Vacationing with friends or family is one of the best pleasures in life, especially if you have spent most of the year working hard and taking very few days off.
If your friends are constantly checking stats on golf and love playing the game, you can have a wonderful time at a resort that has a course. Such vacations are a great way for everyone to come together, have the time of their lives, and make memories that will last forever.
As you plan your upcoming golfing holiday, you may be unsure about the best place to go, how early to book flights and hotel stays, and other aspects of the trip.
Below are seven tips to ensure you have the best possible golfing holiday with your friends.
1. Book Early
When you are planning a golfing holiday, ensure you are booking everything well in advance. The best resorts are likely booked months ahead of time, especially during the peak season.
Talk to your party about the area you want to visit. Perhaps there is a specific state or country where everyone wants to go. Then you can find a resort in that area that meets your requirements for golf and other activities.
2. Pack Suitable Clothes
Packing for a golfing holiday is a challenge, as you must have suitable attire for golf and other activities. Ensure you keep a couple of sets of comfortable pants and shirts that you can wear on the course, along with your ideal golf shoes.
Then pack for other activities, such as hiking, sightseeing, clubbing, and eating at fancy restaurants. You do not want to come across as that one tourist who enters a classy restaurant wearing their golf shirt and pants.
3. Try to Book a Weekday Trip
If you are heading out of town, or to another country, for several days, you may want to take a few days off work. Rather than going on a weekend, you should plan at least part of your trip during the week.
Resorts are a lot less crowded on weekdays, which makes for a more pleasant and personalized experience. Everyone at the golf course and resort will have more time to attend to your needs rather than being overwhelmed with all their rooms booked.
4. Consider Taking Your Clubs
Any golfing enthusiast knows that playing with your clubs is an entirely different experience compared to renting clubs. Even if you are traveling by plane domestically or internationally, you can pack your set of clubs as checked-in baggage.
Having your clubs makes the entire trip more enjoyable, as you get to play with your favorite golf club in particular situations. You can also compare your performance on a new course, without wondering if you are hindered by rented clubs.
5. Book Courses Ahead of Time
Far too many people plan every detail of a golfing holiday but forget to book tee times at the resort where they are staying. Do not assume the course will have availability on the same day, even if you are traveling off-season on a weekday.
When you book your hotel stay, also book times at the golf course nearby. Schedule multiple rounds at the same course, as your party will likely want to play several times during the vacation.
6. Choose Early or Late Tee Times
Most people prefer playing on a golf course when it is less busy, as you can play at a relaxed pace and not worry about another group breathing down your necks.
If you are hoping to get the course to yourself, book your tee time for early in the morning or later in the day. Perhaps your group has a lot of early risers, in which case a 7 am tee time may be perfect. Groups that like to lie in during the morning may want to schedule a later tee time, such as 12 pm or 1 pm.
Courses are busiest during mid-morning, around 9 am to 12 pm, as most people prefer to play golf and then go straight for lunch.
7. Visit a Charming Location
Planning a golfing holiday is a lot of fun, as you get to experience new courses and spend time with the people who are close to you. While playing golf in a new city is fun in itself, you should choose a location that is worthwhile for exploring and sightseeing.
If the area you visit only has a golf course and not much else, you may find yourself bored after each tee time. Golf is likely not the only reason you are planning a vacation with friends, so choose a destination that is charming, tourist-friendly, and full of enjoyable activities and sights.
