How to Prepare for an Overseas Golf Trip to Ireland or Scotland
Getting ready for a golf trip overseas is certainly an exciting part of golf, especially if you’re going to a stunning location like Scotland or Ireland. Although we love planning and preparing for an overseas trip, it can be quite overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing what you need to pack and what you could do without. And for those who’ve never been golfing abroad, knowing what you’ll actually need can be a challenge.
In this blog, overseas golf trip pro Tori is going to take you through everything you need to know about preparing for an overseas golf trip, including what to leave behind.
What Should I Pack?
Rather than filling your case with a ton of clothes you probably won’t even end up wearing, think about what you’ll need on the course and make this your priority. Planning your golfing outfits in advance will save you time and space in your suitcase. It’s also worth investing in packing cubes which will help you organize your golfing outfits for each day, so you know exactly what you’ll be wearing on any given day. We recommend allocating one packing cube for each day on the course and pack the following items:
- 1 vest
- 1 pant option (for example, joggers)
- 1 skirt option
- 1 sports bra
- 1 pair of socks
- 1 tank top
- 1 long-sleeve top
You can then have additional packing cubes for other items, like rain jackets, sweaters, sleepwear, and loungewear. Bear in mind that the weather in Scotland and Ireland can be temperamental, and unless there’s a full thunderstorm going down outside, golfing carries on whatever the weather! Make sure you’re covered for all weather conditions. If you’re worried that you’ll forget something, put together a list of what you’ll need and tick them off as you pack them.
What About Footwear?
Carts are not an option on courses in Ireland and Scotland, so you’ll be doing a lot of walking. With that in mind, if you’re taking brand new shoes with you, try and wear them a bit at home before you hit the course to make sure they’re comfortable enough to wear over 18 holes. It's not practical to pack multiple pairs of golf shoes, so we recommend only packing at least two pairs, just in case one pair gets muddy and wet.
Anything Else I Should Pack?
It’s a good idea to pack things like Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, and hydration packs in case you get sick on your travels. These things are available in Ireland and Scotland, but the last thing you want to do if you’re sick is visit a drugstore, so if you have these things with you at least you’re prepared. These items were a godsend for poor Sarah, who was struck down with food poisoning on her last overseas golf trip. Thankfully, she made a swift and full recovery! You won’t need a hairdryer as the hotels will provide these for you but you might want to pack an adapter for their electricity.
What Can I Take On The Plane?
For international flights in business class you get two checked bags for free and the weight limit is increased to 75lbs.
How Many Euros/Pounds Do I Need To Bring?
When you’re on a golfing retreat, everything is taken care of for you – so your food, drink, accommodation, and transport is already covered. The only thing you’ll probably need euros for is to tip your caddy at the course. We recommend taking around €300 with you on your trip but remember that you need to order these in advance from your bank as it can take a few days to get them ready. A tip for traveling in Ireland is that you can claim tax credits if you keep all your receipts and fill out the relevant forms at the airport when you head home. It might feel like a lot of effort, but you could get hundreds of dollars back, so it’s worth doing.
Are There Any COVID-19 Travel Restrictions I Should Be Aware Of?
If you’re visiting Scotland or Ireland from another country, you no longer need to complete a Passenger Locator Form, take any COVID-19 tests or self-isolate after you arrive. You don’t need to provide proof of vaccination or recovery either. It’s worth bearing in mind that new COVID-19 travel rules for anywhere in the world could be brought in at short notice, so you should always check the latest travel advice before booking a trip and just before you head to the airport.
What’s In A Girls Gone Golfing Retreats Swag Bag?
If you’re going on one of our Girls Gone Golfing Retreats, we’ll send out your swag bag 3-4 weeks before we fly out. These items are specially chosen for your golf retreat so make sure you pack them. Our swag bags generally include:
- Girls Gone Golfing travel bag
- Rain pants and jackets
- Pullover (Tori would wear this every day if she could!)
- Hand warmer
- Luggage tags
- Golf balls
And Finally…
Overseas golf trips are a lot of fun – you’ll spend time with some great people, and it’s a great way to make firm friends. Everything on these trips is arranged for you, so you don’t need to worry about anything. All you have to do is pack, book your plane tickets and show up at the airport. Then you can just enjoy your trip on the most beautiful golf courses in the world.
Resources
Heard that the 2023 Girls Gone Golfing Retreats schedule is out? The destinations are Pebble Beach, Danzante Bay, and Ireland going through some of the most iconic golf courses. Registration is now open on the Girls Gone Golfing Retreats website, and limited spots are available.
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