Advice for Ireland Golf Vacations

Next to Scotland, there are few places on Earth more sacred to avid golfers than Ireland. Some of the most revered golf courses in the world are located on the Emerald Isle, making it a favorite spot for golf vacations. If you’re planning an Ireland golf vacation, these facts and tips may come in handy.

The Best Time for Ireland Golf Courses

While most Irish golf courses, particularly links courses, are open year round, the weather is best from April to October, as are the conditions of the golf courses. Most golf enthusiasts recommend that you plan golf trips to Ireland during those months. The weather is comfortable all year long, but the summer daylight hours can give you a couple of extra rounds of golf in the evening before the sun sets.

Handicap Certificates

Many golf clubs require that non-members present a handicap certificate in order to play on the course. Avoid disappointment by making sure to obtain and pack one before you leave home.

Caddies

Caddies are not employed directly by golf clubs in Ireland, and there’s no guarantee that there will be a caddy available at tee times. Most golf travel guides recommend requesting a caddy in advance so that the golf club can make arrangements if necessary.

Golf Carts

Golf carts, or golf buggies, are rarer on Ireland golf courses than they are in the U.S. Many clubs don’t allow them at all, or limit their use to specific courses. If you want a gold cart, you should ask in advance and request a reservation at the time you book your tee time. Generally, preference is given for golfers that require a golf cart for medical reasons.

Golf Clubs – to Bring Or Not?

If you’re planning to take your own golf clubs, be sure to check with the airline in advance about their baggage policies concerning golf equipment. Many golfers choose to leave their clubs at home and rent them at the golf clubs where they play. Others choose to ship their golf clubs ahead by freight rather than trusting them to baggage handlers. Price out each of your options and decide which works best for you.

What Else to Pack

Whether you choose to take your clubs or leave them at home, there are some other things you’ll definitely want to pack. First – golf balls. Pack a few dozen. You’re likely to lose a few in the roughs, and they tend to be prohibitively expensive overseas. Aside from that, you’ll want rain gear, including waterproof shoes and a few pairs of all weather gloves. In addition, pack a warm jacket or sweater, even in the summer, for cool mornings and evenings.

Golf Travel Accommodations

There are many accommodation options for golf vacations in Ireland, ranging from holiday cottages or condos to luxury 5-star hotels and manor homes. You’ll often get the best deals on Ireland golf vacations when you book an entire tour, including accommodations and tee times at several famous golf courses, through a travel agent that specializes in golf travel.

Tips for Planning the Best Golf Travel Vacations

If you’re an avid golfer, sooner or later you’ll want to combine your vacation with a few rounds of golf on some of the world’s best golf courses. Golf vacations are quickly taking their place among the top vacation destinations and types for vacationers. When planning your dream golf travel vacation, there are many aspects to consider – how long you’ll stay, which courses to include, how much golf you’ll fit in and what other members of your group will do while you’re out on the golf course among them. Careful planning can ensure that everyone in your family – and especially you – enjoy your golf vacations thoroughly. These tips and suggestions can help you plan your golf travel to ensure that you enjoy every moment you spend on your holiday

Where to Go?

 

Is there one particular course you’re dying to play? On a trip to Scotland, golf enthusiasts often are determined to play a round at the most historic courses in the world, for example. If you plan your golf vacations around playing a particular course, check tee times and availability before booking the rest of your vacation.

For some golfers, the point of a golf holiday is to hit as many excellent golf courses as possible. In that case, choose a destination that puts you in the center of a major golfing region. In Myrtle Beach, golf is a major tourist attraction and you’ll find more than 100 top golf courses within easy driving distance. A trip to Myrtle Beach is a great way to maximize the number of courses you can play.

Golf Tour or On Your Own?

One of the best ways to enjoy golf vacations is to opt for a pre-packaged golf tour put together by a travel agent who specializes in arranging golf vacations. A golf travel agent often knows the best courses, times and places to play, and can help set you up with everything you need to best enjoy your holiday.

On the other hand, arranging your own golf vacations may allow you to play lesser-known but stellar golf courses that aren’t yet on the radar. If you enjoy the fun of discovering unexpected treasures, you may prefer to contact golf courses on your own and make your own arrangements.

Travel Arrangements

If your golf holiday will include airline travel, be sure to check with your airline about transporting your golf clubs and other golf equipment. Every airline has its own rules and regulations about how they count golf bags and equipment as luggage. Checking first will ensure that your clubs travel safely with you.

On the other hand, many golf travel experts advice either shipping your clubs ahead or renting a set at your destination to avoid the hassles and expense of bringing your own along with you. Weigh the advantages and drawbacks of each method and decide whether you’ll take your own clubs or rent when you get there.

Golf travel vacations give you a chance to play iconic courses and enjoy some of the best golf architecture in the world. A little advance planning can ensure that your golf holiday will be a memory to treasure.