Everything You Need to Know About Taking Your Golf Clubs Abroad

You’re fancying a change from your local golf club, so you decide you want to jet off to warmer, more exotic climates of Vilamoura, Malaga and other places and play on some of the most iconic courses Europe has to offer. 

Unfortunately, taking your clubs abroad isn’t as simple as popping them in your luggage, checking in and collecting them on the other side. With the age of airlines adding on costs for anything and everything, expenses can soon rack up if you’re not careful.

That’s why we’ve created a guide for those of you wanting to take your golf clubs abroad – covering everything from checking in, to collecting your clubs, and everything in between.

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Take your clubs abroad or hire some when you’re there?

This isn’t as clear-cut as you think and however you speak to will likely have a different preference. Some of us love to take our own clubs while others love the convenience of hiring clubs abroad. There are plenty of pros and cons to both.

First things first, your golf clubs are your prized possession. By taking them in your baggage, there’s always the risk that they could go missing.  Some airlines have steep charges for taking your clubs abroad, so it might not always be the most cost-efficient of processes. It can sometimes be more cost-efficient to hire clubs abroad. For instance, ClubstoHire has brilliant prices for hiring clubs. 

If you like the convenience of taking your own clubs, you certainly won’t want to be dragging them on public transport or through the car hire area. Thankfully, our golf transfers include one golf bag per person (plus one hold luggage) in the final price, so there’s no need to get sweaty carrying your clubs about with you. It’s certainly a convenient way to get to your golf resort if you’re taking your own clubs – or not! Book yours online today.




The best airlines for taking your golf clubs and their charges

If you’re still not sold on taking your own clubs with you, here’s a breakdown of the charges for taking your golf clubs on some of the most popular airlines. In many cases, the cost of golf clubs is no different from a suitcase.

Ryanair Golf Clubs Charges

Ryanair has separate prices depending on whether you book to take your golf clubs when you book online or if you pay at the airport.

As you would expect, paying online is the cheapest – £35 each way (max weight – 20kg)

If you decide to pay at the airport – £40 each way (max weight – 20kg)

Be sure to check the weight of your luggage prior to getting to the airport. If you go overweight, you can expect to pay a costly £10 per kilo you are overweight.

Find out more info here.

Jet2 Golf Clubs Charges

If you’re jumping on a Jet2 flight to tee off in Costa del Sol or elsewhere in Europe, then you’ll have to pay an additional fee if you want to take your golf clubs with you.

You can take your clubs with you for a total price of £30 for each way (£60 for a return flight). Be aware, there are weight and dimensions that you won’t want to exceed. There’s a max weight of 22kg and size of 182 x 91cm.

See here for more info.

Lufthansa Golf Clubs Charges

If you’re within your free baggage allowance in terms of size and weight, then you can take your clubs on your flight with Lufthansa for free of charge.

If you’re travelling economy, then your 1 piece of hold luggage cannot exceed 23kg. Whereas if you’re flying business class, you can take 2 pieces of hold luggage with the maximum weight of 32kg.

The maximum size for luggage is 158cm (height + width + depth). See free baggage rules here.

If you want to take additional baggage or your clubs will exceed the allowances above, you will have to pay a charge of €50 each way, so €100 for a return flight.

See additional baggage info here.

Flybe Golf Clubs Charges

Flybe counts golf clubs as an ‘exceptional item’, so there is always a fee incurred for taking them in your hold luggage. Keeping with the theme of all the airlines, fees are charged per flight, so you can expect to pay £60 to take your golf clubs on a return flight (£30 each way).

See here for more info.

British Airways Golf Clubs Charges

BA’s rules with sporting equipment are like those of Lufthansa, you can take your golf clubs as a part of your hold luggage allowance (not in addition to).

You can take your golf clubs as long as they do not exceed the dimensions of 190 x 75 x 65cm (I’m sure they won’t!) Also, they cannot exceed the weight allowance of 23kg.

If you want to take a suitcase as well as your golf clubs on your holiday, you always have the option to pay for additional luggage. When travelling in Europe to/from London Gatwick or Stansted airports, you will have to pay £36 for any additional bags. All other routes carry a charge of £60 per additional bag (prices are charged each way).

See here for more info.

EasyJet Golf Clubs Charges

EasyJet count golf clubs as ‘small sports equipment’, so you will have to pay an additional charge to take them with you on your flight. Charges do vary from booking online and paying when you’re at the airport, so we would always recommend booking in advance.

When you book online, you will pay £37 each way and if you pay at the airport, expect to pay £47 each way.

See here for more info.

Golf club insurance when flying

You’ll also want to take into account the cost of insurance for insuring your golf clubs when flying. Here’s how the top airlines compare: 

Total costs

Airline Cost of flight Extra Baggage Fee Insurance Charge Total Cost (return flight)
Ryanair £70 £60 Price of flight + £130
Jet2 £60 £60 Price of flight + £120
Lufthansa £60 Price of flight + £60
Flybe £60 £60 Price of flight + £120
British Airways £60 Price of flight + £60
EasyJet £74 £60 Price of flight + £134

 

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Things to remember when taking your golf clubs on a plane

Clearly label your bag and make it identifiable

It might sound simple, but making sure your bag is easily identifiable could help you locate it should it go missing. Adding unique things to your bag will also help you distinguish it on the luggage belt. Don’t forget to add a luggage tag, too!

Use your bag as additional storage

If you’re flying with Lufthansa or BA, why not just use your golf bag as extra storage? Place clothes and other belongings inside your bag, around your clubs. Also, you get the added benefit of your clubs being protected by the clothes.

Get a durable, well-made bag

Some people swear by a hard bag for your golf clubs, which offers maximum protection. If you’re very cautious about your clubs getting damaged, we would recommend a hard bag. However, if you are a bit more laid back and are happy with a soft bag we would recommend a lightweight pencil bag (maybe with some extra padding around the clubs).

Whichever bag you go for, make sure you don’t scrimp, and you choose a well-made bag. The cost may be slightly higher at first, but a durable bag will last you years!

Money-saving tips for booking golf clubs on a flight

Book beforehand, don’t wait until you get to the airport

If you book your golf bag as extra luggage online, rather than at the airport (if you must pay for extra luggage), the prices are cheaper. It might be tempting to leave things until the last minute, especially when you haven’t made your mind up. However, just bite the bullet and make the payment online to save those pennies (or pounds).

Use a pencil bag

We touched on a pencil bag being a lot less bulky than a hard-cased golf bag, so it is much easier to carry around. However, they are much more slimline than your usual bag, so there’s less chance of being over any baggage limits. In short, a pencil bag is a lot less bulky, but with enough room for one  (maybe even two) sets of clubs. Perfect for short breaks.

Work out the total cost of the flight, rather than just the golf club cost

When you’re looking for a flight, don’t forget to consider the total cost of the flight and any extra charges. You might think that a Ryanair flight is much cheaper than a flight with BA, but is it with the extra charges included?

Travel light

Some airlines, such as Lufthansa and BA, allow golf clubs in your baggage allowance which is included in the price of your flight. If you travel light and don’t go over the maximum allowance, you’ll avoid the extra fees they charge for overweight baggage.

Get to your golf resort easily, and conveniently

Forget about the hassle of dragging your golf clubs from the luggage conveyor belt, out of the doors into the blazing heat, and to the taxi stand or public transport station – to wait in line and get more and more sweaty.

Why put yourself through that when you can book your golf transfer itinerary beforehand with Golf Drives. When you transfer with us, one of our friendly drivers will be waiting to collect you at the airport. It doesn’t stop there, we’ll also collect you from your hotel and take you to the golf course and back. We can even take you between golf courses! 

Get your quote online today, and book your hassle-free transfer instantly.

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Golfs weirdest rules

These Rules Can Get You in Trouble. Golf’s Weirdest Rules!

If you’ve ever been the victim of your ball falling off the tee and had someone merrily call “one”, you will know only too well the frustration and, often, confusion, the rules of golf can cause.

Regulated by the R & A, you could say that golf is a well-governed sport, with countless eventualities being covered by the Rules of Golf. With so many rules, you would think playing golf would be easy yet there are still plenty of situations that leave your average golfer scratching their head.

With the arrival of the new golf season, we’ve shared some of the strangest golf rules to help you stay out of trouble on the green.

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Situation 1 – Hide & Seek

As usual, your ball has ended up in a bunker. On the first inspection, you think your ball has completely vanished, and there is no trace of it in the hazard. However, after further searching, you realise that your ball is in the hazard, but has somehow been buried in the bunker. What do you do?

According to Rule 12-1a, if your ball is believed to be covered by sand to the extent that you can’t find or identify it, you can touch or move the sand in order to find or identify your ball without penalty.

However, if your ball is found and identified, you must re-create the lie as accurately as possible.

Under this Rule, you are permitted to leave a small area of your ball uncovered and visible.

