Beyond the Course: Plan Your Good Life Activities in Advance
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 St. Andrews, Edinburgh, or Dublin are favorites among traveling PGA Professionals and their members. But the best guides and times fill up quickly. The same applies to distillery tours—places like Glenmorangie are often booked solid during peak travel seasons. Don’t let your group miss out because of a lack of preparation.
- Strikes a Balance: A well-planned expedition doesn’t mean every day is scheduled to the minute. It’s about balancing pre-planned experiences with flexibility, ensuring your members enjoy both the key moments and the freedom to see where the wind takes them.
Dave McNabb, PGA with his Applebrook Golf Club members at The Bushmills Inn.
How to Plan Your Good Life Activities
- Partner with Our Member Services Team: Our Concierge and Member Services team specializes in planning these moments, whether it’s a personal tour of a notable landmark or a private dinner overlooking The Old Course. Simply share your group’s preferences, and we’ll take it from there.
- Lean on Your Vice Captain: It's somewhat common for PGA Professionals to delegate the planning of Good Life activities to a Vice Captain. A foodie in the group, for instance, could collaborate with our team to select memorable dining spots. This not only lightens your load but also gives the trip an added personal touch.
- Include at Least One Notable Experience: Even if you’re on a golf-heavy schedule, don't let the whole trip slip by without at least one memorable experience off the course. A few ideas:
- Take in the Cliffs of Moher before teeing off at Lahinch.
- Explore the Giant's Causeway after rounds at Royal Portrush or Portstewart.
- Enjoy a leisurely guided walking tour of St. Andrews.
- Arrange for a private whisky tasting at a nearby distillery.
"It is obvious that the golf is a highlight, but the time in the bus commuting, hanging out with the group, and chatting with our driver were also a huge highlight. The camaraderie of the trip whether on the course, in the bus, or at dinners, always tend to be the best parts of the experience. The arrangement and schedule of the trip manufactured/generated these great camaraderie opportunities."
~Zack Sweet, PGA – Cape Cod National Golf Club
Balancing Planning and Spontaneity
Leaving some room in the itinerary for impromptu discoveries is a great idea. A laid-back evening at a local pub or just wandering the cobblestone streets without a destination in mind can lead to some of the trip’s most memorable moments. But relying solely on spontaneity isn’t a great strategy. Advanced planning for key experiences like group dinners and tours ensures the foundation of your trip is solid and nothing is left to chance for your members.
The Good Life is more than just a tagline... It’s the essential element that transforms a good trip into a great one. By planning your dining, sightseeing, and unique off-course activities in advance, you’ll ensure every moment is as rewarding and memorable as the courses you play.
Partner with our Member Services team, lean on your Vice-Captain, and enjoy a seamless journey where your members experience the very best your destination has to offer.
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