Whether you’re making a first or tenth golf trip across the pond, the trusted advice of someone that’s “been there and done that” often proves invaluable. Each year, our Members of the Forces return home from their Expeditions with a treasure trove of feedback, which serves as a helpful supplement to the expertise of our travel planning team.
As the 2016 travel season enters its final days, what follows are many of the pearls of wisdom we’ve received from our travelers throughout the year… What The Major calls “Tips from The Troops.”
“Short of hiring a private jet to avoid messing with the Chicago airport, I would suggest to ship your clubs in advance so you don’t have to bother with them at the airports. It was well worth the extra cost.”
~Jeff Majors, Heritage Hill Golf Club
“Bring a good attitude for dealing with challenging weather. It’s better to laugh off the driving sleet than to fight it. Haggis & eggs is also not a bad way to start the day.”
~Denson Henry, Selma Country Club
“Live in the moment and realize that you’re following in the footsteps of the legends of golf. Don’t worry about your score. There’s plenty of pints and whisky to handle that!”
~Todd Mascioli, Cedarwood Country Club
Todd Mascioli with Family and Friends at Cruden Bay.
“Book a caddie or at least a fore-caddie. They not only help with course advice but also with not losing balls!”
~Dan Floyd
“In Ireland, take heed to H&B’s warning that GPS is not the be all and end all. Also remember that, unlike in the U.S., diesel fuel pump handles are black and gasoline handles are green.”
~Stephen Bernstein, Hiwan Golf Club
“Explore and research some history before you make the trip. It will really help you appreciate each course you visit.”
~Lindy Miller, PGA, Shady Oaks Country Club
Lindy Miller, PGA and his Shady Oaks members at Turnberry.
“Be up-front about your trip priorities and then flexible on how those priorities can be achieved.”
~Darius Kandawalla, Pinnacle Country Club
“Consider playing one or more of the courses twice, even if on another day. Seeing some of these courses for the first time is overwhelming. Having a second round will add to the overall memory of the course. Absolutely stay at Old Head and play the course twice for sure. Finish with dinner at Fishy Fishy in Kinsale.”
~Dan Caste
“Ask to work with Julie Welage and follow her recommendations. One can do a less expensive golf trip, but the experience can not compare to the one provided by H&B.”
~Judy Preston, St. Petersburg Country Club
Judy Preston and Friends at Royal County Down
“Relax and enjoy yourself. Be prepared for any playing conditions and embrace what Mother Nature throws at you.”
~Tom Wiley, Miona Lake Golf Club
“Ship your clubs and make sure you have plenty of time for air travel. No close connections or tee times.”
~Tom Perrin, Glen Arven Country Club & Golden Eagle Country Club
“Don’t sweat the Old Course (walk-up) process. Getting up at 3:45 and getting out there was actually fun because it was already daylight and we made new friends. Bring a putter and some balls to help pass the time.”
~Kevin Keefe, TPC River’s Bend
Kevin Keefe and Friends at Castle Stuart.
“Arrange an H&B driver.. It really enhances the trip and helps things go smoothly.”
~Jerry Thomas, Bull’s Bridge Golf Club
“Don’t make the itinerary too full.. Leave some open time to relax and enjoy Ireland.”
~Ben Fischer, Stonebriar Country Club
“Worry about your golf game and not the arrangements. The H&B team executed every detail.”
~Steven Wellins, The Club at Cordillera
“Pack lightly. The less you have to unpack and repack the better. Hotel laundry service makes that very easy.”
~Dave Huff, Crooked Creek Golf Club
“Turnberry is a must. It’s as good as Royal County Down and Royal Dornoch. 8 thru 11 may be the best stretch of holes I’ve played.”
~Marty Goins, Valhalla Golf Club
“Minimize changing hotels as much as possible. Don’t overschedule, drink, or eat. And don’t worry about your score; play match-play games instead.”
~Brent Crymes, Athens Country Club
Joe Devaney, PGA and the members of Athens Country Club at Royal County Down.
“Take one day off, perhaps in the middle of the trip, to allow for sightseeing or some other type of break from playing so many consecutive rounds of golf.”
~Bob Dawson, Torrey Pines
“Pack less than you think, especially if you plan on buying merchandise in the pro shops. Make sure you’re in good shape for walking, and learn how to keep it in the fairways.”
~Ferrell Scruggs, Valdosta Country Club
“Take time before the trip to understand your travel group and ensure you’re speaking the same language. If possible, choose a course for your first round with a full driving range so you can get your sea legs fast. Compete within the group and mix up the playing partners. Drink Scotch, eat Haggis, and don’t worry if you have a bad round or two.”
~Rob DesMarais, Morris County Golf Club
“Copy our itinerary!”
~Harold Stephens, Huntsville Country Club
What piece of advice would you give someone set to depart on a golf trip across the pond?
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