Before heading off to the airport with your clubs in tow and visions of links land in your head, here are some travel tips from those of us who have made the trans-Atlantic trip plenty of times.
Transporting your clubs: Most airlines require some sort of casing for your clubs and golf bag. Although the hard, plastic travel cases are durable and do a nice job of protecting your clubs, they are heavy and rigid. We'd recommend a softer case that not only protects your clubs, it also is much lighter, helping to avoid costly overweight charges even after stuffing in a few pairs of shoes. Many of the soft cases also fold up nicely, which is invaluable if you've chosen to self-drive.
Packing your clothes: A good rule of thumb is to pack the clothes you think you'll need and then take about half that amount. You'll probably have your rain/wind jacket on for a good part of the trip, so don't fret that it's the third time you've worn your favourite golf shirt. Make sure to pack rain gloves, ziplock bags for your phone and wallet, a wool sweater, and several pairs of socks. Ensure that you have a little of everything to accommodate the ever-changing weather and dress in layers. It may be July but it always feels much cooler when the wind is coming off the sea. A final note about umbrellas...they are largely useless in the UK with the wind...you will probably spend more time chasing it around than keeping dry.
Footwear: Do yourself a favour and bring two pairs of 'street-style' golf shoes that are very prevalent now in stores. They are light, comfortable and many of the top-end versions are waterproof. Don't worry about slipping, many tour pros wear this style of shoe and they wouldn't do it if they were worried about slipping on an important shot.
Weather: If you're on your way to the UK, don't even bother checking a forecast. It's cliché, but the weather really does change on a dime. The old saying, 'if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes' is absolutely true. Embrace it and just make sure you're prepared for all 4 seasons in one round.
Caddies: Links golf is very different than North American golf. It requires a different approach in both shotmaking and strategy, and the ability to navigate a landscape of dunes, hidden bunkers, and the odd blind shot. A good caddie can make the experience much richer and allow you to play your best golf.
Jet lag: Getting your trip started off right begins with the flight overseas. Eat lightly during the flight and drink lots of water. Try to catch 40-winks (we know, sleeping on planes can be difficult) but set your watch to the local time of your destination so mentally you can get used to your new internal clock.
The best cure for jet lag is to play golf the day of arrival. Once you feel the firm links turf and smell the crisp sea air, you'll be thinking of getting in 36-holes.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is a travel companion you should choose to help you through unexpected events that may arise before or during your trip. Recent events around the world have caused unexpected travel costs or trip cancellations and interruptions for which some travel insurance provides coverage.
Transporting your clubs: Most airlines require some sort of casing for your clubs and golf bag. Although the hard, plastic travel cases are durable and do a nice job of protecting your clubs, they are heavy and rigid. We'd recommend a softer case that not only protects your clubs, it also is much lighter, helping to avoid costly overweight charges even after stuffing in a few pairs of shoes. Many of the soft cases also fold up nicely, which is invaluable if you've chosen to self-drive.
Packing your clothes: A good rule of thumb is to pack the clothes you think you'll need and then take about half that amount. You'll probably have your rain/wind jacket on for a good part of the trip, so don't fret that it's the third time you've worn your favourite golf shirt. Make sure to pack rain gloves, ziplock bags for your phone and wallet, a wool sweater, and several pairs of socks. Ensure that you have a little of everything to accommodate the ever-changing weather and dress in layers. It may be July but it always feels much cooler when the wind is coming off the sea. A final note about umbrellas...they are largely useless in the UK with the wind...you will probably spend more time chasing it around than keeping dry.
Footwear: Do yourself a favour and bring two pairs of 'street-style' golf shoes that are very prevalent now in stores. They are light, comfortable and many of the top-end versions are waterproof. Don't worry about slipping, many tour pros wear this style of shoe and they wouldn't do it if they were worried about slipping on an important shot.
Weather: If you're on your way to the UK, don't even bother checking a forecast. It's cliché, but the weather really does change on a dime. The old saying, 'if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes' is absolutely true. Embrace it and just make sure you're prepared for all 4 seasons in one round.
Caddies: Links golf is very different than North American golf. It requires a different approach in both shotmaking and strategy, and the ability to navigate a landscape of dunes, hidden bunkers, and the odd blind shot. A good caddie can make the experience much richer and allow you to play your best golf.
Jet lag: Getting your trip started off right begins with the flight overseas. Eat lightly during the flight and drink lots of water. Try to catch 40-winks (we know, sleeping on planes can be difficult) but set your watch to the local time of your destination so mentally you can get used to your new internal clock.
The best cure for jet lag is to play golf the day of arrival. Once you feel the firm links turf and smell the crisp sea air, you'll be thinking of getting in 36-holes.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is a travel companion you should choose to help you through unexpected events that may arise before or during your trip. Recent events around the world have caused unexpected travel costs or trip cancellations and interruptions for which some travel insurance provides coverage.
