From CO.com
http://www.continental.com/web/en-US...ge/sports.aspx

As a Silver Elite you will be exempt from the checked bag fee and will only have to pay overweight if the bag is overweight AND contains items other than golf equipment.

Golf Equipment

Continental accepts one item of golf equipment per customer as checked baggage.

An item of golf equipment consists of:

1 golf bag containing 1 set of golf clubs
Golf balls
1 pair golf shoes.
All items must be properly encased in a suitable container. The golf bag must be covered or enclosed in a heavy, rigid carrying case.

Continental is not liable for damage to Golf Equipment that is not contained in a hard-sided case.

Excess Valuation may not be purchased for Golf Equipment that is not contained in a hard-sided case.

If applicable, the first ($15) or second fee ($25) applies to golf equipment.

Golf bags weighing over 50lbs (23kg) that contain other items in addition to or in place of appropriate golf equipment will be subject to a $50 overweight fee.