We begin with the key information. The size of your group, your preferred travel dates, any must play courses and an outline of your budget.
We will also start to understand what type of group you are and what type of trip you are looking for. Is it all about the golf or are you looking for some sightseeing too.
With these basics, we can discuss some initial ideas before shaping a draft itinerary together.
The more notice, the better. We suggest starting at least 12 to 18 months before your intended travel dates. Some courses, such as Muirfield, allocate visitor tee times by late February for the following year. Last minute trips can sometimes be arranged, but early planning gives you the widest choice.
We will fine tune the schedule with you to ensure the pace and flow feel right. Once you are happy with the outline, we contact the golf clubs and hotels to check availability and then prepare a final proposal.
Yes. Many courses have set visitor days and closed periods. We understand these patterns and will advise you on what is realistic as we design the trip around your priorities.
Yes. There is generally no upper limit on group size. We usually organise trips for groups of 4 guests or more, as some clubs use this as a minimum. If your party is smaller than 4, please still contact us and we will explain what can be arranged.
Yes, we can weave in sightseeing, whisky tastings, spa time and local experiences to create a the perfect schedule for your group.
Yes, we can recommend options for anyone who is not playing golf and help design days that work smoothly for the whole group.
Yes. We know the best local restaurants and can recommend where to book. Some venues require credit card details directly from the guest and we will highlight when this applies.
We arrange trips to Scotland, England and Ireland. If you are interested in other destinations, including Europe, Asia or Australasia, please contact our sister company, Outpost Overseas
We will discuss your preferences and what courses will suit you group at the beginning of the process. If you already have a list of must play courses, we start there and design the rest of the trip around them. If you are unsure where to begin, we know the courses well and can guide you to the best choices for your dates and group profile.
We deal directly with the clubs and understand their booking windows and visitor rules in detail. Some release times early in the year while others open later. Some have lotteries and some have ‘first come first served’. We manage these timelines for you will take the best approach to secure the courses you want.
You can, although a little flexibility is likely to give a better chance of lining up all the elements for the perfect trip. Some clubs have limited visitor availability, so a degree of flexibility helps us build the ideal daily schedule. Booking early usually offers the best chance of securing a specific date.
Most courses ask players to meet a maximum handicap index. In the UK this is often around 24, although a few clubs set a limit of 18. If this could be an issue for anyone in your group, please speak with us before booking so we can recommend suitable options.
We partner with a selection of quality hotels, from recognised luxury brands to smaller boutique properties. Each one is chosen for comfort, service and how well it fits our itineraries. We visit them regularly and listen carefully to client feedback, so you can be confident we only propose lodgings that meet our high standards.
We focus on what matters most to you. For example, would you like to stay within walking distance of pubs and restaurants, or is a full service resort with on site facilities more appealing? Room size, style and budget all play a role, as there is a broad range of options. Once we understand your preferences, we suggest the properties that best match your trip.
When we present your itinerary, we will confirm the room type included. Most hotels offer upgrade options. We can outline these choices and associated costs when you are ready to confirm.
Yes. Many hotels offer twin rooms, but in the UK and Europe this often means two single beds rather than two double beds. If this is important for your group, please check with us, as the set up varies by property.
Breakfast is included at all hotels we work with. Other meals are normally not included in your trip price, but if additional dining is included as part of your stay we will highlight this clearly in your itinerary.
Many modern hotels provide it, although some older or historic buildings do not. If air conditioning is a priority, please tell us early so we can focus on suitable choices.
Most hotels provide laundry facilities and many can offer same day service. We will note the options available at each property in your personalised itinerary.
We can submit these requests on your behalf, but they are always subject to availability on the day and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
You can travel with a private driver, use point to point transfers or rent a car. Most groups choose a driver, either for the entire itinerary or for selected transfers. We will recommend the best option based on your group size, route and preferred style of travel.
