Global Escapes

Golf trips

The great courses book up early and the logistics add up fast. We handle both, so you can just play.

By the Global Escapes travel team · Updated

Typical length
5 to 10 days
Best time
May to September for the links; winter in the desert
Group size
Couples, foursomes or full buddy trips
The pace
A round most days, with rest days built in
What we arrange
Tee times, drivers, caddies and hotels
Great for
Buddy trips, couples and company outings

Why a golf trip is worth planning well

The difference between a good golf trip and a great one is usually the tee sheet.

From the links of St Andrews and Ireland’s southwest coast to Pinehurst, Pebble Beach and the desert courses of Scottsdale, we line up the tee times, caddies, drivers and nineteenth holes, and match the courses to your group.

Not everyone has to play. We build in spa days, tastings and sightseeing for non-golfers, so the trip works for couples and families too.

Where to play

Bucket-list links abroad and some of the best golf in the country, a short flight from Atlanta.

Scotland

St Andrews, Carnoustie, Turnberry and the Highland links where the game began.

Best months
May to September
Typical length
7 to 10 nights
Best for
Bucket-list golfers

Ireland & Northern Ireland

Ballybunion, Lahinch, Royal County Down and Royal Portrush, with pubs to match.

Best months
May to September
Typical length
7 to 10 nights
Best for
Links lovers

Pinehurst

The home of American golf, an easy drive from Georgia, with ten courses and a classic village.

Best months
March to May, September to November
Typical length
3 to 5 nights
Best for
Long weekends

Kiawah Island

The Ocean Course and Lowcountry charm, a drive or short flight from Atlanta.

Best months
March to May, September to November
Typical length
3 to 5 nights
Best for
Couples, groups

Pebble Beach

Cliffside holes on the Monterey Peninsula, plus Carmel’s inns and restaurants.

Best months
Year-round, best in fall
Typical length
3 to 5 nights
Best for
Bucket-list rounds

Bandon Dunes

Pure links golf on the Oregon coast, walking only, with caddies.

Best months
May to October
Typical length
4 to 5 nights
Best for
Purists, buddy trips

Scottsdale

Desert golf, sunshine and great resorts all winter long.

Best months
October to April
Typical length
3 to 5 nights
Best for
Winter golf

Palm Springs

Dozens of courses in the Coachella Valley, with pools and mid-century style.

Best months
November to April
Typical length
3 to 5 nights
Best for
Winter sun

Portugal’s Algarve

Clifftop and pine-lined courses on a sunny coast, with excellent seafood.

Best months
March to May, September to November
Typical length
5 to 7 nights
Best for
European golf, most of the year

When to play

Follow the season, and the courses are at their best.

DestinationJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
ScotlandJan: Off seasonFeb: Off seasonMar: Off seasonApr: GoodMay: BestJun: BestJul: BestAug: BestSep: BestOct: GoodNov: Off seasonDec: Off season
IrelandJan: Off seasonFeb: Off seasonMar: Off seasonApr: GoodMay: BestJun: BestJul: BestAug: BestSep: BestOct: GoodNov: Off seasonDec: Off season
PinehurstJan: GoodFeb: GoodMar: BestApr: BestMay: BestJun: GoodJul: GoodAug: GoodSep: BestOct: BestNov: BestDec: Good
Kiawah IslandJan: GoodFeb: GoodMar: BestApr: BestMay: BestJun: GoodJul: GoodAug: GoodSep: GoodOct: BestNov: BestDec: Good
Pebble BeachJan: GoodFeb: GoodMar: GoodApr: BestMay: BestJun: GoodJul: GoodAug: GoodSep: BestOct: BestNov: GoodDec: Good
Bandon DunesJan: Off seasonFeb: Off seasonMar: GoodApr: GoodMay: BestJun: BestJul: BestAug: BestSep: BestOct: BestNov: GoodDec: Off season
ScottsdaleJan: BestFeb: BestMar: BestApr: BestMay: GoodJun: Off seasonJul: Off seasonAug: Off seasonSep: GoodOct: BestNov: BestDec: Best
Palm SpringsJan: BestFeb: BestMar: BestApr: BestMay: GoodJun: Off seasonJul: Off seasonAug: Off seasonSep: Off seasonOct: GoodNov: BestDec: Best
AlgarveJan: GoodFeb: GoodMar: BestApr: BestMay: BestJun: GoodJul: GoodAug: GoodSep: BestOct: BestNov: BestDec: Good

Best Good Off season

Links season

Scotland and Ireland are best from May to September, with long days and firm, fast courses.

Desert season

Scottsdale and Palm Springs shine from October to April, and spring training adds fun in March.

Shoulder months

Spring and fall are ideal in the Carolinas, at Pebble Beach and in the Algarve.

Bucket-list tee times

The most famous courses fill early, so we start planning 9 to 12 months out.

Find your golf trip

However your group plays, we’ll build the trip around it.

Bucket-list links

The courses you’ve watched on TV, with caddies who know every bounce.

Buddy trips

Thirty-six holes a day, a great pub and nobody worrying about the logistics.

Couples & mixed groups

Golf for those who play, and spa days, tastings and sightseeing for those who don’t.

Corporate outings

Client trips and team golf, with everything arranged. Ask about our corporate travel team.

Golf and more

Pair golf with wine country, a safari or a river cruise.

A day on a golf trip

  1. Early

    The first tee

    Your driver is waiting, clubs already loaded.

  2. Morning

    The round

    With a caddy who reads the greens and tells the stories.

  3. Afternoon

    Clubhouse lunch

    Or a second loop, if the legs allow.

  4. Late afternoon

    Everyone regroups

    Non-golfers return from the spa, a distillery or a castle.

  5. Evening

    The nineteenth hole

    A pint, a scorecard debate and a long dinner.

What we arrange

  • Tee times, including hard-to-get courses
  • Private drivers and club transport
  • Caddies and club rentals
  • Hotels close to the courses
  • Plans for non-golfers

Good to know

  • Some courses require a handicap certificate
  • Caddie fees and tips are usually paid locally
  • Airline fees for golf bags
  • Travel insurance

Destination spotlight

Desert golf and red rock

Pair winter rounds in Scottsdale or Palm Springs with Sedona, the Grand Canyon and a great spa.

Explore the Southwest

Good to know

The small things that make a big difference.

Bring your handicap

Courses like the Old Course require a handicap certificate. We’ll let you know which ones ask.

Expect to walk

Many links courses are walking only, with caddies. Carts are limited and sometimes need a medical note.

Pack for weather

Rain gear, layers and waterproof shoes are essential in Scotland and Ireland, even in summer.

Book early

The best tee times at bucket-list courses go 9 to 12 months ahead.

Bring clubs or rent

Traveling with your own clubs is easy with a good travel bag; quality rentals are available almost everywhere.

Plan rest days

A day off between big rounds keeps the golf fun all the way to the last hole.

Questions we hear a lot

Can you get us on the Old Course at St Andrews?

There are a few ways in, including the daily ballot and advance tee times. We’ll build your trip to give you the best possible chance.

Do we need a handicap?

Many famous courses in Scotland and Ireland ask for a handicap certificate. We’ll tell you exactly what each course requires.

Should we bring our own clubs?

Most golfers do, but quality rentals are available. We’ll arrange transport either way.

When is the best time to golf in Scotland and Ireland?

May to September brings the longest days and best conditions, with June and July the busiest.

Can non-golfers come along?

Of course. We plan spa days, sightseeing and tastings, then bring everyone together for dinner.

Let’s plan your golf trip

Tell us the courses on your list and who’s playing. An advisor will take it from there.

Start planning Call 706.549.1164