If You’re Planning a Golf Trip – BE SMART!

Times are tough, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find some time to golf with family and friends. If you’re planning a golf trip, please BE SMART! There are little tricks to consider that can save you money, time and headaches.

First, pick your destination. If you’re on the fence about a European destination, just remember that life is short and you don’t want to miss out on a round of golf at Scotland’s legendary St. Andrews. Now that I’ve got the “Dream Big” trip plans out of the way, let’s look at more practical advice.

Depending on your U.S. location, there are two good spots you’ll want to check out. On the East coast, there’s no better place for a golf trip than Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Trail. These are 21 highly stylized public courses that could keep you and your group busy for weeks.

However, if you’re leaving the wife and kids at home for a little guy-time, go to Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas where you’ll find top-level courses and a little night-life. The Cabo Del Sol and Cabo Real courses offer excellent golf with hypnotic ocean views. Then, at the end of the day, you wash up and hit the clubs. Believe me, your buddies will thank you.

When you do begin planning, book everything ahead of time, including tee times. Don’t wait until you show up at the course to find out the course is full. That is a no-no. Also, search for golf vacation packages. They are generally cheaper and you usually get preferential tee times.

Since you are traveling, you may want to leave your sticks at home and rent clubs. Keep things light, but DO bring extra shoes and balls. You don’t want your only pair of shoes soaked by wet grass on the first day and you don’t want to shell out a small fortune for golf balls.

Again, BE SMART. Remember, you’re planning a golf trip. Your goal is to play golf, not travel a bunch. You want maximum play, minimum travel, so don’t put together a trip that has you spending more time on a plane or in a rental car than playing golf.

One last thing – consider your group. Don’t take the wife and kids to a course that isn’t near a shopping mall or movie theater. An upset spouse or whiney kids can ruin a trip. The same can be said for a buddy who chronically complains or causes unneeded stress. Your golf trip should be fun, fun and more fun, SO, BE SMART!!!