A dedicated driver stays with your group throughout the trip and manages your daily movements. This gives more flexibility to adapt timings during the day. A transfer service covers your main journeys only, such as airport runs and transfers to and from courses, and does not remain with you in between.
We use comfortable, modern vehicles appropriate for your group size and luggage. These range from luxury cars for smaller groups to executive minibuses and larger coaches for bigger parties.
If you have a dedicated driver, they can include sightseeing. It works best when planned in advance, as drivers have a maximum number of hours they can drive each day. If you are using transfers, we can arrange extra journeys for sightseeing if required.
We will ask you when you book if you’d like caddies. We will then request them from the clubs. If you chance your mind it is possible to cancel them, or book if not already requested, up to a couple of weeks before your trip.
Most caddies in the UK and Ireland are single-strap. Double bag caddies and forecaddies are rarely available.
Caddies are are usually self employed rather than staff of the club and cannot be 100% guaranteed. However, when requested in advance, they are usually available. If a caddie is not available on the day, pull trolleys will always be on hand.
Typical caddie fees are around £100 to £120 in Scotland and about €120 in Ireland. Payment is made directly to the caddie on the day. They should always be paid in cash in local currency rather than in dollars.
Carts are limited at many traditional links courses and some do not permit them at all. If you wish to reserve a cart you should contact us well in advance so we can see if it is possible.
Some clubs will accept a medical letter from your doctor. Others ask for evidence of a permanent disability. Please let us know if a cart is essential so we can guide you on what is needed as early as possible.
Once your itinerary is agreed, we ask for the names and contact details of everyone in your group. We then contact each guest directly and issue individual invoices. When deposits are received, we secure your golf, accommodation and transport services.
Your trip typically includes all pre booked golf, accommodation and ground transportation. Gratuities and meals not specifically listed are usually not included.
A deposit of 50 percent of the trip price is required. This payment is non refundable. Once it is received, we confirm your arrangements with our suppliers
You can pay by bank transfer or credit card. All payments are taken in pounds sterling. Credit card payments incur a surcharge of 3.25 percent.
Yes. Each traveller can pay individually. Once we have everyone’s details, we contact the group and issue separate invoices.
We can confirm your golf and accommodation once the deposit payments have been received. Until that point, all elements remain subject to availability.
The remaining balance is payable twelve weeks before the start date of your trip.
Your initial 50% deposit is non refundable so if you cancel more than twelve weeks before travel, the deposit is retained. Cancellations within twelve weeks of departure are charged at 100 percent of the trip cost. Refunds are not offered for unused services, such as missed rounds or activities.
Once bookings are confirmed, any changes depend on availability and on the policies of the courses, hotels and other partners. If changes are possible they may involve amendment fees or higher costs. We will explain any implications before you decide whether to proceed.
Date changes are generally difficult. Many suppliers treat this as a cancellation and a new booking. We can check your options, but it is uncommon for date moves to be accepted, as courses and hotels are often heavily booked.
If a supplier is unable to provide a service, we will let you know and arrange the nearest suitable alternative we can secure.
We are not responsible for missed services due to flight delays or cancellations. Courses, drivers and hotels will not usually refund missed tee times or services in these circumstances.
Minor changes, such as restaurant bookings or local activities, are often possible. Changes to golf or accommodation during the trip are harder to arrange due to availability and, if possible, typically involve extra costs.
If a course closes because of unsafe weather, their own weather policy will apply. Any refunds or rescheduled tee times are handled according to each club’s rules.
Yes. We strongly suggest comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations, delays, missed services, medical needs and lost or delayed luggage.
Our full Terms and Conditions can be viewed here.
Pack for variable conditions and use layers. Bring waterproofs, a warm mid layer and a light wind resistant jacket. Comfortable golf shoes and a spare pair of shoes are sensible.
Keep essentials such as medication and golf shoes in your hand luggage in case your bags are delayed. Golf balls are slightly more expensive in the UK and Ireland than in the US, but you do not need to overpack them.
