The UA policy regarding golf clubs states: "You must properly encase all items in a suitable container. The golf bag must be covered or enclosed in a heavy, rigid carrying case."

https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...equipment.html

How, er, rigidly is this enforced in practice? I ask because I have a travel case for my clubs but it's a soft-sided bag— , to be precise. I've taken that on AA multiple times with no issues but need to take a UA flight at the end of this month and would rather not have to deal with an officious check-in agent telling me it's not going to pass muster.