Although they’re about to play more golf in a week than perhaps the rest of the year combined, many of the H&B Forces set to depart on golf tours of Scotland and Ireland still have a lingering question…
Can we play extra rounds of golf during our trip?
With the cares of the world left far behind, the allure of the course is all but impossible to ignore. Especially at the spectacular links which fill our itineraries, where the rolling fairways, tumbling dunes, and crashing sea all meet in the most intoxicating way imaginable. So it’s understandable why even the most fulfilled golfer would still crave more.
If this sounds like you and your travel companions, here’s a few things to keep in mind when squeezing in extra golf during your upcoming trip.
Replay Rates
Many of the most popular courses on golf trips to Scotland, Ireland and England offer discounted rates for those looking to squeeze in an extra round. Some courses have a specific replay rate, others will allow you to upgrade to their Day Ticket and simply pay the difference. Whatever the case, the 2nd round will typically come at a significant discount over the single green fee.
Of course, the option of a replay is first contingent on availability on the tee sheet. If you think there’s a good chance you’ll want to play a 2nd round, inquire with the golf shop when you arrive if doing so is even an option.
Chasing the Sun
Anyone who has chased the sun around a links knows that it can be a mystical experience, as the shadows grow long and the twinkling lights of the surrounding towns come to life. The long daylight means that late afternoon tee times are not uncommon, with the final putts sometimes holed during the 10pm hour. This means that your extra round may actually need to come at sunrise. For example, through the years, many of our travelers have opted to jump in the singles queue at The Old Course for a loop before their scheduled tee time later that day.
Our advice: Consult with your H&B Expedition Planning Manager to determine which days on your trip may be best suited for extra golf if desired.
The Course Next Door
The British Isles are simply overflowing with great links courses that you may have never heard of, but are an absolute delight to play. The Emergency 18 is a perfect opportunity to experience some of these courses. What’s better, you may not have to travel far to find them, because they’re often right next door. The Kingsbarns / Crail duo is a perfect example. And sometimes, you won’t even have to leave the club at all. The Valley at Royal Portrush, the #2 course at Gullane Golf Club, and the King Robert the Bruce at Turnberry Scotland, are all fine examples and convenient choices for the extra round.
If the decision to play another round is spur of the moment, ask your H&B Driver-Host if they have a recommendation. Chances are, they’ll know just the place.
The Meter is Running
And speaking of Driver-Hosts, an overlooked but important factor to keep in mind when adding an extra round is the availability of your driver. Regulations that govern the number of hours a Driver-Host may work in a day will likely make them unavailable after your 2nd round. This means that you’ll need to find an alternative form of transportation back to your hotel, or choose a course that doesn’t require a lift at all. Naturally, your Driver-Host will be able to assist in arranging transportation if needed, but you’ll want to have these ducks in a row before teeing off on your extra round.
The allure of playing additional golf, even when the itinerary is already packed with it, is a phenomenon to which any traveling golfer can certainly relate. Thanks to the abundance of daylight and golf at hand, doing so is relatively easy. Especially with these helpful tips, your Expedition Planning Manager, and your Driver-Host all at your disposal.
Two Words of Caution
Pace Yourself
A week-long golf trip to Scotland, Ireland, or England can be a physically taxing experience. Over the course of the trip, you’ll easily rack up over 50 miles of walking the links courses. So our advice is to not overdo it. Leave plenty of gas in your tank so the last round is just as memorable and enjoyable as the first.
Stop and Smell the Roses
Rarely, if ever, has someone returned from an H&B Expedition wishing they’d played more golf. Instead, the one regret is often that they’d enjoyed a little more of the Good Life during their trip. The desire to play as much golf as possible is certainly understandable, but guard against playing so much that you miss the culture and sights of your destination entirely.
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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