Craft Your Dream Golf Getaway with Friends: Step Two - Lock in the Fun!
Planning the ultimate golf trip with your buddies? Ditch the generic packages and design an unforgettable adventure yourself! In this second installment of our four-part series, we'll guide you through securing accommodations, tee times, and finances – the cornerstones of your epic getaway.
Two months out, you've chosen the ideal location, snagged the perfect house, gathered your crew, and locked in dates. Now, let's solidify the core elements for a seamless and fun-filled trip.
Accommodations:
- Negotiate Your Nest: Don't wait! During off-seasons, leverage your flexibility. Contact the property manager directly and negotiate a better rate. Explain your smaller group size and offer a guaranteed, full-week stay. Aim for 30% off – you never know until you ask! Secure the deal with a deposit and inform your group.
Tee Times:
- Early Bird Gets the Birdie: Embrace early mornings! Booking 8:00-8:30AM tee times offers several advantages: beat potential delays, squeeze in two rounds with lunch in between, and easily adjust tee times later if needed.
- Research & Reach Out: Identify your desired courses online and by talking to local pros. Book directly with head pros for more flexibility, better rates, and potential extras like second rounds at replay fees.
- The Player Advantage: Introduce yourself as a "player" associated with a golf course to gain respect and potentially negotiate better deals. Use a script similar to: "It's time for our annual trip, and we love your course! Can you fit us in on [date]? We'd love to play 36 – any chance you can help us out?"
Finances:
- Secure the Dough: Send a detailed email outlining accommodations, tee times, and estimated individual cost (around $900 per person for a typical week). Request at least half the final cost upfront.
Dining:
- Foodie Fun: Take control of meals for maximum flexibility and budget control. Prepare individual breakfasts, pack delicious sandwiches for the course, and whip up gourmet dinners together. Use a tool like SurveyMonkey to gather meal preferences and build your shopping list based on group size and your plan.
Bonus Tip: If you live locally, grab the groceries before your friends arrive. Otherwise, delegate shopping tasks on the way to the house.
With accommodations, tee times, and finances locked in, you're one month away from your dream golf trip! Stay tuned for our next article, where we'll delve into meal planning, administrative details, entertainment ideas, and more.
Remember, the best trips are made with friends. Start planning, get excited, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
