Whilst planning a golf holiday with your friends seems like an easy task, it can quickly become complicated.
Some of your friends want to stay at 5 resorts, others will be on a tight budget. Some will want to play every morning whilst others just want to relax by the pool.
You will need to find something to please everyone!
However, planning a group golf holiday does not need to complicated, just a few key decisions can be made.
Agree on a budget before choosing a destination
The first thing you should do is to set a budget.
It will not make much difference if you research some luxury golf resorts but half your friends expect it to be cheap.
Ask everyone how much they are willing to pay for including flights, accommodation, golf and food.
Sometimes the cheapest deal is not always the best as you can get charged for airport transfers, golf club transfers, buggy hire and food.
It is a good idea to set a realistic upper limit to your budget and leave some room for any additional costs.
Nobody wants to be having awkward conversations about money after paying deposits.
Be realistic about everyone’s ability
A lot of golf holidays are played by players at various handicap levels.
Some will want to play championship courses throughout the week, others may not want to play for 4 hours looking for golf balls in thick rough.
Look for a mix of golf courses that provide a variety of difficulty. A well designed resort with multiple tees can provide an enjoyable game for all.
Have a bit of fun with a handicap competition, Remember that just because someone comes last, doesn’t mean they didn’t have fun.
Make travel arrangements as simple as possible
Having everyone travel together makes group holidays much easier.
Try to get flights that arrive at a similar time. Hire vehicles can be a great option for a small group however you need to consider how much luggage you have.
Four golfers means four sets of clubs and four suitcases. This will take up more room than you would expect.
If you are staying close to multiple courses, having an organised transfer can be beneficial. You won’t know the roads and may struggle to find parking.
Also think about how long it takes to get to the courses.
A stunning golf course can be a bit less appealing if it takes 90 minutes to get there and you have an early tee time.
Choose a package that suits the whole group
Sometimes booking flights, hotels and tee times can be done however it can become complicated with a larger group. Looking at the best golf holidays provided by specialist golf travel companies will make it easier.
One way to simplify the process is to compare the best golf holidays available through specialist golf travel providers.
Look at which courses are included, accommodation arrangements and the flexibility offered around travel dates.
It’s not unusual for someone to change their plans, particularly when you’re organising a trip months in advance.
Understanding the conditions before booking can help avoid unnecessary arguments later.
Don’t turn every day into a competition
Having a tournament over multiple rounds can be great fun. Especially if there is a small prize.
However, not everyone will want their holiday to be like a qualifying round.
Have one or two competitive rounds and then the rest can be relaxed. Try to have team games, pairs or nearest the pin.
Shuffling the groups means everyone can play together. If someone is having a rubbish game, remember you are all there to have fun.
Make plans away from the golf course
Even the most passionate golfer will want a change of scenery.
Do some research on nearby restaurants, beaches, attractions or towns. You don’t have to plan every evening but it is good to have a few ideas. If someone asks what you are doing after dinner you will have something to say.
Remember why you’re going
Remember why you are there. Most people won’t remember their scores 6 months after getting home. However they will remember that chip-in from heaven, bunker disaster and the evening of laughing.
As long as you get the key bookings sorted, keep the budget reasonable and everyone can have fun. Whilst you may be there for the golf, you will remember the holiday for the company.