Bringing Golf Clubs in an Uber: 5 Tips To Keep Your Clubs Safe

Anyone who has been on a golf trip with mates, or perhaps an interstate business trip that includes golf, will have come across the problem question: Can I bring my golf clubs in an Uber?

You see, whether it’s getting a lift from the airport to your accommodation, or from your accommodation to the golf course, at some stage you will need to order an Uber to get you there (because who uses taxis anymore, right?).

This is even more pertinent if you’re looking to sink a few beers or other alcoholic drinks on the golf course, rendering you unable to drive yourself home after a solid 18 holes of fun.

I know all this from numerous past interstate golf trips with mates, so you can trust I’m speaking from experience!

Certainly, you can transport your golf clubs in an Uber. If you’re traveling solo, fitting your bag into the trunk of an Uber X should be seamless. However, for clubs encased in a bulkier travel bag, placing them across the back seat might be necessary.

It’s advisable to ring your Uber driver straight after booking your ride to check that this is okay. If not, you’ll probably have to order an Uber XL – especially if you have mates joining you.

What types of Uber can I order?

Uber has a variety of different options to choose from selecting your ride, however some are more suitable for golf than others.

Below I’ve listed the best Uber vehicle options that will allow you to bring your golf clubs with you on your journey.

UberX

UberX

  • This is the most common, affordable economy option
  • Available in almost all destinations globally
  • Allows you to add multiple stops to your ride

UberXL

  • The second most common, affordable economy option
  • Slightly pricier than an UberX but can fit up to six passengers
  • Also available in most destinations globally
  • Perfect for more than two passengers with golf clubs (regardless of whether they are encased in travel bags)
UberXL

Uber Select

  • Also known as Uber Plus, it has all the same attributes of an UberX except uses cars that are a step up in class
  • Typical models include Audi, BMW, Mercedes or similar
  • Fits up to four passengers, but should be able to accommodate two passengers, each with golf bags (that aren’t encased in a travel bag)

Uber Comfort

  • Essentially an UberX, except cars can be no more than 10 years old, adding that extra ‘comfort’ factor
  • Typically affords passengers more leg room
  • Pricier than an UberX
  • Fits up to four passengers, but should be able to accommodate two passengers, each with golf bags (that aren’t encased in a travel bag)

Uber Black

  • The upper-class, chauffeur-driven version of an UberX
  • Has a professional driver and all the extra premium comforts (quiet mode, temperature control, help with luggage) to get you to and from the golf course in style
  • Available in most destinations globally
  • Fits up to four passengers, but should be able to accommodate two passengers, each with golf bags, in the boot/trunk space
  • Golf clubs encased in travel bags may not be permitted to be laid across the back seat
Uber Black

Uber Black SUV

  • The upper-class, chauffeur-driven version of an UberXL
  • Has a professional driver and all the extra premium comforts (quiet mode, temperature control, help with luggage) mentioned above
  • Also available in most destinations globally
  • Fits up to six passengers
  • Golf clubs encased in travel bags may not be permitted to be laid across the back seat

Will my golf bag fit in the boot/trunk of an UberX?

The average golf bag is 14 inches x 10 inches x 36.5 inches in size, however if it is encased in a travel bag that size increases to roughly 15 inches x 15 inches x 50 inches in imperial measurements.

Using the metric system, the average golf bag is 35 centimetres x 25 centimetres x 92 centimetres, increasing to 38 centimetres x 38 centimetres x 127cm when encased in a travel bag.

These dimensions equate to an average golf bag taking up 2.96 cubic feet of space on its own, or 6.51 cubic feet of space when enclosed in a travel bag.

Here is a list of common mid-sized sedans often utilised by Uber drivers, and their available trunk/boot space:

  • Ford Fusion: 16 cubic feet of trunk/boot space
  • Toyota Camry: 15.4 cubic feet of trunk/boot space
  • Honda Accord: 15.8 cubic feet of trunk/boot space
  • Chevrolet Malibu: 15.8 cubic feet of trunk/boot space
  • Volkswagen Passat: 15.9 cubic feet of trunk/boot space
  • Hyundai Sonata: 16.3 cubic feet of trunk/boot space
  • Kia Optima: 15.4 cubic feet of trunk/boot space

So, judging by the available trunk/boot space of these mid-sized sedans that are typically used as UberX vehicles, you should have no problem fitting up to two golf bags, kept inside travel bags, into the car.

However, if you are carrying other luggage you may find it to be a tighter fit.

Will more than one golf bag fit into an Uber XL?

As mentioned above, the average golf bag takes up 2.96 cubic feet of space (increasing to 6.51 cubic feet of space when enclosed in a travel bag).

Here is a list of common mid-sized sedans often utilised by UberXL drivers, and their available trunk/boot space:

  • Kia Sorento: 11.3 cubic feet of space, increasing to 38 cubic feet when rear seats folded down
  • Toyota Highlander: 16 cubic feet of space, increasing to 48.4 cubic feet when rear seats folded down
  • Dodge Grand Caravan: 31.1 cubic feet of space, increasing to 78.9 cubic feet when rear seats folded down
  • Chevrolet Traverse: 23 cubic feet of space, increasing to 57.8 cubic feet when rear seats folded down
  • Ford Explorer: 18.2 cubic feet of space, increasing to 47.9 cubic feet when rear seats folded down
  • Buick Enclave: 23.6 cubic feet of space, increasing to 58 cubic feet when rear seats folded down
  • Hyundai Santa Fe: 35.9 cubic feet of space, increasing to 71.3 cubic feet when rear seats folded down

So, with the seats folded down you should have no problem transporting up to four passengers, each with golf clubs, in a standard UberXL.

Can you bring golf clubs in an uber? Maybe if it's a ford explorer like in this picture.
The Ford Explorer has a decent trunk/boot space.

My Uber driver doesn’t want to transport my golf clubs: What now?

If you book an Uber but after calling the driver discover that they don’t have room in their vehicle for your golf clubs, you can ask that they cancel your ride – and then you can simply search for another one.

At worst, you may incur the standard $5 cancellation fee, but this is extremely unlikely to happen if you explain your situation to the driver.

Will my Uber driver let me put my golf bag on the back seat?

Most UberX drivers will have no issue with you placing your golf clubs on the back seat of their vehicle, should they not fit inside the trunk/boot.

Uber Black drivers – or those using more high-class cars – may be more hesitant to allow you to do so for fear of damaging the interior.

Does it cost extra to bring golf clubs in an Uber?

No. Uber, unlike an airline, does not slug you with a fee for the amount of luggage you carry.

The only thing that will affect the cost of your fare is the distance you intend to travel, and the type of Uber you order (UberX, UberXL, Uber Black etc).

Image of a person holding a phone which has the uber app open

What is the best travel bag to protect my golf clubs?

There are a variety of travel bags on the market that will do the job of keeping your golf clubs safe during transportation, but their quality will vary depending on how much you want to pay.

Here are some of the best golf travel bags currently on the market:

In the end, whichever bag you choose will come down to price versus quality/add ons. But all of them will be adequate to protect your golf clubs.

THe amazon basics travel bag
The AmazonBasics travel bag is an affordable option that will work just fine.

Can you drink alcohol in an Uber?

Not only should you refrain from drinking alcohol when riding in an Uber, it is actually illegal to do so in some countries.

In Australia, having an alcoholic drink open inside an Uber or taxi can result in fines of up to $2500.

So, if you’re planning on having a beer, mixed spirit or wine before or after your round, make sure you finish your drink before jumping into your Uber.

Drew Wallace
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