Situation 2 – Something in the Wind

You’re lucky enough to be playing a links course in Ireland (see some of the best links courses in Ireland here) and about to take your turn when a gust of wind moves your ball. Under Rule 18, the wind is not an ‘outside agency’ and therefore you should play from where it came to rest. However, if your ball is moved by artificially propelled air, you must replace your ball without penalty. No fans on the green, please.

Speaking of wind, how do you test wind direction without being disqualified? Picking and throwing grass into the air, a handkerchief or the smoke from a cigar or cigarette are all allowed under Rule 14-3. However, a ‘windsock’ would not be compliant as its sole purpose is to measure conditions that may affect your play.

Situation 3 – Tools of the Trade

You’re about to tee off when you notice some dirt on your Driver. Under Rule 4-2, you can spit on your clubface before playing a shot to clean it. However, if it is your intention to influence your ball’s movement and reduce spin to hit an opponent’s shot, you would fall foul of Rule 4-2b.

You’ve finally perfected your swing, but your club lets you down with the clubhead falling off. However, depending on when the clubhead fell off, you might be able to retake the stroke. Whilst your clubhead falling off during the backswing of a completed swing which misses the ball doesn’t count as a stroke, if the situation occurred during the downswing it would count (Rule 4-2 & 4-3).

Situation 4 – Current Situation

You’re enjoying a golf holiday in the Algarve and are having a round at Quinta de Cima Golf Course. Things were going great until your ball landed in the stream with permeant flowing water on the 5th hole. What happens next?

Under Rule 14-6, you have two options. You can either hit the ball whilst it’s still moving or take a stroke. However, you must ensure that you don’t delay play in order for the current to move your ball into a more beneficial position.

Situation 5 – Snake in the Grass

Guaranteed to cause confusion on the course, ‘loose impediments’ are defined by the R & A as natural objects such as stones, dung and insects that are not fixed, growing, solidly embedded or adhering to the ball. Whilst this might sound simple, in practice, it’s anything but.

Let’s talk about fruit first. Unsurprisingly, a half-eaten apple is considered a loose impediment regardless of whether there are any apple trees close by. However, if your ball becomes embedded inside an apple or any other piece of fruit, you must play the ball as it lies or declare it unplayable and face the penalty (Rule 23-10).

Whilst you can’t usually control wildlife, you can sometimes remove them. Whilst a dead snake would be treated as a loose impediment and can be removed, a live snake is classed as an ‘outside agent’ and therefore cannot be moved before continuing play (Rule 23).

Situation 6 – A Prickly Situation

Whilst visiting Tenerife in the Canary Islands, you play a round at Golf Del Sur. Whilst admiring the incredible sea views, you lose concentration and your ball lands next to a cactus. What do you do?

According to the Rules, you can wrap an arm or leg in a towel to protect yourself from the needs whilst playing your shot but can’t cover the cactus with the towel (Rule 1-2/10).

Situation 7 – An Inside Job

Under Rule 24-2b/14, if your shot ends up inside the clubhouse, and the clubhouse isn’t considered out-of-bounds, you can open a window or door and play your next shot without a penalty.

Similarly, if you hit your ball under a parked car, but can readily move the car, the car is treated as a movable obstruction and moved. However, if it can’t be moved, it is classed as an immovable obstruction and you are entitled to free relief (Rule 24-2b).

Situation 8 – The Forgetful Friend

You’re playing a round with your golf buddies and have just finished playing a hole. Whilst moving to the next one, you realise that you left your putter at the previous hole. Of course, you return back to the hole to get your putter, but will your forgetfulness earn you a penalty?

Unfortunately, you’ve fallen victim to Rule 6-7 (Undue Delay) and will be subject to loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play (6-7/1).

Situation 9 – A Sticky Situation

Your ball has landed in the bunker and, following a recent rain shower, you’re playing from wet sand. As you take your stroke, the ball becomes stuck to the face of your club because of the wet sand.

Thankfully, the Rules offer a logical solution with Rule 1-4/2 allowing you to drop the ball, without penalty, as near to the spot where the club was when the ball becomes stuck.

Situation 10 – Anger Management

You are playing a round of golf on a golfing holiday in the Vilamoura. Whilst playing the course, you are nearly struck by a ball played by a player in the group behind you. In anger, you hit the ball back towards the group. Has your moment of madness resulted in a penalty?

Yes. Unfortunately, you should incur the general penalty of loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play (Rule 1-4/4).

Angry at your penalty, you break your putter. In a bid to recover from your disadvantage, you buy a new one in the Pro Shop after the first nine holes and use it for the rest of the round. However, as long as you started the round with 13 clubs, you are entitled to add another club under Rule 4-4a and so will escape further penalties.

We hope these situations have entertained and educated you on some of the strangest rules in golf.

Test your newfound knowledge on your next golfing holiday

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How to choose the right golf clubs

How to Choose the Right Golf Club for You!

Whether you are thinking of playing golf for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro planning ahead of your next golf trip, choosing the right golf clubs is key to your performance. Using the right clubs can change the way you play on the golf course and help you reduce your handicap dramatically.

But which golf clubs should you buy? What should you look for when choosing your golf clubs? 

Whatever your ability, whether you are buying one club or a full set, the sheer volume of clubs on the market can be overwhelming.

To make choosing the right golf clubs less daunting, we’ve shared our top tips to help you make the right choice.

1. Golf Club Essentials

Whether completely new to the sport, or a golfing enthusiast, you should think about the same six things when trying to choose the right golf clubs.

Golf Clubs

Take your time

The sheer volume of golf clubs on the market is enough to confuse the most experienced golf professional.

Depending on your ability and budget, buying a new golf club can be a significant investment, so it’s important to do your research and not make any spontaneous decisions.

Ignore the name

If you regularly watch European Tour events, it’s easy to think buying the same make and model as your favourite professionals will help you score well on your golf holiday.

By all means, use this insight to help you choose your clubs, but be willing to try and test other brands too. As golf club technology has advanced, manufacturers have targeted different players when creating the latest models.

From body type and gender to physical condition and ability needs, focus on the clubs that cater to your requirements and not the name. After all, it’s your score that counts.

Grip Thickness

The thickness of the grip can have a massive effect on your swing. A grip that is too thin can lead to golfers having large hand actions leading into the swing. However, too thick a grip will restrict your hands and have an equally devastating impact.

What does the right grip look like?

The proper grip should let you hold the club using your middle and ring fingers of your left hand with very little touching the pad with the thumb. If your finger doesn’t touch your thumb, it’s a sign that the grip is too big.

The Shaft

Although obvious, getting the correct length of shaft is a fundamental consideration when buying golf clubs.

Key considerations to check are your height, body type and physical strength.

As a general rule, taller players usually need a longer shaft to play at their best.

In addition, you should also consider the shaft flex and its suitability to your swing.

Selecting a shaft too stiff will cause lower ball flight and a loss of distance, whereas a shaft too soft can result in ballooning and, again, loss in distance.

How can you judge if the shaft flex is correct? Shafts too stiff usually make you slice the ball to the right whilst shafts too soft hook your ball fly to the left.

Loft

A vital measurement, the loft, or loft angle, refers to the angle formed by a line running down the centre of the shaft and the face of the club.

Measured in degrees, a golf club with a relatively low loft, such as 3 iron sitting at 21–23 degrees, will make the ball go further than one with a higher loft. Alternatively, a golf club with a high loft, such as a 9 iron sitting at 45–48 degrees, will result in the ball rising and descending into the air on a steeper angle.

You can judge the loft by how much of the face of a club is angled upward or how much the top of the face is angled away from the shaft. Visually, a clubface with a higher degree of loft will appear to be more horizontally angled compared to that of one with a lower degree.

The clubhead

If you want to make the most of your golf club, having different sized clubheads can be a real advantage. Most brands offer standard, midsize and oversized heads for their golf clubs and your choice of clubhead size is mainly dependent on your experience level.

Generally, the larger the club head, the more forgiveness your swing has. Although you can make a poor hit and still achieve a good result with an oversized head, these are often heavy and hard to control.

2. Golf Clubs for Beginners

It’s very easy to get caught up in the initial enthusiasm of starting a new sport and buying the best golf gear, but beginners beware.

Golf clubs are best bought slowly, collecting more advanced ones as your experience increases and you progress in the sport.

If you are just getting your first taste of golf, it’s well worth borrowing a set or buying used clubs. Once you have played a couple of rounds and have become familiar with the game, you can decide if you want to continue and buy your first golf clubs.

As we’ve explained previously, custom-fitted or top brand name clubs are not necessary or suitable for beginners. For your first golf clubs, we recommend buying a beginner set of clubs that include a driver and 3-wood, odd-numbered irons (3, 5, 7, 9) and a putter.

Apart from the basic decisions between men’s and women’s clubs and right or left-handed clubs, you might have a choice between steel and graphite shaft clubs. At this stage, we recommend choosing steel shafts as they are more durable and less expensive.

