With some light appearing at the end of the economic recession tunnel, avid golfers again seem to be considering “buddy trips” to golf meccas like Scotland and Ireland. So says Gordon Dalgleish, president of tour operator Perry Golf, in an article written for BoomerGolfNews.com.
No question, if you’re a golfer with disposable income, there’s never been a better time to play the game. Discount green fees abound and a glut of equipment has driven down the price of clubs (although golf ball makers are still profiting from players who insist on using – and losing – premium products).
So if you’ve never made that dream trip to St. Andrews or Ballybunion, or you’re looking to return after a long hiatus, 2010 might be the year. In another article by Dalgleish, he offers tips for planning a junket to the UK or Ireland.
The advantage of going with a tour operator is the reduced hassle of planning. They have access to tee times and know the most suitable hotels. Best of all, they do the driving.
Tour operators typically shuttle golfers between courses and hotels in a van or small bus. Just make sure there’s time built in at each stop to “smell the roses” and linger at the venue in order to get the flavor of the place. You’ll have as many fond memories of post-round libations at a local pub as you will the actual round of golf. Check out the local merchants, where you’re likely to find souvenirs that are more interesting than a logoed golf shirt or ball marker.
Indeed, it’s a common complaint of townspeople from places like St. Andrews, North Berwick, Portrush or Ballybunion that tour operators disgorge busloads of golfers for 18 holes then herd them away before they get a chance to sample the local fare. Sadly, they never know what they’re missing.
So if you’ve only got a foursome, all of you are adventuresome and can “roll with the punches,” and everyone is comfortable driving on the left side of the road (and willing to take a turn as designated driver), then it can be really fun to rent a car and do it yourself. Just make sure you secure a vehicle that’s large enough to comfortably handle four golfers, four golf bags and four travel bags. (It’s probably not a bad idea to specify an automatic transmission, as well.)
The advantage of driving yourself is flexibility. You can stop when and where you want. (Thankfully, in the age of GPS, the days of getting hopelessly lost are over.) It all depends on the comfort level of you and the rest of the foursome; how much geography you expect to cover; and whether or not one person is willing to take on the responsibility of planning the trip and covering all the details.
Either way, now’s the time to get commitments from your pals and start planning. Don’t be hesitant to haggle; in this economy, you have leverage.
One thing is certain: Once you get there, you will be welcomed with open arms.
Comments