Perhaps the most important decision you’ll make when planning a golf trip across the pond centers around transportation.
Specifically, the choice between hiring a private driver or renting a vehicle and tackling the itinerary solo.
Each year, a number of our travelers choose to self-drive and, for those who appreciate the value of a good road trip, this option certainly has its benefits.
But for most groups, especially those in search of an unmatched level of service, hiring a private driver for a golf trip to Scotland or Ireland is always our first suggestion.
The label of “driver,” however, doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of their role during an Expedition.
These professionals aren’t merely a way to get from Point A to Point B – they’re a Jack of All Trades if you will, serving as tour guide, concierge, or shoulder to cry on after a hard day on the course.
As such, we prefer the term “Driver-Host,” and there are a number of reasons to consider booking one for any golf trip that go far beyond the obvious benefit of convenience.
But let’s begin with one of the most common questions we receive on the topic…
How Do Things Work with the Driver-Host?
Although your Driver-Host will attend to your every need during the trip, they aren’t exactly at your beck and call 24/7.
Just as commercial operators are subject to drive time limits in the United States, your Driver-Host across the pond must comply with similar regulations.
Generally speaking, they’ll be available to drive for approximately 8-hours daily, starting from the moment they fire up the coach for the first time that day.
And yes, the clock keeps running while you’re out on the golf course.
If you’re traveling with tourists, or if you simply choose to take a day off the links, your Driver-Host can lead a sightseeing excursion while the rest of the group is playing golf.
But even when the entire group is on the course, your Driver-Host is still working tirelessly to ensure you have the best experience possible.
David, our Driver-Host, was Excellent – best we’ve had. He took extra care of everyone, walked all the courses with us, brought us snacks, beer, water, and even pulled the trolleys for some of us. Can’t say enough about how well he took care of us.
~Chipper Hall, Pablo Creek Club
On most days, even counting the time on the course, your Driver-Host will end up with extra hours either before or after your round.
Those valuable hours are yours. How you choose to spend them is entirely up to you.
Your host can take the group to the Cliffs of Moher or Dunrobin Castle. Perhaps a whisky tasting (or two) is in order. Or maybe you want to squeeze in an emergency 18 at another nearby golf course.
Occasionally, the time limit can be a bit of a nuisance. Particularly if you have a lengthy drive to another region after your round.
In these cases, your host will make suggestions to help maximize the amount of time they’re available for your group.
For example, they might suggest having breakfast at the hotel, rather than the golf course, to free up a few extra minutes after your round to get everyone to a scheduled dinner.
Put simply, these professionals are there to ensure you enjoy your trip to its fullest.
Share your goals, preferences, and must-see list with your Driver-Host and they’ll move mountains to try and make it all happen.
And as the rest of this guide will show, that stretches far beyond their time behind the wheel.
Zack Sweet, PGA and the members of Cape Cod National Golf Club at the Bushmills Inn.
The Benefits of an H&B Driver-Host
They’re experts.
Just about any well seasoned traveler will agree that there’s two people you should ask for advice when visiting a new destination: the concierge at a luxury hotel and taxi drivers. Both are typically in tune with the best places to eat, drink, and be merry, many times at establishments not found in the pages of a guidebook or TripAdvisor.
Our Driver-Hosts are like both of these rolled into one. Not only do they make excellent suggestions on where to enjoy the Good Life, but they’ll also assist in booking reservations and probably point out their favorite items from the menu.
The biggest thing that exceeded our expectations was the value-add from our driver, John McCleod. He could not have been more accommodating and went the extra mile to make sure we had a delightful experience by being prompt, arranging for dinner reservations at excellent restaurants, being a tour guide when we had down time from golf, and making sure we had our golf lined up each day with caddies.
~Larry Green, Shadow Hawk Golf Club
Gerry Stratford of The Olympic Club & friends with Driver-Host
Seamus O’Callaghan. (seated center)
They’re always the short straw.
Whether your plan is to enjoy the combination of golf and whisky in Scotland or sample some of the best pubs in Dublin, a private Driver-Host is absolutely essential for both.
No one wants to draw the short straw as driver on the day the group visits Glenmorangie or the Guinness Storehouse – so do away with the straws and raise a glass together.
Aidan O Donoughue was our driver-host and he was fantastic! Cannot say enough positive things about the whole “driver” experience. He made dinner reservations for us, recommended sightseeing and took us there, educated us on Ireland and its customs etc.
~Dave Kuhl, Boulder Country Club
Driver-Host Gerry Boyd with the members of Onwentsia Club at Old Head Golf Links.
They’re comedians.
Aside from the priceless memories, or perhaps the opportunity to scratch something from the proverbial bucket list, above all else a golf trip across the pond should be fun. If there’s one thing our private Driver-Hosts know how to do it’s have a good time.
Tough day at the Old Course? If such a thing were to truly exist it wouldn’t be for long – your personal Driver-Host will likely be waiting at the coach with just the right amount of perspective.
John was an awesome character and we had a lot of fun with him on all days. He was full of information while driving, and ready laugh and crack jokes when it was needed.
~Brion Applegate, Los Altos Golf & Country Club
They’re accustomed to the left lane.
This might seem like a trivial detail, but for some driving on the left side of the road is a challenge that’s never quite mastered.
The moment you climb behind the wheel on what’s usually the passenger side of the car, it’s like being transported back to 10th grade Driver’s Ed.
The point being, pot bunkers bring enough stress to the table during your trip without the added trouble of how to properly execute a right turn.
John Daly would be hard to top. He did everything but tuck us in at night, and probably would have done that if asked.
~Tim Painter, Cape Cod National Club
Driver-Host Joe Sutherland awaits his guests at Prestwick.
They’re likely to be the highlight of your trip.
Oftentimes when we receive feedback after a group has returned from their Expedition, the very first thing they mention is their Driver-Host.
Not the golf, not the hotels, not the Good Life or memories…
In fact, many of our Driver-Hosts are requested by Members on all of their future trips.
Proof that when it comes to overseas travel, it’s not the destination that makes a memorable trip… It’s the people.
Neil was outstanding. I can’t say enough about his professionalism, country knowledge, and charisma were off the charts. He had great recommendations on those nights we didn’t have plans.
~Kevin McNeal, Highland Country Club
Fast friends… Group Captain Jim O’Connor with Driver-Host John Daly.
Few things will add more value to your overall experience across the pond than hiring a Driver-Host.
And yet, the choice regarding transportation is just one of many important decisions you’ll face during the planning process.
Or you can simply put your faith in the expertise of our Expedition Planning Managers and sit back and enjoy the ride.
For more insight on planning your golf trip across the pond, visit the pages below, read our reviews, or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
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