Trevor Ng
Planning a group golf trip can be challenging, especially for large groups. It is important to start by establishing a rough budget and deciding on the number of golf days and the ideal number of players. The date is also a crucial factor, as it will impact the price of the trip due to the seasonality of destinations and venues. It is recommended to plan in advance, especially for overseas trips, large groups, and popular venues. Getting commitment from group members early on and having them contribute financially is essential to avoid last-minute drop-outs. When choosing a destination, consider the weather, the availability of stay-and-play packages, and the activities offered besides golfing. Additionally, don't forget to allow extra time and money for golf club transportation and storage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Group size | Multiples of four are expected, but accommodating 20 golfers vs. four golfers is challenging. |
| Commitment | Ask for financial commitment early on to avoid dropouts. |
| Planning | Start early, especially for overseas trips, large groups, and big-name venues. |
| Budget | Establish a rough budget and the number of golf days to help decide on a destination. |
| Dates | Consider seasonality, which impacts price and availability. |
| Location | Choose based on the best weather, deals, or specific courses/states you want to visit. |
| Activities | Consider family-friendly activities, fishing, hunting, gambling, etc., depending on the group's interests. |
| Travel | Book flights a few months in advance, checking the weather forecast and travel challenges. |
| Golf clubs | Store them in a secure, durable case. Some airlines charge extra for golf clubs and overweight bags. |
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What You'll Learn
Budgeting and group size
When it comes to group size, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are a few guidelines to consider. Firstly, think in terms of foursomes as some marquee courses sell their tee times as four-balls only. While smaller groups can still book these courses, they will have to pay for the unused slots. Transportation is another factor to consider when determining group size. For larger groups, pre-arranged ground transportation or a chauffeur-driven bus is recommended to avoid the stress of navigating and designated drivers. Additionally, the larger the group, the more tee times and accommodation rooms will be needed, which can be challenging to secure at popular golf destinations.
To get the best deals, consider travelling during off-peak seasons and look for stay-and-play packages or seasonal offers from golf resorts. It is also a good idea to plan in advance, especially for large groups or when considering big-name venues, as they can get booked up quickly.
To avoid last-minute dropouts, it is suggested to get a commitment from group members early on by having them contribute financially. This will help in planning the trip based on confirmed numbers and avoiding issues with venues regarding group size and negotiated terms.
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Choosing a destination
If you are looking for a golf trip in the US, the Pacific coast of Oregon is a great choice, with Bandon Dunes Resort offering five excellent courses and a par-3 course. If you are looking for a challenge, Arizona's desert golf courses provide a spectacular contrast of desert and green grass. Arizona is a particularly good choice for those on a budget, with advantageous pricing in the fall. For those who want a variety of courses to play, Myrtle Beach is a great option, with more golf courses in close proximity than anywhere else in the world.
If you are travelling with a large group, it is worth considering the number of golfers and whether the destination can accommodate your needs. The expectation from golf operators is that group sizes are multiples of four, so this may influence your choice of destination. You should also consider the travel challenges of the different golfers in your group and whether the destination is easily accessible for all.
Finally, it is important to think about the time of year for your trip. You may want to travel during a particular season to take advantage of the best weather or find the best deals on seasonal packages. It is also worth checking for any local events or festivals that may impact the availability and price of accommodation.
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Booking and timing
Planning a group golf trip can be a daunting task, especially for larger groups. It is important to start planning early, especially if you are travelling overseas or have a large group size. For big-name venues, it is not uncommon for tee times to be fully booked 12 months in advance.
The first step is to establish a rough budget and decide on the number of golf days for the trip. This will help you determine the ideal number of players in your group. Golf operators typically expect group sizes to be multiples of four, and it is more challenging to accommodate larger groups. It is also important to consider the travel challenges of the different golfers in your group and allocate days for travelling to and from the destination.
Next, you should decide on a destination and the time of year for your trip. Consider whether you want to travel domestically or internationally, and whether you want to visit a particular state or course. The time of year can impact the price of the trip due to seasonality, and you may find better deals during certain seasons. For example, Arizona is a great destination for golfers in the fall, with advantageous pricing.
Once you have decided on a destination and dates, start planning the logistics of the trip. This includes booking flights and accommodation, and it is recommended to do this a few months in advance. However, keep an eye on the weather forecast for your chosen destination, as you don't want to book during hurricane season, for example. As the trip organizer, you should also determine the length of the trip and the number of rounds of golf included.