3. Golf Clubs for Intermediate & Experienced Golfers

For players with a year or more experience, you might want to start building a set of golf clubs that is more tailored to your physical characteristics and ability.

Intermediate players should begin to slowly build their set as their game improves over the years.

For experienced players, considering the top brand names and latest models is not such a risky investment. Whilst your understanding of your strengths and weaknesses will guide your choice, custom fitting could also be an option. Tailoring the club shaft length and flex, and club head lie angle and loft to your specifications, is a worthwhile investment if you are looking to become a serious golfer.

4. Type of Golf Clubs

4.1 Driver

Driver

Used off the tee on long holes, the purpose of using a driver is to hit the ball as far as you can.

Measured by volume in cubic centimetres, the biggest driver head allowed is 460cc.

Most drivers are made of titanium and/or carbon composite because they are much lighter than steel, letting manufacturers increase the size of the head.

If you are buying used drivers or those manufactured prior to January 2008, ensure that they are still legal for club competitions. The maximum legal Coefficient of Restitution is now 0.83, which means that if you hit a golf ball at a clubface of 100mph, the rebound would be 83mph. If a rebound is at a higher speed, the driver would be deemed illegal.

Driver Models

In addition to the standard models, golfers also have a choice of ‘Offset’, ‘Draw’ and ‘Neutral’ options. These options help to fix golfers slicing the ball (e.g. balls veering right unintentionally for right-handed golfers) by placing weight inside the clubhead to help you keep it more ‘closed’ at impact.

Driver Shape

Another consideration is the shape of the head. Manufactured by a few brands, square-shaped drivers help players align tee shots and visualise the line of shot much easier than traditional shaped drivers.

Driver Loft

Typically, the loft of drivers ranges from 8 degrees to 13 degrees. When deciding what loft to select, you should consider the speed of your swing:

  • Fast swing? Clubs with a loft of 8-9 degrees are great for very powerful golfers who want to hit further. ‘Normal’ players should avoid these clubs as they will achieve less distance.
  • Slower swing? Ideal for seniors, juniors or ladies, a club with a loft between 12-13 will help get the ball airborne more easily.
  • Average swing? Most players opt for a loft between 9-11 degrees which suits all handicaps.

4.2 Woods

Woods

When considering what woods to purchase, your first consideration should be what you want to use it for. Do you want to hit off the tee or replace long irons? Maybe you want to reach par 5s in two on your golf holiday? Whatever your reason, this should guide your purchase.

Which Wood?

When deciding which golf club number (3, 5, 7 etc) to purchase, think of the following:

  • The higher the golf club number, the higher the loft.
  • The higher the golf club number, the shorter the club shaft length.

Wood Shafts

Golfers have a choice of graphite or steel shafted woods:

  • Graphite woods tend to be more popular and generally reach a further distance.
  • Steel woods help to achieve a lower, more accurate ball flight.

Wood Head Design

Just like with drivers, manufacturers offer a choice of ‘Offset’, ‘Draw’ or ‘Neutral’ head designs on woods.

Attempting to correct any side-spin on the ball, weight has been placed inside the clubhead to help keep it square at impact.

Wood Head Material

There are three choices of head material to choose from, each with its own characteristics:

  • Steel – Not too expensive and durable, steel is the most popular material.
  • Titanium – Great for hitting from the tee, titanium is half the weight of steel and helps to get the ball airborne sooner.
  • Composite – Combining materials such as carbon with steel or titanium, this material is great for fixing twisting or off-centre hits.

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4.3 Irons

Making up the bulk of your set, irons are numbered like woods.

With the lowest loft (around 20 degrees), the 3 irons achieve a low and long hit with approximately 200 yards. In contrast, a Pitching Wedge (50 degrees loft) or Sand Wedge (56 degrees loft) produce a high flight but a low distance of approximately 100 yards.

Other irons such as the 7-iron sit between these two extremes, with around 12-15 yards difference between each club.

Essentially, the lower the golf club number is, the lower the flight, the further it will travel but the harder it is to control.

Irons

Which weight?

Like woods and drivers, irons offer different models depending on your needs:

  • Perimeter-weighted Irons – Having more weight around the perimeter of the head, these are much easier to hit and help get the ball airborne easily.
  • Offset & draw weighted Irons – Designed to keep your hands ahead of the ball, these clubs help counteract slicing.

Casting or Forging?

Golfers choose between two manufacturing processes when buying a new iron:

Cast Irons

Aimed at low handicappers, most irons are made by casting as this process allows manufacturers to design more creatively.

Common terms used include:

  • Cast 17-4 stainless steel – strong, durable and very hard.
  • 431 stainless steel – softer than 17-4 but has a better ‘feel’.
Forged Irons

Using a softer metal than cast irons, forged irons are often said to have a better ‘feel’.

Iron Shafts

  • Steel Shafts – Steel shafts are the most popular option and are considerably cheaper than graphite shafts. More durable than graphite, it offers consistency of flex and torque throughout all of the irons.
  • Graphite Shafts – Lighter than steel shafts, graphite shafts absorb vibration better than steel shafts but offer less feedback on impact.

4.4 Wedge

WedgeCrucial to post a good score, choosing the right wedge can help improve your game dramatically.

Wedge Loft

  • Pitching Wedge (PW) – Usually featuring a loft between 46 and 50 degrees, the PW is used for shots of around 120 yards into the green.
  • Gap or Approach Wedge (GW) or (AW) – More lofted than a PW, the approach wedge has a loft between 50-55 degrees.
  • Sand Wedge (SW) – Generally used for bunker play, SWs have a loft of 54-58 degrees.
  • Lob Wedge (LW) – With a loft between 60 and 64 degrees, LWs are ideal for high flights from short distances.

Bounce Angle

Referring to the curved section on the sole of the wedge, the ‘bounce’ prevents the club from snagging in the sand or rough.

Visually, the bounce is the gap between the ground and the leading edge of the wedge when placed in the address position.

As a general rule, most golfers are best with a bounce between 10 to 14 degrees.

  • High Bounce Wedges – Those with a high space between the ground and the leading edge, the biggest bounce is around 18 degrees. Best for play out of soft turf and sand, they are good for golfers with steep attack angles.
  • Low Bounce Wedges – Ideal for shots from tight lies and firm turf, low bounce wedges are best for those who have shallow attack angles through impact.
  • Standard Bounce Wedges – A great all-around wedge, a standard bounce wedge is versatile and a great choice if you like an open or square face out of a bunker, and an average to slightly steeper attack angle.

4.5 Putter

One of the most important clubs in your bag, yet one of the most neglected, putters can transform your game.

Ranging between £10.00 and £200.00, it can be difficult to decide which putter to get, but there are four things you should consider:

Putter Design

There are three main types of putter:

  • Blade – Very simple, this type of putter tends not to be very forgiving if hit from the middle of the surface.
  • Half-Mallet – Similar to the blade but much easier to hit.
  • Mallet – Heavier than the others, this option offers lots of designs that help you align the ball up more accurately.

Putter Length

The typical putter length is 35″, but anything from 33″ to 35″ is used.

Playing Golf

4.6 Hybrid

A cross between a wood and iron, hybrid clubs are slowly replacing traditional long irons.

Do you need a Hybrid club?

Nobody needs a hybrid club, but they can be helpful. Featuring a ‘deeper’ face-to-back than a regular iron, the centre of gravity has been placed further back making it much easier to get the ball airborne.

Hybrid clubs are also great from the rough with smooth edges that don’t drag through thick grass.

 

We hope this guide has helped you choose the perfect golf clubs for your next golf holiday.

If you’re planning on taking your golf clubs on holiday with you, why not get an instant quote from Golf Drives for your transfers? With golf bags included as standard, Golf Drives will transfer you from the airport to hotel, hotel to course, and back again! 

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Contribute to Our Blog!

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Want to share your passion for golf with our community? You can get published on the Golf Drives blog!

We’re always looking for new authors who want to write guest posts about various topics relevant to golf and golf travel. Through our blog, we aim to contribute to the growth and development of the global golf community by sharing useful information on golf clubs/resorts, destinations, golf tips, personal stories, interviews with pro golfers, news, as well as a variety of articles on golf gear, equipment and accessories. We welcome you to be a part of this continuous goal!

By contributing to our blog, you will be able to make your voice heard and share your experience and expertise with golf communities and avid travellers worldwide. Should you have any suggestions about our blog or our site, please feel free to let us know! Whenever possible, we’ll do our best to respond and implement your ideas in a timely manner.

If you’d like to see your work posted on our site, pitch your ideas to [email protected]. Follow the guidelines below and we’ll reply within 3 (three) days.

