Fourteen clubs, not one more: that is the ceiling set by Rule 4.1b, and exceeding it costs up to four penalty strokes in a stroke-play round. The checklist for a week in Italy starts there, along with the clothing that clubs actually require.
A week of golf is packed in two stages: first what is mandatory, meaning the rules and the clubs' own regulations, then what makes the week comfortable.
Clubs: the 14-club limit and the golf bag on the plane
Rule 4.1b of the Rules of Golf (R&A and USGA) is clear: a player "must not start a round with more than 14 clubs, or have more than 14 clubs during the round." The penalty in stroke play is two strokes for each hole where the breach occurs, up to a maximum of four per round; in match play, a hole is lost for each hole affected, with a maximum of two. In a week of friendly rounds it is a detail, but if you enter a club competition it matters, and it pays to count the clubs before closing the travel bag.
For the flight, on easyJet golf clubs count as "small" sports equipment, with a maximum of 20 kg, to be added to the booking (doing it at the airport costs more). For all other airlines we checked, look at weight, dimensions and price on their sports equipment page before booking.
The alternative: many clubs rent clubs. In the clubs' 2026 price lists, a set costs 50 euros for 18 holes at Is Molas and at San Domenico Golf, 40 euros at Tanka and 25 euros at Golf des Iles Borromées. For a week with five rounds it is worth doing the sums: the round-trip air supplement against five rentals.
Clothing: read the club's regulations
There is no national dress code: every club writes its own, and the differences are real. Four examples:
| Club | What the regulations say |
|---|---|
| Acquasanta (Rome) | Men: polo shirt and long trousers or knee-length Bermuda shorts, long socks recommended. Women: polo shirt, with or without sleeves, and trousers, Bermuda shorts or a skirt |
| Rapallo | Blue jeans, tracksuits, non-sports shorts, T-shirts, tank tops, Crocs, flip-flops and slippers are not allowed |
| Castelconturbia | Golf shoes; tank tops, faded jeans, leggings and tracksuits are not allowed |
| Pevero (Costa Smeralda) | No jeans or T-shirts: tailored Bermuda shorts and a collared polo shirt |
The common denominator is clear. A collared polo shirt, long trousers or tailored Bermuda shorts, golf shoes. Seven days of rounds on four or five different courses can be covered with this core, without bringing an item for every occasion.
The list, by category
Quantities depend on the number of rounds and the season.
On the course
- Four or five polo shirts: one per round, plus a spare.
- Two pairs of long trousers and two pairs of Bermuda shorts, all in the "tailored" register that the regulations quoted above ask for: no tracksuits or jeans.
- Golf shoes with soft spikes. If you can bring two pairs, alternate them: after a wet round, a pair needs a day to dry.
- Three gloves. Rule 4.3a allows the use of a plain glove that conforms to the Equipment Rules; a glove soaked with sweat or rain loses grip, and having dry ones is the cheapest way to keep hold of the club.
- A cap or visor, sun protection, a light windproof jacket and a waterproof layer.
For the equipment
- Balls in quantity, tees, ball markers, a pitch repairer, two golf towels.
- A rangefinder or a GPS watch, if you use them: Rule 4.3a lists among the permitted uses a device that measures distance or direction, while those that measure elevation changes or wind speed remain prohibited.
- The headcovers and a shoe bag, so as not to dirty the rest of the suitcase.
For the evening
- An outfit for after the round. Many hotels and clubhouses have restaurants with their own evening etiquette: at hotels such as Villa d'Este or Verdura Resort it is wise to check with reception before leaving.
- Closed walking shoes and something warm for spring and autumn evenings.
How to pack without stress
- Weigh the golf bag at home, with the balls and everything else: the airline's limit applies to the total.
- Put the shoes in a bag and carry in the golf bag only what the airline allows besides the clubs: the sports equipment page says what it may contain.
- Keep in your hand luggage whatever you cannot replace: golf shoes, gloves, rangefinder, medication.
- Ask the hotel whether it offers a laundry service: for a week, fewer changes of clothes may be enough.
Frequently asked questions
How many clubs can I carry on the course?+
At most 14. Rule 4.1b forbids starting a round with more than 14 clubs or having more than 14 during the round: in stroke play the penalty is two strokes per hole, up to a maximum of four.
Can I take my golf bag on a plane?+
Yes, as sports equipment. On easyJet the limit is 20 kg and the bag must be added to the booking, at a higher cost if done at the airport. For the other airlines we checked, the conditions are on their page.
Is it worth renting clubs instead of bringing them?+
It depends on how many rounds you play. In the clubs' 2026 price lists, renting a set costs from 25 to 50 euros for 18 holes. Compare the total for your rounds with the round-trip air supplement.
Can I play in jeans or a T-shirt?+
At many clubs, no: Rapallo excludes blue jeans and T-shirts, Pevero bans jeans and T-shirts, Castelconturbia excludes faded jeans and tracksuits. It is better to pack polo shirts and tailored trousers.
Can I use a rangefinder?+
The Rules of Golf (4.3a) allow the use of a device to obtain information on distance or direction. Instruments that measure elevation changes or wind speed are not allowed.
What shoes should I bring?+
Golf shoes with soft spikes are the choice that creates no problems: several clubs ban metal spikes.
