?

All the courier services offer insurance as part of the deal but beware of the limit that may not reflect your clubs’ actual value and what is termed non-specific insurance coverage.

FedEx and UPS don’t offer specific insurance for golf clubs; instead, they have declared value coverage. This coverage is based on the weight and value of the golf bag.

The declared value is used to calculate the liability in the event of damage or loss. If there is no declared value, the default is $100 automatic shipment coverage.  USPS offers insurance up to $200.

These amounts are not very high, so most golfers add third-party insurance to reflect the actual value of their clubs.

How To Pack Your Clubs For Shipping

Without exception, it is essential to buy a golf club shipping box. Boxes are necessary for either a set of clubs or just one individual golf club. A dedicated golf club shipping box will protect the club/s while in transit.

Always check the longest club in your set, usually the driver, before purchasing a box. Note that when the clubs are wrapped and packed, they will take up more space, so you may need to buy two compartments for your shipment.

Here are the key steps to help you pack your clubs for shipping.

Wrap Each Individual club

Wrap each club separately using two layers of bubble wrap and secure with tape.

Headcovers

Remove the heads from the drivers and fairway woods. 

Use headcovers to maximize protection for all the clubs, whether you remove the heads or not.

Pack the Clubs Together

Bundle the clubs together with extra bubble wrap and tape. The clubs are better protected if they travel in a bundle as they are more robust.

Use a Golf Travel Bag

Place the entire bundle in a golf travel bag. As an alternative, you can put in each club individually wrapped.

Include a Support Rod

An aluminium support rod can protect the tallest club in the bag as this is subjected to maximum stress and strain.

Shipping box

Place the golf bag into the shipping box. Use air pillows, polystyrene beads, or more bubble wrap to pack any empty spaces so the clubs are cushioned and won’t move during transit.

Some delivery companies like FedEx have specialty shipping boxes designed for the unique shape of a golf bag. Options include one large box for an entire golf bag and a narrower tubular style box for individual clubs.

Seal the shipping box

Seal the box securely with packing tape. Don’t forget to tape all the seams or flaps.

How To Ship Golf Clubs Internationally: A Step-by-step Guide

Box Weight and Dimensions

To obtain an accurate quote for your parcel, you must first select and pack the clubs and extras. This includes all the individual wrapping and the golf bag placed in the shipping box.

Obtain a Shipping Quote

Measure and weigh the shipping box and check all the leading couriers for your destination based on the box size and weight. 

If you want a ballpark figure even before you start, then just weigh the clubs you intend to take. That weight will give you a minimum price.

Choose Your Delivery Service

Choose your courier and then follow the step-by-step process online to arrange the collection and shipment of your parcel. Some carriers offer home pick-up. 

If you decide to use UPS, they will take care of the packing for you.

Add Labels

Print out the labels and attach them to your parcel.

Travel insurance

Check the insurance coverage carefully and if you think your clubs are underinsured, then arrange to take out third-party cover to reflect their actual value.

FAQ

We used a test journey from New York to Hong Kong to compare carriage prices for a parcel weighing 30lbs. 

It’s always worth checking all the leading carriers as they will offer slightly different prices for the same route and parcel size/weight.

How much does it cost to ship golf clubs with DHL?

DHL specializes in European shipping, so they are the ‘go to’ choice for destinations in Scotland and England.

The cost is just under $260 on the DHL Worldwide Express Service from New York to Hong Kong.

How much does it cost to ship golf clubs with UPS?

UPS is one of the more expensive carriers, but the advantage of using UPS is that they have more than 5,000 stores across the US where staff can help with packing and shipment.

Choose between two services on this route with prices ranging from $213 to $245.

How much does it cost to ship golf clubs with FedEx?

FedEx ships to more than 200 countries worldwide with economy options available, taking five days, a two-day service, and express, the most expensive.

FedEx offers this route at $485 on their international economy service and $518 for global priority.

How much does it cost to ship golf clubs with USPS?

The United States Postal Service or USPS offers some of the best value for money across the board. On this journey with Priority Mail Express International, the cost is $187, and the non-express standard service is even lower at $163.

Conclusion

The best way to transport golf clubs internationally is by using the major delivery companies’ dedicated and specialist golf club carriage services. 

This is cheaper and, ultimately, much less hassle than dealing with different airlines. 

Depending on which one you choose, packing options are available if you don’t feel confident packing the clubs yourself. 

Always obtain three or four quotes for comparison, and don’t forget to check that all-important insurance.