The excitement of a golf trip to the UK and Ireland is quite something. However, if it is your first time crossing the Atlantic to play these historic courses, you might be wondering where on earth to start. What will the weather be like? How many outfits do I pack?
At Outpost Overseas, we handle the complex logistics, but your personal preparation is the final piece of the puzzle. To ensure your trip is as seamless as the itineraries we create, here is our definitive guide to preparing for your arrival.
There is a common phrase in Scotland: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong choice of clothing.” Even in the height of summer, you can experience four seasons in a single afternoon.
We would always recommend you packing high quality waterproofs with a jacket and trousers, a sturdy golf umbrella, and rain gloves. Instead of one big heavy jacket, it is better to wear a few thinner layers that you can add or take off as the temperature changes. This keeps you warm without making you feel restricted when you are trying to swing. Is there anything worse? Also, don’t forget the sun cream and lip balm too as the coastal breeze can be deceptive and we do get plenty of sun, contary to popular belief.
The firm, sandy turf of a links course is a joy to walk, but the weather can be unpredictable. You should also be prepared for a fair amount of walking in general. Many courses this side of the Atlantic only allow buggies if you have a medical certificate, so you will likely be walking for the majority of your rounds. If you are playing eight rounds in seven days for example, your feet are going to feel it.
We recommend bringing two pairs of high quality, comfortable golf shoes. Alternating them daily allows the leather to dry completely and recover, ensuring your feet stay comfortable and blister free from the first tee to the final green. Always pack an extra pair of socks in the bag to change into after your round. Wet and cold feet are the worst feeling and some clubs may not have showers you can use immediately. It is also worth packing some plasters in your bag just in case you get a blister along the way.
It is tempting to pack for every eventuality, but we advise a less is more approach. Many of our trips involve moving between different hotels every few days, so pack sensibly. Try using one bag for golf gear and another for evening wear to avoid working out of several suitcases at once.
Most importantly, leave space in your luggage. When you visit iconic clubs like Muirfield or Royal County Down, the temptation to buy a quality keepsake from the pro shop is normally impossible to resist. Whether it is a logo polo or a leather headcover, you will want room to bring those memories home.
Sometimes, despite the best planning, the unexpected happens. When travelling with clubs, you are relying on many factors. We highly recommend placing an AirTag in your golf travel cover so you can track your equipment’s location in real time.
For the bag itself, use a robust travel case. We suggest wrapping club heads in a towel to protect it and even going as far as removing the driver head to prevent snapping during transit. This might sound extreme but if it’s your favourite club in the bag, then it might be worth doing. If you would prefer to skip the airport hassle entirely, companies like Ship Sticks or Luggage Forward can send your clubs directly to your first destination in advance.
You can generally pay for almost everything with a card in the UK and Ireland these days, but caddies are the exception. Most caddie fees and tips are paid directly to the caddie in cash. It is also worth having some local currency on hand for your driver who has escorted you around the country.
On a practical note, make sure you have your handicap certificate ready. Some historic clubs still have strict requirements to protect the pace of play, and having it in your bag or on your phone provides peace of mind when you check in at the course.
Don’t forget the technical bits. The UK and Ireland use the Type G plug with three pins. Bring an international adaptor and a good power bank so you can charge your phone or GPS watch on the go. You can buy these at the airport, but it is much easier to have them ready in advance.
Preparing for a bucket list trip should be half the fun, not a source of stress. By getting these few essentials sorted before you head to the airport, you can forget about the logistics and focus on the reason you’re coming over in the first place: the golf. If you have any specific questions about gear or what to expect at certain clubs, just drop us a message. We’re always happy to help our clients dial in the details.
