Where to Play: The Benefits of Playing Off the Well Worn Path
When your members think about golf across the pond, the big-name courses are probably the first that come to mind. Who wouldn’t want to walk in the footsteps of champions at St. Andrews, Royal County Down, or Muirfield? These iconic venues are bucket-list staples for a reason.
But here’s the thing—golf across the pond is about so much more than the marquee names! Some of the most memorable rounds happen on courses you’ve never heard of. As a PGA Professional, you have a unique opportunity to introduce your members to the lesser-known jewels that define the true essence of golf overseas and enhance their experience in the process.
Why Go off the Beaten Path?
- Unexpected Experiences: The big-name courses come with equally big expectations. A great day at The Old Course or Royal County Down is incredible—but it’s also expected. On the other hand, when your members play a course they’ve never heard of, the experience often exceeds their imagination. The element of surprise makes these rounds even more special and leaves a lasting impression.
- A Warm Welcome: The smaller, lesser-known courses are often more appreciative of visitor play. Their hospitality is unmatched, and your members will feel like honored guests. Two of my personal favorites, Ardglass in Ireland and Fortrose & Rosemarkie in Scotland, are perfect examples of this. The courses are great, but it’s the warm welcomes, engaging conversations, and genuine enthusiasm from their members and staff that make these places unforgettable.
- Less Crowded, More Relaxed: Unlike the marquee venues, where the tee sheet is jam-packed and the experience can feel like a golf factory, these less heralded courses are typically a little more laid back. This can mean a more relaxed atmosphere, more flexibility, and an overall more enjoyable experience for your group.
- Broadening Horizons: Golf across the pond isn’t just about playing the famous courses—it’s about the joy of discovery. By introducing your members to courses they’ve never heard of, you’re enriching their experience and showing them the depth of what golf overseas has to offer.
Lindy Miller, PGA with his Shady Oaks Country Club members at Ardglass Golf Club.
The Professional's Role
Your members trust you to plan a trip that goes beyond the obvious. By including lesser-known courses in the itinerary, you’re not only elevating their experience but also showing them the value of traveling with you. It’s a chance to share your knowledge, broaden their golf education, and create memories they won’t find anywhere else. When you guide your members to an unforgettable experience off the well worn path, it adds a personal touch that proves you care about making their trip truly special.
In closing, the marquee courses will always have their place on a golf trip across the pond, but don’t overlook the magic of playing off the beaten path. The hospitality, the unique experiences, and the stories your members will share make these lesser-known courses just as rewarding—if not more so.
By introducing your members to these less heralded venues, you’re not only enriching their travel experience but also reinforcing the value of traveling with you, their PGA Professional. So plan a round or two beyond the big name courses and discover the true soul of golf across the pond!
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