Ready to create and submit your content? Follow these 4 easy steps:

 

1. Choose a category for your article/blog post.

  • Golf Tips e.g. 10 basic tips to improve your game from professional golfers etc.
  • Golf News e.g. …wins World Golf Championship HSBC Champions event in Shanghai
  • Golf Travel Destinations e.g. Why Scotland Should Be Your Next Golf Holiday Destination etc.
  • Golf Travel Destinations Top Lists e.g. 10 Reasons to Choose Vilamoura for your Golf Holiday etc.
  • Golf Resort Tips e.g. 10 Things Not to Do at a Golf Club etc.
  • Golf Personal Stories e.g.: How Golf Changed My Life, etc.

Feel free to share any new ideas with us!

 

2. Create an article/blog post that meets the guidelines.

Length:

Please keep your article between 800 to 1,500 words (including image captions and title).

Note: Golf Drives reserves the right to edit the submitted guest article/blog post as necessary.

Images:

Provide 5 clear, hi-resolution pictures;

  • Pictures should be related to the topics discussed in the article itself;

Format: JPEG/JPG/;

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Include links within the article/ post:

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20 Favourite golf bloggers

Our Top 20 Favourite Golf Bloggers

Where do you go when you want to get your golf fix? Whilst we love talking golf with our friends and coaches, sometimes it’s nice to get a fresh perspective. Providing unique and entertaining content, golf blogs are the perfect way to keep up to date no matter where you are. 

With plenty of golf bloggers to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones to follow. Whether you are looking for the latest golf tournament updates or need golf holiday inspiration, you’ll find the blog for you in our top 20 favourite golf bloggers. Read our guide to find out which ones you should be following!

Top 20 Golf Bloggers

20. YourGolfCourses.com

This website is your one-stop shop to discover all the best public golf courses across most cities and states in the United States. Across hundreds of posts, find public golf courses ranked and even recommended for best views, good for groups, best value etc. Having travelled extensively around the U.S., they’re also experts at highlighting the best golf resorts to stay at across major golf cities. Definitely recommend you check them out at yourgolfcourses.com.

Golf Girls Diary

19. Golf Girl’s Diary

One of the first independent golf blogs edited by a woman, Patricia Hannigan writes for both “men and women, competitive players and casual fans”. Featured on the likes of Good Morning America, Golf Girl’s Diary shares course fashion and details of her golf travels. When not bust blogging for Golf Girl’s Diary, Patricia is running her own media company, ‘Golf Girl Media’.

Aussie Golfer

18. Aussie Golfer

Based in the land down under, Aussie Golfer is written by Michael Green, a self-confessed golf obsessive. Established in 2007, Aussie Golfer is the place to go for golf lovers wanting to keep up to date with the latest golf news, find useful product reviews and get tips on improving their swing. We love the ‘best trick shots in the world’ feature, and his ‘fun’ section is hilarious.

The Golfer Babe Blog

17. The Golfer Babe

Written by an amateur golfer, Amy Sifontes, The Golfer Babe combines a love of marketing and golf to create a hub of industry news and reviews. Whether she is sharing advice on when to take a golf lesson, or why golfers need to use more sunscreen and sun protection, this is the perfect blog for someone who is relatively new to the game but passionate about the sport.

The Jazzy Golfer

16. The Jazzy Golfer

More of an influencer than a blogger, we had to include The Jazzy Golfer in our top 20! Aiming to inspire more women to play golf whilst improving her own game, The Jazzy Golfer has earned an impressive following on social media. 

Posting photos of her progress and fashionable outfits, she has gained over 22,000 Instagram followers alone! She recently spoke about how golf clubs can appeal to a younger generation at the Lancashire County Conference, so we’re looking forward to seeing what she does next.

Golf For Beginners

15. Golf For Beginners

It’s easy to forget that everyone was a beginner once and technical blog posts and in-depth videos can be a little intimidating. Sharing all her lessons and tips, New York native Stacy Solomon has documented her progress from the start of her journey. Combining her own experiences with product reviews and tour news, Golf for Beginners is the perfect place for new golfers to build their confidence and develop their technique.

Armchair Golf Blog

14. Armchair Golf Blog

Founded in 2005 by Neil Sagebiel, Armchair Golf Blog is one of the original golf blogs, and it’s also one of the best. Beginning as an experiment, Sagebiel has written two great books, one of which includes a forward by the great Jack Nicklaus and the iconic Tony Jacklin. Featuring over 3,400 blog posts, Armchair Golf Blog includes insightful interviews and discussions on many of the global professional tours. One of the most consistent bloggers, we’re looking forward to another decade of the Armchair Golf Blog.

Wei Under Par

13. Wei Under Par

Written by golf broadcaster, writer and blogger Stephanie Wei, Wei Under Par is one of the leading golf blogs in the industry. Providing great updates and podcasts about tours and knowledgeable course reviews, Wei Under Par gives a fresh perspective on what’s happening in the golf industry.

Graceful Golfer

12. Graceful Golfer

After meeting while playing professional golf, Anna and Armana decided to found Graceful Golfer. Sharing their passion, and travels, the blog aims to encourage more women to play golf. Featuring insightful interviews with leading female professionals and helpful tips to improve your game, the blog covers all aspects of the game. Expect to see updates from the golf industry mixed with golf fashion posts and even beauty guides for the course!

The Golf Travel Guru

11. The Golf Travel Guru

If you dream of playing golf all over the world, the Golf Travel Guru is the blog you should be reading. Travelling the globe for nearly three decades, the Golf Travel Guru shares the best golf holiday tips. Featuring insights into courses in Scotland, Morocco, Ireland, China, the Canary Islands and more, it’s great for getting inspiration for your next golf trip. In addition to his great course guides, expect posts on the “Top 10 Golf Buddy Tip”, the “Top Five Airline Booking Sites” and other travel tips that can make your golf holiday go smoother.

Pure Swing TV

10. PureSwingTV

Powered by an incredibly positive mental attitude, Gabriel Writer created Pure Swing TV to show that anyone can improve their game if they are willing to learn and practice. Focused on the PGA Tour, expect course vlogs, reviews, interviews and instructional videos.

Buzza Golf

9. Buzza Golf

Steve Buzza is a professional golfer and sports scientist with a highly entertaining YouTube channel. Creating helpful instruction videos like “How to hit a Punch Shot”Buzza makes it possible to improve your play wherever you are. In addition to helping subscribers, Buzza Golf also features fun challenges, equipment tests and course vlogs.

Adam Young Golf

8. Adam Young Golf

Armed with a passion for teaching and learning, Adam Young has developed an impressive knowledge of motor learning and brain function. Combining this research with his golfing experience, Adam aims to develop golfers’ skills and techniques to benefit their game as a whole. 

Teaching at one of Europe’s most prestigious resorts (La Manga Club in Spain) Adam’s blog provides practical tips mixed with a few opinion pieces. A great resource for anyone looking to improve their game, Adam also offers online coaching and two different online programmes designed to take your golf to the next level.

How To Break 80

7. How to Break 80

Written by Jack Moorehouse, How to Break 80 is the blog for competitive golfers. Whilst we all enjoy keeping up to date with the latest tour updates, this blog bypasses tournament news in favour of technical know-how. With only 5% of the world’s golfers breaking 80, How to Break 80 aims to make you one of the lucky few. 

Whether you want to master your swing, perfect your sand escape or add a backspin to your chip shots, you can find out how and much more on the blog. In addition to his blog, Moorhouse has also written a book and has created a monthly membership programme to accelerate your learning.

Alex Elliot Golf

6. Alex Elliot Golf

Previously a caddy for Simon Dyson and Tom Murry on the European and Challenge Tours, Alex Elliot has developed incredible course management and coaching credentials. Passionate about all aspects of golf, his YouTube channel covers everything from how to stop hitting behind the ball to how to get rid of first tee nerves. Ideal for anyone who wants easy-to-follow advice that will improve your game, Alex Elliot Golf is one to watch.

Not The Golf Show

5. Not The Golf Show

Offering blogs, YouTube videos and podcasts, Not The Golf Show covers all platforms. Created by Crawford Anderson-Dillion and Robert Cross, the blog is a must-read, listen and watch for those who play, or want to play, golf in England, Ireland and Scotland. Both club golfers, the podcast aims to discuss current topics from the world of golf with a refreshing perspective.

The blog is equally entertaining and both Crawford and Robert are great writers. If this wasn’t enough, their passion shines even more through their flourishing YouTube channel, with previous videos including equipment reviews and fun challenges. A great light-hearted blog, this is the perfect option for enthusiastic club golfers.

Peter Finch Golf

4. Peter Finch Golf

Manchester native Peter Finch is a golf coach at Quest Golf Studio in Burnley and is dedicated to training and coaching golfers of all abilities. Including instruction videos and course vlogs, Peter is one of the most entertaining content creators around. Apart from providing hints and tips, he also offers practical advice such as “What’s better, range or on course golf coaching?”course vlogs and equipment reviews. Providing the latest golf updates and fun challenges, Peter Finch Golf is one of the best golf channels on YouTube.

