Guide To Planning a Golf Trip Abroad

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PLANNING GOLF TRIP ABROAD PEOPLE ABILITY You ideally want a group of people who have a fairly similar ability and passion for the game. If you have a mix of seasoned golfers in with guys who are only really there for the nightlife, there is a risk of friction. LIKE MINDEDNESS Choosing the right people is crucial, even if everybody is of similar ability – like minded people are essential to a successful trip. If half of the group have the intention of partying into the early hours and the other half doesn't, it can cause problems, particularly in smaller groups. OTHER PEOPLE Before booking, make sure that there is not a major tournament going on at the course. This can really get in the way of your plans, plus everywhere will be busy! DEPOSITS Insist on deposits as early as possible and set strict deadlines. Weed out the people who just like the idea of the holiday, but are reluctant to commit as early as possible. MONEY 2$ BOOK EARLY Everything should be cheaper if you book nice and early. Flights, accommodation and courses –- these savings can add up to a sizeable total. HOTEL VS APARTMENTS If your group is 4+, it can often be far more cost effective to rent an apartment as oppose to paying for individual hotel rooms. You can often get fantastic value for money from golf apartments if you book well in advance. BIG GROUP DISCOUNTS Before booking, if you're in a group of 8+, it is recommended to check if you qualify for any form of big group discount. Many resorts will offer this, alternatively – they let the organizer go for free. COMMUNITY POT Having a community pot of money which everybody pays into on day one can save a lot of hassle when it comes to food and drinks. TIME OF YEAR Many European destinations can offer pleasant golfing conditions during the winter months and you can save a fortune at this time. INSURANCE If you are taking your clubs abroad with you, please check that they are covered in any insurance policy you have. The internet is full of stories from golfers having expensive equipment stolen. PRACTICAL RESERVE TEE TIMES On popular courses during the summer, you will need to reserve your tee times many months in advance. Reserving these in advance also allows you to prepare for other activities to do in your free time HANDICAP CERTIFICATES AND REGULATIONS Most courses will require soft spikes and many will request a handicap certificate. Check with the courses you intend to play at for regulations. PACKING Check the dress code of the courses you intend to play. Some will allow shorts and a collared t-shirt in the blistering sun, others will prefer more formal gear. In addition to this, remember to pack lots of things that you might struggle to find abroad (such as your favorite brand golf balls). CONSIDERING HIRING EQUIPMENT Although almost every golfer would prefer to play with their own set of clubs, lugging them abroad can be both expensive and a pain. If you're just planning a weekend trip, hiring equipment can be hassle free and inexpensive, plus you do not need to worry about heavy handed baggage handlers. CLUBS If you do choose to take your clubs abroad, ensure you have a sturdy flight bag cover. The covers are well worth their money, plus they tend to be large enough to fit in additional items which you are unable to fit in your case. GOLF GPS If you use a golf GPS at home, do not forget to load up the courses you are going to be playing on abroad. THE DESTINATIONS CLASSICS Algarve Great value for money 39 courses to chose from Fantastic nightlife Best Courses Vilamoura Victoria Vilamoura Old San Lorenzo Scotland World Class Courses Gleneagles Heritage Best Courses Gleneagles St Andrews Muirfield Myrtle Beach, USA 129 courses Top class resorts Courses designed by leading names in golf Best Courses Barefoot Resort Legends Golf Resort TPC at Myrtle Beach CURVE BALLS Morocco Great value for money Backdrop of the Atlas Mountalns Plenty of activitles to do whllst not on the course Best Courses Golf Du Palais Royal D'Agadir Royal Dar Es Salam Al Maaden Western Canada Unbeatable Scenery Surrounded by Rocky Mountalns Wide range of courses Best Courses Banff Springs Kananaskis Country Club Silvertip South Africa Superb quality courses Drivable distance to safarl parks Crocodlles! Best Courses The Lost City (Gary Player, Sun City) Leopard Creek Wild Coast Course Which Golfing Destinations Are Becoming More Popular? IAGTO Average Growth Indicator Values for 2012 – 2015 Average Growth Indicator Value(%) 0,2 0,4 0,6 Spain USA Portugal Cambodia Thailand North Cyprus Scotland Ireland United Arab Emirates Bulgaria China England Morocco Italy Mauritius Dominican Republic Taiwan Vietnam Chile Poland Меxico Trinidad & Tobago South Africa Malaysia Germany Sweden Croatia Indonesia Singapore Sri Lanka Brunei Darussalam Northern Ireland Uruguay Belgium Bermuda Iceland India Canada Golf Holidays In Numbers Spain is still Europe's number one golf holiday destination Spanish golf tourism is now a €340 million industry €340 million European Golf Tourism in total is worth €1.55 billion per year C* 6.9% 7.5% 7.1% booked visited France long-haul golf trips to the USA booked trips to Turkey 16.1% headed for Great 17% Britain & Ireland of European golftravelers visited 28.5% Portugal of European golfers surveyed visited Spain golFonline brought to you by