The best cars and boot liners for golfers | Comparing small cars, hatchbacks, and SUVs

One often overlooked aspect of a golfing lifestyle is travelling. Without damaging your car boot space or trusted clubs, you may want to consider how accommodating a vehicle is when buying, especially if you are an avid golfer. Certain factors to consider and easy-to-maintain solutions to keep in mind for golfers requiring a car to travel to and from a course.

In this guide, we will explore the best cars of all sizes for golfers, including hatchbacks, and how custom boot liners can help protect their interiors.

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Factors to consider when choosing a car for golf clubs

When selecting a vehicle suitable for transporting golf clubs, several factors come into play to ensure convenience, safety, and comfort for the avid golfer. Ensure that the car boot is large enough to carry standard golf clubs, usually no longer than 45 inches—though this will depend on the golfer's height and the type of club used. Drivers may also want to consider whether the golf clubs may damage the boot area, particularly if they are not securely fastened.

Compare cars that offer comfort and space in their interiors, particularly when travelling with large items such as golfing equipment. This includes foldable rear seats to create more room, supportive seats, a smooth suspension system, and minimal cabin noise.

Golfers infographic

Ultimately, consider personal preferences such as brand loyalty, styling, and additional car accessories available when choosing a car for transporting golf clubs. Custom boot liners are ideal for protecting the cargo area, particularly muddy sports equipment and large items that may damage the interiors.

At Hatchbag, we provide tailored boot liners designed to fit your vehicle's make and model. Made with reinforced PVC, a custom boot liner can easily be fit to help support travelling with golf clubs and trolleys.

Use our interactive tool below to browse different makes and models:

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Best small cars for golf clubs

Golfers, who may prefer smaller cars, may not realise there are many viable options to consider. Small vehicles offer a practical and efficient solution for golfers who value manoeuvrability without compromising on storage space. Whether navigating through city streets or embarking on scenic drives to golf courses, the right small car can make all the difference. Here are just a few small cars to consider:

Mini Clubman

For individuals with a penchant for the unconventional, the MINI Clubman is a unique choice, particularly for those who require more space than the standard MINI Hatchback offers. It has a 360-litre boot for golf clubs, bags, and other accessories, with an outward boot opening and low ride height for easy loading.

Ford Puma

Though an SUV, the Ford Puma is a compact car that has received a high level of praise since its launch. It has a 456-litre boot and a hands-free tailgate to make opening the boot much easier when you have your hands full. The Ford Puma is also eco-conscious, with up to 52.3mpg for driving to your golf course.

Consider protecting your Ford vehicle with a custom boot liner. For more information, read our expert guide on everything you need to know about Ford boot liners here.

Our pick: Honda Civic

When it comes to finding the perfect blend of versatility, style, and practicality for city living, the Honda Civic stands out as an exceptional choice. Despite its sleek and compact design, the latest Civic model boasts increased dimensions, offering a longer and wider profile without compromising its small overall size.

One of the standout features of the Honda Civic is its spacious boot, which provides ample storage for various items, including golf clubs. The latest Civic model (2024) has a boot space of 410 litres, expandable to 1,212 litres when the rear seats are lowered.

Benefits include:

  • Large boot area
  • Plenty of room to fit a golf trolley
  • Combines performance and economy
  • Plenty of legroom in the rear
  • 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine
  • Suitable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Honda Civic 2022 boot liner

Shop the Honda Civic 2022 boot liner here.

Best hatchbacks for golf clubs

Hatchbacks are extremely popular among golfers as they offer versatility and practicality. This type of vehicle combines compact dimensions with ample cargo space and ease of access.

Volkswagen Golf

It's in the title - the Volkswagen Golf is a versatile and classic hatchback that has been popular since its debut. The latest Volkswagen Golf has a boot size of 380 litres, extendable to 1,237 litres when the seats are lowered.

Our pick: Ford Mondeo Hatchback

The third-generation Ford Mondeo Hatchback is our top recommendation for golfers searching for a spacious, comfortable ride without compromising quality or driving enjoyment. Boasting generous dimensions and a refined driving experience, this Ford model perfectly balances practicality and luxury.

With a generous 550 litres of storage available, there's plenty of room for golf clubs, bags, and other equipment. Furthermore, folding down the rear seats increases the capacity to an expansive 1,466 litres, ensuring that even larger items can be easily accommodated.

Benefits include:

  • Plenty of room to fit a golf trolley

  • Incredibly spacious inside

  • Diesel/petrol versions available

  • Comfort is a priority

  • Quieter engine than previous models

Mondeo Hatchback boot liner

Shop the Ford Mondeo Hatchback boot liner here.

Best SUV for golf clubs

SUVs are perfect for carrying large sporting equipment like golf clubs and trolleys. With their elevated ride height and spacious interiors, SUVs are well-suited for accommodating golf clubs, trolleys, and other equipment while providing comfort and convenience on the road.

Range Rover

The classic Range Rover has a massive 725-litre boot, which is more than enough for all golfing gear. With various models, a Range Rover is perfect for all sorts of off-roading activities, including camping and travelling with muddy pets.

Range Rover 2022 boot liner

Shop the Range Rover 2022 boot liner here.

Our pick: Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a reliable, family-friendly SUV that prioritises practicality and spaciousness over outright excitement. While it may not deliver the adrenaline-inducing thrills of a sports car, the CR-V excels in providing a safe and comfortable driving experience for both passengers and cargo.

With a generous boot capacity of 561 litres, the Honda CR-V offers ample space for stowing golf clubs, bags, and other equipment. Once the seats are lowered, this extends to a massive 1,756 litres.

Benefits include:

  • Up to seven seats

  • Practical as a family car

  • Reliable and safe

For more information on protecting your Honda, read our expert guide on Honda boot liners here.

Best estate car for golf clubs

Estate cars, renowned for their spaciousness and versatility, are an ideal choice for British golfers seeking ample cargo space without compromising on style or driving performance.

Our pick: Mercedes E-Class Estate (2016)

Our pick for the best estate car is the iconic Mercedes E-Class Estate. Combining the elegance of a classic Mercedes with the practicality of an estate car, the Mercedes E-Class Estate stands out as a top choice for British golfers in search of style, space, and functionality.

The Mercedes E-Class estate provides a large boot space, with 640 litres as standard. With the rear seats folded down, it gives a mammoth 1,820 litres of space.

Benefits include:

  • Large boot area to fit golf clubs and a trolley

  • Built and looks upmarket

  • Comfort-focused

  • Excellent driving experience

Mercedes E-Class boot liner

Shop the Mercedes E-Class boot liner here.

How can you protect your car boot and golf clubs from damage?

Golf clubs (and cars) are expensive investments; the last thing you would want is to damage either. The car boot is susceptible to damage from golf equipment, luggage, or other transported items. So, it is important to protect the cargo area in any way possible.

Invest in a custom-made boot liner designed specifically for your vehicle model. These liners are tailored to fit the contours of your car boot perfectly, providing comprehensive coverage and protection against scratches, spills, and general wear and tear.

Our custom boot liners are tough, waterproof and non-absorbent, meaning your boot stays clean, dry and protected. The Hatchbag boot liner is made to order and designed to fit exactly whatever make and model of vehicle you decide to buy. Made of reinforced PVC, our boot liners are easy to maintain and fit, offering long-lasting protection for all your trips to the golf course.

For more information, contact Hatchbag today to speak to our experts.

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