For me, its about the place i play and what is available for rental. If its a "bucket list" course, i will want my own clubs. I can never play well with rentals that are significantly different from my own. If its a cheap round at a no-name course, rentals for just one day might be my choice.

I take my clubs with me, even for just one round. Can't duplicate what I've got in the bag with rentals.

Last fall attending a convention in Toronto, my clubs didn't arrive with me. Airline promised delivery before I had to board a bus for the golf outing next day, but they didn't arrive. The rental set was 917 woods and a hybrid, AP1's, a couple of SM6 wedges and a Futura 5W.

The driver was shafted the same as my own and I hit a lot of fairways. The 3 wood and hybrid I hit big hooks [abnormal for me] that got me in trouble. They didn't fit me at all. The irons were ok. I liked the putter so much I'm going to make that purchase this year.

I got lucky with the rental bag setup. I've had some real losers in past experiences.

In november we headed to bahamas. I was planning to play golf and debated to rent or to bring my own. The golfer in me really wanted to bring my own clubs and have them their to play golf as I normally would. With logistics and worrying about what potentially could happen to my clubs i opted for the rentals! The course i went to had an incredible rental program and they threw in 2 sleeves of ProV1's so that sealed the deal! I was able to get a similar set up to my own clubs! It took some adjustments but it wasn't really that big of a deal! I played golf and enjoyed the scenery! After a bag of balls and a few holes in, I didn't even notice i rented clubs! Hope my experience can give you some type of clarity on what to do!

Personally, I always take my clubs. Even if the course tells you the make and model of what they rent out, condition is not usually all that great.

I would call the club you are playing to determine what clubs are available. The Titleist rental/demo sets are typically pretty solid and worth renting.

For me: Playing once is rentals.
Playing 2 or more times and different courses Im bringing my clubs!

Renting is risky because you never know what you're going to get. Check rates on ship sticks and see if you can get a good deal

For me it is an airlines connection decision. Direct flight - no brainer - I bring the sticks. One connection through a decent Hub - still bring them but prepare for delays. Multiple connections or Chicago/Newark/Atlanta et al - it is ship sticks or rentals. I too have been pretty lucky with the rentals the few times I have done it but I have always called ahead to see what was available and try to get some thing similar to my bag if at all possible. I have seen my golf bag dropped off the cart and onto its top from the terminal during boarding …… Club Glove Stiff Arm to the rescue!

Like Andrew said, call ahead and find out what is available. Sometimes they'll mention Titleist, but never have a complete set. If you're a blade player you may be out of luck.

If you play standard length clubs, rentals are the way to go for sure if you're just sneaking in a round.

Like a few said, it really depends on where ya playing. If it's a bucket list course, no brainer bring it. If it just a local course and looking to have fun rent but see how much and what model. If the rental cost (airline baggage fee) is the same as bringing ya own clubs, might as well bring your own club.

Guess I should call ahead and see what they have to offer for rentals. Thanks to all for replying.

I always take my own clubs. Everything in the bag is other than standard, length, grip size, etc., "fits" me and and I don't have to adapt.

I always travel w/ my sticks

If there is a way to bring your driver, main wedge and putter and your Titleist balls then rent. I've done this and have my own clubs for most if my shots and the ball I play - don't forget your shoes too!

Club Glove with stiff arm! Always take mine. Speedy let me in on a tip to take the heads off the woods/hybrids. :-) just in case. Traveled domestically, Bahamas and first time to Scotland last year without issues.

If I know that I will be playing while I'm away I always just take my clubs with me. Shipping gets expensive unless you have a few days on either side of the trip to be without your clubs. Checked bags are free.....