Tips & Advice from 2026 H&B Travelers
One question. Nearly two hundred answers. Here's what our Members learned, sometimes the hard way, so you don't have to.
Every Member who returns home from an H&B Expedition is asked the same question:
What advice would you give to future H&B travelers?
We read every answer, every season. And each year a few things surface that no amount of our own content and experience can say quite as well as a Member who just lived it.
So each year, we compile these pearls of wisdom into one place. Some of it you've heard from us already. And that's kind of the point.
Because it's one thing for us to encourage you to pack less. It's quite another to read that 23 different people in a single year have urged you to do the same.
Whether you're planning your first golf trip across the pond or your fifth, there's something in here worth borrowing.
What's Inside
1. Pack Less Than You Think
Twenty three separate Members raised it. Nothing else in the survey ever comes close.
"Literally listen to them when they say don't overpack! With the cooler weather, I hardly wore the golf shirts I brought. Bring plenty of socks & clothes you can layer."
Chris Windlan
Sandridge Golf Club
"We packed light and still could have packed lighter. The laundry service at the hotels for just regular wash and fold was inexpensive and worth it."
Patricia Bimonte
Timberlake Country Club
"Make sure you pack to allow for any purchases you make on the trip."
Travis Stewart
Aspen Glen Club, PGA West
2. Caddies
"Get Caddies! Always! They are so much fun and have an insane amount of knowledge."
"I will also say, you have to be vulnerable and upfront with them from the first hole. I would always tell my caddie, 'I am not the best golfer but I am ok. I am willing to learn and try new things. If you want to coach me, please do. I will happily receive the feedback and be coached as I know I can always learn.' That would open up a different line of communication with my caddie and it was awesome! I've now come back to the States playing my best golf ever. You're paying them, why not learn from them too."
Jared Byczko
Group Captain
3. Lean on Your Driver-Host
They're not a chauffeur. They're the person who makes the whole week work.
"Absolutely utilize your Driver-Host. He was the number one reason we had a fantastic time. I’m out of superlatives to describe how exceptional his service was. He wanted to make sure every individual was taken care of and if we needed anything to ask him."
Robert Strack
Group Captain
"Engage with your driver. They are a wealth of knowledge and will enhance your stay."
Keith Ferrara
The Nest Golf Club
"If you need anything during your trip your driver is your best resource."
Alan Korby
Shadow Wood Country Club, Walnut Creek Country Club
4. Choose Your People, Set Your Pace
Two themes that kept arriving together. Who you bring, and how much room you give the itinerary to breathe.
"Pay attention to the advice in all of the emails and pre-trip materials. Especially the part about picking the people on the journey: we did it right, all great guys, 8 is probably the perfect number."
Sean Sullivan
"Play a little less, enjoy a little more, and the tough one: travel with good people!"
Paul Kotcher
The Seawane Club
"Give yourselves a day rest in the middle. 8 straight days of golf in Ireland is hard on the body."
John Holley
Seminole Legacy Golf Club
5. Do Your Homework
The pre-departure emails, Final Marching Orders, and H&B mobile app are designed to help ensure everything on your journey goes to plan. Your fellow H&B Members would like you to read them.
"The Marching Orders contain a lot of valuable information. Spending time to review the guide will assure you that you find many more gems to enjoy and broaden your memories."
Scott Price
Marin Country Club
"Do your homework as the more you learn prior to the trip the more you will enjoy the journey."
Noel Lucky
Los Angeles Country Club
"Take advantage of the resources that H&B provides. Emails on various topics and I listened to a few podcasts. Those things made me feel like I knew what to expect."
John Katterheinrich
The Expedition led by Michael Brodeur celebrates a memorable day at Waterville.
6. Dress for Four Seasons
There's a good chance you'll experience them all within a single round.
"Be prepared for four seasons in one day."
Campbell Gerrish
Apawamis Club, Winged Foot Golf Club
"The advice about bringing layers and truly high-quality rain gear really matters. Waterproof shoes, really warm socks and even a truly waterproof hat can make all the difference between a great day and a miserable one."
Jamie Colby Richardson
La Jolla Country Club
"Ensure your hotel has a dry room for clubs and shoes. Ours had one and it will be mandatory for me moving forward."
