GolfWeek

Have golf clubs, will travel.

Have clubs broken or stolen, will not play golf.

Travel, particularly air travel, is fraught with danger for the golfer - baggage handlers who could care less about golf clubs, airplane cargo areas stuffed with heavy containers or luggage that can damage fragile graphite shafts, the ever-present reality that golf clubs are a prime target for airline thieves.

Even touring professionals suffer the indignities of air travel. Se Ri Pak, a charter member of the modern Big Three in women's golf, surrendered her clubs to the airline gremlins on the way to the 2002 Women's British Open and started the major championship with a borrowed set. No wonder so many pros travel on private jets.

In my job as a golf journalist, I have lost four sets of clubs. Two were missing in action on international flights, one never showed up on a domestic flight, and one was snatched by a vandal who smashed the window of a rental car after this year's British Open.

All the time, I get this question: "Why not travel with a backup set?" I'll tell you why not: If I did that, I would play half my golf with something less than my favorites, which to me seems dumb.

Do I miss the stolen clubs? Yes and no. My dearest friends are human, not made of carbon steel, stainless steel or titanium. Losing golf clubs is not a tragedy, although sometimes I wish I could hold that old forged Wilson sand wedge or that perfectly balanced Never Compromise putter. But, hey, I'll get over it.

As airlines update their regulations in these troubled times, it is the responsibility of the traveler to keep abreast of the rules. For example, many airlines currently limit the weight of golf travel bags to 70 pounds. For liability, they also limit golfers to 14 clubs. Furthermore, there are indications that some airlines may try to charge a fee for golf travel bags that exceed specified dimensions.

Air Canada is the king of regulations: under 70 pounds, 14 clubs, 12 balls, one pair of shoes (any seasoned traveler knows that two pair of shoes are a must). Air Canada does something else that is very unusual: The airline segregates hard-shelled golf travel bags from other travel bags. Why? Because these hard cases can damage other luggage.