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.