Planning international golf trips isn’t like booking a beach weekend or a last-minute escape to the mountains. Elite courses abroad—especially the legendary ones—don’t just fit into your calendar. They shape it.

And yet, most people start too late.

If you’ve ever thought about teeing off in Ireland, walking fairways in South Africa, or building a full itinerary around your favorite game, here’s the truth: timing is everything.

So before you block off vacation days or browse flights, here’s what you need to know to get started—and why early planning is key to pulling it off seamlessly.

Start With the Big Picture

When you’re planning an international golf trip, everything hinges on two factors:

1. Where you want to go

2. When that destination is in season

But that’s not always obvious. For example:

• Portugal has a wide season but limited tee-time access at top courses
• Japan has two ideal travel windows, and they’re nothing like Europe’s
• Some of the most sought-after tee times in Scotland fill 12–18 months in advance
  

Your planning window depends entirely on your destination. And that’s the piece most travelers miss.

Your Timing Matters More Than You Think

This isn’t about avoiding disappointment—it’s about unlocking access. The right lead time means:

• Better tee times and course availability
• Priority at hotels and resorts near top courses
• Custom add-ons like wine tastings, cultural tours, or rest days in between rounds

Booking too late doesn’t just risk missing out. It limits the kind of experience you can have.

Don’t DIY Your Dream Round

International golf trips aren’t just a vacation with a few tee times sprinkled in—it’s a curated experience. It’s
about:

• Choosing the right balance of play and leisure
• Planning for group dynamics (golfers and non-golfers alike)
• Securing local transportation, caddies, gear rentals, and reservations that align

You could try to Google your way through it… or you could download a guide that lays it out for you.

Want to know exactly when to start planning based on your destination?
My free Golf Trip Planning Guide breaks down lead times by region, so you’ll know whether you
need to book now, or still have time to dream.

📥 Download it here and start building a trip that goes way beyond the course.

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