There’s nothing quite like combining your favourite sport with a proper break away from home. But where do you start? If you’ve decided to take the plunge and book your first golf holiday, the sheer number of options can be a bit daunting at first. Here is a step-by-step guide that can help.
Getting Your Finances Sorted
Right, first things first – money. Golf holidays aren’t exactly cheap, so you’ll want to work out what you can realistically afford before you start getting carried away browsing those stunning course photos online. Factor in everything: flights, hotels, green fees, meals, drinks and maybe some spending money for the inevitable golf shop purchases.
It’s important to consider budgeting for those seemingly small extras like buggy hire and range balls.
Picking Your Perfect Spot
Portugal’s Algarve region keeps popping up in golf magazines for good reason. The weather’s brilliant most of the year, the courses are world-class, and your money goes further than it would in some other European destinations. Plus, the local food and wine scene is absolutely fantastic. Algarve golf courses really are something special, offering everything from dramatic cliff-top holes where you’re hitting over ravines to beautiful parkland tracks that wind through cork oak forests.
When planning your trip, securing Algarve tee times well in advance helps guarantee your preferred slots, while comparing Algarve green fees across different courses ensures you get the best value for money. Many booking platforms offer excellent Algarve golf deals that bundle multiple rounds together, making it easier to experience several championship layouts where European Tour pros have battled it out without breaking the bank.
Timing Is Everything
From March through to May and from September through to October tend to be the sweet spots. The weather’s lovely, the courses aren’t too crowded, and you’ll often find some cracking deals during these months. Summer can get pretty toasty, especially if you’re not used to the heat.
Book early if you can. The really good courses and hotels get snapped up months in advance, particularly during school holidays. You don’t want to miss out on your first choice because you left it too late.
Sorting Out Your Golf
Securing your preferred slots and getting decent rates is crucial. Many people make the mistake of trying to book everything separately, but package deals often work out much cheaper. Plus, you get the peace of mind that everything’s sorted in one go.
Where to Rest Your Head
Stay somewhere that makes sense geographically. There’s no point saving a few quid on accommodation if you’re then spending hours driving between your hotel and the golf courses. Many golfers swear by staying at golf resorts because everything’s on your doorstep.
Getting Your Kit Ready
Check what each course provides and what their rules are about clothing. Some clubs can be quite particular about collared shirts, proper golf shoes, and that sort of thing. Nobody wants to be turned away at the first tee because they’re wearing the wrong trainers.
Make It Memorable
Your first golf holiday should be memorable for all the right reasons. Don’t pack your itinerary too tightly – leave some room for spontaneous discoveries, whether that’s an excellent local restaurant or an unexpected afternoon by the pool.
Take photos, keep scorecards as mementos, and maybe even start a little golf travel journal. You’ll be planning your next trip before you’ve even finished this one!