How to Plan a Golf Trip
By Bradley Turner Keiser University College of Golf Director of Online Golf Instruction – MBA, PGA
A golf trip to a new destination and quality golf courses is a wonderful experience for many avid golfers. Planning a successful golf trip can be daunting for the individual responsible for organizing and confirming all aspects of the events. This article will highlight some important considerations during the planning process and hopefully eliminate potential problems that turn a dream golf vacation into a nightmare.
What is the Budget and Group Size?
Establishing a rough budget for your golf trip is a good starting point. Before deciding exactly where you want to go on your trip, you should plan the number of golf days for the trip. You also want to determine the ideal number of players on your trip. The expectation from golf operators is for your group size to be multiples of four. Depending on where you are going, accommodating 20 golfers versus four golfers becomes challenging. Remember to allocate a day to get to the destination and a day to return. This certainly depends on where you live, but it is important to consider the travel challenges of the different golfers in your group. The budget could eliminate a specific demographic of your golf friends, so this is a perfect place to begin the discovery process of your golf destination.
Where Are You Going?
Summer Destinations
Northern Michigan –
There are more golf courses per capita in the great state of Michigan than any other in America. Michiganders love their golf, and it is a unique experience to be playing some spectacular golf venues. As a former Michigander, I will provide fair warning for those wanting to experience the great northern golf courses. Wait until after June 1. You will likely have frost delays in April and May and golf in 40-degree weather. If you are from Michigan, it is no problem, but if you are south of the Mason-Dixon line, forget about it. I highly recommend fall golf as it is extra special with the changing colors of the trees. The weather in October is a bit tempered and predictable as well.
Bandon Dunes, Oregon –-
Specifically, the Pacific coast of Oregon has become a unique destination for avid golfers. Bandon Dunes Resort has five excellent golf courses and a unique par-3 course to test the skills of every type of golfer. The golf courses are designed to play similarly to the seaside golf courses in Scotland and Ireland, providing golfers with a true links golf experience. There isn’t much more around Bandon Dunes other than golf, so you must ensure your golf group is cool with playing golf, eating, and sleeping as the primary activities. The golf is spectacular, as well as the Pacific coast sunsets.
Scotland –
The home of golf is a special trip for sure. I was lucky enough to travel to Scotland for six days of golf, including the Old Course at St. Andrews. We used a golf travel service to help with the trip since we had almost 20 golfers, which can become very complicated. Everything about the experience was outstanding, especially playing the Old Course. For those that love the history of the game, Scotland is a must-golf experience.
Winter Destinations
Florida –
Just about any city in Florida will have plenty of golf opportunities to satisfy your golf expectations. I have lived in Central Florida for over 30 years, and I always appreciate standing on the tee box on a 75-degree day in February, wondering to myself, “how many golfers want to be playing golf today?” A fantastic new destination is Streamsong, located southwest of Orlando. If you like a traditional golf experience, there is no better place in Florida than Streamsong. Of course, TPC Sawgrass is pretty awesome, Bay Hill Club is a must-play, and Doral in Miami is a bucket list facility for sure. The list of great places to play is enormous.
Arizona –
Desert golf, the contrast between the Arizona desert and the lush green grass of a golf course, is a spectacular site. Arizona is clearly a winter destination, but for golfers, it is a great place to play in the fall and spring as well. Fall pricing is advantageous for budget-minded golf groups.
Fall and Spring Destinations
Myrtle Beach –
The famous Grand Strand of golf is also the world’s golf capital. More golf courses are near each other than in any other place in the world. Myrtle Beach is serious about its golf, so your golf clubs are treated as passengers by airline personnel. They know why you are flying into Myrtle Beach so that they will take care of the important stuff. Myrtle Beach is a golf trip destination for budget-minded golf groups and those who love a variety of golf courses to play.
Pinehurst –
The unofficial home of golf in America is quickly becoming established in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The USGA has made Pinehurst a permanent host site in the rotation of the US Open. In addition, the World Golf Hall of Fame will be moving from St. Augustine, Florida, to Pinehurst. Pinehurst is a golf haven with world-class golf courses and high-end accommodations. A more upscale golf experience for sure, Pinehurst is an experience unlike any other in the world of golf.
Who is Going on the Trip?
The genesis of a golf trip often starts as a conversation after a round of golf, and suddenly everyone wants to go on this proposed trip. Getting the right golfers to spend four or more days together playing golf can become a problem if the wrong individuals travel with you. Golfers come in all kinds of golf categories. Do you want the chronic complainer for the next week in your group? How about the guy that gets frustrated and quits during the round? One of the worst is the party guy that does not make it to the morning round because 10:00 am is too early! Make sure and get a group who similarly enjoys the game. Some want to have money games and side matches, while others enjoy being out with mother nature on a beautiful property. There is room for everyone on a golf trip, but make sure the people in the room fit nicely together.
Golf Travel Services
Plenty of golf travel services are available to help you with the golf trip. I highly recommend using one for international travel as there can be unforeseen stipulations or restrictions for golf opportunities on desired golf courses. For example, the Old Course at St. Andrews is a bit complicated to book a tee time, but by using a golf travel service that has a business relationship with the home of golf, you will likely secure a spot on the Old Course. If you are a do-it-yourselfer in booking your trip, you will want to get started well in advance of your trip in booking golf, hotels, air transportation, and car rental needs. Wherever your golf destination is, enjoy the time connecting with your family and friends while playing at some of the great golf venues in the world.
Learn more!
Want more tips? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, together, we can elevate your game to new heights. Give us a call today at 888-355-4465.
