Golf Vacation & Travel Tips

What Is The Cost Of A Golf Vacation?

What to Expect and Ways to Save

Planning a golf vacation, like every other type of vacation, requires some time spent estimating a travel budget. While it would be almost impossible for us to come up with a bottom line cost for each of you, we can give you a number of pointers to make sure that you don't encounter any unexpected fees. We'll also provide a tip or two on how to help maximize your budget by minimizing your costs.

Regardless if you rely on a golf vacation provider, purchase a golf vacation package, or you arrange the details yourself, there are numerous fees that you should investigate or inquire about when making your itinerary. They include, but aren't limited to, the following:

• Travel - Begin making your plans as far ahead of schedule as possible to get the best airfares or consider flying during a period that's considered to be "off season" for your destination site. You can always drive yourself if it's a realistic option that doesn't take up a significant portion of your vacation time.
• Lodging - While it would be great to stay in on-site lodging if it's available, sometimes it's more economical to stay in a hotel, condominium, bed and breakfast, etc that's located nearby. Ask the golf course if they have any special lodging rates in effect with surrounding facilities.
• Car rental - If you drive to your destination city, this won't be an issue. Staying on-site also potentially minimizes your need for requiring transportation. Some golf courses even provide shuttle services for golfers who stay off-site at participating locations.
• Greens fees - While many golf packages include greens fees, make sure that you verify how many rounds of golf are included, if there are any tee time restrictions, and what other services are included in such fees. Reduce these costs by being willing to play during "twilight" tee times or on less popular days of the week.
• Meals - Perhaps you'll receive a food allowance or meal discounts as part of a golfing package or your greens fees; some might even be "all-inclusive." Many hotels and bed and breakfast inns provide certain meals. If not, plan accordingly. Ask during check-in about meal deals, coupons, or reasonably priced restaurants.
• Golf cart rental - Again, some packages and greens fees include this benefit. If not, golf during "off-times" when the rates might be lower or simply enjoy a healthy walk around the course.
• Club rental - If you've brought along your own set of clubs, this certainly won't be a factor for you. One way to cut costs here is to inquire about the range in fees based on the manufacturer of the clubs that you're considering renting; oftentimes there actually is a difference.
• Other gear rental or purchase - Unplanned expenses can occur when unexpected situations arise…such as finding out that your golf shoes aren't acceptable for the course you've chosen; in that specific instance, you can inquire about any Pro Shop discounts that you might be entitled to receive. Otherwise, you might be searching for a sporting goods store nearby. Some courses even require that you have a full bag of clubs while playing; inquire during the planning stages so as not to be caught off guard. Always bring along extra balls, tees, etc.
• Caddy fees - Some golf courses require the use of a caddy. If it's an option that isn't included in your package or greens fees, consider carrying your own bag or rent a cart if one is available and/or if it's cheaper than a caddy.
• Driving range fees - These fees might be included or an allowance provided. If not, a nearby lower-cost driving range might be available for those invaluable practice sessions.
• Locker rental fees - Yet another fee that might be part of your package or greens fees, but if need be and/or the opportunity exists, simply bring your gear with you each day and store your extra supplies in your vehicle or at your off-site lodging location.
• Lesson fees - Occasionally, this is included within a golf package. If you're there simply to play, forego the expense and treat yourself to an extra round or two.
• Taxes, tips, and surcharges - Definitely do your homework for these fees prior to making your final travel plans as these costs can add up very quickly. If they're not included in the prices that you're quoted, make sure that you know the tax rate and the acceptable tip amounts for the location that you're visiting.

One other main cost-cutter that deserves mentioning involves vacationing with a group of fellow golfers or with non-golfers. Some golf courses offer discount rates to groups of golfers and/or reduced rates for individuals who aren't planning on golfing. Senior rates, as well as fees for children, are also worth investigating.

The time that you invest in tracking down the fees associated with your golf vacation will be time well spent. While you'll have a better idea pertaining to the budget that you'll need to have on hand, you'll also be able to estimate the areas that you might be able to splurge a little. What's the bottom line cost associated with a well-planned golfing vacation? Simply priceless.

See you on the Golf Course, John "Duffer" Walsh

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