Once you have booked a golf holiday abroad, you now need to make sure you read our golf holiday tips. It might help as you don’t want to forget anything that might stop you from enjoying your golf. Take a look at some of our helpful tips below of what you may need to remember to take with you. Equally what to remember to do before you depart for your golf holiday!
Golf Handicap required for playing abroad?
Most golf clubs overseas will require each golfer to have a valid handicap certificate, but this is not always the case. However, it is worth checking out before arriving in the resort or booking the golf courses. If you are a member of a golf club in the UK you may want to ask your Golf professional or golf secretary for a copy of your handicap certificate to take with you w. Some golf courses may also apply a maximum handicap so you will need to advise the correct handicaps for all your party. This is not the case with all countries so just check at the time of booking.
Golf Shoes for Overseas Golf Courses
Footwear needs to be considered when golfing overseas as most golf clubs only allow soft spike shoes. However, golf shoes have changed over the years and most are now multi-purpose for golf and social. Most clubs abroad sell them at competitive prices and can often have a different range to choose from than at home, depending on the time of year. Remember to check this before departing on your golf holiday as you may not be allowed to play with the wrong golf shoes.
Golf Club Carriage by Airlines
Carriage of golf clubs will need to be advised at the time of booking as most charter and low-cost airlines apply a charge for transportation of these items. It is also advisable to consider purchasing a golf transportation bag that will protect your golf clubs and golf bag. Most golf shops sell these (from £30 upwards) but you may also borrow one from a fellow golfer at your golf club.
Golf Tee Times Abroad
Golf tee times can be requested for whichever time you prefer, however, in the high season it is not always possible to confirm your initial requests and alternatives will be offered to you. No refunds are issued for golf tee times if canceled on the same day. If you are only a 2 or 3 ball then be prepared to be matched up with other golfers as most courses operate a 4 ball playing. Always make sure you arrive at the golf course at least 30 minutes before the first tee time.
Golf Weather Overseas
Sunshine makes the round of golf feel much better than a rainy day but it’s always good to make sure you have suntan screen with you as well as a good hat and sunglasses. If playing later in the year insect repellant is highly recommended as is wet weather gear or at the very least an umbrella.
Driving Instructions to golf Courses
Always make sure you have clear instructions on how to get to the golf club where your tee time is booked and leave yourself at least 1 hour before tee time to get your self organised. When golfing overseas tee times are very strict and will be given away if you are not there on time. Golf course (in particular in Spain) are not always that well signposted so a sat nav will also help and save time and frustration.
Slow Play on Overseas Golf Courses
Slow play is not accepted on most courses overseas in particular Turkey, Portugal, and Spain and the golf marshall will give warnings if he feels that your play is slow. If slow play persists they can ask you to leave the course so remember don’t hang around! Keep up with the group in front of you.
Golf GPS If you play with a golf GPS at home then don’t forget to load up the overseas courses before you go and to take the charger with a relevant adapter to allow you to charge in the resort.
Go easy travel specialise in golf holiday deals to Spain, France, Portugal, Florida, Dubai, Barbados and the rest of the Caribbean. Call for more details 01256 536020