Most guests bring more clothing than they use, so leave a little space for anything you might buy during the trip
Yes. Most clubs offer good quality rental sets, but these should be reserved well in advance. You can also use a service that provides the same set of clubs for the duration of your stay if booked ahead of time.
Yes. There are reliable luggage shipping companies that collect your clubs from home and deliver them to your first course or hotel. Not every club accepts shipped bags, so please tell us if you are considering this and we will check with them
Yes. The UK and Ireland use a three pin plug. We recommend buying an adaptor in the US before you travel
There’s not much you really need cash for anymore in the UK and Ireland. Apple Pay, Google Pay and card payments are widely accepted and most people use them for all payments.
However, cash is required for caddie payments and tipping. It is better to withdraw cash from a bank or airport ATM than from a convenience store machine. When paying by card, decline the option to convert the payment into your home currency, as this usually involves higher fees.
Speak to the airline or baggage handler as soon as you arrive and provide your details. Make sure you receive a reference code. Then let us know as soon as possible so we can help arrange rental clubs for your early rounds. You may also want to place a tracking device, such as an AirTag, inside your luggage. These are particularly helpful for checked bags and golf travel bags, especially if you have connecting flights.
From the time you confirm your trip, you will be looked after by a dedicated Client Experience Manager. You will have their direct contact number and they will be on hand to support you throughout your trip.
Our web based itinerary will be kept fully updated during your trip. You can either view it in a browser or download an app.
It shows pick up times, tee times and travel notes. We usually plan to have you arrive at each course around an hour before you play, but if you prefer more or less time, just let us know.
Always let us know if you want to make some changes to your itinerary and we will help out wherever we can. It can be difficult to change golf tee times at short notice but we will always try and see what is possible!
Yes. As an authorised provider, we receive a limited allocation of guaranteed Old Course tee times each year.
Our packages with Guaranteed Old Course tee times require a trip of at least six nights and all accommodation and transport must be included. We will advise on the best other courses to play in the area for your group. Most people combine the Old Course with rounds at the likes of Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and Dumbarnie but we can recommend some lesser well known courses too.
You should contact us as early as possible. We work with many clients well over a year in advance as demand is extremely high
There are three main options. There is a ballot a year out – called the Swilcan Package, a ballot 48 hours before you want to play and the singles ballot that closes the day before the trip.
We have written a blog all about playing the Old Course here.
The Swilcan Package is an advance application programme run directly by the St Andrews Links Trust. It offers golfers the opportunity to secure a guaranteed Old Course tee time through a lottery based application system.
The package includes two rounds of golf played over two consecutive days. One round is on the Old Course and the other is on a second St Andrews Links course, such as the New, Jubilee, Eden or Castle, depending on availability.
Applications open once per year, usually in early September, for play the following season. Golfers submit an online application during the window and successful applicants are selected by lottery once the window closes – usually by the end of October.
We cannot enter this on your behalf, but we can keep a day or two free in your itinerary so you can try to enter via this route.
The 48 hour ballot is the most common way that visitors secure a tee time on the Old Course. It is a simple lottery system that gives golfers a fair chance to play without needing to queue or rely on advance packages. It is very oversubscribed and it is estimated there is around a 10% change of success through this rate between April and October. Demand is highest in the summer months.
We are a golf tour operator based in Scotland. We are a subsidiary company of Outpost Overseas Ltd. All contracting and invoicing is with the parent company, Outpost Overseas Ltd
We create tailored golf trips built around the best courses in Scotland, Ireland, England and selected international destinations.
We are based in Scotland. Our head office address is:
Outpost Overseas Ltd
4-5 Lochside Way
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH12 9DT
We care deeply about golf and about creating memorable golf trips. Our team are all golfers and understand what makes a truly enjoyable golf experience. We combine detailed local knowledge with a personal, hands on approach and handle the planning so you can relax and enjoy your time on and off the course.
