We love putting together trips for Outpost members, their friends, and families. But what makes for a great trip? Here are a few hints and tips to help you plan the perfect overseas golf adventure.
The dynamic of your group is importantl. Are you all the type who’ll want to close down the bar at night, or is one guy more into fine dining and bed by 10? Think carefully about how the group will mesh before you send out invitations. It’s also wise not to be too ambitious with your group size unless you’re absolutely sure. It’s much easier to turn down a couple of extra players than to scramble to fill empty spots at the last minute!
The earlier you start planning, the better your chances of securing tee times at the world’s most iconic courses. If Royal County Down, The Old Course, or Muirfield are on your wish list, you’ll need to start planning well over a year in advance. For most other trips, spring of the year before you want to travel is a good target. That said, if you’re flexible, we can sometimes pull off the impossible — our record is organizing a trip for eight people with just one week’s notice!
This is probably the biggest mistake we see people make. Ambitious first-timers often want to do the north, south, east, and west of Scotland — all in six days! The reality? You’ll spend most of your time on a bus instead of soaking in the towns, pubs, and restaurants that make an overseas trip special. The same goes for 36-hole days. It sounds great on paper, but by day three, you’ll be exhausted. Sometimes, less is more.
While it’s tempting to only focus on the “big name” courses, we always recommend mixing in a few hidden gems. These are often members’ clubs where you’ll meet locals and experience what makes this game so special. If you’ve already done the big-name bucket list, we can plan something a little more off-the-beaten-path, taking you to places most visitors never see. Or, if you’re ready for something entirely different – how about Australia, New Zealand, Spain, or Portugal? The world is your oyster.
One of the most common questions we get is, “When’s the best month to go?” The honest answer? There isn’t one! In the UK, you can get a gorgeous sunny day in April or a cold and wet day in July. Our weather is unpredictable, so it’s better to pack smart than try to pick a “perfect” month. Bring layers and waterproofs, and you’ll be ready for whatever nature throws your way.
Firstly, don’t pack too much! Most people buy a shirt at the clubs on the way and find that they never actually wear the ones they brought with them. We had one gentleman recently who just packed one shirt and bought one at every course he went to to wear the next day. A pro move!
Do pack a few layers, even in the summer it can be chilly in the morning. Bring a spare pair of shoes in case one gets wet and bring some good waterproofs.
Finally, you may want to put an Apple Airtag or similar in your luggage – that way you can know the clubs have arrived before they hit the carousel.
We’ll provide recommendations for the best restaurants and pubs, and it’s definitely worth booking a few of them in advance. However, you don’t need to plan every evening in advance. The best nights are often the ones you didn’t plan — like stumbling into a lively local pub or following your caddie’s suggestion. If you’re in a really big group though booking ahead is essential if you all want to dine together.
Our goal is to make your trip as seamless as possible. From the moment you start planning until your final putt drops, we’ll be there every step of the way. We look forward to seeing you somewhere in the world soon!