Eric Smith
Group Captain
7. Money Matters
Understand how money works overseas now will help save you some later.
"If you are going to Northern Ireland and land in Dublin remember you need pounds and not euros. I know the podcast mentions hitting an ATM at the airport, but be careful you don't pull out a bunch of euros if 99% of your trip will require pounds. Also, when getting cash we encountered the option to have the bank "convert" the pounds to dollars. It wasn't totally clear what this would cost, but if you didn't decline you found a 14% fee added to your transaction. If you declined, you still got the pounds, but it allowed your bank/credit card to do the conversion. "
Gordon Bennett, PGA
Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club
8. Beyond the Golf
Embrace the local culture and people. Make their day as special as they try to make yours."
"We usually allow for more time to see the sites during our week but due to the number of courses in this area, this time, we decided to play 18 holes each day. On our arrival day, we toured Liverpool and took The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour and it was fantastic! It was a great introduction to the area. We also loved Southport and staying in one hotel for the entire week."
Dr. Jim Woods
Paducah Country Club
9. Links Golf is a Different Game
Prepare for firm ground, real wind, and far more walking than you're used to.
"Find the nearest course that has firm, tight conditions because it's a learning curve if you've never played proper links golf."
Garrett Goodrich, PGA
Evanston Golf Club
"Be prepared to walk. The Highlands courses can have significant elevation changes. Great workout, but can be tough on your body if not prepared."
Marty Bryan
Fayetteville Country Club
The Expedition led by Matthew Bastian from Gulph Mills Golf Club and Kiawah Island Club at The Old Course.
10. Send the Clubs Early. Same for Yourself
The ultimate buffer against cancelled flights and delayed luggage.
"Consider shipping your clubs ahead of time. One of our players did this and was fortunate that he did, as none of the checked bags from London to Edinburgh made the flight."
Alex Harrison
Group Captain
"Ship your clubs. This gives great flexibility in adding a few days to either end of the trip and prevents moving bags in places like Heathrow."
David Lyon
Bend Golf Club
"Come a day early in case you have airline issues."
Jason Marvelli, PGA
Indianola Country Club
11. Book Early
It's simple supply and demand. A record number of traveling golfers meets a finite quantity of tee times.
"The earlier you book your trip the better are your chances to get on the golf courses you want to play."
Larry Samuels
Group Captain
"Plan way ahead. Ireland is getting packed."
Tom Long
Peachtree Golf Club, Milwaukee Country Club, Old Elm Club
"Book it sooner than later!"
Dan McIntyre
Greenbrier Golf & Country Club
12. Then Let Go
Put another way: Relax and Enjoy.
"Trust the process."
Tim Krajenke
Greenbrier Golf & Country Club
"Take H&B's advice on everything. No need to sweat anything."
Bobby Krugman
Royal Melbourne
"Just go with the flow and let you guys handle everything."
Chad Taylor
The Santaluz Club
"Trust the process."
Brian Smith
Shawnee Country Club
"Trust H&B to have all of the details lined out. Relax and enjoy the trip. It goes too fast!"
Kenny Davis
Shady Oaks Country Club
"Trust H&B to coordinate a great trip with very little work on your end. I really appreciated your efficiency in the planning process and you delivered a wonderful experience."
Becky Ruegger
Group Captain
We’re grateful to our 2026 H&B Members for sharing their advice and tips to help future Expeditions make the most of their golf journeys.
These insights reflect the spirit of camaraderie that defines every Expedition, and we’re proud to pass along their wisdom.
Ready to turn insight into action? Your Expedition starts here.
Download Your Complete Guide to The Home of Golf
The Complete Guide to
Scotland Golf Travel
What's covered in this free 40+ page guide:
- The best regions for golf in Scotland.
- Old Course at St. Andrews tee times.
- Where to enjoy the Good Life between rounds.
- Lesser known courses you should play.
Plus links to over 50 additional guides and resources.
By downloading up you agree to receive marketing communications from Haversham & Baker and have read our privacy policy.
Additional Reading
Visit the Yardage Book for More Golf Travel Resources
Discover More of Golf at its Finest with H&B
