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 Here are some things to consider when planning the perfect golf getaway, whether you’re headed to Hawaii, the Southeast or right up the coast. 1. Consider your clubs Do you rent or bring your own? With most airlines enforcing baggage surcharges these days, travelers can be hit with another $25 to $60 — each way — in fees. In addition, you can forget about booking an economy car since you’ll need the room for your luggage and clubs. Most courses rent clubs, so see what’s available if you’d rather not risk damaging or losing your own set. Some may even throw in a complimentary club rental, so it doesn’t hurt to ask. 2. Check the forecast Many destinations have ever-changing weather patterns. Look into predictions a few days before your trip and, if rain is expected, pack rain gear and an umbrella. If windy conditions are on the horizon, think twice about playing from the tips. 3. Look into logistics While many courses are on or near the resort property, adjacent hotels often provide shuttles to local courses. Check into transportation and proximity to the course. After all, a 45-minute round-trip cab ride can really add up, and waste a lot of time. 4. Consult a consortium Many golf courses across the country are partnering with like-minded courses to offer discounts and the flexibility to play different courses through consortiums and golf trails. 5. Who’s your caddie? Wouldn’t it be nice to play with someone who knows the course, can help you choose the right club and offers solid advice for making par? Consider a course that offers a caddie service. At Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon, more than 260 caddies service three walking-only courses. “Generally speaking, caddies understand the golf course and climate and how it impacts play, and that can be significant,” said Ken Brooke, director of caddie services at Bandon Dunes. “Our caddies have been on the course more than a thousand times helping golfers with diverse golf abilities.” 6. Match your skills More important than choosing the right course is knowing which tees match your skill level. “If you want a great golfing experience, you need to choose the right tees, especially on a course you haven’t played before,” said Dave Mills, publisher and founder of HawaiiGolfDeals.com. “You can ruin your game and the experience if you’re outmatched by the course and prevailing weather conditions, both of which may not be obvious before entering the course." 7. Plan to pre-book If you’re hoping to play Pebble Beach on a whim during the fall, you’ll likely be disappointed. “Pre-booking is very important, especially if there is a certain time of day you prefer to play,” said Chuck Dunbar, head golf pro at Pebble Beach Golf Links. “Most people are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience [at Pebble Beach], so the more planning you can do in advance, the better the chance you’ll have the best experience possible.” 8. Inquire within Before choosing a course, ask about current or upcoming maintenance projects, the state of the course and what time of day is best to play. “Inquire about the ideal tee time to ensure good weather,” said Pebble Beach’s Dunbar. “Being prepared is a vital step in having the best possible experience.” 9. Do the research Whether you go it alone or opt for a golf package, know what’s included. Booking your own tee times typically affords greater flexibility, but that great rate might not include taxes, fees and surcharges. An organized golf vacation package might offer the better deal but hide a few caveats, like a further-than-expected commute to the golf course. 10. Ask the experts If you want to make the right decision in choosing which courses to play, seek out a niche operator. “You’re going to save a ton of money and have a memorable experience with a company that’s built a network of relationships,” said HawaiiGolfDeals’ Mills, whose company guarantees unlimited daily golf at all courses in his programs. “You cannot go wrong with an operator that specializes in a geographical region; they know the course inside and out. They know the general logistics in terms of relative location of golf, lodging and other activities. They know how to pull a rabbit out of a hat due to finely honed personal relationships.” ALSO SEE: Nine fantastic Southern California golf destinations with stay-and-play packages Golf travel directory |
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