You might not put golf trips in the same class as your 401(k), but they are investments — of your time, savings and precious vacation days. Here's how to protect those investments and guarantee a fun-filled return. (Hint: Plan ahead.)
1. Book your tee times (now!)
If you're headed to a popular destination in the high season, don't assume you can saunter over to the pro shop and hop onto the first tee. "Guests should book their tee times at the same time they book their rooms," says Val Ramsey, public relations manager for Pebble Beach Resorts. "Although we certainly have windows of opportunity throughout the year, it's wise to plan ahead."
2. Join the travel-light brigade
"Leave the sticks at home if you're only going to play once or twice," says Gordon Dalgleish, president and cofounder of PerryGolf, a golf travel company. "The quality of rental sets has improved dramatically. If you are toting clubs and rain is in the forecast, pack an extra pair of golf shoes." And don't forget balls — it's never fun paying $16 for a sleeve in the pro shop.
3. Seed into the future
Courses in the Southeast and especially in the Southwest overseed in the fall and return to the base Bermuda grass in the spring. Ask about both the course's overseeding schedule and its cart-path policy during overseeding. You don't want your vacation ruined by wet fairways and cart-path-only golf.
4. Package it up
Holing up at a resort? You'll save money with a golf package over rack rates and will likely get preferential tee times, says Janeen Driscoll of North Carolina's Pinehurst Resort. Also ask about twilight rates — you can often squeeze in 18 holes at a deep discount.
5. Know your company
If you're teeing it up with beginners or kids, skip the marquee venues, especially if there are other more "novice-friendly" options available. If it's a buddy trip, aim for multiple courses with lively nightlife nearby.
6. Dream big
Don't let costly green fees scare you off. If you're on a budget, but are aching to play, say, the Old Course at St. Andrews or Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, play it once and check it off your life list. Both destinations offer cheaper alternatives for your other rounds.
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