Virginia Golfer September / October 2015 | Page 26

10 Tips for Planning a
Memorable Golf Trip

7 Tee Times Are Key

Your chosen destination may well be a popular one. Consult your group on what tee
times they’d prefer—and then see if you can lock them in. You don’t want to “plan”
on playing golf at 8 a.m., only to find out a few days before the course’s first opening
is at 2 p.m. Setting your tee times in advance will help keep the trip—and your game,
hopefully—running smoothly.

Study Up

Unfortunately, you’re not going to get a practice round or a chance to walk the course
beforehand. That doesn’t mean you can’t study up on the track. Be ready for those hidden
hazards. Know which holes your strengths can shine and where your weaknesses can get
you into trouble. Visit the course website and search for reviews online.

8

SPRING GOLF
 RIP CHECKLIST
T
by NED FREY

For the last 10 years, I have organized a
spring golf trip for a group of 8-12 good
friends in April after the start of daylight
savings. We live in Williamsburg and look
for a road trip in the 4-6 hour range. We
arrive on Thursday and play one round
each day (four rounds total) before departing on Sunday.
This doesn’t sound too difficult to plan,
but there are times I do feel like I am
herding cats—or maybe even fleas!

HERE IS THE CHECKLIST THAT KEEPS
US ON TRACK:

❑ OCTOBER
1. Select a couple of dates in mid-April.
2. Survey the group for their date
preferences.
3. Select dates based upon responses.
4. Announce dates and get commitments.

❑ NOVEMBER

1. Search for destination(s) and get
prices. Select two and survey group for
preference.
2. Announce location.
3. Work with destination’s representative to
select lodging, tee times and courses.
4. Advise group of total price package/
details and when payment(s) are due.

❑ MID-MARCH

9 Cards and Extra Cash

Better safe than sorry. Evaluate the wallet, make sure the credit and debit cards are
functioning and have some spare bills on you. Who knows what may come up—a friendly
wager, a cash-only beverage cart or an unexpected tip for the workers or wait staff.

10 Set Competitive Guidelines

This depends on the group. Some of us just want to enjoy th H