Rick Shiels Golf

3. Rick Shiels Golf

Another PGA Golf Coach and Golf Professional from Quest Golf Academy, Rick Shiels has gained a reputation as one of the best coaches regardless of skill level. Featuring helpful comparisons of both courses and equipment, Rick helps golfers improve their game whilst having fun. One of our favourite videos is a comparison of a 1998 Golf Ball and a 2018 Golf Ball. Want to know the difference? You’ll just have to watch the video!

Top 100 Golf Bog

2. Top 100 Golf

If you’ve ever dreamed of playing a top golf course, Top 100 Golf is worth a read. Chronicling a single golfer’s mission to play the top 100 golf courses in the world, this blog is “equal parts golf course critique, travelogue and social commentary”. 

Including detailed descriptions, great photographs and insights into the club’s atmosphere and traditions, it is the ultimate guide to some of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world. Having now completed the mission, Top 100 Golf still publishes golf course reviews, the locations of which span the globe.

UK Golf Guy

1. UK Golf Guy

Designed to help people play in some of the best courses in Europe, UK Golf Guy shares inspiration and opinions that are perfect for planning your golf holiday. Whether you are looking to play in Ireland or Scotland, or venture into France or Portugal, UK Golf Guy has rated some of the top golf clubs to make deciding where to play much easier. 

In addition to his well-thought through rating system, UK Golf Guy also posts great industry updates, new equipment reviews and general golf inspiration. Expect to see posts ranging from UK Golf Guy’s search for the perfect golf iron to discussing the USPGA broadcasting ‘omnishambles’. Essentially, UK Golf Guy Blog is the perfect all-rounder.

We hope you have discovered some new top golf bloggers. If their golf course reviews have inspired your next golf holiday, get an instant quote for your golf holiday transfers from Golf Drives. Golf Drives will transfer you from the airport to the hotel, the hotel to the course, and back again! 

If you have any questions at all, visit our FAQs page where should find your answer. You can also reach us here.

The Must-See Golf Events in Europe

During 2018, the European Tour features 47 tournaments, 24 of which are in Europe. With golf events spread right across the continent, there has never been a better time to travel to the must-see golf events in Europe.
To help you decide which European Tour tournament to visit in 2018, we’ve chosen a few of our favourites and shared some extra inspiration to help make planning your golf holiday a bit easier.

Austria

Famous for its Alpine landscape, Austria becomes a golfer’s paradise once the seasonal snow has melted. Famous for picturesque mountain villages, baroque architecture and spectacular music, Vienna, Austria’s capital city, makes the perfect destination for a golf holiday. Boasting an oceanic climate, Vienna enjoys warm summers with average high temperatures ranging between 24C and 33C.

Must-see Golf Events in Austria

The 2018 Shot Clock Masters

When: 7th June 2018 – 10th June 2018
Where: Diamond Country Club, Atzenbrugg, near Vienna.

Golf Holidays to Austria

Fly to: Vienna Airport
Stay: Transfers from Vienna Airport to Vienna take approximately 25 minutes.
Play: In addition to Diamond Country Club, we advise visits to Golf-Club Wien, Golf & Country Club Brunn and Colony Golf Club.

England

Largely comprising of low hills and plains, England’s terrain has produced some of the best golf courses in the world. Host to 3 major tournaments in the 2018 European Tour, the country boasts a temperate maritime climate that offers mild temperatures ideal for play.

Whilst there are many locations for golf holidays in England, if you are planning to visit one of the must-see golf events in Europe during 2018, we recommend staying in Surrey in southeast England, although all events can be reached from London through a transfer.

Must-see Golf Events in England

GolfSixes

When: 5th May 2018 – 6th May 2018
Where: Centurion Club, St. Albans

BMW PGA Championship

When: 24th May 2018 – 27th May 2018
Where: Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey

British Masters

When: 11th October 2018 – 14th October 2018
Where: Walton Heath Golf Course, Walton on the Hill, Surrey

Golf Holidays to England

Fly to: London City Airport, London Gatwick Airport London Heathrow Airport, London Luton Airport, London Stansted Airport in addition to other major airports in England.
Stay: Transfers from London Airports to Surrey take between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
Play: In addition to the host golf clubs, we recommend visiting Sunningdale Golf Club, St. George’s Hill Golf Club and Queenwood Golf Club.

France

No description of the French landscape will ever be sufficient. From the undulating countryside, magnificent mountainous regions, sophisticated coastal resorts and iconic cities, whatever you are looking for in a golf holiday, France offers.

Host to one of the most exciting golf events in 2018, Paris is the ultimate destination for a golf holiday. Combining the chic cityscape with glorious golf courses, the French capital city will create a golf holiday to remember.

Must-see Golf Events in France

HNA Open De France

When: 28th June 2018 – 1st July 2018
Where: Le Golf National, Paris

The Ryder Cup

When: 28th September 2018 – 30th September 2018
Where: Le Golf National, Paris

Golf Holidays to France

Fly to: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Stay: Transfers from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris take approximately 35 minutes.
Play: In additional to Le Golf National, we recommend visiting Golf de Saint Germain, Golf de Saint-Cloud and Paris International Golf Club.

Ireland

Separated from Great Britain by the North Channel, the Irish Sea and St George’s Channel, Ireland’s windswept landscape is home to some of the best golf courses in the world. Comprised of low-lying mountains surrounding a central plain, it is the island’s coast which has produced some of its most famous golf clubs.

Whilst golf holidays on either coast will prove to be a memorable experience, a journey to the most northerly point will let you experience the magic of Ballyliffin Golf Club.

Must-see Golf Events in Ireland

Dubai Duty-Free Irish Open

When: 5th July 2018 – 8th July 2018
Where: Ballyliffin Golf Club, Country Donegal

Golf Holidays to Ireland

Fly to: Dublin Airport or Shannon Airport.
Stay: Transfers from Dublin Airport to Letterkenny take approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
Play: In addition to the 2 courses offered at Ballyliffin Golf Club, we recommend visits to Portsalon Golf Club, North West Golf Club and Rosapenna Golf Links.

Italy

Featuring strong Mediterranean influences, Italy is full of cultural cities and country clubs. Enjoying a pleasant climate, summers are generally hot. Whilst golf holidays to the famous cities of Rome and Venice make for great golf experiences, don’t forget to consider Sicily or Sardinia when planning your Italian golf trip.

Must-see Golf Events in Italy

Rocco Forte Open

When: 10th May 2018 – 13th May 2018
Where: Verdura Golf Club, Sicily

Italian Open

When: 31st May 2018 – 3rd June 2018
Where: Gardagolf Country Club, Brescia

Golf Holidays in Italy

Fly to: Milan Malpensa Airport, Venice Marco Polo Airport or Venice Treviso Airport are great for travelling to the Italian Open, whilst either Catania Airport or Palermo Airport is fine for the Rocco Forte Open.
Stay: Whilst we recommend staying at a golf resort in Sicily, transfers from Milan Malpensa Airport to Milan take approximately 50 minutes.
Play: If you are travelling to Sicily, we recommend playing at all three golf resorts: Donnafugata Golf Resort, Il Picciolo Golf Club and Verdura Golf & Spa Resort. On the mainland, in addition to Gardagolf Country Club, we recommend visiting Royal Park I Roveri Golf Club, Golf Club Arzaga and Circolo Golf Bogogno.

Portugal

Situated on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain, Portugal is known globally for its fantastic golf courses. Featuring a significant Atlantic coast, it is the Algarve that has the most iconic golf experiences. Enjoying a warm climate all year-round, this stretch of coastline is a golfer’s dream.

Must-see Golf Events in Portugal

Portugal Masters

When: 20th September 2018 – 23rd September 2018
Where: Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course, Vilamoura

Golf Holidays in Portugal

Fly to: Faro Airport
Stay: Transfers from Faro Airport to Vilamoura take approximately 30 minutes.
Play: In addition to the host course, we recommend visiting Vale do Lobo, Vila Sol Golf Resort and Vilamoura Old Course Golf Club.

Scotland

Featuring magnificent mountains, glacial glens and lochs, Scotland provides a memorable backdrop for any golf course. The home of golf, the country is filled with numerous internationally-recognised golf courses. Whilst we recommend Edinburgh as a golf holiday destination, with Edinburgh and Glasgow only 1-hour transfer apart, why not stay in both?

Must-see Golf Events in Scotland

Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open

When: 12th July 2018 to 15th July 2018
Where: Gullane Golf Club, Gullane

147th Open Championship

When: 19th July 2018 to 22nd July 2018
Where: Carnoustie Golf Links, Carnoustie

European Golf Team Championships

When: 8th August 2018 to 12th August 2018
Where: Gleneagles, Perthshire

Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

When: 4th October 2018 to 7th October 2018
Where: Old Course St. Andrews, Carnoustie & Kingsbarns

Golf Holidays in Scotland

Fly to: Edinburgh Airport or Glasgow Airport
Stay: Transfers from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh take approximately 40 minutes.
Play: Apart from the host golf clubs, we recommend visiting North Berwick Golf Club, Royal Burgess Golfing Society and Royal Musselburgh Golf Club.

