Golfing Herald welcomes Greg Harris, a retired writer based in Jacksonville, Florida, who still enjoys sharing his perspective and experiences through writing. In this guest article, Greg outlines how to plan a golf trip in the United States … that your friends will (actually) thank you for!
Time to Escape
With spring officially here, the time is right to escape for a few days of golf. While the sport is a shared pastime for millions of people around the globe, love of the game alone does not guarantee a successful golf trip. There are some key details to get right – and some trifling details to forget about – that will make or break the success of your vacation. So, if you want to be the host whose friends thank them after they return home, keep reading, as I offer some pro tips on planning a successful golf excursion.
Choose the Ideal Destination
There is no shortage of premier golf destinations in the United States, such as Naples, Hilton Head and Pebble Beach.
However, one name continually tops golfers’ lists as the place to be for the perfect golf getaway … Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona.
With its year-round warm weather, scenic desert landscape, and near-zero % chance of a rainout, Arizona is the destination for making golf dreams come to life.
In addition to the favourable conditions, the best Scottsdale golf courses feature a little something for everyone. Challenging courses like TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course and Grayhawk Golf Club are known for their iconic holes. This puts them on many golfers’ “bucket list” courses. As these venues host numerous PGA and NCAA golf events throughout the year, they also allow your party to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in the sport.
For more novice and/or recreational golfers, there is no shortage of less competitive courses from which to choose. The Phoenix metropolitan area is home to some 200 greens, guaranteeing a match for your party’s pace. Some names to consider are Kierland Golf Club, Talking Stick Golf Club, and Papago Golf Course.
Advance Reservations
There is something to be said about going with the flow when on vacation (more on that later).
However, there are a few big-ticket items that you must stay ahead of. A few of these include:
- Airfare
- Tee times
- Accomodation
If any of these key reservations get overlooked, it can wreck the entire weekend.
Airfare
For airfare, booking 4 to 8 weeks before your trip for the most favourable rates is generally advisable. It is also a great idea to consider a golf club rental at your destination. This will save large parties significant money on baggage fees and the inconvenience of toting golf bags through crowded airports. In addition, it allows you to experiment with the latest clubs and equipment before purchasing them yourself.
Tee Times
Knowing when the peak season falls at your destination is crucial for tee times. This will make tee times more difficult and/or expensive to obtain. For most locations, a 14-day booking window is standard. However, getting a tee time within this window may be difficult if your vacation falls near a significant holiday or golf event. It never hurts to call your preferred courses well in advance and see how soon is too soon to reserve a slot.
Luxury Accommodation
(Photograph by kind permission of HÓZHÓ Estate on Thunderbird)
The discussion of accommodation reservations deserves a section of its own. That’s because, when it comes to golf getaways, there is only one way to go: a luxury vacation rental.
A luxury house rental in Scottsdale, Naples, Hilton Head, or any other golf destination will offer amenities that a traditional hotel cannot match. Spacious dimensions to keep your entire party under a single roof. Luxury concierge partners that offer custom refrigerator stocking, maid service, and chauffeured transportation. Access to exclusive communities and proximity to area golf courses. Endless amenities to relax and unwind between golf sessions.
While a hotel may offer some benefits for work functions and other types of trips, renting a luxury estate is the way to go for golfers looking to forge unforgettable bonds on and off the links.
Self-Care Indulgence
Whether you aspire to the professional ranks or enjoy being outside for hours on the green, feeling your best when hitting the course is essential. Achy muscles and stiff joints are not part of the formula for an ideal golf weekend, so take time for some self-care in between rounds.
For some, this may mean relaxing by the pool for a few hours at the end of a round. For others, it may mean booking a massage session to relieve the muscles. Others may look at innovative IV treatment to quickly replenish fluid and electrolyte levels and aid recovery. Vanessa Cabrera of Pheonix Mobile IV Therapy says …
“Hydration can make or break a weekend on the course. After a long day in the sun, recovery is just as important as your swing.”
Whatever your preferred method of self-care, don’t overlook its importance in forging a positive golf experience.
Don’t Overplan
Organisation is essential when planning a vacation. Don’t get it twisted.
But at the end of the day, part of any getaway is breaking free from the daily schedule, including golf outings.
Resist the urge to plan every second of the day for your party. You will quickly grate on everyone’s nerves if you rush them to finish their drink to make it to the next entry on the itinerary.
Plan the big stuff, get your tee times, and leave plenty of wiggle room to enjoy the unexpected.
Unforgettable Golf Vacation
Planning the perfect golf trip is a balancing act between attention to detail and kicking back and relaxing. From choosing the ideal destination to keeping daily schedules flexible, consider the ideas outlined in this article when planning a golf trip that your friends will thank you for.
Leave a Reply