How Golf Travel Overseas Differs from the U.S.

And How to Avoid Common Surprises

Connor Evers, PGA

July 21, 2025

6 Minute Read

When it comes to planning a golf trip across the pond, one of the biggest mistakes travelers make is assuming it will feel like Bandon or Streamsong… just with accents and whisky distilleries.

But that’s definitely not the case.

The fact is, nearly everything about golf travel in Scotland, Ireland, and England operates differently than what we’re used to here in the States. Not better, not worse—just different. And the more you know before you go, the smoother and more enjoyable the experience will be.

Here are some of the most important differences to be aware of before heading across the Atlantic.

Key Differences for Overseas Golf Trips vs the U.S.

It’s Not a Resort. It’s a Cast of Private Clubs.

In the States, we tend to think in terms of resorts. You book a week at Pinehurst or Sand Valley, and everything’s under one roof—courses, lodging, dining, the works.

Not so overseas, where most of the courses you’ll want to play are private clubs.

Take golf trips to Southwest Ireland, as an example. You might play Waterville, Ballybunion, Old Head, Tralee, and Dooks. Each one runs on its own schedule. Different visitor days, different tee time policies, different booking windows. It’s not like calling a resort and locking in your week.

But that’s part of the appeal. These are historic clubs, many of them over a century old, that often open their doors to visitors for just a few hours a day, a few days a week. Getting on the tee sheet takes more than a call to the pro shop—and that’s where having someone who’s done it hundreds of times makes all the difference.

The Courses Are More Spread Out

At most U.S. golf resorts, everything is conveniently clustered together. You check into your room and all of the golf—sometimes five or six courses—is right there on property.

That’s not the case overseas.

In many parts of Great Britain and Ireland, the marquee courses you want to play are scattered across a wider region. It’s not uncommon for a round at one club to be a full hour—or more—from your base hotel.

Now, there are exceptions. St. Andrews is a great example of a location where you can stay in one place and walk or drive just minutes to most of your rounds. England's Golf Coast, East Lothian, and the London Heathland can offer similar convenience.

In more spread-out regions, the best solution is often two or even three hotel stays over the course of the Expedition. It’s not always ideal to pack up and move, but the alternative would often mean spending more time on the road than on the course.

A well-routed trip, with efficient transitions, can make the difference between a relaxing journey and a logistical grind.

Hotel Rooms Are Also Different

Many of the hotels overseas are historic properties, not brand-new builds with floor plans designed around king beds and extra space.

Even within the same room category, you might find a wide range in size, layout, or furnishings. One traveler might get a cozy room with sloped ceilings. Another might score a fireplace and a bay window. Same category. Different experience.

And then there’s the bedding itself.

Two friends sharing a room may be surprised to find that the “twin room” means two single or twin beds, often placed closer together than you’d expect.

Rooms with two queen beds are rare, and so are true king beds. At most hotels, a king is actually two twin beds zipped together. That "zip-link" setup works just fine, but it can throw people off if they’re not prepared.

None of this is a problem, so long as it’s not a surprise.

And this is exactly where your golf travel company’s experience—and their standards—make a difference. At some hotels, there are room categories we simply won’t use, because we’re not willing to compromise your comfort.

At some hotels, this much space between beds qualifies as generous.

A Few Smaller Differences Worth Knowing

Restaurants

Restaurants are smaller, and reservations are essential. Splitting the bill? Don’t count on it. The server may divide the check evenly, or they may not divide it at all. Pro tip: designate a “finance chair” ahead of time. And if you're dining in a pub, don’t wait to be seated. Find a table number and order at the bar.

Caddies

Yes, the caddies are independent contractors, just like here. And like here, their service can be requested but not guaranteed. But they’re also often members of the club. That means you might get the club champion, a junior standout, or someone who knows every contour of the course—and has a story to go with it. It’s not just a loop. It’s part of the experience. Don't shortchange yours by skipping the caddies.

More than in the U.S., the caddies are an essential piece of the experience.

Rental Cars

Cars are smaller. Roads are smaller. Luggage is not. Which is why we default to a van with for self-drive Expeditions of 3 or 4 golfers. Add in golf bags, travel cases, and carry-ons, and even a large SUV starts to feel cramped.

Of course, the steering wheel is on the right and you’ll be driving on the left. And if you're not careful, you might get in your rental and find a stick shift (We only reserve automatic transmissions).

In the End, It's Not Supposed to Feel the Same

The whole point of traveling across the pond is to experience something different—something deeper. The golf is unforgettable, yes, but so is everything around it: the rhythm of the trip, the unexpected views, the post-round pints, and the small surprises that never show up in the itinerary.

Some things might feel unfamiliar at first. But if you know what to expect—or have someone in your corner who does—you’ll spend less time sorting out surprises, and more time enjoying the moments that make these trips unforgettable.