Are golf tees allowed in your carry-on bag, or should they be checked?

Golfers often pack their gear carefully when heading to a new course, but questions arise when it comes to air travel. Although they seem harmless, golf tees are still subject to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules, which can be confusing or unclear at times. 

In this article, we discuss everything you need to know before bringing your golf tees on a plane, including TSA regulations, and some practical tips. 

Golf Tees and the TSA Rules

Golfers who plan to fly with their equipment often wonder if golf tees can be carried through security without issues. While golf tees are small and lightweight, understanding the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules is essential to avoid confusion or potential delays at security checkpoints.

The TSA classifies golf tees as sports equipment, and in general, they are not considered dangerous or restricted items. According to the current TSA guidelines, golf tees are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage. 

This is because they are small wooden or plastic pegs and do not contain any materials that would trigger security concerns, such as metal tips or blades. In this sense, they are treated similarly to other small sporting accessories like ball markers or golf gloves.

However, travelers should still consider the broader context of security screening. While golf tees themselves are allowed, the final decision always rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint. If a security officer deems an item to pose a potential threat, they have the discretion to remove it from your carry-on. 

Although this is rare in the case of golf tees, it is important to be aware of this authority.

For practical purposes, it is advisable to pack golf tees in a separate compartment within your carry-on to make them easy to identify and minimize any confusion. If you are carrying a golf bag as a carry-on item, keeping the tees in an accessible pouch can help speed up the screening process.

Another consideration is whether the tees are part of a golf accessory kit that might contain other items such as divot tools or cleaning brushes. 

Some of these accessories, particularly if they have sharp edges or metal components, might raise concerns during security screening. In such cases, separating the golf tees from the other items or packing them in your checked luggage can prevent unnecessary delays.

Overall, bringing golf tees on a plane is not an issue under TSA regulations. By following simple packing guidelines and understanding how the rules apply to your golf equipment, you can ensure that your golf tees make it through security without incident.

Common Issues You Might Encounter When Traveling With Golf Tees

While carrying tees on a plane isn’t prohibited, here are some possible problems you should stay prepared for:

TSA Screening Confusion

While golf tees themselves are allowed in carry-on and checked luggage, they can still prompt confusion during TSA screenings. If packed alongside metal divot tools or other sharp items, golf tees might trigger an additional manual check. TSA officers sometimes need to verify that they’re not part of a suspicious item.

Getting Mixed with Other Golf Accessories

Golfers often carry multiple small accessories, ball markers, divot tools, or groove cleaners. which can have metal parts or sharp edges. If your golf tees are mixed in with these items, it can complicate the security screening process. It’s best to pack them separately in a small, transparent pouch to speed up the screening.

Unusual Materials or Designs

Although most golf tees are made of wood or plastic, some high-end or novelty tees feature composite materials or unusual designs. These can look odd in the scanner and may trigger extra scrutiny. If you’re traveling with such specialized tees, consider placing them in checked baggage to avoid delays.

Quantity of Tees

While there’s no official limit on how many golf tees you can bring, carrying a large quantity, like a full tournament supply, can prompt questions from security agents. It’s wise to keep your tees in reasonable numbers and split them between carry-on and checked luggage if needed.

Risk of Misplacement

Golf tees are small and easy to lose, especially when transferring them between your golf bag, suitcase, and carry-on. Keeping them in a designated pouch or container helps ensure they’re easily accessible and not accidentally left behind or scattered throughout your luggage.

International Security Regulations

While the TSA’s stance on golf tees is clear, security regulations can vary in other countries. Some foreign airports may apply different rules to even simple sports accessories, potentially causing confusion or delay during security checks. Researching these policies beforehand ensures a smoother travel experience.

Customs Declarations and Duties

In rare cases, if you’re carrying a large number of golf tees for resale or tournament purposes, you may be asked to declare them at customs, depending on the country’s import rules. This can add a step to your arrival process, so be sure to check the destination country’s customs guidelines in advance.

7 Practical Tips for Flying with Golf Tees 

If you’re traveling with golf tees, here are some handy tips to remember:

Pack Golf Tees Separately 

While golf tees are not restricted, packing them separately in your carry-on can help streamline the security process. Placing them in a small pouch or a zippered pocket within your bag ensures that if TSA officers want to inspect them, they can do so easily. 

Avoid burying them within multiple layers of gear, as this might trigger additional screening or slow down the process.

Avoid Mixing Tees with Other Golf Accessories

Golfers often carry other accessories like divot repair tools, groove cleaners, or metal brushes. Unlike golf tees, these items might have sharp edges or metal parts that can prompt additional scrutiny. To minimize the risk of having your entire accessory kit examined or partially confiscated, keep your golf tees separate from other equipment. 

If your kit does contain potentially concerning items, consider placing the entire kit in checked luggage instead of your carry-on.

Know the Regulations for International Flights

While the TSA oversees air travel within the United States, international flights may be subject to additional or slightly different security standards in other countries. It is wise to research the security policies of your departure and arrival airports when traveling abroad. 

Most international security agencies do not restrict golf tees, but verifying in advance prevents confusion and potential issues during transit.

Check the Airline’s Carry-On Policy

Although the TSA’s regulations allow golf tees in carry-on bags, individual airlines may have policies regarding the size or type of sports equipment allowed in the cabin. If you plan to bring a full golf bag as a carry-on, confirm that your airline permits this, as some restrict oversized sports bags to checked luggage only. 

The fact is that if you pack golf tees within a smaller carry-on bag or personal item, you should not encounter issues, but clarifying the airline’s policy can provide peace of mind.

Be Prepared for Manual Inspection

Golf tees are typically made of plastic or wood, but if you are traveling with specialized tees made from composite materials or with unique designs, security scanners might flag them for a closer look. Be prepared to briefly explain what they are if a TSA officer asks. 

This rarely causes significant delays, but knowing how to identify your equipment can make the process quicker and less stressful.

Consider Your Golf Tee Material

Golf tees come in different materials, including plastic, wood, bamboo, and composite blends. Although none of these materials are prohibited, certain materials can affect how they appear in X-ray scans. 

Wooden and bamboo tees are usually straightforward, while some composite or specialty tees may have elements that could resemble prohibited items in a scan. If you use unique or high-tech golf tees, consider packing a smaller number in your carry-on or moving them to your checked bag to avoid any potential misunderstanding at security.

Keep Quantity Reasonable

While there is no explicit limit on how many golf tees you can carry in your bag, carrying an unusually large quantity may prompt unnecessary questions or additional screening. A small bag or pouch of golf tees sufficient for your trip is more practical and less likely to draw attention. 

If you must bring more for a tournament or extended golf trip, consider dividing them between your carry-on and checked luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the TSA allow golf clubs?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits golf clubs in carry-on luggage due to their potential use as bludgeoning weapons. However, they are permitted in checked baggage. 

When packing golf clubs for checked baggage, ensure they are securely wrapped or placed in a protective case to prevent damage and to safeguard baggage handlers. It's also advisable to check with your airline regarding any specific policies or fees related to transporting sports equipment. 

Even after all this, remember that the TSA officers have the final say on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

Can you carry golf shafts on the plane?

Golf shafts, much like golf clubs, are not allowed in carry-on luggage due to their potential to be used as weapons. However, they can be packed in checked baggage. 

Make sure to pack the shafts securely to avoid damage. Airlines may have specific rules or fees for transporting sports equipment, so always confirm with your airline in advance.