Over the last several years, H&B has seen a marked increase in the number of travelers planning family golf trips to Scotland, Ireland, and England.
These trips have come in a variety of combinations. Father and son. Mom and the kids. Grandmother and grandson. Entire family reunions. We have crafted unforgettable Expeditions for them all.
Those descriptions all give the impression that the elder generation is hosting the trip for the younger members of the family. Although that’s often the case, in recent years the script has flipped.
As the baby boomer generation ages more and travels less, their adult children are looking to take one last golf trip with mom and dad before their overseas travel days are behind them.
But as you scan the internet, you’ll find very little mention of family golf trips by other golf travel companies. That’s because most have crafted pre-packaged itineraries built entirely around golf and little else.
So what is a family of eight travelers supposed to do when the grandparents decide they want to take a day off to go sightseeing?
George Doehner of Quail West Country Club making memories with his five sons at The Old Course at St. Andrews.
Our custom approach to golf travel planning means that the desires and expectations of the individual family member are just as important as those of the group as a whole.
Whether the entire group plays golf or only a few of you, our Expedition Planning Managers can craft an itinerary that provides each and every family member an equally unforgettable experience.
If you’re planning a father and son golf trip to St. Andrews, an expedition to Ireland for the entire family, or something else in-between this guide will cover the best destinations for your journey and several tips for a successful family golf vacation.
The Best Destinations for an Overseas Family Golf Trip
St. Andrews
The most common destination for an overseas family golf trip is St. Andrews. The appeal of The Home of Golf should come as no surprise. The Old Course at St. Andrews, after all, has been creating memories for fathers with sons and daughters who grow up in the game since the days of Old and Young Tom Morris.
Besides the chance to play The Old Course together, St. Andrews is ideal for family vacations for several reasons. First, is the wealth of outstanding golf in the area, from Carnoustie and Kingsbarns to Crail and Dumbarnie Links. There’s enough great golf in St. Andrews to keep everyone occupied for a week or better without ever having to change hotels. A benefit that’s especially appealing to family golf trips.
Father and Son memories at Carnoustie Golf Links for Douglas and Doug Cooke of Wyoming Golf Club.
In addition to golf, St. Andrews offers families an abundance of sightseeing opportunities. Whether it’s a stroll through the ruins of the ancient cathedral, a visit to one of the nearby castles, or a day trip to the Isle of May, families will find there’s plenty to see in St. Andrews besides the famous links. Say nothing of the outstanding array of restaurants, shopping, and 19th holes in St. Andrews, all within a short walk of the 18th green of The Old Course.
A family golf trip to St. Andrews is certain to produce plenty of cherished memories, but sometimes it can have an unexpected and longer lasting effect. On more than one occasion, we’ve heard from parents who have taken a family trip to The Home of Golf and have later had to pay tuition to the University of St. Andrews.
East Lothian and Edinburgh
The recipe for a great family golf trip to Scotland usually involves a mix of outstanding golf and sightseeing opportunities. What we affectionately call Golf and the Good Life. Few places in Scotland can match the pairing of golf in East Lothian and the good life in Edinburgh.
To say there’s an abundance of great golf in East Lothian would be an understatement. For most families planning golf trips to Scotland, Muirfield is only outranked by The Old Course at St. Andrews on the must-play list. As our complete guide to Muirfield explains, there is simply no other place like it in golf. Nearby, the West Links at North Berwick offers a unique and unforgettable experience, while Musselburgh Links takes families on a journey back in time.
“It was so well organized, down to every detail. Everything was first class. Just an amazing all around trip for myself and my 3 children/young adults. Golfing, history, sightseeing, shopping, eating incredible food with my gang all together – it was truly unbelievably special.”
Lissa Gosiger
It’s the proximity to Edinburgh, however, that makes East Lothian a complete package for family golf vacations. From Holyrood and Edinburgh Castle, to the world-class shopping and the famous Military Tattoo, Edinburgh features enough of the Good Life to keep everyone in the family occupied for days.
Northern Ireland
Over the last two decades, Northern Ireland has become one of the most popular destinations for overseas family golf trips. A lasting peace and two of the Top 20 golf courses in the world has seen the area transform from a seldom visited region into a bucket list destination for all golfers.
Of course, the main attractions here are Royal County Down and Royal Portrush. Depending on what list you consult, the former is possibly the #1 ranked course in the world. The latter hosted an unforgettable Open Championship in 2019 – its first in 68 years – and was promptly awarded another for 2024.
Tammy Blades and Family from TPC Potomoc on a brilliant day in Ireland.
In addition to the headliners, those embarking on a family golf trip to Ireland will find plenty of outstanding options in this region. From Ballyliffin, Castlerock, and Portstewart Golf Club in the north to the clifftops of Adglass further south, your family will find plenty of memories on the golf courses of Northern Ireland.
Alongside the spectacular golf, Northern Ireland features some of the best sightseeing for family golf trips to Ireland. From the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, to the Bushmills Distillery and the bustling city of Belfast, there’s plenty of activities off the golf course to please the whole family. Not to mention that the area pairs quite easily with a few days in Dublin, where even more of the Good Life is at hand.
London Heathland
Although London may not be the first destination to come to mind for a family golf trip across the pond, there are many reasons to consider it. For starters, the London Heathland is home to four entries on the GOLF Top 100 golf courses in the world list, more than any other region in Great Britain and Ireland.
When it comes to special experiences with the family, few places can match the offering at Sunningdale Golf Club. The club features two of the Top 100 golf courses in the world. When paired with the elaborate lunch and post-round cocktails on the clubhouse terrace, Sunningdale gives Muirfield a run for its money as the best experience the game has to offer in Britain.
