While most golfers turn to H&B for our decades of accumulated expertise, many travelers also appreciate the wisdom of those who have gone before them.
This is especially true in the present moment, as many are reacquainting themselves with international travel.
With this in mind, we ask an important question in our post-Expedition survey…
What advice would you give to future H&B travelers?
Each year, this question provides a treasure trove of feedback and advice, which serves as a helpful supplement to the wisdom of our Expedition Planning Managers.
Here’s a sampling of the advice submitted by H&B travelers during the 2022 golf travel season.
The best piece of advice is one that was not put together by us, but playing two rounds at RCD was the best choice we made. In addition, I think doing just 18 holes per day made for the perfect amount of down time and allowed for a leisurely departure each morning. Finally, choosing to not stay anywhere for less than 2 nights made it easy on the packing and allowed us to slightly settle in at each location.
~Zack Sweet, PGA – Cape Cod National Golf Club
First, be careful putting together your group. 8 guys together for 10 days is a lot of together time. Compatibility is important. While it’s good to have competition, it should not be so intense as to override the camaraderie. Also, keep in mind that we are a guest at these courses. Don’t act the CEO. The hospitality is unmatched but they have rules and traditions, some of which have been around for more than 100 years. Respect them. And go in with the idea that this is a fun, amazing experience to be enjoyed. Ignore the little inevitable bumps and hiccups and just consider them part of the adventure.
~Jim Hurley – Grande Oaks Golf Club
Pack lighter. I brought too many sweaters and too much rain gear. I bought golf gear in every shop and could have used that to offset what I packed.
~Ron Giammarco
Be sure to ship your clubs over ahead of time and like H&B says…pack a pair of extra clothes in your carry-on just in case your luggage is delayed (or lost).
~Kevin McNeal – Highland Country Club
I would say that they should focus on the courses and pay attention to the routing of the trip. Rely on H&B expertise to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. There are more great courses than you can possibly play in a week or so.
~David Robbins
If you’re using H&B, you don’t need any advice. That’s why we choose H&B!
~Bobby Krugman – Royal Melbourne Country Club
Layout items to pack/wear…then cut it at least a third, maybe in half! Must have good waterproof rain suit and waterproof shoes that are comfortable for walking 6 to 12 miles.
~Tom Backhoff – Inverness Club
Make sure you have the rain top to your golf bag – found out the hard way I left mine at home. Anticipate rain – have a plan if your gear gets soaked. Make dining reservations before you go. Think hard about 36 hole days – make some time to see the scenery.
~Scott Stabler
Don’t worry about anything knowing at Haversham and Baker will have it taken care of. Enjoy yourself and find time to see and enjoy the country.
~Bob Tweardy – Dataw Island Club
Pack Light, most of our guys packed pretty heavy with bags. I packed really light compared to them, you end up buying souvenirs along the way so be prepared to bring all that back. Also, get there at least 24 hours prior to your first round of golf, to settle in.
~Arthur Hoffmann – Fountaingrove Golf & Athletic Club
Take a break during the trip, eight straight days of golf starts to feel like work vs. vacation.
~Jimmy Dotter – The Dominion Club
My clubs arrived two days late. Pay attention and have some outerwear and shoes in your regular luggage. Rental clubs were fine but no accessories. Put a few in your suitcase.
~CJ Parry, PGA – Glenmoor Country Club
Make sure you allow time to take advantage of personalized local tours from the knowledgeable and delightful H&B guides.
~Randy Seiner
Pack according to staying in multiple places. Most of our group didn’t take into account that we would be switching hotels frequently. If you can, stay at the Galgorm Spa, as it was amazing. Also would suggest that they go out sightseeing as the people of Ireland were very friendly.
~Jay Mika – Butterfield Country Club
Trust H&B to create the best itinerary for your group. They know the right mix of travel/movement to maximize your time. Also, take full advantage of their suggestions for restaurants and touring opportunities as they were all wonderful.
~Mark Konter
First, take the step and go! You will not regret it. Try to avoid CDG airport (Paris), it’s a nightmare to navigate. Also, put your essentials in your carry on and/or split your clothing and items in multiple suitcases in case they don’t all get to your destination together. Then sit back and enjoy.
~Robert Parise – North Oaks Golf Club
Read the Final Marching Orders twice. KLM lost our luggage for a couple days. The Marching Orders suggest how to pack (a full day’s clothes and a smaller toiletry set in your carry on), so the impact was not as severe as it could have been. Ship your clubs separately. Yes, it costs $200, but the guys that did not ship their clubs had to get “for hire” clubs at a premium. I also had extra clothes in the packed clubs that allowed me to make do.
~Steve Halpin
Stay several days at each location, play some courses more than once.
~Mike Zimmerman – Highland Springs Country Club
I would highly suggest playing these smaller town links courses to get a true feel of the Scottish Links Experience. Not just for the courses but for the people you will meet at these courses.
~Jim Woods – Country Club of Paducah
Listen to your H&B advisors when planning, but also do your own research so that you can work together to make it “your” trip. Everyone has different interests, so be prepared to tell your advisors and concierge what they are so that they can help make it it the most fulfilling trip possible.
~Scott Calligan
Travel with H&B and work in at least one rest day along the way to enjoy the sites.
~Bill Arnold
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience.
~Tim Painter – Cape Cod National Golf Club
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