Continuous Improvement: Reflect on Your Journey for Future Success Mike Walters Every time you travel with your members, it’s an opportunity to create unforgettable experiences and to learn valuable lessons along the way. Especially with your first trip, there’s no avoiding the fact that it’s a learning experience. From the itinerary to the group dynamics, every detail offers insights into what worked, what didn’t, and how to make the next trip even better.   By taking the time to reflect and document those lessons, you’ll not only raise the bar for your next expedition but also create a smoother, more rewarding experience for yourself and your members. Key Questions to Consider After the trip, ask yourself (and your members) these essential questions to evaluate the experience: Pre-departure: What could have been improved in terms of planning and preparation? Were communications with members clear and effective? If you hosted pre-trip events, how could they be improved? Itinerary: Did you schedule the right amount of golf? Was it too much or not enough? Did a full day off the course work well, or was it needed? If you played on arrival day, did it enhance the trip or create challenges? Good Life:...

Finish in Style: Host a Celebratory Dinner to Cap Your Trip Mike Walters All good things must come to an end. But after everything you and your members have invested into the trip, why not go out with a bang? A celebratory dinner is the perfect way to relive the highlights, share a few laughs, and soak in one final dose of camaraderie before heading home.   From private dining rooms at iconic venues to personalized menus crafted just for your group, there are countless ways to finish your trip on a high note. And with the right planning, it can set the stage for your next journey together. The Benefits of a Celebratory Dinner Relive the Highlights: The stories, the laughs, the misadventures in a pot bunker-this is your chance to relive them all. A celebratory dinner gives everyone the opportunity to look back on the trip and share their favorite moments. End on a High Note: After the time and investment your group has made in this journey, it’s worth taking a little extra time to go out in style. A memorable dinner ensures the trip ends with the same energy and excitement it started with. Celebrate Achievements:...

Capture the Moment: Hire a Golf Photographer for a Special Round Mike Walters Smartphones and Instagram have made it easier than ever to capture and share memories from your golf trip. But even with a camera in everyone’s pocket, one of the most common regrets we hear from returning travelers is, “We forgot to get a group photo!” Or worse, one person becomes the de facto photographer and ends up with no photos of themselves.   That’s why hiring a professional golf photographer to document one of your special rounds is such a game-changer. Not only does it ensure high-quality photos, but it also allows your members to fully immerse themselves in the moment without worrying about capturing it. Why Hire a Golf Photographer? Everyone is Included: A professional ensures that every member of the group is captured in the photos. No one gets left out because they’re always behind the camera. Guaranteed Group Photo: How many trips have ended without a single good group photo? Too many to count! A professional photographer guarantees you’ll have at least one to frame, share, or use for club promotions. Phones Stay in the Bag: Hiring a photographer allows your members to focus...

Beyond the Course: Plan Your Good Life Activities in Advance Mike Walters Leading your members across the pond is about far more than just the golf. From exploring historic landmarks and touring distilleries to sharing stories over a memorable group dinner, the Good Life-those unforgettable moments off the course-is every bit as essential to the experience as the golf itself.   While spontaneous exploration can lead to some great and memorable moments, relying too heavily on “winging it” risks unraveling the experience for your members. Thoughtful planning for key highlights like group dinners, private tours, and distillery visits ensures your group enjoys the best of your destination without the stress of last-minute decisions or missed opportunities. Why You Should Plan Ahead for the Good Life Dinner Reservations: Dining together as a group is one of the best ways to unwind and relive the highlights of the day. But popular restaurants overseas are often much smaller than their American counterparts and book up well in advance. For groups of eight or more, securing reservations is essential. The last thing you want after a long day on the course is to scramble for a place to eat. Sightseeing Tours: Personal tours of...

Build Bridges: Connecting with Fellow PGA Professionals Overseas Mike Walters When visiting the legendary golf clubs of the UK and Ireland, it’s easy to focus solely on the courses themselves. But as PGA Professionals, we know that the heart of any great club is its people. Establishing connections with your counterparts overseas not only enriches your trip but also creates opportunities for shared experiences that your members will cherish and remember.   Private clubs overseas operate differently than those in the U.S. and, in many cases, they’ve been doing it a whole lot longer than we have. This creates a unique chance for you to build relationships with the PGA Professionals who help uphold their traditions and history. A quick introduction before your visit can unlock doors to enhanced hospitality, professional growth, and lasting friendships. Why Connect with Overseas Pros? Strengthen the Welcome: Think about how you’d go the extra mile for a visiting Pro and their members at your own club. The same applies overseas. Reaching out in advance could lead to personalized touches like a private clubhouse tour or insights into the club’s history that you wouldn’t get otherwise. Enhance the Member Experience: A little effort can go...

