Non-refundable deposit?

Why is the deposit non refundable? To guarantee the constituent parts of your tour we need make payments to our suppliers be it hotel and or golf courses. Once we make this financial commitment to our suppliers we do not look to get the monies refunded should you subsequently cancel. Your deposit is used to pay for these services.

Supplement for credit card?

Why do you charge a supplement for taking a credit card? We try and offer the best value golf vacations to all our clients. To do that we pass on many of the savings we receive from our suppliers. This is reflected in the tour price. If you pay us by credit card we are charged a commission from the credit card company so rather than load the price we give you the option to pay by cheque or bank wire to save you money.

Why do you call it a sample itinerary?

Our sample itineraries are designed to show you what can be done during a visit. If you want to book a sample itinerary we will endeavour to put as much of what you want in place. However, sometimes depending on when you book it may be necessary to make amendments to the sample. When we have a GUARANTEED itinerary in place, which you are happy with we then require a deposit, not before.

Why do I need a handicap certificate?

Some of the courses you will be playing are regarded as very challenging. The golf courses set their own rating on what standard of player they believe can play the course whilst still enjoying the experience and not adversely affecting the experience for other golfers.

We fully endorse these playing conditions, as we want all of our clients to enjoy themselves. Please bring the handicap certificate with you as you may be asked to show proof of playing ability.

What is the Old Course ballot?

50% all tee times are reserved for the daily ballot or lottery, as it has become known. (Source St Andrews Links Management) This does not mean however that 50% of tee times each day are held for the ballot.

A ballot application is made on you behalf by our office the day before you want to play. We know if you are successful by around 4pm on the same day and will inform you at your hotel what time you will be playing. NOTE. A ballot application is not a guarantee that you will play the Old Course, hence the name lottery.

We design your itinerary in a way that gives the best chance of success.

Forfeited tee times?

Why do I forfeit my tee time if the ballot at St Andrews is successful? Simply we have to pre pay for all of your pre booked rounds of golf so that we can GUARANTEE them as part of your itinerary. Wherever possible we will try to rearrange these times so that you do not loose the pre booked round of golf but this may mean you have to play 36 holes one day. Our office will advise you at the same time we advise you about the ballot result what tee times have been re scheduled.

Why do you recommend certain hotels?

All of the hotels we use on our tours have been regularly inspected by us to ensure they continue to offer and maintain the very highest of standards. Our clients are also a valuable source of information as to how a hotel is operating.

Because of the long-standing arrangements we have with our preferred partner hotels we are lucky to count many of the owner/operators as friends.

Gratuities?

Do we need to tip? Tipping/Gratuities are at the discretion of the client. Our recommendation would be 10%.

Sight seeing suggestions?

Can you tell us what places of interest to visit? Your pre arrival pack will contain a listing of all the local places of interest to visit. Your hotel is an invaluable source of information as well, most having numerous tourist attraction information

Meet and greet?

How are we met at the airport? When you enter the arrivals lounge look for our company representative who will be holding a NAME board with your name clearly written on it.

Can we claim back the VAT on our tour?

No. Value added tax is only refundable on purchases of gifts etc you buy once you are in the country. VAT cannot be reclaimed on services.

Caddies?

How do we book caddies? We strongly recommend pre requesting caddies prior to your arrival. Caddies are all self employed so they cannot be guaranteed at any golf course. Some courses do not have a caddy system in operation but will be able to offer pull carts.

Can we book a buggy?

Not many of our courses offer ride on buggies (carts). In exceptional circumstances some course do have access to a few but these will normally require a medical certificate. If you cannot play without using a buggy please advise us at time of booking and we can tailor a package to best suit you.

What if I have to cancel my trip?

For this reason we strongly recommend taking out fully comprehensive travel insurance. Please refer to our terms and conditions to see our normal cancellation terms.