How to pack for trip to Las Vegas golf or resort destination

Freak snow storms. Crazy cold snaps. Wild winds. A wife, or girlfriend, who hates golf. Oh, and those obnoxious airline baggage fees …

It’s enough to make you not want to play, much less haul your clubs to a favorite golf destination. So as I headed to Las Vegas for the holidays, I broke out Plan B from the Golf Traveler’s How to Pack Light and Still Tee It Up manual.

Let’s face it. If you travel this time of year, you’re battling a lot of adversity to get in a round or two. Heck, there was still snow in two sand traps when I drove past Revere Golf Club, leftovers from a storm that dumped seven or so inches here the week before Christmas. Temperatures are finally inching above 50 degrees in the Henderson area as we count down toward ‘09.

This is the desert, isn’t it?

I was determined to play, so I stuffed my golf shoes, a sleeve of balls and a glove in my bag. Other than eschewing a flask, some cigars and maybe a few more balls, this wasn’t a groundbreaking move.

But what’s the best course of action these days? I knew a guy who took along his putter and a wedge, jamming both into a duffel bag on most trips. Another guy I knew shipped his clubs ahead to his resort destination, figuring it might cost a little more, but it was safer and he didn’t have to lug the golf bag himself. And who trusts the airlines not to damage or lose your luggage, anyway?

Other than that, most rental clubs are name brand, and if not better, certainly close enough to being as good as your sticks. I’ve also found you can negotiate somewhat for a rental club discount if you’re playing more than once at that course or resort.

Hey, something to consider. I’m open for any other ideas when it comes to Plan B for packing for golf trips this time of year …