Recruit Reinforcements: Nominate Vice-Captains for Your Golf Trip Mike Walters Golf trips across the pond are unforgettable experiences, but let’s face it… They’re also a lot of work! Even with H&B handling most of the heavy lifting, there are still plenty of details for the PGA Professional to manage. That’s where a little extra help can go a long way.   By enlisting reinforcements in the form of a Vice-Captain or a makeshift Travel Committee, you can lighten your load, involve your members in the process, and create a stronger sense of ownership in the trip. It’s a win-win that ensures everything comes together while adding a layer of excitement for your group. The Role of an Informal Travel Committee In another guide, we talked about the importance of recruiting the “Cool Kids” to get the trip off the ground. Well, those same members can be invaluable as a makeshift Travel Committee. Here’s how they can help: Course Selection and Itineraries: Have your core group weigh in on the courses to play and sights to see off the course. Their buy-in ensures the itinerary resonates with the group, and makes it easier to fill slots on the trip. They’ll be...

Pre-Trip Prep: Invite Your Members to Dinner Mike Walters One of the best ways to build excitement and camaraderie before a club hosted golf trip is to gather everyone for a pre-departure dinner. This isn’t just about sharing a meal-it’s about setting the tone for the trip, fostering connections, and ensuring everyone is ready to hit the ground running when the expedition begins.   As PGA Professionals, hosting a dinner gives you the chance to celebrate the upcoming journey while addressing any lingering questions or details. It’s a memorable way to bring the group together and get everyone in the spirit of the destination before they even pack their bags. The Benefits of a Pre-Trip Dinner Break the Ice: A shared meal creates an opportunity for your members to get to know one another better. By the time they board the plane, they’ll already feel like a cohesive group, which sets the stage for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Share Key Information: Use the dinner as a chance to go over important trip details, answer questions, and ensure everyone is on the same page. From daily itineraries to packing tips, this is the perfect time to communicate face-to-face. Pair it...

Custom Swag: The Ultimate Touch When Traveling with Members Mike Walters One of the easiest ways to elevate your club-hosted golf trip is with custom swag. Matching hats, shirts, or even golf bags instantly create a sense of unity among the group while adding a professional touch to the trip. Plus, it’s a great way to leave a lasting impression on your members that extends well beyond their final round overseas.   Over the years, numerous Professionals in our program have created swag for their groups, and the results are always fantastic. From matching apparel to personalized accessories, these thoughtful touches add an extra layer of excitement to the trip. And the photos? They’re always a hit, showcasing the camaraderie of the group while serving as great keepsakes for years to come. Kevin Muir, PGA and his members from The Club at Wyndgate at Royal Portrush. Ideas for Custom Swag Matching Apparel: Items like hats, shirts, and quarter zips are practical and stylish. Plus, quarter zips are a must for overseas trips where layering is key. Golf Bags: If you’re looking to go big, matching golf bags are an unforgettable choice. One standout example comes from a group at Old...

Don’t Overdo It: Pace Your Golf Itinerary for Maximum Enjoyment Mike Walters When leading your members to the great courses of Scotland and Ireland, it’s tempting to pack the itinerary with as many rounds as possible. After all, who wouldn’t want to check off every bucket-list course in one go? But here’s the thing about golf across the pond… Less is usually more!   Your goal isn’t to squeeze in as much golf as humanly possible. It’s to create an experience your members will savor, remember, and want to repeat. The ideal, well-paced trip leaves your members refreshed and excited for more, not exhausted and in need of another vacation when they get home. Why Less is Often More Avoid Exhaustion: These trips are a marathon, not a sprint. While the long walks, undulating terrain, and ever-changing elements of links golf can take a toll, the bigger challenge is the sheer volume of golf. Many members will play more golf in a single week overseas than they do in months back home.   Without careful pacing, this can lead to physical and mental fatigue, leaving your members drained by the end of the trip. Instead, focus on a steady approach...