St Andrews Golf Tours

St Andrews Golf Tours - Your Questions Answered.

When can I expect a reply to my email?

We strive to reply to your request for a quotation by return. If you can provide this information when you email it will certainly assist us:

• The dates you intend to travel. If these are not known at the time of your enquiry an indication of the month/year would be a great help.

• Your destination, Scotland or Ireland.

• The numbers of golfers in your group please also include any non-golfers.

• Let us know if you would like to drive yourself or whether you would prefer an Executive Coach with Driver.

• Your preferred style of accommodation.

• Anything else you would like to tell us.

May we take this opportunity of asking that you try and avoid placing negative constraints on your request for an itinerary. For example “we are not coming to Scotland unless we play the Old Course” or “the itinerary hinges on playing the Old Course” - we understand the importance of the Old Course. We will advise you on availability for every course on the itinerary, all we ask in return is that your judgment is made from looking at the itinerary as a whole, rather than from a narrow focus on a single event.

When is the best time of year to take a golf trip to Scotland or Ireland?

We will arrange your package for your preferred dates but we would certainly recommend avoiding the peak months of July and August when the golf courses tend be overcrowded and often the weather is not the best. As a matter of fact some of the best weather in Scotland and Ireland is during the Spring and early Summer months of April, May and June and again in the Fall, September & October.

When should I book my trip?

As early as you possibly can, a year ahead of your planned travel dates is not too soon as many of the top rated championship courses are sold out of visitor times that far ahead. But if you cannot book so far in advance don't give up whatever you do, with very close contacts with the golf clubs and hotels we are quite used to making everything happen even at short notice.

Do I need Travel Insurance?

Yes, we recommend travel insurance protection for all our clients. To obtain the best tee times on top rated golf courses and accommodation at hotels requires advance booking and prepayment. With the purchase of a Trip Cancellation/Interruption policy, you are covered for the amount purchased for non-refundable prepaid expenses for travel arrangements, in the event you are prevented from taking a trip for covered reasons.

We cannot over-emphasize the importance of travel insurance and urge you to take it out at the time you place your deposit and have the added benefit of the automatic coverage of any pre-existing conditions.

Is it possible to rent clubs?

Yes, it is possible to rent clubs. The cost will be anywhere from about £30.00 to £50.00 per round of golf; that said bring your own clubs along. You will be playing some difficult courses, probably for the first time, and you may never have the opportunity to play them again. You will not play as well as you do with your own clubs so bring them if you possibly can.

Do you recommend I pack hard travel cases for my clubs?

No, absolutely not, hard travel cases for golf clubs will severely tax the available luggage space in your rental vehicle and may well cause you more headaches than you can imagine.

There will be eight of us, what is the largest car rental we can get?

The largest self-drive vehicle available is a people carrier capable of seating eight but the rear seats are removed to make space for luggage and golf bags. Including luggage and golf clubs a mini-van can never accommodate more than 4 passengers total. One golf bag and one normal sized suitcase should be all you need for a one or two week golf trip.

For a group of eight you will need two vans if you wish to self-drive. The alternative is to take our chauffeur drive option.

Will a coach and driver cost more?

Not necessarily, the cost will be approximately the same as two minivan rentals when you factor in the cost of fuel. But there are many other reasons why a chauffeur drive option may be a good idea: You will have no concerns about losing your way, driving on the wrong side of the road, missing a tee-time or drinking and driving (the laws against this are tough). All of our driver/guides are locals, most are golfers themselves and they will add immeasurably to your Scottish or Irish experience.

We normally recommend a 16 seat Motor Coach for a group of 8, allowing the maximum of space for passengers and luggage.

Will I need to take a jacket and tie with me for the evenings?

Some of the more traditional golf clubs with access to the clubhouse may require a jacket and tie. We can advise on this.

Is there a dress code for golf courses?

Yes, but the code is very similar to what you would expect at any private club. Dress conservatively and remember the basic rules of, no jeans or sleeveless shirts, wear proper golf shoes and avoid wearing shorts. We can advise on this.

Bedrooms and Beds are generally smaller that what is available in North America.

Bring some Pounds Sterling Cash with you for your first day/night.

3 pronged Electrical Adaptors for Shavers, Hairdryers, laptops etc are available at most Airports before you leave home.

Proof of Handicap is essential, Maximum is 24 for Men and 36 for Ladies.

Do no consider Drinking and Driving.

Adhere to Speed Limits.