To ensure commitment from your group, it is suggested to get people to put money down early on. You could set up a bank account and have people transfer money there before booking anything. This way, you can plan the trip based on the number of committed group members.
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Travel and luggage
Planning a group golf trip can be stressful, especially if you're travelling with a large group. Here are some tips to help make the process smoother:
When it comes to travel and luggage for your group golf trip, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a hassle-free experience. Firstly, decide on a travel budget and the number of golf days for the trip. This will help you determine the cost per person and the ideal group size. Golf operators typically expect group sizes to be multiples of four, so keep that in mind when planning. Don't forget to include travel days to and from the destination in your itinerary.
Next, consider the location and choose a destination that offers a variety of golf courses and activities to suit everyone's interests. If you're travelling with family or friends who don't golf, look for family-friendly activities in the area to keep them entertained. You can also pick a location with amenities and activities for after your golf games or for days with unfavourable weather.
When booking flights, it's recommended to book a few months in advance, but always check the weather for your chosen destination first. You don't want to accidentally schedule your trip during hurricane season or other unfavourable weather conditions. As your travel date approaches, regularly reconfirm the weather forecast for your destination to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Additionally, some airlines may charge extra for golf clubs, treating them as standard luggage or oversized/overweight bags. So, be sure to pack your clubs in a secure, durable case to protect them during transit. Hard-sided travel cases are recommended to prevent damage, although some durable nylon cases can also offer sufficient protection.
Finally, don't forget to organise transportation to and from the airport, print your boarding passes, and ensure you have all the necessary documents like passports and licences.
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Activities and amenities
Planning a group golf trip can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and planning, it can be an exciting and memorable experience for everyone involved. Here are some detailed tips specifically for the "Activities and Amenities" aspect of the trip:
- Decide on the group's interests: Are they solely interested in golf, or would they like a mix of activities? If there are non-golfers in the group, consider destinations that offer a range of activities, such as fishing, hunting, or gambling, or other outdoor pursuits.
- Consider the trip's purpose: Is it a bachelor party, birthday celebration, or a work-related trip? For special occasions, you might want to choose a location with a variety of entertainment options. For work trips, you could squeeze in a few rounds during the weekend or opt for twilight golf at a course with good outdoor lighting.
- Research family-friendly activities: If some group members are bringing their families, look for destinations with family-friendly activities. This ensures that spouses and children have alternative entertainment options while the golfers are on the course.
- Choose a destination with amenities: Opt for a location that offers a range of amenities, especially if your group enjoys certain comforts or has specific requirements. Consider the dining options and accommodation styles, and any additional recreational facilities or services that might enhance their stay.
- Seasonal variations: Consider the time of year and how it will impact your trip. For example, fall pricing can be advantageous for budget-minded groups, and certain destinations, like Arizona, are better suited for specific seasons. Check for seasonal packages offered by golf resorts, which can provide great value.
- Plan for inclement weather: Golf trips can be ruined by unexpected weather, so stay updated on forecasts. Websites like Golfweather.com, NOAA Weather Radar, and Dark Sky can help you monitor weather conditions.
- Variety of courses: If your group is enthusiastic about trying different courses, consider destinations like Myrtle Beach, which has a variety of golf courses close to each other, or the Pacific Coast of Oregon, which offers a unique golfing experience.
- Signature courses: If your group is keen on playing at famous courses, be aware that places like Royal County Down, Ballybunion, or St Andrews can get booked up 12 months in advance for the May-September period.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that your group golf trip offers a range of activities and amenities that cater to everyone's interests and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
First, establish a rough budget and decide on the number of golf days for the trip. Next, determine the ideal number of players for your trip—golf operators expect group sizes to be multiples of four.
Planning a group golf trip can be time-consuming and stressful, so consider seeking advice from a company that specialises in planning these trips. It's also important to get commitment from your group members early on by having them put down money for the trip.
Decide whether you want to travel within your home country or go overseas. If you're staying within your country, is there a particular course or state you want to visit? Pick a location with amenities and activities that align with your group's interests. Book your flights a few months in advance, but check the weather first—you don't want to plan six months in advance only to find that you've scheduled your trip during hurricane season.
