Don't Overdo It: Pace Your Golf Itinerary for Maximum Enjoyment
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 of 18 holes a day to ensure everyone has the energy to enjoy the entire experience.
- Strategic 36-Hole Days: There’s absolutely a time and place for a 36-hole day! Iconic experiences like Muirfield and Sunningdale provide some of the greatest single-day memories in golf. But use them sparingly, and plan for a lighter day or even take a day off of golf afterward to allow for recovery.
- Flexibility for All: If you include a 36-hole day, consider choosing locations where members can easily opt out of the second round if they wish. Turnberry is a perfect example. Those who want to head out for another loop can, while others can relax at the spa or enjoy the resort’s amenities.
- Pair a Mix of Courses: Another approach is to pair a “big” course with something lighter for the second round. Think Gullane and Kilspindie, or Kingsbarns and Crail. This balance keeps the day enjoyable for everyone. Mix in an off the beaten path course for your 2nd round. You won't regret it!
Dave Edwards, PGA with his Dubuque Golf & Country Club members at Royal Lytham.
Make Time for the Good Life
Golf may be the centerpiece of the trip, but it’s not the whole story. Scheduling wall-to-wall golf can mean missing out on some of the most memorable aspects of traveling overseas.
A lighter itinerary creates space for your members to experience the destination’s history, culture, and charm. From touring a centuries-old distillery for a whisky tasting to exploring iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, these moments add richness and value to the trip.
Often, it’s these experiences—not the extra round of golf—that provide some of the best moments of the trip.
"We switched our trip to 18 holes a day so we could experience the club atmosphere before and after the round instead of rushing around. This experience made for a better trip for our group of 12."
~Nick Erlichman PGA – Old Sandwich Club
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
It’s understandable to want to check as many courses off the list as possible, especially on the first trip. But the best golf trips are about quality, not quantity. By focusing on the overall experience, you’re setting the stage for future trips.
And here’s the good news: once the first trip is under your belt, your members are all but certain to crave more travel. Those courses you didn’t play? They’ll still be there next time.
The best way to ensure your members have the energy to enjoy every round, every moment, and every memory of your trip is to resist the urge to overdo it. Balance is the key—whether that means 18-hole days, strategic 36-hole pairings, or some well-earned time off in between.
By making room for Good Life experiences and focusing on the enjoyment of the journey, you’re creating a trip that resonates far beyond the golf course.
Remember: the goal isn’t to finish the bucket list in one go. It’s to make the first trip so memorable that your members can’t wait for the next one!
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