At Go Ahead, we’re always searching for new ways to help you discover the world while doing what you love. With that in mind, we’re very excited to announce our new Golf Vacations!
Praia D'El Rey, Portugal
We worked with top-ranked golf professionals and amateurs to design a portfolio of new golf itineraries that will allow you to play golf at some of the finest courses in Europe, including Turnberry, Royal Troon, Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Valderrama and more. Each tour includes not only greens fees for golfers but also alternate sightseeing tours, spa visits, wine tastings and more for golfers’ traveling companions. You’ll also have the option to extend your stay, play additional rounds of golf and even join an instructional golf tour with former European Tour player, Olle Karlsson!
To make sure you are prepared, we’ve put together a list of seven tips on how to play golf like a local on your European golf vacation:
- Pace of play. With no halfway huts or beer carts in sight, Scottish and Irish golfers aim for brisk play in order to enjoy the 19th hole without delay. American golfers should consider an efficient pre-shot routine in order to guarantee a four-hour round.
- Know whose footsteps you’re following. Whether it be those of the Highland shepherd knocking a home-made ball around the links land 300 years ago or of Jack Nicklaus winning another Claret Jug, golfers will feel the presence of the game’s past across Scotland and Ireland. The joys of playing the courses are matched only by the intrigue of the historyat play, so in addition to preparing low punch shots golfers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the storied pasts of these legendary grounds.
Royal County DOwn, Northern Ireland
- Enjoy different formats. While most of us play stroke play almost exclusively, European golfers also challenge themselves with alternate shot foursomes, four-ball better-ball, and skins games. These alternative formats keep play moving, encourage more socializing, and don’t focus solely on the total number of strokes, which in gusty weather is often not indicative of quality of play.
- Hit different shots. Links courses are fast and firm, greenside lies are tight, and the winds are strong. Unless you’re in a pot bunker, leave the sand wedge in the bag and hit long putts from off the green, bump-and-runs, and low punch shots.
- Be prepared to walk. In Scotland and Ireland, walking the course—as opposed to riding in a cart—is considered an integral part of the game. For an even more authentic experience, hire a caddie. If you prefer to ride a cart, you should consider our golf vacations to Spain or Portugal, where carts are available for rental.
Los Naranjos, Spain
- Dress for success. Weather conditions play an outsized role in links golf. Depending on the local forecast, you might want to dress in rain gear or your lightest polo and shorts.
- Spend some time at the 19th hole. In the British Isles, the after-round pint is something of a tradition, and in Spain and Portugal, many clubhouses feature a patio from which you can watch other foursomes finish.
We hope to see you on the links soon!
