How far in advance should I book tee times?

Book premium courses 2-4 weeks ahead, championship courses up to 60 days ahead. Resort courses often allow 7-14 day booking windows.

Should I ship my clubs or rent?

Ship if you're particular about your equipment and staying 4+ days. Rent for shorter trips or if trying a new destination. Factor airline bag fees ($75-150) versus shipping costs ($100) and rental fees ($40-80/day).

What if weather ruins my booked rounds?

Most courses offer rain checks or rescheduling for severe weather. Book accommodation and backup courses with flexible cancellation policies. Travel insurance covers trip costs but not greens fees.

How many rounds should I plan per day?

One round per day for most golfers. Experienced players might handle 36 holes but allow 8+ hours total including travel between courses.

How to Plan a Golf Trip

Planning a golf trip requires booking tee times 2-4 weeks ahead at your target courses, choosing accommodation within 20 minutes of your main courses, and budgeting $200-400 per day including greens fees, cart rentals, and meals. Build your itinerary around 1-2 signature courses and fill gaps with easier booking options.

Pick your destination and anchor courses. Choose 2-3 must-play courses as your trip anchors. Research their advance booking requirements - championship courses often need 30+ days notice while resort courses may allow 7-14 days. Popular destinations: Scottsdale (desert golf, Jan-Apr), Myrtle Beach (affordable packages, Mar-May), Bandon Dunes (links-style, May-Oct).
Book tee times first. Reserve your anchor course tee times before booking anything else. Call directly or use course websites - avoid third-party booking sites that add fees. Book morning times (7-10am) when possible for better course conditions and faster pace. Confirm cancellation policies.
Choose accommodation strategically. Stay within 20 minutes of your primary courses. Golf resorts offer package deals but compare total costs against hotels plus separate greens fees. Vacation rentals work for groups of 4+ who want to cook breakfast and split costs. Book with free cancellation in case weather disrupts plans.
Fill your remaining rounds. Book 1 round per day maximum for recreational golfers - courses take 4-5 hours. Add backup courses for weather days or if you want more golf. Municipal courses and off-peak times cost 50-70% less than premium weekend rates.
Arrange equipment logistics. Ship clubs ahead if flying (costs $50-100 each way but eliminates airline fees and damage risk). Rent quality clubs at your destination for $40-80 per day. Book rental cars if courses aren't walkable from accommodation - golf courses often have limited rideshare availability.

How far in advance should I book tee times?: Book premium courses 2-4 weeks ahead, championship courses up to 60 days ahead. Resort courses often allow 7-14 day booking windows.
Should I ship my clubs or rent?: Ship if you're particular about your equipment and staying 4+ days. Rent for shorter trips or if trying a new destination. Factor airline bag fees ($75-150) versus shipping costs ($100) and rental fees ($40-80/day).
What if weather ruins my booked rounds?: Most courses offer rain checks or rescheduling for severe weather. Book accommodation and backup courses with flexible cancellation policies. Travel insurance covers trip costs but not greens fees.
How many rounds should I plan per day?: One round per day for most golfers. Experienced players might handle 36 holes but allow 8+ hours total including travel between courses.