Has someone you love succumbed to the lure of golf travel this year? Golf trips are among the most popular holiday travel, especially those that take you to warmer, sunnier climes. If your favorite golfer has booked a golf vacation this holiday season, why not add to the festivities by giving him or her a golf-themed holiday gift? If you’re not sure what to get that will be appreciated, here are a few suggestions that will help add to the fun on golf trips and golf vacations.

Golf Passes

Most golfers plan their golf trips around the courses they want to play, but they’ll usually have plenty more time to get in even more rounds on other courses. Once you know their destination, check around for other golf courses and clubs in the area, then check into the availability of a golf pass. In Arizona, golf courses sometimes band together, for example, to offer a golf pass that will grant entry onto the greens of any one of several major courses. Golf passes are relatively inexpensive, and many also offer discounts for playing as well as on items in the pro shop.

Golf Lessons

Help your golfer hone his game before he sets off on his golf vacation with lessons from a local golf pro. Phone up his favorite course to find out the availability of lessons, or check online for other nearby courses where you can schedule classes that concentrate on specific problem areas. What better gift can you give a golfer than shaving a few points off his handicap or helping him overcome that nasty slice?

Golf Equipment

He’s got his favorite clubs, but every golfer has a few pieces of golf equipment on his or her holiday list. If you’re not sure, you can ask directly, or you can call up the pro shop and ask for recommendations for a special golf gift. One possibility – a gift certificate to the pro shop that includes a swing analysis to help them fit him with the very best equipment for his own personal style.

Golf Balls and Other Stocking Stuffers

If the golf travel is taking your golfer overseas, one of the best gifts you can give him is a supply of golf balls. People who often take golf trips to Ireland, Scotland and other popular golf travel destinations always recommend bringing along extra balls – they’re expensive if you have to buy them while you’re there.

Of course, if you’re looking for a really spectacular gift for your favorite golfer, you could go all out and book him or her a golf vacation to his favorite dream destination. If he’s already beat you to it and booked his own golf travel, however, you can get in on the fun with one of these great holiday golf gifts.

Golf vacations are becoming more and more popular as more and more people learn about the pure enjoyment of addressing a ball and sending it sailing off across the green. If you’re planning golf travel this winter, these tips can help make your golf trip easier and more fun.

Let a Pro do the Planning For You

If you’ve never planned a golf vacation before, it makes sense to take advantage of the expertise of a professional travel agent. There are many travel agents that specialize in putting together golf vacation packages that include everything from lodging to tee time bookings. You can book a golf travel package with a theme, choose golf packages by cost or sit down with a travel agent and have them put together a custom golf package that hits the course that you want to play.

Do Some Research Before You Go

Whether you plan your own golf trip or book a pre-designed golf package, spend some time reading up on the courses you plan to play. Read reviews on the various courses and clubs and learn about the tricks and tips for playing each. It’s also important to know if there are particular rules or restrictions. For example, in Ireland, golf clubs often restrict play to those who have a handicap certificate.

Leave Your Clubs at Home or Ship Them Ahead

If you’re flying to your destination, traveling with your golf clubs can be a hassle. Each of the airlines has specific rules and regulations you’ll have to follow if you want to take your clubs along – and they will take the place of one of your allowed checked bags. You can save the hassle and expense – and the risk that your clubs will end up in Alaska while you’re on the Grand Strand – by renting clubs at your destination, or by shipping your clubs to your hotel ahead of you.

Book Your Tee Times Well in Advance

If you have particular courses that you want to play, call ahead to reserve a tee time. This is especially important if you’re planning to play a well-known club that’s very popular with tourists. Just how far ahead varies – if you want to play the Old Course at St. Andrews next summer, for example, you’re already out of luck – as of October 2011, tee times for March through October 2012 is already fully booked.

Whether you’re traveling on your own or booked a golf travel package with a group through a travel agency, a little research and advance planning will go a long way toward making your trip more enjoyable.