Spain

Featuring diverse geography and cultures, Spain offers incredible variety for golf holidays. Famous for it’s several ‘Costa’s’, the Spanish coast enjoys a pleasant climate and is perfect for golf all-year-round. Whilst there are numerous destinations that offer great golf opportunities, we recommend looking at the famous Costa del Sol, also known as ‘Costa del Golf’.

Must-see Golf Events in Spain

Andalucía Valderrama Masters

When: 18th October 2018 – 21st October 2018
Where: Real Club Valderrama, Sotogrande.

Golf Holidays in Spain

Fly: Gibraltar Airport or Malaga Airport
Stay: Transfers from Malaga Airport to Estepona take approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.
Play: In addition to Real Club Valderrama, we recommend visiting  Estepona Golf, Real Club de Golf Sotogrande and San Roque Golf Club.

We hope this guide to the must-see events in Europe has helped inspire your next golf holiday.

Wherever you decide to go, don’t forget to get an instant quote from Golf-Drives for your golf transfers. Golf-Drives will transfer you from the airport to your hotel, your hotel to the golf course, and back again! Book online now!

Best Links Courses in Ireland

The Best Links Courses in Ireland

Golf has been played in Ireland since the 19th Century and it remains one of the most popular sports in the country. Combining Ireland’s rugged coastline, stunning scenery and warm Irish hospitality, it’s no wonder why golf experiences in Ireland are on most golfers’ bucket lists.

With fewer than 200 links golf courses in the world, Ireland is home to 50 of the most prestigious. Whilst these 50 courses stretch along the entire length of Ireland’s impressive coastline, some of the best courses in Ireland can be found in the areas surrounding Dublin and Limerick.

Whether you have already booked your flights for your golf holiday in Ireland, or you’re still in the research stage and deciding where to go, we’ve shared our favourite links courses on the west coast and east coast of this go-to golfing destination.

West Coast Ireland Golf Courses

Offering some of Ireland’s most dramatic and spectacular landscapes, the long west coast makes a fantastic location for a golf holiday. Shaped by the persistent Atlantic wind, you will find peninsulas, ports and tiny islands scattered along its length.

The best links courses to play during your golf holiday

Ballybunion Golf Club

Ranked in the Top 20 in the World by Top 100 Golf Courses, Ballybunion Golf Club is a must-visit during your golf holiday in Ireland. Set amongst the most spectacular and formidable sand dunes in Ireland, the club boasts two equally impressive golf courses.

Whilst the original course (known as the ‘Old’ Course) encourages golfers to overcome natural challenges, the ‘Cashen’ course provides the true challenge. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior, this course features higher dunes, deeper valleys and greens more undulating than its predecessor, requiring accurate precision from the start.

We offer transfers from Shannon Airport to Ballybunion Golf Club, which takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Lahinch Golf Club

Celebrating 125 years of golf, Lahinch Golf Club is one of the iconic links golf clubs lining the Irish coast. Situated next to Liscannor Bay, the club boasts two 18-hole golf courses, one of which being a championship course. Host to the South of Ireland Championship each September, the course has maintained traditional links course whilst simultaneously embracing the modern game.

Our transfers from Shannon Airport to Lahinch Golf Club takes approximately 50 minutes.

Tralee Golf Club

Offering golfers enchanting views across Tralee Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Tralee Golf Club boasts an Arnold Palmer-designed course that has achieved worldwide status. Whilst the first few holes play across the level terrain, the majority hug the coastline and are routed through rugged dunes and ravines. A captivating course from the very beginning, the course features a wide variety of holes that are guaranteed to grab and hold your attention.

Golf Drives transfers from Shannon Airport to Tralee Golf Club takes approximately 2 hours.

Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg

A jewel between Lahinch and Ballybunion, Doonbeg is the only course designed by Greg Norman in the British Isles. Named as the Best Golf Resort in Europe by Conde Nast Traveler, the club covers an impressive 400-acre site. Despite being designed, and now owned by an American, the course has a traditional feel which embraces its spectacular 100ft sandhills rather than changing them.

Our transfers from Shannon Airport to Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg take approximately 1 hour.

Where to stay during your west coast golfing holiday

Combining its convenient location with authentic Irish friendliness, Limerick is the perfect location for a golf holiday to Ireland’s west coast.

Close to famous golf clubs, Limerick contains one of the most iconic views in Ireland: the River Shannon winding around the 12th century King John’s Castle.

Famous for their warm welcome, cities such as Limerick and Galway are close to Shannon Airport, which serves many major airlines. Don’t forget that we offer transfers from the airport to your hotel, from your hotel to your chosen golf course, and from course to course, too. 

What to do during your stay along the west coast

In addition to golf, the west coast offers plenty of additional activities. Here are some suggestions:

  • Drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the most scenic drives in the world. A winding coastal road that is notoriously difficult to navigate, spend time at the famous Cliffs of Moher and admire the view.
  • Get a ferry across to the Aran Islands and experience Ireland’s island life.
  • Explore the rugged wilderness and rich natural beauty of Connemara National Park.
  • Enjoy the famous nightlife of Galway.

East Coast Ireland Golf Courses

As a result of its strategic position and extremely fertile land, the east coast of Ireland has seen the majority of development, leaving behind astonishing architecture amongst lush farmland.

Framed by the River Shannon and the Irish Sea, the area’s 5000 years of history contrasts with its vibrant modern cities. Easily accessible via Dublin Airport, the coast shows visitors the best of ancient and modern Ireland.

The best links courses to play during your golf holiday

European Golf Club

Nestled between the coastal towns of Wicklow and Arklow, European Golf Club presents a unique golf experience that is ranked in the world’s top 100 golf courses. Designed by Pat Ruddy in 1993, the course features a 20-hole links layout that will challenge players of all abilities. Played against the contrasting Irish Sea, the course has attracted some of the best golfers, with Tiger Woods holding the record of 67.

We offer transfers from Dublin Airport to European Golf Club take approximately 1 hour 5 minutes.

Portmarnock

Located on its own sandy peninsula, Portmarnock Golf Club is an iconic course just 8 miles northeast of Dublin. A natural links course featuring water on three sides, players are at the mercy of the wind if they are to score well. Boasting views to the south of Ireland’s Eye (a small island), the course has established an international reputation and has hosted numerous tournaments including the Irish Open, the Canada Cup and the Walker Cup.

Golf Drives transfers from Dublin Airport to Portmarnock take approximately 20 minutes.

Royal Dublin Golf Club

Situated on Bull Island in Dublin Bay, the Royal Dublin Golf Club was founded in 1885 and was granted royal patronage by Queen Victoria. Rebuilt by Harry Colt in 1920 following severe damage during WW1, the course is a traditional ‘Scottish’ out and back links which is unusual for this area but certainly worth visiting and experiencing for yourself. A favourite of Christy O’Connor, the course has hosted numerous tournaments including several Irish Opens and has seen the likes of Ballesteros and Langer claim victory.

Our transfers from Dublin Airport to Royal Dublin Golf Club take approximately 30 minutes.

The Island Golf Club

The Island, as its name suggests, was once located on an island but is now attached to the mainland, sandwiched between the Irish Sea, the beach of Donabate and the Broadmeadow on a spur of links land. Despite being ranked consistently as one of the best golf clubs in Ireland, The Island is relatively unknown, and a golf holiday to Ireland isn’t complete without enjoying this hidden gem. This natural links course is sure to provide a memorable golfing experience.

We provide transfers from Dublin Airport to The Island Golf Club, taking approximately 20 minutes.

Where to stay during your west coast golfing holiday

One of the most popular destinations to visit in Ireland, Dublin is perfect for golfing holidays to the Emerald Isle. Sitting in the centre of Ireland’s east coast, Dublin is a bustling city filled with the nation’s history and culture.

Close to major golf courses, it is a convenient location for a golf holiday to Ireland.

What to do during your stay along the east coast

Apart from playing at some of the best golf courses in Ireland, the west coast offers plenty of additional activities. Why not:

  • Explore Cork and the historic Blarney Castle in the south.
  • Hike the countless trails in the spectacular Wicklow Mountains.
  • Visit the Guinness Storehouse and see how this famous factory works.

We hope this blog post provides some useful information for planning and organising your next golf holiday. Whether you’ve already booked your flights or you’re still deciding on the destination for your gold holiday, don’t forget to get a quote for your transfers from Golf Drives. Simply fill in the form to the right and we will provide an instant quote for your travels. We provide airport to hotel, hotel to course, and course to course transportation, too. 

Golf Drives provides reliable & hassle-free transfers for your entire golf holiday, so all that’s left for you to do is enjoy the 19th hole! Book your transfers from the airport to hotel or hotel to course online today!

