How to Find Your Dream Golf Holiday

It's the time of year when most of us start thinking about getting away from it all. It could be a family holiday in the sunshine, a camping trip somewhere in the UK. Or maybe just a long weekend in a hotel. 

Mostly, it is just about a change of scene, a way to relax.

And, of course, it is no different for golfers. I have been incredibly fortunate. My profession has taken me to many parts of the world, has allowed me to stay in some amazing resorts and play on some of the best golf courses on the planet.

Having recently retired from the grind of full-time work, I have spent a fair bit of time reflecting on some of the breaks I have had and the reasons I have enjoyed them.

So what should you be thinking about if you are planning a proper golf holiday, a short break or even just a day trip?

Here’s what I look for...

Scenery

It was Walter Hagen who urged people to take the time to smell the flowers. And he was absolutely correct. In this day and age we all run around at 100mph, racing from one task to the next without pausing to draw breath. Stress is not good for you - that is a fact. So if you are planning a golf trip in the UK, spend a little time checking out venues with spectacular backdrops. Scotland obviously falls into that category and I admit to being hugely biased when it comes to my homeland, but I would urge you to consider looking at heading to Wales (north and/or south). There are some mind-blowing views to be enjoyed. And when you get there, take the time to spend a few moments on each hole to take in that amazing scenery.

Tradition/History

Having been raised in Scotland and first picked up a club at Lundin Links, just a few miles from St Andrews, tradition and history mean a great deal to me. If you are planning a proper golf trip to Scotland, I would urge you to try to play all of the country’s Open venues - St Andrews, Carnoustie, Muirfield, Troon and Turnberry. They are all stunning locations and you will be following in the footsteps of legends. Throw in the likes of Prestwick, Gleneagles and Royal Dornoch and you will have experienced the very best that this wonderful game has to offer. I know that the green fees at these courses will cost you a pretty penny but you can balance the books by staying in B&B accommodation or Airbnb.

(Gleneagles in Scotland)

Society Venue

If you are taking a golf society away from a break in the UK you are going to have to shop around. Get your head around logistics - set a distance limit. If you are going on a Sunday, having an overnight stay and returning on the Monday, you don’t want to be driving for hours to get there. Before you pay your deposit, check what time the bar closes. If you have a large group, check that there is somewhere you can socialise together in the evening. If the venue has a decent website, take the time to check out the course and ensure it suits the needs of your group. If the website is poor, you may want to think about finding somewhere else. When looking for potential venues, check out reviews. Golfers are brutally honest - if they do not like a course, hotel or food, you can be sure that they will say so. And don’t be afraid to give them a call and have a haggle over the price.

Weather

If good weather is top of your wish list for a golf holiday then you should probably be looking at boarding a plane and heading for the likes of Spain, Portugal, Cyprus or Greece, to name but a few. Spain and Portugal are obvious golf destinations but they are many other options these days. Cyprus may not be an obvious destination but the island has some fabulous courses - and a wonderful climate. And there are many other possibilities around Europe, including France, Croatia, Turkey. You will easily be able to find resort courses with hotels on site. Check out Golfbreaks for some ideas.

(Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus)

Facilities

What do you want when you get there? If you are playing golf with a group then you are almost certainly going to be looking for something other than a golf course. How is the food? Is there a decent pub nearby? Are there restaurants in the area? 

Downtime

If you are playing golf while on holiday with your family, you will want to know that there is plenty for your loved ones to do while you are on the course. And that means a beach, swimming pool, snack bar, watersports, children’s areas. Trust me, if you put your family’s interests first, they will not even miss you when you disappear for five hours. Get it wrong and I can 100% guarantee that you will be in the doghouse for the duration of your holiday - and beyond! You will never be allowed to forget it!

Value For Money

No matter what your budget may be, there will be something for you. It’s just a question of having the time and patience to look around - and that is where the internet is your friend. Once again, you could do an awful lot worse than checking out Golfbreaks - there, you will find breaks to suit every budget. And please don’t book the first thing you see - read reviews. Does the price being quoted include luggage, transfers and, crucially, transporting your golf clubs? If not, check how much those extras are going to add to your bill.

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