The countdown to an overseas golf trip can be a restless time.
So much so, that we’ve dedicated an entire section of our website to the topic.
But we are often asked by Group Captains for additional ideas to help build excitement among their travelers.
There are plenty of easy ways to do so, and the small efforts pay big dividends during the trip itself.
Here are seven suggestions to help pass the time and boost the anticipation before your golf trip across the pond.
Start a Text Thread
One of the best ways to build excitement ahead of your golf trip is to start a text thread with all of the participants.
You can use the thread to share photos of the courses you’re playing and the famous sites you’ll encounter along the way.
The pre-trip banter will also help those who may not know each other well to get acquainted before the trip.
Perhaps most importantly, it’s an easy way to communicate what’s needed from everyone as the trip draws closer.
Tune-In to YouTube
Over the last several years, a number of creators have showcased golf travel across the pond on YouTube.
The videos are a great way to build excitement before your journey and offer an insightful preview of what you’ll find once there.
They’re also easily shared on your group text thread.
For example, Cookie Jar Golf offers a cinematic tour of the great courses of Scotland and Ireland.
Meanwhile, No Laying Up chronicles a pair of lively buddies trips in Tourist Sauce Scotland and Tourist Sauce Ireland.
We also thoroughly enjoyed this recent feature of St. Patrick’s Links and the Rosapenna Resort by Erik Anders Lang.
Read Up on the Courses
There is no shortage of reading material that will help build excitement before your golf trip across the pond.
If you’re heading to Scotland or Ireland, we recommend reading A Course Called Scotland and A Course Called Ireland by Tom Coyne.
If you want a classic view of these destinations, you’re certain to enjoy the work of the late James Finegan.
Of course, you’ll also find in-depth guides to many of the great golf courses overseas at the H&B Yardage Book.
All of which will paint a vivid picture of what you’ll experience during your Expedition.
Design Your Uniform
Another fun way to create some excitement is to design matching shirts for one or more days of your trip.
Every year, numerous H&B Expeditions create matching shirts and their Field Reports are always among the best of the season.
In addition to matching shirts, some groups also set a theme for various days of the trip.
For example, you can follow the lead of Dr. Ed Holland of Triple Crown Country Club and have a “Game Day” where everyone wears the gear of their college team of choice.
Establish the Games
An easy way to build excitement ahead of your trip is to set up the various wagering and games beforehand.
Many groups have a net competition that runs for the entire trip.
Skins games and daily team matches are another common choice.
Some groups get creative by hosting a par-3 competition over the length of the trip.
Whatever the case, start discussing this before your trip rather than the first tee.
The pre-trip banter on your text thread is certain to increase dramatically if you do.
Commission a Trophy
If your competition will crown a winning team or individual at the end of the trip, consider commissioning a trophy for the occasion.
The award will not only help build excitement for your first trip, but all of those that follow.
Of course, if you create a trophy, then your competition probably needs a name.
The Rat Trap Invitational, the Duke of Portland Cup, and the Texas Wedge Invitational are just a few of the unique names we’ve heard through the years.
Pre-Trip Gathering
Perhaps the best way to build excitement before your journey is to invite everyone to a pre-trip gathering.
Put together a round at the club and ask your pro to help outfit everyone with the gear you’ll need like rainsuits, outerwear, etc.
Or host a dinner with a menu themed to your destination.
If some of your travelers don’t live locally, consider looping them in for a few minutes via Zoom or FaceTime.
Like your text thread, a pre-trip event is a great way for everyone to get to know one another before arriving at the airport.
It’s also a perfect opportunity to discuss the final details and ensure everyone is on the same page before departure.
Bonus: Subscribe to our Newsletter
Our Among Friends newsletter offers an insightful, sales-pitch-free look at golf across the pond.
We promise it’s the one email you won’t mind finding in your inbox.
And it’s certain to help pass the time between now and then.
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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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