Why Scotland should be your next golf holiday destination

A destination where golfers dream of playing, Scotland is the ultimate golf holiday location. The most northerly country in the United Kingdom, there are over 570 golf clubs for golfers to play. Not only is Scotland home to the oldest golf course in the world, it is also where the sport began in the 15th Century. Combining its rugged landscape and impressive history, Scotland should be your next holiday destination.

How did golf start in Scotland?

Whilst the origins of golf are hotly debated, it is certain that golf, as the sport we know and love, first emerged in Scotland. In fact, by 1457, golf was so popular that King James II of Scotland issued a ban on playing golf because it distracted the military from practising archery.

It wasn’t until 1744 when the first-known rules of golf were written down in Edinburgh and golf began to grow in popularity.

When to play golf in Scotland

Scottish Golfing Season

Generally, all golf courses in Scotland are open from the first weekend in April to October/November, with some remaining open all year.

Weather

There is a possibility of rain in nearly every month, but temperatures do vary.

Thanks to its northerly location, Scotland often experiences lower temperatures than the rest of the UK, with the east generally being colder than the west.

We recommend golfing holidays in Scotland from May to October, with temperatures generally between 10C and 15C.

If you do visit during the shoulder season, avoid early tee times as frost delays are common.

Light

Most golfers forget to take the length of the days into account when deciding when to play golf in Scotland.

Thanks to its high latitude, Scotland experiences very short days in the winter and very long days in the summer.

Although short days might mean fewer rounds per day or fewer tee times available, courses are much quieter. If you want to enter the Old Course ballot or play at Muirfield, winter or shoulder seasons may be much more successful.

Rates

Like at most golf course, tee time rates in March to April and September to October can see a discount of up to 50% off peak rates.

Conditions

Golfers should be aware that mats are used on some courses during the shoulder season when hitting from the fairway to avoid creating divots that won’t heal in winter.

Whilst most courses are in excellent condition all year round, some carry out course maintenance during the winter month such as using winter greens or cutting down the rough.

Where to play golf in Scotland

The home of golf, a visit to Scotland gives golfers the chance to play at some of the most iconic golf courses in the world and numerous championship courses.

Golf Courses near Edinburgh Airport

The capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh is a great destination for a golf holiday. Home to the famous Edinburgh Castle, the city is the location of the magnificent peak of Arthur’s Seat and the grand Holyrood Palace.

A transfer from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh takes approximately 40 minutes and there are lots of great golf courses in the nearby areas.

Our top 5 golf courses near Edinburgh are:

1 – Muirfield Golf

Transfer time from Edinburgh Airport to Muirfield Golf is approx. 25 minutes.

The world’s oldest golf club, Muirfield Golf has an incredible international reputation and has hosted 11 Amateur Championships and 16 Open Championships.

2 – Gleneagles Golf Club

Transfer time from Edinburgh Airport to Gleneagles Golf Course is approx. 1 hour.

Gleneagles Golf Club boasts 63 holes spread across 4 different layouts and offers two 19th hole options.

3 – St Andrews Golf Course

Transfer time from Edinburgh Airport to St Andrews Golf Course is approx. 1 hour 10 minutes.

Considered to be the worlds most famous Links course, St. Andrews Golf Course has staged 29 Open Championships.

4 – The Renaissance Club

Transfer time from Edinburgh Airport to The Renaissance Club is approx. 55 minutes.

Stretching over 7300 yards, The Renaissance Club features a variety of tees that allow players to mix and match teeing grounds on a hole-by-hole basis.

5 – North Berwick Golf Club

Transfer time from Edinburgh Airport to North Berwick Golf Club is approx. 1 hour.

Founded in the 17th Century, North Berwick Golf Club offers spectacular views of the Firth of Forth and islands of Bass Rock, Craigleith, Lamb and Firda as well as the town of North Berwick.

Golf Courses near Glasgow Airport

The largest city in Scotland and third largest in the United Kingdom, Glasgow is a national cultural hub and is famous for its lively nightlife.  Located to the west of Edinburgh, the city acts as a great gateway for Atlantic-facing links golf courses.

Transfers from Glasgow Airport to Glasgow take approximately 30 minutes.

Our top 5 golf courses near Glasgow are:

1 – Loch Lomond Golf Club

Transfer from Glasgow Airport to Loch Lomond Golf Club is approximately 35 minutes.

Featuring rugged, mountainous backdrops and spectacular panoramas, Loch Lomond Golf Club blends natural Scottish beauty with technical excellence.

2 – Western Gailes Golf Club

Transfer from Glasgow Airport to Western Gailes Golf Club is approximately 50 minutes.

Said to be one of the best golf courses by golf legends such as Tony Jacklin, Rory McIlroy and Bubba Watson, Western Gales Golf Club is a classic Ayrshire seaside links course that is consistently tested by the wind.

3 – Royal Troon Golf Club

Transfer from Glasgow Airport to Royal Troon Golf Club is approximately 50 minutes

The nine-time host of the Open, Royal Troon Golf Course was established in 1878 and boasts two exceptional links courses with views of the incredible mountains on the Isle of Arran.

4 – Prestwick Golf Club

Transfer from Glasgow Airport to Prestwick Golf Club is approximately 50 minutes

The Birthplace of the Open Championships, Prestwick Golf Club is a must-visit whilst in Scotland. An extremely traditional course, features included cavernous sleepered bunkers and notoriously fast greens.

5 – Trump Turnberry

Transfer from Glasgow Airport to Trump Turnberry Golf Club is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

Located in a spectacular coastal setting, Trump Turnberry boats 2 golf courses, with the iconic ‘Ailsa’ course hosting the Open Championship four times. Featuring some of the finest holes of golf in the world, the courses look over the Ayrshire coastline, with Arran and Ailsa Craig as its backdrop.

Can’t decide between playing golf in Edinburgh or Glasgow? Why not play both?!

Transfers between Edinburgh and Glasgow take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Golf Competitions in Scotland

With four stages of the European Tour held in Scotland this year, there has never been a better time to visit the country on a golf holiday.

Apart from the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, all events are located close to Edinburgh, making it the perfect location for a golf holiday to Scotland.

Golf tournaments in Scotland in 2018 include:

  • 12th July – 15th July 2018 – Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open – Gullane Golf Course
  • 19th July – 22nd July – 147th Open Championship – Carnoustie Golf Links
  • 8th August – 12th August – European Golf Team Championships – Gleneagles
  • 4th October – 7th October – Alfred Dunhill Links Championship – Old Course at St. Andrews

If we have inspired you to choose Scotland as the destination for your next golf holiday, make sure you get a quote for all your golf holiday travel needs. Golf-Drives provides hassle-free and reliable transfers from Edinburgh Airport or Glasgow Airport to your hotel, hotel to the course, and back again!

10 Reasons to choose Vilamoura for your golf holiday

Vilamoura Golf

Known as one of Europe’s best golfing destinations, Vilamoura is the ultimate location for a golf holiday in Portugal. Covering 2,000 acres of the Algarve region, Vilamoura was constructed in the 1980s as an elite golfing centre, and this vision has established the resorts as a golfer’s paradise.

If Vilamoura’s reputation isn’t enough to convince you to visit the region for your golf holiday, we’ve shared 10 reasons why this Portuguese resort should be the next location your visit for a golfing holiday.

Where is Vilamoura?

Vilamoura is located in the famous Algarve region of Portugal. It is situated on the Atlantic coast, halfway between the popular towns of Albufeira and Faro. The resort consists of two beaches which stretch to the fishing village of Olhos de Agua to the west, and the town of Quarteira to the southeast.

Travel Essentials

Language: Portuguese (English & French widely spoken)
Currency: Euro
Local Time: GMT/BST
Fly to: Faro Airport (FAO), also known as Algarve Airport.
Flight time: Approximately 2 hours 45minutes from the UK

Reasons to have a golf holiday in Vilamoura

Vilamoura is a purpose-built luxury resort

Vilamoura is one of the most prestigious resorts in Portugal, and one of the biggest private tourism resorts in Europe. Unlike most resorts, Vilamoura was constructed with the tourist industry as the main goal. Sacrificing an authentic Portuguese atmosphere, Vilamoura focuses on providing outstanding tourist facilities and serves. It is this dedication that has made Vilamoura the most refined of all the Algarve resort towns.

Vilamoura has excellent weather all year round

Boasting mild winters, pleasant spring and autumns, and long hot summers, Vilamoura is a great location for a golf holiday any time of year. Averages highs during summer months are around 28C, whilst mild winters bring average high temperatures of 16C between December and February. Vilamoura generally experiences weather suitable to relax on the two pristine beaches from mid-May to mid-October. The wettest months are usually April, October and November, whilst July and August are largely dry.

It is also worth noting that the high of the tourist season is considered to be from July and August. Like most resorts on the Algarve, the majority of tourist facilities close at the end of October and re-open at Easter.

