Airline Destroys Another Pro’s Set of Clubs

This is starting to get so silly. So much so that there should be a “[Insert Number] of Days Without Destroyed Property Incident” sign on airline’s website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Johnny Wunder (@johnny_wunder)

Remarkably, Delta is the culprit again this time—making it their second golf-related incident within a 6-month period (albeit, Delta’s baggage handlers from Unifi Aviation were the real culprits last time).

LPGA Golfer Jennifer Chang, unfortunately, is the victim this time around. While traveling (presumably from the LOTTE Championship in Hawaii) with Delta Airlines, Jennifer’s Callaway clubs all got some unwanted customization. As the video shows, the carrying case looks like an oversized Rottweiler ripped it open and dragged everything over to a grinding wheel, where one of her irons (and potentially other clubs) got a heavy-duty custom grind that provides groundbreaking toe relief.

Like discussed in connection with the prior incident, involving the ETSU Men’s Golf Team while traveling to the NCAA Division I Championship, this seems to be a simple case of the “I don’t cares.” As many traveling golfers are aware, airlines are very quick to slap you with a weight penalty. But when you use a soft-cover traveling case (many of which come with additional padding on the top side and frequently are paired with stiff-arm’s to prevent shafts from snapping), the airline is quick to speak out of the other side of its mouth and inform you that they disclaim any liability for damage that could occur.

While we’re forced to agree to that, nobody agrees for the airlines (or their agents, e.g., baggage handlers) to be willfully negligent and just throw things from the side of the plane onto the tarmac and drag it behind the baggage carrier.

Happened to me too. I’m a platinum medallion member with Delta too and I didn’t get even $1 for the incident. They told me it was my fault because of my case. pic.twitter.com/XPRqrkDOt2

— Scott Robinson (@McDivot14) November 12, 2024

Perhaps most disappointing is that this is a story that’s much more frequent than it’s reported (and resolved), and it’s only gotten some coverage due to the high-profile nature of some of the victims. Indeed, Jennifer’s incident quickly brought up numerous horror stories from other golfers who were basically told “tough luck” when their clubs were essentially destroyed by baggage mishandling.

Sadly, there are only two things that can be suggested for those of us who look to enjoy some destination golf. First, consider a hard case. I know this is not the preferential option, especially given how much of an inconvenience it is to travel with these person-sized cases that don’t collapse or fit nicely in the rental car, but they are you are greatest insurance against common carrier damage.

Second, if you find yourself the victim, try to remember they’re just golf clubs, find the silver lining in the fact that maybe you’ll need new clubs and, perhaps most importantly, be the “squeaky wheel.” Hopefully by making a stink on social media, the culprit will realize that the bad press isn’t worth the costs of replacing whatever was damaged while in their custody.

Cover Image via GolfMagic