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Protect Your Golf Clubs – How to Choose the Right Golf Travel Bag

It’s off-season for many golfers in the northern states of the US. Time to take a break from those early morning tee times and take time to do some “in-door” golf, i.e. at computer-generated golf courses or with a temporary indoor putting green in the middle of the living room.

For those golfers determined to play all year round and are traveling south to warmer climes, a golf travel bag becomes a necessary purchase. Whether you are traveling by plane or train, your golf clubs need protection. (A few years ago, traveling to Hilton Head for golf, one of the women in our group had the head of her very expensive driver snapped off when a careless baggage handler tossed her golf travel bag onto the tarmac. The airline gave her some monetary compensation, but as the driver was not brand new, the amount was not equal to the cost of replacement. – That’s another story.) The point is that your clubs represent a large investment and they need to be protected when you travel.

So which bag is best? Hard case? Soft case? Your choice might depend on how much you travel with your golf clubs, how much extra space you need for shoes, balls, towels, etc. (I stuff all kinds of extra stuff in my bag, including my bed pillow! which helps give a little extra padding. And with the airlines charging you extra for that second bag anyway, why not stuff the golf travel bag with clothes as well?)

Here are a few types of travel bags you might consider using on your next golf trip.

Heavy Duty Soft Bag: This style is used by more touring professionals on the PGA, Champions, and LPGA tours – choose a bag with wheels that makes it easy to maneuver. Check to be sure the padding is extra thick to protect your clubs and choose a bag that has lots of extra pockets with solid zippers so you can carry all those “extra” items.

Hybrid Bag: This type of bag can be used both the golf course and while traveling. Look for one that offers all the features of a cart bag, and has a rigid “helmet” you can add when you take it on the road. Choose a bag with in-line wheels for an easier time crossing those long airport lobbies.

Hi-Impact Polyester Travel Bag: This type of bag has a cloth cover but should be reinforced with some interior lamination, usually using PVC. Soft sides should be well padded. Quilted material is best. And be sure to test the bag strap for easy carrying and the wheels for a smooth glide.

The bottom line in deciding which type of golf travel bag you purchase depends on the amount of traveling you plan on doing, how much protection you need, and the value of your clubs. Soft cases with lots of padding are lighter, and easier to handle, and they protect your clubs in most circumstances. Hard cases are usually heavier but promise better protection, though they can snap open unless you add strapping for security. Almost every travel case can fit 14 clubs plus your golf bag, but if you have an extra long driver, be sure the length of the travel bag can accommodate it. You don’t want to leave that special club at home!

Ask your golfing friends. Visit a variety of websites to see what they offer. But remember, you get what you pay for. Do you really want to put your thousand dollar clubs inside a $29 bag you bought at the local Big Lots?

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The Cultural Heart of London – Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury is one of the most culturally-rich areas of central London and a hive of activity for central London estate agents. Bloomsbury Theatre is well known for its relaxed atmosphere and dedication to performance arts. Bloomsbury Square is just one of several that make this area particularly suited to family living. Other keen selling points for Bloomsbury estate agents are the Bloomsbury museums, which include the world famous British Museum.

Few other areas of London offer the diversity that Bloomsbury residents take for granted. For instance, in addition to being within walking distance of the greatest museums in the world, Bloomsbury dwellers are also in a hub of educational excellence with such notable institutions as The Royal Veterinary College, University College London and the School of Pharmacy to name a few. Then there is the easy access to the best medical centres in the UK, such as the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College Hospital and Royal London Homeopathic Hospital.

If you prefer to spend your time outdoors, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the number of parks and squares in Bloomsbury. The most obvious example is Bloomsbury Square. It was one of the first squares to appear in London and was developed in the late 17th century by the 4th Earl of Southampton (it started life as the Southampton Square before its name was changed to reflect its location). Bloomsbury Square was immortalised by J.M. Barrie when he chose it to House the Darling family, whose children flew to Never Land with Peter Pan. Russell Square, near the British Museum in Bloomsbury, is a focus of tourist attention because of its memorial to the people who lost their lives in the July 2005 bombings. Mecklenburgh Square has a strong floral focus with lawns, ornamental trees and a garden dedicated specifically to flora from New Zealand.

Kids will love Coram’s Fields, where 7 acres have designed with children in mind. More of a park than a square, Coram’s Fields has been given over to the children of Bloomsbury with a playground, four half-sized football pitches, a pet’s corner, duck pond, basketball court and nursery; adults, i.e. anyone over 16 years old, are only allowed if they are accompanied by children, i.e. anyone younger than 16.

The Royal Academy of Dramatic ART (RADA) is one of the oldest drama schools in the UK, and joins the Bloomsbury Theatre in revving up Bloomsbury’s cultural vibe. The Academy enjoys the patronage of some of the finest actors of stage and screen that the UK has even produced. Lord Attenborough is President of the Academy and Alan Rickman is one of the Vice-Chairmen. And it doesn’t end there; associate members include Sir Michael Gambon, Kenneth Branagh, Ralph Fiennes (thus contributing hugely to the cast of Harry Potter), Sir Anthony Hopkins and Sir Roger Moore.

The British Museum is joined by the Dickens Museum, Petrie Museum and the Grant Museum of Zoology, all of which put Bloomsbury firmly on London’s famous Museum Mile. Culture enthusiasts can also bask in Bloomsbury’s rich literary heritage. The Bloomsbury Group, composed of some of the most noted and forward-thinking writers and artists of the 20th century lived in Bloomsbury. Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Bell (Woolf’s sister and a famous artist in her own right), E.M. Forster and John Maynard Keynes met regularly to discuss their views on feminism, literature, art and sexuality, which was still considered risqué and taboo.

Those embedded in modern pop culture may be interested to know that Ricky Gervais (of The Office) once called Bloomsbury home, and makes semi-regular appearances at the Bloomsbury Theatre. Charles Darwin was also a Bloomsbury resident and would no doubt make excellent use of the Bloomsbury museums of today. Even Bob Marley briefly called Bloomsbury Square home. What other reasons do you need to need to stop by Bloomsbury to see the sights for yourself?

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Where to Find Food Safety Jobs

For people interested in food safety jobs, there are several great places to start looking for employment. First of all, the national and local government employs many people each year to work in the field of food safety. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is one of such top employers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is another great place to look for food safety jobs. These positions often involve laboratory work to be sure that a food product is safe to go on the market. The USDA and FDA employees may also evaluate new proposals for food products to make sure that they are safe for the general public to consume.

Along with the USDA and the FDA, local government administrations also offer many jobs in safety for trained professionals. This includes the local health department or other regulatory agency. These types of jobs primarily require that inspectors visit local restaurants and food suppliers to make sure that they are following protocol correctly. Prospective employees at these offices must know the rules of food storage, heating and cooling procedures, proper food preparation methods, and anything else that would affect the quality and safety of a food product.

Aside from regulatory agencies, many businesses will offer jobs in safety as well. They do so in order to avoid promoting the sale of improperly made food items. By hiring food safety professionals to work for the company, rather than only serving as regulators, these companies are able to review the quality of their products before pitching the item for sale. This helps them not only save money, but also to avoid costly fines and fees related to product recall.

Restaurants are another excellent option for prospective employees in the field of food safety. Like the food production companies mentioned above, many restaurants will hire food safety professionals to help them keep up with the rules and regulations regarding food safety. This helps them ensure the quality of their product and to maintain consistency. It is also a great safety precaution for the restaurant owners and employees because it guarantees the quality of their product and provides them an essential tool for success in the restaurant industry.