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.

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.

Packing Tips for Golf Trips

If you’re heading out for a golfing vacation for the first time, you may be a little uncertain about the best ways to travel for golf trips. These packing tips can help you figure out what to do with your golfing equipment and what you should pack with you if you’re heading out on your first excursion in golf travel.

Should you take your own golf clubs with you? The answer to the question depends on a number of factors. If you’re traveling by automobile, there’s no reason why not. Simply pack them for travel just as you would to head out to your favorite golf course. If you’re flying, however, there are a number of things to consider. Nearly every airline considers your golf bag as one of your pieces of allowed luggage. Most require that your clubs and bag be packed inside a hard-sided golf case, and won’t guarantee them against damage unless they are packed inside a hard case. You can also include one pair of golf shoes and two sleeves of golf balls in your case to be counted as one piece of checked luggage.

Based on the expense and the possibility of damage to your clubs, many avid golf travel buffs recommend that you leave your own clubs at home and rent what you need when you arrive at your destination. The same doesn’t hold true of golf balls, however. Golf balls can be quite expensive overseas, so if you’re planning golf travel to Europe or Asia, pack a few dozen golf balls for the trip. If you do decide to pack your golf clubs with you, hunt around for a good quality, lightweight golf bag that can double as a field bag.

If your golf trips will take you to the UK, you’ll also want to pack along your handicap certificate. While there are plenty of golf clubs that will let you book a tee time without one, if you want to play the Old Course at Royal Troon, Scotland, golf at St. Andrews or play on many of the other world class golf courses in the UK, you’ll need to present your handicap certificate to prove that you’re worthy of treading the same greens.

Check the dress code on the courses you intend to play and be sure to pack appropriately. Consider choosing wrinkle-free clothing that travels well – you do want to look natty on the golf course, after all. And wherever your golf trips take you, always, always, always pack a good quality, lightweight raincoat because chances are you’ll need it at some point in your trip.

Fabulous Scotland Golf Trips

Every golfer dreams of someday making the pilgrimage to Scotland, golf’s original home, and playing a round on one of the oldest and most revered golf courses in the world. The Old Course at St. Andrews features large in the fantasies of those who enjoy golf vacations and golf trips, but there are many other Scotland golf destinations that an avid golfer should visit and enjoy. These represent some of the top golf courses in Scotland. Any golf vacation should include a round or two on at least a few of these courses.

St Andrews

The Old Course is venerated above all other courses in the world, and as would be expected, it’s booked well in advance. If you want to take your turn teeing off at the course where golf was born, be sure to book your tee time well before you go. In fact, you may even want to hold off on setting the particulars for your golf vacation so that you can plan it around your booking at the Old Course.

Gleneagles Golf Resort

Host of the Ryder Cup matches in 2014, Gleneagles Golf Resort features three championship courses that offer challenging play and stunning scenery. You can choose to play The Kings, The Queens or the Wee Course, which is a nine hole course. Whichever you choose, the experience will be unforgettable.

Turnberry Resort

Located on the southwestern coast of Scotland, the course at the Turnberry Resort offers stunning views of the Sleeping Warrior – better known as the Isle of Arran. The Turnberry Course is links golf at its most challenging and the area offers a number of other courses you can play while you’re in the area. It’s a very popular spot for luxury golf vacations, and you can expect to find luxurious lodgings, world class dining and some of the best golf to be had anywhere in the world.

Solway Links Golf Course

If your golfing trip includes your entire family, or you want a break from the intensity of playing the high challenge of courses like Turnberry, stop in at Solway Links, located between Dumfries and Galloway in the southwest Lakes District. The pay for play course is informal, inexpensive and designed to be fun for the entire family.

Royal Troon

Founded in 1878, Royal Troon is one of the oldest and best-known courses in all of Scotland, and its reputation has made it a choice destination for golf trips and golf vacations. The majestic course is located just four miles from Prestwick Airport, making it easy to reach, but it’s not so easy to play. You’ll need to book your tee time well in advance, and present a certificate of handicap in order to play on either of their challenging courses.