“H&B has great attention to detail. We had fifteen family members traveling, from the ages of 78 to 9 and all of our needs were met. Nothing can be improved, every aspect was terrific.”
Sue Detzel, Coldstream Country Club
Perhaps the best case for a family golf trip to London is made by the Good Life. As one of the great cities of the world, London offers endless possibilities for sightseeing and making memories off the course. In addition to the famous attractions in the heart of the city, places like Windsor Castle and Hampton Palace are located just a stone’s throw from the golf courses you’ll likely be playing.
Finally, with countless non-stop flights from numerous American cities, London is one of the easiest destinations in terms of arrival logistics for a family golf trip. A potentially important benefit for any group captain charged with corralling together the entire family.
Southwest Ireland
Southwest Ireland rounds out this list of ideal destinations for family golf trips across the pond. Some might even say it belongs at the top of the list.
The golf in Southwest Ireland speaks for itself. The region is home to no less than 8 courses on the Golf Digest World Top 100 list plus a future Ryder Cup venue. Lahinch, Ballybunion, Tralee, and Waterville form a magnificent quartet of links golf that’s equaled by the majesty of Old Head Golf Links and Adare Manor. If it’s memorable golf that your family is after, Southwest Ireland is certain to deliver.
“The fact that I was able to enjoy a week of golf with my son in some of the best locations in Ireland. Everything worked as planned, even in COVID environment. Ending the trip at Adare Manor was the icing on the cake.”
Steve Rubenstein
Off the golf course, Southwest Ireland features many of the must-see sights on the Emerald Isle. From the Cliffs of Moher in the north, to Kinsale–the Gourmet Capital of Ireland–in the south, the range of Good Life opportunities in this region is unmatched in Ireland. Especially when you consider that in between lies the Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, the Dingle Peninsula, and numerous other sites that are worthy of a place on your family’s itinerary.
A family golf trip to Southwest Ireland comes with two possible downsides. First, the courses are more spread out than the other regions listed here. This means a little more travel time between rounds and possibly an extra hotel change.
In addition, there is so much to see and play in Southwest Ireland that a week-long itinerary may not be sufficient. At least not without turning your itinerary into a rapid fire mission with no time to stop and smell the roses. For your family to see all of Southwest Ireland, you may need to extend your time in Ireland or leave some of the region for your next trip across the pond.
But the sights and links of Southwest Ireland are, without question, worth enduring these minor logistical nuisances.
Especially if you follow some of the advice in the next section.
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Tips for Planning a Family Golf Trip Across the Pond
Take a Day Off
We have always advocated for planning a day off the golf course during an H&B Expedition. This is especially the case during family golf trips to Scotland and beyond.
Taking a day off the golf course provides the perfect opportunity for some family sightseeing. Maybe you want to enjoy a tour with an H&B Personal Guide or craft your own recipe of gin at a local distillery. With a full day at your disposal, the Good Life opportunities are only limited by your imagination.
The day off the golf course also gives everyone a day to rest and recharge. There’s a good chance your trip will involve more golf in a week than most people will play in two or three months. The older generation is likely to appreciate the R&R and the memories made in the process.
The Fitzgerald Family – Caroline, Sean, and John – in St. Andrews.
Hire a Driver-Host
Between driving on the left side of the road, the endless round-a-bouts, and the narrow, windy roads, if anything has the potential to cause friction during your family golf vacation, it’s driving.
Our advice… Let a professional take the wheel.
With a Driver-Host, all of the stress of driving goes away and is replaced by something that adds immeasurable value to the enjoyment of your trip. Instead of worrying with directions and navigating the roads, you and your family can simply enjoy the ride and time together.
Year in and year out, the H&B Forces list their Driver-Host as the best thing about their Expedition. Given our travelers have spent a week or better enjoying some of the best golf courses in the world, this is quite a testament to the experience provided by these professionals.
Plan a Celebratory Dinner
An unforgettable family golf trip across the pond requires a proper send off. Imagine toasting the memories you’ve made together while enjoying dinner overlooking The Old Course at St. Andrews. That’s just one of numerous options that the H&B Concierge can arrange for you and your family on the last night of your trip. Or every night of your trip, for that matter.
Have the Place to Yourself
In recent years, exclusive use accommodations have grown in popularity with the H&B Forces. They’re certainly ideal for family golf trips.
These multi-bedroom accommodations offer all of the comforts of home plus a level of privacy and togetherness rarely equaled by traditional hotel rooms. But that doesn’t mean they’re without the comforts provided by hotels and resorts. Our exclusive use lodging options often feature daily housekeeping and the optional service of a personal chef for family meals.
Ben and David Osterhaus enjoy Golf and the Good Life at its finest at Adare Manor.
Do Your Own Thing
You’re family. You love each other. But after a few days of constant family time, there’s no shame in admitting that you need some space. So plan for it.
Leave open an afternoon or two where everyone can do their own thing. Perhaps some of the family wants to visit a particular castle while others visit the hotel spa and you set off for another round on a golf course you enjoyed. When the day is done, reconvene at dinner and enjoy the stories from everyone’s time on their own.
Or don’t. Thanks to our custom approach to Expedition planning, everyone has the option to do their own thing.
Family golf trips across the pond have a lot of moving parts. Certainly far more than a similar trip with your buddies. But the task of pulling it all together is exponentially easier when you have the service and expertise of a professional at your disposal.
If you’re ready to begin planning an unforgettable golf trip for you and your family…
For more insight on planning your golf trip, visit the pages below 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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