--- title: November 2025 - Packing Slip description: Packing Slip | Tips from a pro on how to pack for a golf trip | By Marty Hackel image: https://magazine.cdga.org/hubfs/Blogs/1-Nov-20-2025-05-30-14-2522-PM.png --- [Skip to content](https://magazine.cdga.org/chicago-district-golfer-article-archive/november-2025-packing-slip#main-content) [![cdga_logo_tagline-2](https://magazine.cdga.org/hubfs/cdga_logo_tagline-2.svg)](https://www.CDGA.org) - [ABOUT](https://www.cdga.org/golf-about) - [MEMBERSHIP](https://www.cdga.org/golf-membership) - [HANDICAPS](https://www.cdga.org/golf-handicaps) - [COMPETITIONS](https://www.cdga.org/golf-competitions) - [RULES](https://www.cdga.org/golf-rules) - [CLUBS](https://www.cdga.org/golf-clubs) - [GIVING BACK](https://www.cdga.org/golf-givingback) - [NEWS](https://www.cdga.org/golf-news) - [LOGIN](https://www.cdga.org/my-caddie.asp) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [ABOUT](https://www.cdga.org/golf-about) - [MEMBERSHIP](https://www.cdga.org/golf-membership) - [HANDICAPS](https://www.cdga.org/golf-handicaps) - [COMPETITIONS](https://www.cdga.org/golf-competitions) - [RULES](https://www.cdga.org/golf-rules) - [CLUBS](https://www.cdga.org/golf-clubs) - [GIVING BACK](https://www.cdga.org/golf-givingback) - [NEWS](https://www.cdga.org/golf-news) - [LOGIN](https://www.cdga.org/my-caddie.asp) Nov 20, 2025, 11:41:01 AM # November 2025 - Packing Slip ![Picture of Marty Hackel](https://magazine.cdga.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/2024-05-28_09-22-19_1716902551.webp?width=50&name=2024-05-28_09-22-19_1716902551.webp) [Marty Hackel](https://magazine.cdga.org/chicago-district-golfer-article-archive/author/marty-hackel) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://magazine.cdga.org/chicago-district-golfer-article-archive/november-2025-packing-slip) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://magazine.cdga.org/chicago-district-golfer-article-archive/november-2025-packing-slip) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://magazine.cdga.org/chicago-district-golfer-article-archive/november-2025-packing-slip) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://magazine.cdga.org/chicago-district-golfer-article-archive/november-2025-packing-slip) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://magazine.cdga.org/chicago-district-golfer-article-archive/november-2025-packing-slip) Tips from a pro on how to pack for a golf trip **This article appeared in the November 2025 edition of** [Chicago District Golfer](https://read.nxtbook.com/ggrw/cdga/november_2025/packing_for_a_golf_trip.html). **To read more Chicago District Golfer stories, head to our** [article archive](https://magazine.cdga.org/chicago-district-golfer-article-archive)**.** ![1-Nov-20-2025-05-30-14-2522-PM](https://magazine.cdga.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/1-Nov-20-2025-05-30-14-2522-PM.png?width=960&height=502&name=1-Nov-20-2025-05-30-14-2522-PM.png)**P**acking for a golf trip is like snowflakes — no two do it the same way. After 16 years as Fashion Director at *Golf Digest*, and more than two million air miles to tournaments and photo shoots, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make packing smooth, stylish and stress-free. **Tip #1: Choose a Key Color** Start with one primary color as the foundation for your wardrobe. If your trip lasts more than three or four days, you can add a second. My go-to is blue, so everything I bring — polos, shorts, pants, sweaters — works around that color. When everything coordinates, mixing and matching becomes eortless and you avoid the rookie mistake of packing by “outfit.” The result: less stress, fewer *“what do I wear?”* moments, and more space in your bag. **Pro tip:** Lay everything out before you start packing. **Tip #2: Always Bring a Sweater** Even if you’re headed somewhere warm, air conditioning (especially in Mexico!) can make a sweater a must-have layer. **Tip #3: Invest in the Right Bags** You’ll probably be checking your golf travel bag, so consider checking a second suitcase too. The **Sun Mountain Club Glider** is pricey, but worth every penny — it glides through baggage claim like a dream. Add a unique tag or marker so you can spot it easily (after once taking home the wrong black Mizuno bag, I learned my lesson). For your main suitcase, I swear by the **Tumi Tegra-Lite Extended Trip Expandable** — durable, lightweight and smooth-rolling. Insist on quality; good luggage makes a difference. **Tip #4: Pack Proper Rain Gear** Even in the desert, rain happens. Make sure your gear is waterproof, not just water-resistant. Look for sealed seams — they’ll appear as taped lines inside the garment. **Kjus** makes a fantastic selection of rain gear. Add a waterproof bucket hat with a chin strap; when it rains, it often blows. The **Galvin Green Asher** is a great option. And skip the cotton baseball cap — it’s basically a sponge. **Tip #5: Bring an Extra Pair of Golf Shoes** For trips longer than three days, pack a second pair of waterproof golf shoes — ones you’ve already broken in. Playing in sneakers isn’t fun, and new shoes can ruin your trip with blisters. **Tip #6: Use Packing Cubes** Packing cubes keep everything organized and save time when you’re looking for that last pair of socks. **Eagle Creek** and **CALPAK** make great ones; Eagle Creek’s shirt cube even includes a folding board for crisp folds. **Tip #7: Don’t Skimp on Socks** Your feet deserve the best. I like Feetures socks — they fit well and wash beautifully. If your flight is longer than three hours, add a pair of compression socks (**Bombas** makes good ones) to reduce swelling. ![2-Nov-20-2025-05-30-14-2480-PM](https://magazine.cdga.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/2-Nov-20-2025-05-30-14-2480-PM.png?width=960&height=502&name=2-Nov-20-2025-05-30-14-2480-PM.png) **Tip #8: Wear Heavy Items on the Plane** Save weight in your luggage by wearing your heaviest shoes or layers during travel. **Tip #9: Use AirTags** A small investment that brings huge peace of mind — with **Apple AirTags**, you’ll always know where your luggage is. **Tip #10: Fit Equals Comfort** Every item should fit well and move with you. Only travel with golf shoes you’ve worn before — trust me, blisters are brutal. And while white golf shoes go with everything, you can tell Mom you no longer need to match your belt to your shoes. **Tip #11: Bring Your Own Toiletries** Your Dopp kit should include your own shampoo and soap — they’re familiar and safe. Unless you’re in a five-star hotel, the ones provided won’t compare. I use MUJI 100ml containers for easy packing. **Tip #12: Pack “Insurance” Items** Tuck in a few helpers: •A single-use Woolite packet or a small bottle of Dr. Bronner’s soap for stains ●A **Tide To-Go** pen (indispensable) ●**Dickinson’s Witch Hazel** wipes to sanitize airplane tray tables **Tip #13: Bring a Blue Blazer** A navy blazer covers you for dinners or meetings. The **Sid Mashburn Ghost Blazer** is a personal favorite — wrinkle-resistant and incredibly comfortable. **Tip #14: Add a Black Knit Tie** A simple black knit tie makes you ready for any formal occasion — even a last-minute wedding or funeral. The **Ralph Lauren Purple Label Knit Tie** is my favorite. **Tip #15: Pack Sweatpants in Your Carry-On** Changing into **Todd Snyder x Champion French Terry** sweatpants mid-flight keeps you warm and comfortable — a small luxury that makes a big difference. **Bonus Tip: The Fragrance Trick** Before your flight, stop at Duty-Free and grab a few scent strips. Spray them with your favorite cologne and tuck them into your bag. When you unpack, even your laundry will smell great. ***Marty Hackel** is the former fashion director at Golf Digest.* [Golf](https://magazine.cdga.org/chicago-district-golfer-article-archive/tag/golf), [Travel](https://magazine.cdga.org/chicago-district-golfer-article-archive/tag/travel), [Chicago](https://magazine.cdga.org/chicago-district-golfer-article-archive/tag/chicago) ## Related posts [![](https://magazine.cdga.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/1-Feb-26-2025-04-50-55-2134-PM.png?height=200&name=1-Feb-26-2025-04-50-55-2134-PM.png)](https://magazine.cdga.org/chicago-district-golfer-article-archive/february-2025-teaching-golf-reffing-ball) [Golf](https://magazine.cdga.org/chicago-district-golfer-article-archive/tag/golf), [Chicago](https://magazine.cdga.org/chicago-district-golfer-article-archive/tag/chicago), [Referee](https://magazine.cdga.org/chicago-district-golfer-article-archive/tag/referee) ## [February 2025 - Teaching Golf, Reffing Ball](https://magazine.cdga.org/chicago-district-golfer-article-archive/february-2025-teaching-golf-reffing-ball) [Matt Harness](https://magazine.cdga.org/chicago-district-golfer-article-archive/author/matt-harness) Feb 26, 2025, 10:58:49 AM Orland Park native loves straddling her two worlds Game action photographs by Charles Cherney This... 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