10 Essential Tips for Planning the Perfect Golf Holiday

10 Tips for Planning the Perfect Golf Holiday

Planning a golf holiday involves more decisions than a standard beach break. You're balancing course quality, hotel comfort, travel logistics and budget across a group who may have very different expectations. After arranging thousands of golf trips, here are our top ten tips.

1 Match the Destination to Your Handicap

Some destinations cater better to high-handicappers (wider fairways, fewer hazards, forgiving roughs) while others will humble single-figure players. Belek is wonderful for all levels; links courses in Scotland demand more precision. Be honest about your group's ability.

2 Book Early for the Best Tee Times

The best tee times (7–9am) at the most popular courses are snapped up months in advance, especially at Valderrama, Carya and St Andrews. If a specific course is on your bucket list, book at least six months ahead.

It's also when Golfing Trips' early booking discounts kick in, so you can lock in the tee times you want and save up to 20% at the same time.

3 Travel Light: Check Your Airline's Golf Bag Policy

Most golf travel bags are accepted as sports equipment rather than standard luggage, but policies vary. Ryanair charges separately; British Airways allows one golf bag within your luggage allowance on many fares. Always confirm before booking flights, as policies do change.

4 Consider Course Hire

Renting clubs at your destination is a serious option, especially for shorter trips. Modern hire sets at five-star resorts are genuinely good. It removes the stress of airport check-in and protects your clubs from baggage handlers.

5 Factor in Rest Days

Back-to-back golf in 28°C heat is more tiring than it sounds. A 7-night trip works well with 4–5 rounds, leaving time for the spa, excursions or simply recovering over a long lunch.

6 Get Travel Insurance That Covers Golf

Standard travel insurance often excludes golf equipment and green fee cancellation. Specialist golf travel insurance typically covers clubs, unused green fees due to injury, and hole-in-one costs, though cover limits vary by provider, so check the policy details carefully before you travel.

7 Check the Course's Buggy Policy

Some courses (particularly links in Scotland and Ireland) don't permit buggies except for medical reasons. Others require them. Confirm before booking if walking or riding is a priority for your group.

8 Use a Specialist

The difference between using a golf travel specialist and booking independently is significant. It's access to tee times at sold-out courses, package prices unavailable to the public, and an expert who can resolve problems on the ground.

Our team have played the courses they recommend, so you get straight, informed guidance rather than a generic travel booking. Tell us what you're planning and we'll help you build the right trip.

9 Think About the 19th Hole

After-golf culture varies enormously. Spain and Portugal offer vibrant beach clubs and restaurants. Scotland's 19th hole pub culture is legendary. The UAE's resort bars are spectacular but expensive. Research what fits your group.

10 Get Your Equipment Valued

Before travelling with expensive clubs, get them photographed and insured. Serial numbers on shafts and heads make insurance claims far simpler if the worst happens.

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