Planning a Group Golf Trip? Here's your Survival Guide.

Hey! It’s already spring people, if your group trip isn’t already in the “send money and book flights” stage you’re looking at best at a mid-summer trip. So let’s get off our asses and move these trips from the group text threads and into the realm of reality. Take the leap, book an Airbnb with a generous cancellation policy, and let’s get cracking. Here are a few guidelines for a successful and smooth trip and a few pitfalls to avoid.

OK, you got the destination and you’ve got willing friends so how does this become an annual people look forward to and not a descent into Hell? I’ve come up with 4 categories and suggestions within each to make the trip a winner.

Category 1, The Accommodations; I’ll say this loudly for those dozing off, rent a house. No town-home or apartment you don’t want attached walls with neighbors, especially in a non-resort setting. A multi-room set up in a hotel is acceptable, but it will isolate people, and make getting organized to leave a nightmare. Make sure the house has enough bathrooms. 4 people? 2 minimum. 6 people? 2.5, 8 people?! 3 and that’s pushing it. Where ever you choose make sure it has outdoor space and seating, this is invaluable for catching up and the overall vibe. Bonus if you can get yourself set up in a walking friendly city or area like a beach. A kitchen and/or outdoor cooking is also a must, you’re going to want to do one meal at home at least whether that be just burgers on a grill or a full out spread, you’re going to be exhausted or lazy and just want to hang with your friends one night. Some of the most memorable nights will be had this way, not by going balls out every evening. Also get a rental car or cars or have someone drive if your trip is somewhat local, no ubers, no cabs. Nothing can screw a golf day up like trying to get 6 people and their golf stuff into 2 prius’ for a tee time in 17 minutes.

Category 2, the hardest one to manage, People. You need a core group of friends, ones you can bounce ideas off of. It’s essential they make the trip so their availability and dates matter, once you all commit to a date and place, introduce the trip to the larger group. Speaking of a larger group a few pieces of advice. Make sure everyone is on the same golf page. If everyone wants to play 4 days in a row great but if 2 want to play once or twice and hit the town and 4 want to get up at the crack of dawn and head to the course that’s not going to work. Wild card friends are fine and sometimes make the trip but just be aware of who you’re inviting. You want a Jon Daly, golf drunk and barefoot, wildcard not a Charlie Sheen, I’ve been awake since Tuesday, wildcard. Don’t allow cliques to form. If 2 people are unfamiliar with another person make them play together. Switch up the 2 or 3 or 4-somes so everyone spends time with everyone. Nothing forces a friendship like 4 hours on a golf course together. Finally, just remember everyone sacrificed to be there. Some maybe stretched themselves financially, some left the wife with their kids and will make it up to them later. Everyone made it work within their own lives so just keep it in mind.

Category 3, hey the Golf! Pick courses that are a max 30 to 40 minutes away from the house, at most. Getting everyone out the door will be a project so you don’t want to be facing down an hour’s drive while herding people. Time of day matters and time of year matters. Don’t book a 7am in the desert in March, you’ll freeze and don’t book a 3pm back to back four some, you’ll never finish in time. Don’t try to do 2 rounds in a day, it’s a hectic marathon unless it’s a re-round at the same course, not commuting makes a huge difference. While on that subject, hang out, take a breath enjoy the clubhouse and patio and bar. You’ll never know of you’ll make it back here. This one is my biggest piece for golf trips, always play the “other” course rather than the big name one. Don’t play Pebble Beach, play Spanish Bay or Poppy Hills. Don’t play the Kiawah Ocean Course play Cougar Point or Turtle Point. It’ll cost less, be more fun, less crowded, and still be one of the most stunning golf experiences ever.

Finally, Category 4, some random thoughts and add-ons. Try to get in a warm-up 9 holes, even if its on a short course or Par 3. If everyone gets to the house by 2:30 see if there’s a 4:30 time locally before the first official day of the trip. Always allow plenty of time, no rushing. Why book the 7:45am time when 9:10 is available, this is vacation. If you’re doing on big group dinner, do it really big, steakhouse, brewery, Italian, order apps for the table, get that extra bottle of wine, have a dessert drink and call a cab later. And lastly significant others on the trip. If you’re both into it, do it but make sure your friend’s come as well, especially if they’re not golfers. It’s inconsiderate to 3rd wheel someone and put them on an island. If your person comes it’s their vacation too.   

Alright there we are, some tips to make your golf trips as successful as possible, now go shoot 107 and flip the cart – The Starter.