The Benefits of Hiring a Driver for Overseas Golf Trips

It's Far More than Point A to Point B

Perhaps the most important decision you'll make when planning a golf trip across the pond centers around transportation.

Specifically, the choice between hiring a private driver or renting a vehicle and tackling the itinerary solo.

Each year, a number of our travelers choose to self-drive and, for those who appreciate the value of a good road trip, this option certainly has its benefits.

But for most groups, especially those in search of an unmatched level of service, hiring a private driver for a golf trip to Scotland or Ireland is always our first suggestion.

The label of "driver," however, doesn't begin to scratch the surface of their role during an Expedition.

These professionals aren't merely a way to get from Point A to Point B. They're a Jack of All Trades if you will, serving as tour guide, concierge, or shoulder to cry on after a hard day on the course.

As such, we prefer the term "Driver-Host," and there are a number of reasons to consider booking one for any golf trip that go far beyond the obvious benefit of convenience.

But let's begin with one of the most common questions we receive on the topic...

How the Driver-Host's Day Works

A Driver-Host will attend to your group throughout the Expedition, but they aren't quite at your beck and call around the clock. Here are the questions we field most often about how their day runs.

Is my Driver-Host available around the clock?

Your Driver-Host looks after your group throughout the trip, but they aren't on call 24 hours a day. Just as commercial drivers in the United States work within regulated hour limits, your Driver-Host across the pond operates under similar rules. Inside those hours, they'll move mountains to make your experience seamless.

How many hours a day can a Driver-Host drive?

A Driver-Host is available for roughly 8 hours on a given day, and the clock starts the moment the coach first starts each morning. On most days, even after time spent at the course, that still leaves extra hours before or after your round. How you spend them is entirely up to you.

Does the clock keep running while we're out playing golf?

Yes. The daily driving window continues while you're on the course, not only while the coach is moving. It rarely affects a normal day of golf, but it becomes something to plan around when a long drive to another region follows your round.

What does the Driver-Host do while we're on the course?

Plenty. While your group plays, your Driver-Host is arranging the days ahead, handling logistics, and staying ready for whatever comes up. If you're traveling with Tourists, or the group takes a day off the links, they can lead a sightseeing excursion instead. And the open hours on either side of your round are yours: the Cliffs of Moher or Dunrobin Castle, a whisky tasting or two, or an emergency 18 at a nearby course.

What happens on long travel days between regions?

On days with a long drive to the next region, the hour limit can get tight, so your Driver-Host will suggest small adjustments to protect your time. A common one is taking breakfast at the hotel rather than the course, which frees up minutes after the round to get everyone to a scheduled dinner. Share your goals and must-see list early, and they'll make them a priority throughout the journey.

The Members of Cape Cod National Golf Club with their coach at The Bushmills Inn

The Benefits of an H&B Driver-Host

They’re experts.

Just about any well seasoned traveler will agree that there are two people you should ask for advice when visiting a new destination: the concierge at a great hotel and taxi drivers. Both are typically in tune with the best places to eat, drink, and be merry, many times at establishments not found in the pages of a guidebook or TripAdvisor.

Our Driver-Hosts are like both of these rolled into one. Not only do they make excellent suggestions on where to enjoy the Good Life, but they’ll also assist in booking reservations and probably point out their favorite items from the menu.

They’re always the short straw.

Whether your plan is to enjoy the combination of golf and whisky in Scotland or sample some of the best pubs in Dublin, a private Driver-Host is absolutely essential for both.

No one wants to draw the short straw as driver on the day the group visits Glenmorangie or the Guinness Storehouse, so do away with the straws and raise a glass together.

“Our driver took great care of us, shared stories along the way, and felt like a genuine friend.”

Jeff Eisel – Dubuque Golf & Country Club

They’re comedians.

Aside from the priceless memories, or perhaps the opportunity to scratch something from the proverbial bucket list, above all else a golf trip across the pond should be fun. If there’s one thing our private Driver-Hosts know how to do it’s have a good time.

Tough day at the Old Course? If such a thing were to truly exist it wouldn’t be for long, because your personal Driver-Host will likely be waiting at the coach with just the right amount of perspective.

They’re accustomed to the left lane.

This might seem like a trivial detail, but for some driving on the left side of the road is a challenge that’s never quite mastered.

The moment you climb behind the wheel on what’s usually the passenger side of the car, it’s like being transported back to 10th grade Driver’s Ed.

The point being, pot bunkers bring enough stress to the table during your trip without the added trouble of how to properly execute a right turn.

Driver-Host Joe Sutherland awaits his guests at Prestwick.

They’re likely to be the highlight of your trip.

Oftentimes when we receive feedback after a group has returned from their Expedition, the very first thing they mention is their Driver-Host.

Not the golf, not the hotels, not the Good Life or memories...

In fact, many of our Driver-Hosts are requested by Members on all of their future trips.

Proof that when it comes to overseas travel, it’s not the destination that makes a memorable trip... It's the people.

Meet some of our Driver-Hosts and what our Members say about them.

“The trip was fabulous. Being pampered by our driver. He did an excellent job in every way. A quality man that took care of us and made us all feel lucky to have gotten to know him. Just sit back and enjoy!"

Mark Gillam – Scotts Bluff Country Club

Few things will add more value to your overall experience across the pond than hiring a Driver-Host.

And yet, the choice regarding transportation is just one of many important decisions you'll face during the planning process.

Or you can simply put your faith in the expertise of our Expedition Planning Managers and sit back and enjoy the ride.