If watching the Open Championship has you dreaming of windswept links and pint-worthy post-round recaps, you’re not alone. A golf trip to the UK or Ireland is at the top of many golfers’ bucket lists, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it.
We spoke with the team at Halcyon Golf Travel, who specialize in crafting unforgettable UK and Ireland golf experiences, to uncover the most common mistakes travelers make. Knowing these pitfalls ahead of time won’t just save you money. It could be the difference between a memorable once-in-a-lifetime trip and one you’d rather forget.
1. Cramming too much into one itinerary
Just because the sun sets at 10 or 11 p.m. in the summer doesn’t mean you should try to play 36 holes every day.
Golf in the UK and Ireland is typically played on foot and when you factor in wind, rain and jet lag, the grind can catch up quickly. The idea is to enjoy, not burn yourself out.
When you add lengthy drives on narrow rural roads (that always take longer than you think), your itinerary could start to feel like work. Stick to one round per day and if you have time to grab an extra nine somewhere last-minute, go for it.
2. Only booking the famous courses
Sure, playing Royal County Down or Muirfield is a dream but don’t let the top-100 lists blind you to everything else. Think about golf in the United States: there are hundreds of undeniably great courses that will never come close to making a top-100 list. It’s no different for your trip to the UK or Ireland.
Some of the most authentic, memorable rounds you’ll play might be at places you’ve never heard of yet. The value at these local member clubs is outstanding, the vibe is relaxed and the experience is often more personal.
Mix the big names with a few hidden gems. You’ll spend less, wait less and get a much better feel for golf culture in the region.
3. Waiting too long to plan
Many of the best UK and Irish courses release tee times more than a year in advance. Those tee times go fast. If you’re hoping to play places like Royal Portrush or Muirfield, you’ll need to plan early.
Start building your itinerary well in advance, especially if you’re traveling with a group. The earlier you commit, the better your odds are of securing those bucket list rounds.
4. Forgetting to book restaurants
In the U.S., walking into a restaurant with six golfers usually isn’t a big deal. In the UK and Ireland, it can be. Restaurants are smaller, staff levels are lower, and you won’t find the same level of flexibility or service you might be used to at home.
Book tables ahead of time. If you are travelling with a larger group, this is a must. Be careful with late tee times. By the time you return to the hotel, the food options may be limited.
5. Expecting American-style service
This one trips up many American golfers. Service in the UK and Ireland just isn’t the same as what you get back home. You won’t find five-star resort treatment at every course or staff bending over backward to keep you smiling.
Tipping is also less common and less expected.
Lower your expectations a bit, embrace the cultural differences. It’s part of the charm.
6. Letting too many people plan
The quickest way to derail a trip before it starts is to try to please everyone. Group golf trips work best when one or two people take charge of the planning and booking. The more voices you add, the harder it becomes to finalize dates, courses and accommodations.
7. Bringing way too much gear
Packing for all four seasons makes sense with the unpredictable weather over there but you can overdo it and make this harder than it needs to be. Most golfers end up wearing the same handful of layers and often pick up a few items from the pro shop along the way. (Logoed apparel makes for a great souvenir!)
Pack smart, leave room in your suitcase and plan to bring home a new favorite sweater or two.
8. Booking the wrong rental car
When booking a rental car, consider that there are narrow roads and small parking spaces. Additionally, the trunks are small.
Renting a minivan in the UK isn’t the same as in the States—and if you’re using hard travel cases for your clubs, you’re asking for a logistical nightmare.
Before booking, check the vehicle’s dimensions and, if possible, opt for soft travel covers to save space.
9. Missing the real fish and chips experience
Fish and chips is basically a required stop on any UK or Ireland trip. Don’t make the mistake of ordering it at a sit-down restaurant. It’s just not the same.
The best versions come wrapped in paper from small, often grungy-looking chip shops.
This is one of those times where the more old-school it looks, the better it probably tastes.
10. Underestimating the planning work
Coordinating a golf trip sounds fun. Until you get started. Then you’ll realize you’re juggling tee times, hotel bookings, caddies, transportation, restaurant reservations, group payments and a dozen different preferences. If you have a full-time job and limited time to plan, it can quickly turn into a second job.
Consider working with a golf travel company like Halcyon Golf Travel. They’ve already done the hard part. You just show up and play. Not to mention that these are only 10 of the hundreds of tips they have for making sure you enjoy what should be one of the best golfing experiences of your life.
mg
11 months ago
In 2000, my dad, uncle and cousin went to Scotland. Greatest trip ever. Renting a vehicle was a boondoggle. We paid for a large van and were given a fiat wagon type car. 3-seats, thankfully I brought a crescent wrench and pliers. I took the backseat out and carried back into the terminal and put it on the rental cars counter. They were questioning me on what I was doing. I questioned them right back on what kind of a scam is this? When this tiny little wagon was packed with 4 sets of clubs and all our luggage for 3 weeks No one could see anyone, packed to the roof and front window to back. Every time we played which was everyday but one, we had to take everything out and put it back in. Absolutely hysterical. People watched us and just shook their heads. The golf was the greatest ever, we still laugh about the fiat. Royal Dornoch is my favorite, Cruden Bay is number 2.