A golf trip abroad with friends is an incredible way to make memorable experiences and tick off some of those bucket list golfing experiences.
However, before all the fun can begin you need to consider what needs to go into planning a successful break – from sending your clubs abroad to what to take on your golf holiday. This is where Glencor can step in and help.
Planning for your golf trip abroad
When planning a golf holiday, there are a number of questions we often ask clients to help better understand their needs.
The first set of questions to ask when planning a golf trip abroad are:
- How many nights will you be wanting to be on holiday?
- How many rounds of golf will you be looking to play?
- How many will be traveling in the party?
- What time of year are you considering travelling?
This should allow us to determine whether it’s a couple looking for a summer holiday with some rounds of golf included, or it’s a large golf society considering a long weekend in the sun.
We can also discount locations based on length of stay – for instance the majority of packages in Turkey are based around 7 nights, while Dubai is a long way to travel for anything fewer than 4 nights.
We would also ask you to consider the following:
- Board basis – full, half board, bed and breakfast etc.
- Proximity to nightlife – do you want your golf trip abroad to be fill with nights out or quite evenings by the pool?
- Budget for the trip
The board basis determines whether people want just self-catering or breakfast only so they can take advantage of surrounding bars and restaurants – popular for those looking to travel to Vilamoura or the Costa Del Sol. Or you want to include everything including drinks – in which case all inclusive is the best option.
Also worth noting is whether you are likely to be staying out enjoying drinks until the early hours, in which case accommodation either walking distance or a short taxi would make sense, or you prefer a resort away from it all as you will be getting an early night so you can enjoy your golf hangover free!
Taking or sending your clubs abroad
You have a few options when it comes to playing golf abroad:
- Taking your own clubs and adding them as luggage to your flight. We have created The Ultimate Guide to Flying with Golf Clubs to give you an idea of how each of the major airlines operate.
- Sending your clubs via courier. If you don’t want to risk damage to your clubs in transit from an airline, sending them to your destination via courier might be for you.
- Hire clubs abroad. You can save the hassle of lugging your bag through the airport and just hire golf clubs abroad. Options include renting some from the Pro Shop ahead of teeing off.
Top tip: If you don’t want to take your own clubs, book a reputable golf club hire company in the destination who will drop off and pick up clubs at the end of your holiday. The advantage is that you can pick some of the latest sets on the market, the quality is going to be excellent, and you know in advance the availability.
Here at Glencor Golf, we can arrange club hire on your behalf making it hassle free! Just let us know and we can provide a quote or add it to your booking.
For a full detailed overview of all the options check out our guide, Travel with Golf Clubs or Hire Them When You Get There?
What clothes to take abroad for golf
Consider packing clothes for the temperature you are going to be playing in. If it’s going to be hot, ensure some shorts and t-shirts that fit the course dress code.
Alternatively, if you are going low season for your destination, it could be advisable to pack a light rain jacket just in case.
In addition, you’ll need golf gloves and shoes and the correct socks. Although you are on holiday, the golf courses abroad still have a dress code so don’t expect to play in swim shorts and sliders.
What to expect at the resort
Once at the resort or golf course, you can warm up ahead of hitting the tee as well as getting those last-minute items from the Pro Shop, such as a bottle of water (ideal if the sun is out) and a snack to keep your energy going. You can also hire golf clubs, as well as buggies and trollies.
After the golf, you have the option to grab a drink and some food in the club house afterwards and discuss that birdie putt you nailed.
Bonus tips for travelling abroad to play golf
- Look out for deals that provide a 1 in 8 discount – we know it’s not always possible to get up to eight people to travel, but you can make a saving if you do.
- Some resorts offer an early booking discount – unlike more traditional holidays that benefit from last minute discounting, golf holidays are often the reverse. Plus, the earlier you book, the better the pick of tee times you can have.
- Consider twin or triple rooms so you can avoid single supplements, choosing apartment accommodation over a hotel where self-catering facilities are available or whether a semi-all inclusive drinks package in the resort (often an open bar in the evening for local beers, wines and spirits) is going to be cheaper than hitting the bars outside the hotel.
- Be aware that golf courses abroad will often pair players up as it is their right to do so – if you are a two or three ball then don’t be surprised if you are with other golfers to create a four ball and fill the tee time.
- Consider the transport you require – large groups will benefit from a series of private transfers where the costs can be split amongst the group. This is ideal for those who want to enjoy a beer or two after the round. Plus, reduced stress from driving abroad. However, private transfers generally get more expensive the smaller the group size. In some instances, we recommend hiring a car if it’s just two to four people traveling. If you are a small group and don’t fancy driving, consider taxis or looking out for deals where the resort or golf course offer a complimentary shuttle service – give us a call and we can help you find those. Check out our Guide To Golf Transfers for a full overview.
- All this planning that we can assist with will drastically reduce the chances of anything going wrong. However, it is always worth considering golf travel insurance to cover you, your equipment, and those around you. More details with our Guide To Golf Insurance.
About Glencor Golf – With over twenty years’ experience in the golf travel industry, numerous industry awards, and an incredible reputation from our clients based on actual reviews from thousands of successful holidays, we can help you plan your ideal golfing holiday – even if it’s just an idea you are considering without being able to commit to booking yet! Call our team on 01904 406550
