For the first time in nearly two years, American golfers are set to cross the Atlantic to enjoy Golf at its Finest on the great courses of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. It’s a lesson that everyone on the H&B team, our friends and partners across the pond, and our traveling Members of the Forces have all learned first-hand.
With the return of golf travel comes everything that makes it so special. Here are a few of the things that we’ve missed during their absence.
Our Driver-Hosts
These tireless professionals are the foundation of every great H&B Expedition. They play the role of concierge and tour guide, among so many other things, and are usually the highlight of the trip. When we survey the H&B Forces after their expedition, the greatest portion of the praise is consistently saved for our Driver-Hosts. To say that we’ve missed their hospitality would be an understatement. We simply couldn’t do it without them.
Pints with a View
For over 30-years, it’s been our steadfast belief that your time off the golf course is just as valuable to your experience overseas as your time on it. The most common place that belief comes to life are the various 19th holes around the British Isles. Where glasses are raised, stories are told, laughs are exchanged, wagers are paid, and friendships are solidified. It’s here that some of the best memories of the trip are made, and often in a setting that few could ever forget.
Quips from the Caddies
Ask any golf traveler to name the best things about the game across the pond and the caddies are sure to be near the top of the list. They’re invaluable to navigating the unknown and sometimes puzzling links golf courses, but the caddies in Scotland, Ireland, and England provide so much more than simple shot advice. They deliver a laugh or pour salt in the wound in equal measure. They tell unbelievable stories that range from completely true to entirely fabricated. And most of all, they add to the experience in a way that’s remembered long after the tally on the scorecard is forgotten.
Friends Old and New
Golf in the British Isles has a funny way of bringing people together. Lifelong friendships are strengthened even further. Cherished memories with family are created. People who might have begun the trip as mere acquaintances usually end it as close friends. Playing a small role in building friendships, both old and new, is one of the great rewards of our business. The bonds which are formed during a week-long overseas trip would take years to develop with Thursday skins games and weekend barbecues at the club. But once formed, that connection is difficult to break, because to shamelessly paraphrase Humphrey Bogart… You’ll always have Scotland.
Memories that Last a Lifetime
When all of this camaraderie is combined with the greatest places to enjoy the game in the world, the end result are memories that last a lifetime. It was the thought of these memories that helped to carry us all through this unprecedented time. As much as we appreciate the thousands of memories from years past, however, we look forward to refilling our tank with new memories from across the pond.
There are so many things that we’ve missed during this absence.
We’ve missed the wind, the rain, the bunkers, the burns, the fescue rough, the odd bounces, the fish and chips, the whisky, the rolling hills, the blooming gorse, the 1st tee at Machrihanish Golf Club, the 5th green at Royal Portrush, the 7th tee at Royal Dornoch, the 16th at Ballybunion, the Swilcan Bridge…
The list goes on and on and on.
But as you’ve probably noticed in the paragraphs above, it’s the people that we’ve missed most.
From our Driver-Hosts and accommodation partners, to the network of Club Secretaries, Concierges, Caddie Masters, Hotel Managers, Maître D’s, Executive Chefs, and Personal Guides who make it all possible.
The return of Golf and the Good Life has been a long time coming. We can’t wait to share it with you once again.
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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