A golf vacation is a perfect opportunity to relax and play your favourite sport away from home. However, you must be well prepared to enjoy the trip. You want to spend only what you anticipated, such as items you could have carried from home or spend most of the time in the hotel because the weather could be more pleasant.
This guide will help you plan a perfect golf vacation, alone or with your buddies.
Choose the Right Destination
The first step is to choose an ideal destination. Are you travelling abroad or within Canada? There are 38,864 golf courses globally spread across 206 countries, and 2,363 are in Canada. If you are travelling abroad, start by researching the weather. You don’t want to arrive during the rainy season or in extreme summer heat.
Next, are you looking for a relaxed round, or the challenge of a championship course? Research the quality and difficulty levels of your destination’s courses.
Packing
Packing can be stressful before a trip. You don’t want to overpack and face extra fees at the airport, but you also don’t want to forget essential items. First, you need good travel bags—one for your golf gear and one for other belongings. A soft travel case is okay, but a hard case is better to protect your clubs during transit.
Bring your golf clubs: drivers, a putter, irons, and wedges to keep up with the game. Invest in high-quality brands and products like the TaylorMade SIM2 Max Driver. Next, gather your golf accessories. Pack gloves, tees, ball markers, and plenty of golf balls since you might lose some during the trip, especially if there are water hazards or difficult roughs on the course.
For golf clothing, pack shirts and pants or shorts specifically for golf. Don’t forget your golf shoes, hat, and sunglasses. Check if the golf course has a dress code before packing. You may also need a sweater or jacket depending on the weather forecast. Include technology essentials like a GPS or rangefinder and a portable charger. Finally, bring your non-golf items, such as clothes, shoes, and toiletries.
Golf Vacation Budget
Unless you are a high-roller, a budget is important when planning a vacation to prevent overspending. How much are you willing to spend? Check the prices of different courses in your destination to find one that fits your budget.
Some high-end golf courses charge high green fees. For instance, Las Vegas’ Shadow Creek charges $1,250 per round. Also, consider golf cart or caddy fees because some courses include these in the greens fee, while others charge separately.
Next, consider accommodation. Do you want on-site lodging or accommodation near the golf course? If you choose the latter, remember to add transport costs.
Book Your Tee Times in Advance
The last thing you want on a golf vacation is to miss out on prime tee times. Popular golf destinations often fill their schedules well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Once you identify the golf course you want, call them directly to check tee availability for the days you plan to visit. If the course is challenging, consider booking a practice round to familiarize yourself with the layout.
If you want to avoid booking the trip yourself, work with a reputable golf travel agency. This will ensure that all you have to worry about is getting to the course and playing.
Prepare Your Game
The reason you are travelling is your game, so remember to prepare as well. Spend time at the driving range or local golf courses to fine-tune your swing and improve consistency. Focus on areas where you need more confidence. As you practice, check out the course’s website to see what to expect. This information will help you prepare mentally and physically.
You also want to be physically fit for vacation. But that does not mean hitting the gym. If you don’t regularly exercise, start walking daily to prepare your body. Incorporate exercises targeting your core, legs, and upper body to improve overall performance and reduce injury risk.
Handling Logistics and Accommodation
The best way to plan a vacation is to book everything in advance. This allows you to secure the best rates, especially in the low season. The most convenient way to handle logistics and accommodation is to use a travel agency. However, you can save some cash if you do everything yourself.
If you choose to do it yourself, thoroughly research the accommodation that meets your needs. Many resorts offer golf packages that include accommodations, green fees, and other amenities at discounted rates. Compare different packages to find the best value for your money. To get to the hotel, take the shuttle from the airport.
Preparing for a golf trip can be stressful. You need everything to be perfect, but your daily routine can get in. If you have a golf vacation coming up, follow the tips above to prepare for a memorable one. This will combine the thrill of the game with the joy of travel.
Photo by Johnny Such on Unsplash
