Going to Australia

What would you recommend I do before I pack my golf bags?

Should I do a thorough cleaning to clear them off any mud, grass, leaves, etc that are in the bag and on the clubs? Or they are not as sticky as what I see on Border Patrol - the TV series on CI.

I know and have seen how sticky their custom officers are. Last time I was there, they went thru every single pocket in my bag. Maybe they don't like my face...

Thanks!

Those guys there are serius about preventing any unwanted insects, soil, etc being brought in. And rightly so as the agricultural industry is the backbone of the economy. So I would advise that you wash and clean your golf shoes thoroughly, including the bottom, particularly the cleats, and your bag as well.

I've been there a few times. I've only gone through a thorough check once at their customs

But better not risk it. u never know if u'll get chosen for a thorough check. it doesn't take much effort to clean up anyway

artchang00 wrote:

What would you recommend I do before I pack my golf bags?

Should I do a thorough cleaning to clear them off any mud, grass, leaves, etc that are in the bag and on the clubs? Or they are not as sticky as what I see on Border Patrol - the TV series on CI.

I know and have seen how sticky their custom officers are. Last time I was there, they went thru every single pocket in my bag. Maybe they don't like my face...

Thanks!

remove all the cleats n wash the shoes..... only put them back on after clearance

if can, wear spikeless shoes...


no need to give them any reasons to query....

Good thanks. My shoes now the spikeless so it's easier to clean. Might even wear them on the plane.

one other way to avoid quarantine queue is not to bring any food or items that necessitates u to go that line - also zip ur cart/standbag inside a travel bag so looks v clean... then just wheel thro the "Nothing to Declare" queue and they will just wave u thro.. At most they will ask u to go thro the Xray machine otw out...

Aussie customs only do detailed checks at the quarantine queue counters

hi
i have gone through without any trouble.
when they noted they i'm bringing my golf gear, they have asked whether my shoes are cleaned.

i have also seen them soaked the soles of the golf shoes in some sort of antiseptic solution to kill whatever that sticks to the soles of the shoes.

hope this helps.

As everyone has mentioned, the shoes are the key. I went through last time without problem by just saying that I have cleaned my shoes before they even mentioned it.

I am playing in Perth now....make sure you clean your shoes, especially the soles. No soil/earth/mud etc.

Also, they will check your irons, to see if there are soil/mud on your club heads. so it's wise to clean your clubs and shoes before you pack your golf bag.

The cleaning cloth you use to wipe your clubs, also make sure it's not soiled.

freedrop wrote:

I am playing in Perth now....make sure you clean your shoes, especially the soles. No soil/earth/mud etc.

Also, they will check your irons, to see if there are soil/mud on your club heads. so it's wise to clean your clubs and shoes before you pack your golf bag.

The cleaning cloth you use to wipe your clubs, also make sure it's not soiled.

Hi Freedrop,

you are playing in perth now? have you visited all the courses in the stretch of mandurah?

The Cut is a must play
Port kennedy and Secret harbour links are good too

I have played most of the courses at Mandurah in my previous trips - Secret Harbour, Kenndy Bay, The Cut, Meadow Springs.

Have also played the others like Joodalup, The Vines, Araluen, Bursewood, Hartfield.

This time is a short business trip so I only played a public course this morning nearby Perth City called Collier Park. A$30 green fee, but the course is as good as MBGC. But still enjoyable, the Par 5s are short, less than 500m, greens are fast, like 11.

I saw this a bit late, but nevertheless for those that may go later...

As I wear studless, it is quite easy to clean them. I also wear a pair when I board as it act as my general shoes.

Spend $5 to wash yor club at the golf drop off at NSRCC Changi or Kranji, you won't have any issue.

BTW, for the people who have played at Seletar Base and if you rememeber Robert Fong the marshall, he lives in Perth now. He can introduce you to all the local courses that is very reasonable (A$30 range). If you know him and need his contact, PM me. I normally avoid the courses like Vines, Joondalup, Meadow Springs as they are price on the top end. Played them once for experience

Oh yeah, Collier Park is a great public golf course. Back in the days, as a student I only paid $15 to go a round of 18H. Greens are always quicker than Sth East Asia for sure, but Collier greens tend to have a lot of twigs as the course is surrounded by tall pine trees.

Next time you are in Perth, you can try Melville Glades Golf Club

Rule of thumb. Never bring cooked food in. Or if u wanna bring food, bring it in another box, shld they decide to check. U have the option to ditch it all to save time.

Cheers mate. Have a good trip.

9points wrote:

Oh yeah, Collier Park is a great public golf course. Back in the days, as a student I only paid $15 to go a round of 18H. Greens are always quicker than Sth East Asia for sure, but Collier greens tend to have a lot of twigs as the course is surrounded by tall pine trees.

Next time you are in Perth, you can try Melville Glades Golf Club

Yes the lightning greens in Collier Park costs me a couple of birdies. Overall it's not a difficult course, At least 2 of the Par 5s are reachable in 2. Fairways are wide enough, and although I was warned about waters (I played Island and Lake), they are not that intimidating.

Will try Melville Glades next time.