Welcome to our series introducing the team behind Outpost Overseas. Over the coming weeks, we are sitting down with the team to chat about their roles, favourite courses, and best advice for planning an overseas golf trip.
Next up is Freddy Leigh, our Tour Operations Administrator.
Coming from a sport obsessed family with two brothers, including a twin, we were brought up playing every sport possible, and as you can imagine, everything was a competition. Golf was explored a little later than others, but it very quickly became the main focus, not just in a sporting sense, but in life. Most days were spent scrambling home from school to make up our family four ball at the local golf club, making it home just in time for dinner.
After spending an amazing three years on Islay working at Another Place, The Machrie, I was looking for a new challenge and a little less remoteness. When the opportunity to work with David and the Outpost Overseas team came up, I jumped at the chance. I had crossed paths with David a few times in previous jobs at JCB and Archerfield, and I was working at The Machrie when David hosted a group there. Joining such a talented team was an incredible opportunity, and the focus on creating unforgettable trips for passionate golfers felt like the perfect fit.
The role is so varied and alters so much depending on the time of year. From January to April, the focus is on checking all aspects of upcoming trips, booking golf and accommodation for the following year, and getting everything set up for the season. April to October is when the vast majority of our trips take place, so there is a real buzz around the office. My main focus is ensuring every trip gives each guest the best possible experience. This usually involves confirming caddies and hire equipment at courses, booking evening meals, tours, sightseeing, and liaising with transport companies. Crucially, it also involves checking in with every course, hotel, transport provider, and restaurant to make sure everything is set up before our guests arrive.
From October to January, we typically have the last remaining trips of the year to warmer destinations like Spain, Portugal, and South Korea. During this time, the focus shifts to exploring and researching new courses and hotels. We also reflect on the year and work through projects to further enhance our guest experience, whether that is on the ground, during the booking process, or in how our itineraries are presented. It is an exciting time knowing we are always pushing to improve what we do.
North Berwick. I have only played it once, and that was nearly ten years ago now, but the fact that it has stayed my favourite all this time speaks volumes. Starting and finishing right in town, it is packed with charm, quirk, and history. Having lived just down the road in Gullane, the course sits alongside one of my favourite beaches in the world, with views out to Fidra, the Bass Rock, and North Berwick Law making it a truly special setting.
The 17th at JCB. I might be slightly biased, as working on the project before it opened was my first job in golf, but it is easily the most spectacular par 3 I have played. Playing 254 yards from the back off a massively elevated tee, the ball feels like it is in the air for minutes. Finding the green is always a win, but the heavy contours mean two putts are never guaranteed once you cross the lake. It is a fantastic par 3 with incredible views out over the Staffordshire countryside.
Working at Outpost Overseas, my bucket list is constantly updating since I have been lucky enough to play some incredible places. One course that has always stayed near the top is Royal West Norfolk, better known as Brancaster. Playing that historic links layout at high tide has been on my list for years, and I am hoping to finally tick it off soon, maybe next year!
Fortrose & Rosemarkie is a course everyone should play when they are in the Highlands. That has always been the case, but after playing there again recently, I could not feel more strongly about it. Everything from the genuinely warm welcome to the extraordinary spit of land that the course is cleverly routed around makes it a must play. Even on a day when the weather is not playing ball, you can feel what a special place it is to play golf.
The 18 Restaurant at The Machrie. Nowhere else I have been comes close. The artwork on the walls and the relief map of the course behind the bar are brilliant. But the real draw is the uninterrupted view over the links, especially in the golden light of a Hebridean sunset when you can see every hump and hollow across the fairways and dunes.
Aside from putting a vital AirTag in your luggage, I would say do not overlook the small things when planning and when you are actually on the trip. Sometimes these are the moments you remember most: grabbing fish and chips in a coastal town after a late afternoon tee time, taking a walking tour of a historic city, or getting to know the locals over a pint in a lively pub far away from the usual tourist spots.
I’m still sport obsessed, whether that’s playing or watching whatever I can. I’m a big Southampton FC fan, which isn’t always easy living seven hours away in Scotland, but I get to as many matches as possible. Completely separate from sport, I have a real passion for photography.
Freddy and the team are always on hand to help build your perfect itinerary. Drop us a line at golf@outpostoverseas.com to start talking through ideas for your next journey.
