Packing
Luckily, our first two LPGA events are in Hawaii followed by a week off. I would not even know how to begin to pack one suitcase for an entire year on the road! While playing on the Duramed Futures Tour, driving to each event was semi-convenient. Tournaments were within the same state, or one or two states away. The longest drive I had was about 12 hours. Because I drove to each event, I had pretty much everything I needed right there in the back of my truck. A closet on wheels!While playing on the UCLA Women's golf team, before each tournament Coach Forsyth would provide those traveling with an itinerary and attach a packing sheet. It made life so simple! Each player knew exactly which golf outfits to bring. The packing sheet included reminders to pack rain gear and personal items. We even had a specific travel uniform that was worn to and from the airport.
Now I make my own packing checklist. The LPGA schedule calls mostly for air transportation. I am not able to take my whole closet with me. I will have my Ogio Monster travel bag, which will contain my Tour staff bag, golf shoes, golf balls, golf gloves, umbrella, and my clubs.
Supplies
Another large Ogio travel bag will include my clothes and toiletries, but also some other critical supplies. Included on my pre-departure checklist is a special trip to one of my favorite stores, Trader Joe's! I stock up on my favorite peanut butter, energy/protein bars, trail mix, and snack foods. As I go through the store and fill up my cart, I feel like a little kid in a candy store. I never travel with fresh fruits and vegetables with me though. Most states have agricultural restrictions in place. I try to be aware of any restrictions because I do like to bring some of my favorite snacks with me. For example, Hawaiian State law requires all incoming visitors submit a "Plants and Animals Declaration Form" upon arrival.
Clothes
Two weeks in Hawaii, that's a lot of golf clothes to pack. I will need 14 days worth of practice and tournament clothes and shoes. So do I pack 14 different shirts and 14 different shorts or pants? Pretty much. Weather plays a considerable role in selecting the outfits I will bring. In my position, it's near impossible to travel with two checked bags (golf clubs in one and a second bag for clothes) and two carry-on bags! Few will pay the extra fees involved when luggage is overweight. I can guarantee you that most professional golfers are happy to pay it! Happy Travels!
Charlotte's Travel Tips
- Pens: How many times has a sales clerk handed you a pen to sign a receipt? Tons! Now ask yourself how many people used that same pen before you did. Many! As someone who travels a lot and therefore has a higher potential of exposure to unhealthy germs, I carry and use my own pens. I encourage you to do the same.
- Extra Battery: When I buy a new cell phone, I always invest in a second battery and carry it with me. I have friends and family everywhere, and can spend lots of time on the phone. It's always easier to swap out batteries than look for an outlet to re-charge.
- Photocopy Wallet Contents: Before I leave for the airport, one of the last things I do is go through my wallet. I take out anything I do not need and leave it behind. Then, just in case, I photocopy the contents (e.g., credit cards, driver's license, etc.) and scan them to an online storage account.
- Mail: I will redirect delivery to a family member and/or my financial management company. Bills still have to be paid while I am on the road, and even though I have automated as many as possible, it's reassuring to know someone will be screening my mail for me.
- Water: One of my best friends from college, Samantha Wilkerson, worked as a flight attendant for a year with Alaska Airlines. She shared that while flying, you must drink lots of water before, during, and after your flight. Flying can dehydrate your body considerably. She would drink 3-4 of those 1.5-liter water bottles and still said it was not always enough.
