Haversham and Baker Golfing Expeditions

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Packing Your Grip

Luggage
International flights normally restrict luggage to two checked bags and one carry on. A golf bag counts as one of the two checked bags. We recommend using a soft golf cover travel bag rather than the hard plastic alternative as the soft one may be filled with soiled clothes and/or souvenirs on your trip home. A large Pullman is preferable for your checked bag as it maximizes interior space while remaining rather less difficult to move during your travels throughout Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales, Spain and beyond. Remember that your carry on baggage must meet your airline's restrictions. We always pack ours with medications, travel documents and "other absolute essentials." "Other absolute essentials" are items that one would prefer not to live without in the event baggage and clubs are delayed or do not arrive at all. All Haversham & Baker Adjutants, who are sensitive to the vagaries of international golf travel, carry an extra pair of golf shoes, golf clothing for two or three days, sleeping togs and few of their favourite golf balls. One member of the Expeditionary Forces went so far as to carry on his driver, wedge and putter, which we all know are the most oft used and important clubs in a golfer's arsenal. (Just beware that taking these clubs as carry on luggage may be refused unless one is flying business or first class.) This strategy has permitted us to survive an entire week in England while the hapless chaps from TWA ("Try Walking Across" to many Brits) searched for our lost luggage.

Clothing
Your clothing selections are best guided by two considerations. First, the weather during your stay will likely resemble a Midwestern spring or fall with cool mornings, warmer afternoons and frequent sudden rain squalls or mist. Thus, for both golfing and touring, it is wise to dress in layers as if it were a warmer version of a ski trip. Begin the day with a woolen sweater and/or wind shirt over a short sleeve shirt or turtleneck (depending upon the temperature at that time) then peel off the sweater in the afternoon. Heavy cotton twill slacks such as Dockers are ideal for both men and women. A waterproof jacket is essential. Second, you may want to visit one of the few restaurants or clubs that still enforce a dress code. (The people of Britain and Ireland-regretfully, in my view-have begun to adopt the less formal dress habits of their American cousins. Very few restaurants and clubs require a jacket and tie for admittance, but there are still a few. Everywhere else, the ubiquitous "smart casual" is the guideline.) If you do not wish to have your dining choices restricted by a lack of proper clothing, blazers for men are always acceptable and easily packed. Women may wear whatever they would wear comfortably when accompanied by a gentleman in jacket and tie.

We suggest packing the same clothes for golfing and touring. For example, the jacket of the requisite rain suit mentioned below may be used during off course times. Dress rules for some of the most exclusive golf clubs remain rather more formal than America. The dining rooms of these clubs require coat and tie and relegate those in golfing attire to a bar or lounge. On the course, golfers of both sexes must eschew shirts without collars or sleeves. If shorts are worn, they must be of Bermuda length and must, at most clubs, be accompanied by knee length socks. We suggest taking a minimal supply of golfing sweaters and wind shirts as club crested ones are the souvenirs of choice. It is wise to minimize cotton sweaters. They will not cut the wind and they most certainly will hang to ones ankles should they become moist.

Our personal, seven night packing list includes a blazer, four pairs of twill slacks, two pairs of light wool slacks, seven golf shirts, two turtlenecks, a folded dress shirt with tie, two long sleeved wool sweaters, a wind shirt and one sleeveless sweater. Mrs. Haversham packs the same but substitutes a fashionable pants suit for the blazer and dress shirts.

Golf Gear
Pack two pairs of waterproof golf shoes, a quality rain suit and a sturdy umbrella. Keep the rain suit and umbrella in your bag at all times, as you never know when your round may bring rain despite appearances to the contrary on the first tee. Bring a healthy supply of wooden tees and scoring pencils, as these are as rare in Britain and Ireland as a caddie who refuses a tip. Also bring a larder of golf balls-one or two dozen depending on your ability to keep the ball in play-as the price of balls over there is quite dear. Take a light carry golf bag. The most senior caddies tend to select their golfers by the weight of the bag. Hence the ancient British maxim, "the lighter the bag, the better the caddie."

And last but not least, be certain to bring your Passport and current Handicap Card.

Major Basil Haversham, OBE

So the most important tip is: contact Haversham & Baker Golfing Expeditions. We are purveyors of the finest golf travel experiences to Scotland, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Wales and England. Why the finest? Your arrangements will be custom-planned to your precise requirements from the widest array of choices by the most knowledgeable golf tour and travel planners in the industry. You'll receive unlimited consultation and service from your first conversation until long after your expedition is over. The result? You and your friends will enjoy an experience with memories that last a lifetime.