Vilamoura offers incredible golf courses

Vilamoura consists of 6 excellent 18-hole golf facilities with numerous championship courses in the region. All golf courses are operated by the Oceanico Golf company who have a reputation for extremely high standards and top-quality facilities. In terms of courses we recommend visiting the iconic Old Golf Course, Millennium Golf Course and the Victoria Golf Course, the latter of which is used for the Portugal Masters. Green fees are generally most expensive during October and November when the weather is perfect for golf and most championship golf clubs require handicap certificates. Click here for further recommendations on the best golf courses on the Algarve.

Vilamoura has a wide range of accommodation

Because Vilamoura is purpose-built to provide high-quality tourist facilities, it contains a wide range of accommodation options which will suit all budgets and tastes. From five-star luxury hotels to privately owned villas and apartments, the resort offers plenty of facilities to accommodate your needs.

Vilamoura is centred around a beautiful marina

Acting as the hub of the entire resort, Vilamoura marina is surrounded by stylish hotels, restaurants and bars. Boasting a 1000-berth marina, the complex attracts luxury yachts adding to the sophisticated atmosphere. There is also a beautiful promenade which is perfect for an evening stroll.

Vilamoura has two pristine beaches

After an early morning tee-off time, nothing beats relaxing on the soft golden sands of a beach. Boasting two beautiful beaches, Vilamoura is the perfect place to relax after a day on the course. Running all the way to Olhos d’Agua, Praia de Falesia can be found to the west of Vilamoura marina, whilst Praia de Vilamoura begins on the east side of the marina and stretches to Quarteira. If relaxing on a beach isn’t for you, there are plenty of motorised water sports on offer, such as jet skis, banana boats and parasailing.

Vilamoura has lots of things to do

Apart from golf and water sports, Vilamoura offers lots of activities to suit all tastes. Boasting a tennis club with 12 clay courts and five-a-side football pitches, the resort has plenty of opportunities to get active. In addition to this, you can also go on boat tours and dolphin and whale watching tours from the marina.

Vilamoura is close to other resorts

Whilst Vilamoura covers a large 200-acre area, other areas in the Algarve region of Portugal are easily accessible via transfer from Golf-Drives. The market town of Loule and the lively strip are all close by for those looking to experience every side of the Algarve. Alternatively, you can explore the capital city of the Algarve, Faro, or experience the spectacular Rio Formosa nature reserve.

Vilamoura has excellent restaurants

Vilamoura has a café culture with many fine dining options overlooking the marina. The regions speciality is fish based on the fresh catch from Quarteira fishing harbour, but there is plenty of variety to suit all tastes. We recommend Braganca Mar which serves fantastic Cataplana fish stew and seafood paella complimented by local wine produced in Sir Cliff Richard’s nearby vineyard. It is also worth noting that, whilst the main tourist facilities close during the low season, most restaurants and cafes in the marina complex stay open due to the large permanent population.

Vilamoura has great nightlife

Although it may not contain any superclubs, Vilamoura has a lively nightlife atmosphere which is centred around the marina. We recommend visiting Figo 7, a sports bar which shows all the major events and owned by former footballer Luis Figo. Alternatively, visit Vilamoura Casino which has regular evening entertainment as well as plenty of games rooms.

How to get to Vilamoura

Vilamoura is located just 25km to the west of Faro Airport which serves flights covering the whole of Europe.

Public transport is extremely limited from Faro Airport to Vilamoura, with the journey requiring two bus journeys and taking between 1hr30mins to 2hrs depending on connections. Because of this, many visitors choose a short, hassle-free private transfer from Faro Airport to Vilamoura.

Golf-Drives is able to provide transfers from Faro Airport to your Vilamoura accommodation, Vilamoura to golf courses, and back again! All of our transfers have been designed with golfers in mind, with each transfer including a golf bag as standard in the price.

The History of the Ryder Cup

In just 7 months, the Ryder Cup 2018 will begin, hosted at Le Golf National, Paris, France. Held once every two years, the competition is one of the most anticipated events in the international golfing calendar. As we move closer to the big event, we’ve had a look back at the history of the Ryder Cup.

Here’s what you need to know:

How did the Ryder Cup Start?

Although it is often stated that the Ryder Cup began in 1921, the Ryder Cup officially started in 1927.

Two unofficial matches were played between golf professional from Great Britain and the United States, with the first occurring at Gleneagles Golf Club, Scotland in 1921, and the second hosted by Wentworth Golf Club, England.

An English seed merchant called Samuel Ryder watched the second match and having recently taken up golf, was delighted by the event. Ryder was so moved by the competition that he donated a small gold cup, with a small golfing figure at the top as a lasting memorial to a popular golfer, and Ryder’s personal tutor, Abe Mitchell. This cup is still used as the Ryder Cup trophy.

Europe in the Ryder Cup

The United States of America played the first 22 Ryder Cup matches against Great Britain and Ireland. It wasn’t until 1979 that players from continental Europe were eligible to play in the Ryder Cup.

By the 1970’s, The European Tour had become more diverse, and players from all nationalities, and in particular, the continent, were playing. However, it wasn’t until 1977, during the Ryder Cup at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, England, that the golf legend Jack Nicklaus highlighted the need to improve the competitive level of the contest.  The U.S.A had won all but one Ryder Cup from 1959 to 1977, with the only exception being the iconic match in 1969 at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England. By allowing players from continental Europe to play, a greater pool of talent could be drawn on.

Past Ryder Cup Winners & Captains

Until players from continental Europe were eligible to play in the Ryder Cup, the USA dominated the competition, winning 18 of the first 22 matches, with Great Britain and Ireland winning three and the famous tie of the 1969 contest.

However, once the competition became a match between USA and Europe, the Ryder Cup transformed into a competitive display of sportsmanship, drama, camaraderie and of course, excellent golf.

Whilst there are have been many memorable moments in the last 41 Ryder Cup matches, we’ve shared some of our favourite stats:

  • Captained by Bernard Langer, Europe achieved the largest margin of victory in 2004 at Oakland Hills, Michigan and again in 2006 at Straffan, Ireland.
  • Sir Nick Faldo holds the record for the most Ryder Cup Appearances, taking part in 11 competitions and 46 matches between 1977 and 1997. He also holds the record for the most matches won, achieving a total of 23.
  • Although Sir Nick Faldo holds the record for the most points won, Neil Coles and Colin Montgomerie jointly hold the most single points won, beating Faldo by ½ point. Interestingly, Faldo is also ½ behind Bernhard Langer for the Most Foursome Points Won, achieving 11 points and 11 ½ points respectively.
  • Ironically, the USA has won all the points in a Foursomes series 4 times. Both the USA and Europe have won all the points in a Four-Ball series twice, but no team has ever won all the singles matches.

Past Ryder Cup Venues

Thanks to its long history, there are plenty of past Ryder Cup venues that you can play on yourself! Here are just a few of our favourites:

Gleneagles

Host to the 2014 Ryder Cup, Gleneagles Resort offers three outstanding championship golf courses. Accessible via transfer from Edinburgh Airport, the resort is located in Perthshire, Scotland, and combines spectacular scenery with world-class golf.

Real Club Valderrama

Considered to be the best golf course in Spain, Real Club Valderrama is located on the famous Costa del Sol and hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup. Easily accessed by a transfer from Gibraltar Airport, Malaga Airport or Jerez Airport, the course is consistently ranked one of the best in the world.

Royal Birkdale Golf Club

Located in the coastal resort of Southport, the Royal Birkdale Golf Club has hosted more Championship and International events since World War 2 than any other course in the world. Regularly ranked amongst the top 35 golf clubs in the world, the course hosted the 1965 and 1969 Ryder Cups.

Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club

Host to the 1961 and 1997 Ryder Cup and eleven Open Championships, the Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club is easily accessed by a transfer from Manchester Airport or Liverpool Airport. A well-established golf club in North West England, Royal Lytham offers a premier links course in an authentic setting.

Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club

Easily accessed by transfer from Manchester Airport and Liverpool Airport, Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club hosted the 1933 and 1937 Ryder Cups. Located in North West England, the club offers an exceptional championship course and first-class golf facilities.

The Belfry Hotel & Resort

Located close to Birmingham Airport, the Belfy course has hosted more Ryder Cup matches than any other venue in the world. Host to the 1985, 1989, 1993 and 2002 tournaments, the resort offers three stunning courses routed through North Warwickshire countryside.

The K Club

Just 17 miles west of Dublin and Dublin Airport, the K Club has a spectacular international reputation. Host to the 2006 Ryder Cup, the 216 Dubai Free Irish Open and 13 European Opens, the club offers two exceptional courses designed by the iconic Arnold Palmer.

We hope this guide to the history of the Ryder Cup has prepared you for the 42nd Ryder Cup at Le National, Paris, France. Whether you are attending this year’s Ryder Cup or want to play in the footsteps of golfing legends at past Ryder Cup venues, Golf-Drives can provide hassle-free transport. Offering transfers from the airport to the hotel, hotel to the course and back again, Golf-Drives can take of all your golf holiday transfers.