GOLF VACATIONS “KEEPING YOUR EYE ON THE BALL”
BY CLAY LARROY
Travel is so much more that simply
hopping on a flight to a new destination. If you plan it correctly, it could be
a thrilling time you'll never forget. Planning a trip is fun as there are tons
of things to do and see. Do you know how to plan a trip effectively? Packing
light is key to making your travels as easy and free of stress as possible.
Bring one carry-on bag that includes everything you need, not necessarily
everything you want. Your smart packing will pay off when you are happily
carrying one bag around on vacation instead of lugging around multiple bags. When you want to
plan a vacation contact me!
Imagine
breathing in the ocean wind while teeing off in Bermuda or learning the history
of the game while making par at St. Andrew’s. Whether you want to see how your
game measures up against the pros on a PGA Tour course, or bask in the lush
green scenery of an exotic locale, a golf vacation is the ultimate getaway for
those who love the game. Find real excitement playing a new, unfamiliar course,
especially one thousands of miles from home.
Planning
an invigorating, unforgettable golf getaway can be daunting: lodging,
transportation, restaurant choices, shipping clubs, local course rules, tee
times and cart rentals all conspire to add new complexity to your itinerary.
Here is where your travel consultant is worth their weight in gold. Golf travel
can be expensive and the planning time consuming. Having the practiced eye of
your travel consultant to arrange your vacation is a good idea - to make the
most of your financial and time investment. Your travel agent can suggest tour
packages at just about any destination that include all of the necessities and
more, letting you enjoy your golf and travel without worrying about the
logistics.
Because
of golf travel’s popularity, tour operators are offering increasingly
competitive deals on domestic and international packages - from budget to
luxury. Work with your travel consultant to narrow down the many tour operators
that offer packages to destinations you would like to visit and play. In
particular, you want a tour operator experienced in golf packages that can
provide you with excellent, even preferred tee times and can coach you and your
companions in all of the local rules of the courses you will visit. Many tour
companies offer "golf widow" rates for any in your group who may
travel along but do not play. Tour operators assist with daily itineraries,
accommodations, and transportation and provide access to courses and
opportunities you might not be able to achieve on your own.
Choosing
a destination and a corresponding course that suits your game is the most
important factor in planning your dream golf vacation. If traveling with other
players, you will also need to take their abilities, ages and health into consideration.
If the skill levels of your companions vary dramatically, perhaps you will
choose a destination that boasts an assortment of courses with varying
difficulty. And if non-golfers will be joining you, you’ll need to make sure
other activities are available for them to enjoy, such as the beach, mountains,
museums, art galleries, historic landmarks, and other tourist attractions.
The
number of potential destinations for your golf vacation is truly staggering.
Practically every country in the world that has a tourism industry has golf
listed as one of its primary attractions. You could head to Ireland or Scotland
and become one with the history and mystery of the game as well as enjoy
summertime hours on the course as late as 9 p.m. You can head to Hawaii and
learn to surf and bogie on the same day. The Caribbean, comprised of 700
islands, offers more possibilities than you can imagine. Then you have exotic,
Far East destinations where golf has taken a firm but Zen-like grip on nations
like Japan and Thailand. Not to mention spectacular domestic destinations like
Phoenix, Palm Springs, or the Greenbriar in West Virginia.
Perhaps
you will want to take advantage of several courses on your trip. If this is the
case, you should allocate sufficient time for transportation between courses
and the logistics of settling into your accommodations. On the other hand, if you’re
limited to a weekend trip, sticking with one or two courses will allow for some
relaxing downtime. If you wish to play courses other than those included in
your tour package, your travel consultant should easily be able to make the
necessary arrangements and adjust the price of your package accordingly.
Booking
tee times in advance is a must. Your travel consultant will determine from the
tour operator how far in advance reservations can be made, as this varies with
each course. If not, you will need to inquire about tee time reservation
guidelines and make your arrangements as early as possible, especially for
better-known courses. Also be aware that many golf resorts offer their guests
first choice concerning tee times, which might give you reason to stay at the
resort rather than off-premises.
REFERENCE SITES:
Give me golf clubs, fresh air and a beautiful partner, and you can keep the clubs and the fresh air.
Jack Benny
Jack Benny
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