When planning a journey across the pond, many golfers appreciate the wisdom of those who have gone before them.
With this in mind, we ask an important question in our post-Expedition surveys…
What advice would you give to future H&B travelers?
Each year, the answers yield a wealth of insight and advice, which serves as a valuable supplement to the decades of expertise of our Expedition Planning Managers.
Here’s a sampling of the tips submitted by H&B travelers during the 2023 golf travel season.
Read the “Final Marching Orders.” Pack light, plan to buy a shirt or two while you travel.
~Bill Downall
Just to try and slow down and savor every moment. It goes by way too quick.
~Chris Powell – The International
Pack less, be prepared for rain, lots of walking and take a break in middle of week.
~Cass Jenkins – Ridglea Country Club
You get what you pay for. Don’t cheap out with others. H&B is the only way to go.
~Mike Fitton – Raintree Country Club
Give yourself at least one rest/tourist day to relax and recover from golf.
~Clifton White
Do your research early on local restaurants and reserve tables in advance.
~Steve Rydzak – Valley Brook Country Club
Spend the extra money for the driver. Well worth it. Bring local currency in cash when you arrive.
~Chas Bearse
Don’t over schedule. That was already in the book, and it was great advice. Give yourself time to enjoy what is around you and relax. Don’t over pack, you’ll be bringing plenty of stuff that you purchase there with you.
~Michael Shanley
Ship your clubs! First Class Airfare doesn’t mean you will get your clubs. This trip has sealed the deal on shipping clubs going anywhere.
~Tom Perrin – Golden Eagle Country Club
Be sure to get travel insurance. Don’t hesitate to call the Bat Phone. Use Air Tags to track your luggage and golf bags. Be prepared for unexpected delays and cancellations by the airlines.
~Debby Pratt – Harrison Lake Country Club
Plan the trip you want and play the courses you want to play. Do a little investigating in advance on which courses are really important to you. Realize in the the UK and Ireland, unlike the US, the best courses are all available to play!
~Rich Pascoe
Pack less versus more. Take advantage of the caddies at each course. Keep your sense of humor.
~Robert Mixon – Suntree Country Club
H&B made me look like a rock star to the group as they did all of the work. If we were to do it again, we would like to stay in one or two places only and play only four courses but play a couple of them twice, especially Tralee and Ballybunion.
~Bela Nagy, PGA – Sandridge Golf Club
I didn’t believe this when I read it, but “pack light” is a must do. You’ll find that you really don’t need all of that stuff you want to bring. For the golfers, the most important items to bring are rain gear.
~Paulette LaRocca – Brickshire Golf Club
Pack less. I also brought way too many golf balls. If you are going to have a caddie, you don’t need a boatload of balls. I think I lost 3 or 4 on the entire trip.
~Gregory Livengood – Meadow Club
Make sure you allow for plenty of time to get to the golf courses to really be able to take your time, warm up and enjoy the experience.
~Alan Hirschbein
Dont fly through London if at all possible.
~Matthew Bastian – Gulph Mills Golf Club, Kiawah Island Club
Walk 5 miles a day two months before going and golfing too if possible.
~Bob Bedinghaus
Communicate your plans and ask for options regarding extra play/dinner reservations as early as possible. We did so on this trip and were able to play a bit more golf and had great meals.
~Allen Miller – Athens Country Club
Book a driver so you can appreciate the views.
~Vicki Lamb – St. Clair Country Club
Take some time to enjoy the history and the local culture. 36 holes is great if you have time but limits your opportunity to enjoy other things.
~Scott Dunsire
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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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