If you’re hoping to golf the Old Courses at Royal Troon or St. Andrews, now is the time to start planning your 2012 golf vacations. Make your plans early and you’ll be sure to enjoy the best of Scotland golf.

Golf Travel Tips for Family and Friends of Golfers

Are you tired of being a golf widow or widower? Does your spouse or partner go off on golf trips and leave you behind? You’re not alone by a long shot. Golf travel is one of the fastest growing specialty segments of the travel and vacation industry. You don’t have to stay behind when your guy or gal heads off on golf vacations, though. Today’s hottest golf travel destinations feature lots of other activities to keep you and your family happy even if you never set foot on the golf course. These tips can help you enjoy golf vacations as much as your golfing companion.

Choose golf vacations in areas that offer a lot of other activities on and off the golf course. In Myrtle Beach, golf may be the main draw but there are many other activities to choose from. You can spend the days on the beach, visit water parks or head out for a day of shopping, then join up with your golfing buddy for dinners in world class restaurants and nights at comedy clubs or on the dance floor.

Two words – golf resort. Nearly every major golf destination in the country and overseas features full-scale resorts built around a golf course – or more than one. You’ll get luxury accommodations, access to the spa facilities and lots of other resort activities. Your golfer will get to hit the links on some of the best golf courses in the country.

Explore the city and surrounding countryside. Golf courses are located in some of the most beautiful lands in the country. If you’re artistic, take along a sketchbook and pencil and try your hand at sketching. You’ll find yourself growing a true appreciation for the old saying that golf is a beautiful walk through God’s beautiful country.

Extract a promise of one golf-free day to do something together – and plan it out. Take the time to investigate other things to do and make reservations or set up your plans in advance. You’ll find activities that range from scuba diving to para-sailing or shopping to museum tours, all within easy range of the golf courses that are the centerpiece of your trip.

Learn to golf. Nearly every golf travel destination will have golf pros at courses who specialize in beginner lessons to groom new users and introduce them to the game. Who knows? Maybe future golf trips will feature the two of you playing together.

Myrtle Beach Golf Trips Offer Fun for Everyone

As the cold gloom of a northern winter closes in, the golfer’s imagination can’t help but turn to golf trips in warmer, sunnier climes. While there are many sunny places you can go to golf, none of them offer quite the same appeal and array of benefits that you’ll find at Myrtle Beach. Golf is more than a pleasant recreation in Myrtle Beach – it’s a way of life and the life’s blood of the entire region.

Back in the bad old days, Myrtle Beach was known as the bargain basement of golf trips. The 60-mile long Grand Strand that runs from North Carolina to South Carolina is home to over 100 golf courses, many of them in operation for decades. The pleasant, year-round weather and the stunning scenery has made the Grand Strand and Myrtle Beach one of the most popular destinations for golf travel, which has given rise to many other tourist attractions to keep your entire family entertained.

Golf Travel and Hotels

Some of the most popular golf destinations around Myrtle Beach are full-scale golf resorts built around one or more world-class golf courses. Legends Golf & Resort, for instance, offers access to five beautiful golf courses, all of them designed by a world-renowned architect of golf courses, while Barefoot Resort and Golf features four award-winning golf courses designed by, respectively, Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. At either golf resort, you can book a golf package vacation that includes playing one, two or more of the courses.

Of course, you don’t have to stay at a golf resort to enjoy a round of golf on a Myrtle Beach golf course. There are many golf courses and golf clubs that aren’t affiliated with the big resorts – and you can nearly always book a tee time on the resort courses even if you’re not staying at the hotel.

Beyond Golf – Activities for Your Family

For those golfers who are traveling with families who have other interests, Myrtle Beach offers a little something for everyone. You’ll find shopping malls and retail outlets, discount outlets for many major manufacturers and boutiques for everything from clothing to glassware. Take a day off from the links to head out to the beach or a water park with the kids, or take them to one of the many mini-golf and amusement park choices that dot the entire coast.

Don’t let the winter doldrums get your down. Myrtle Beach is always open, with sunshine and lots of golfing activities to keep your golf trips on track to fun.