Pack your clubs, lets hit the links!!
Posted by troyhalt, Feb 24 2009, 09:48 PM
As golfers we appreciate the history of our sport as much if not more than other sports. As other sports continually tear down their old stadiums and ball parks for new ones, golf continues play its major championships on the same courses that the greats of the game played on. 
No where can we feel closer to the roots of our game than in British Isles, the birthplace of golf. Golfers make the pilgrimage across the Atlantic to play many of the great links courses and step back in time. We hope to feel what Old Tom Morris experienced when we play the Old Course. Walking Turnberry we relive the Watson & Nicklaus dual in the sun.
If you have ever thought I would like to travel to Scotland or Ireland but can't afford to make the trip, think again. If there is a bright spot for golfers during these tough economic times, it is the improving exchange rate for the US dollar. In the past 12 months, for example, the British pound has fallen from about 1 pound to $1.99. At that time the American travelling to the UK would pay double for everything they purchased. Just today the rate had fallen to 1 pound to $1.44 or almost a 38 % savings from the same time last year.
What do those numbers mean to golfers who have dreamed of playing the legendary courses? For a 10 day trip to Scotland to play the classics courses a year ago would have cost an American about $4,500. That same trip now would cost about $3,200. Not only has the exchange rate improved dramatically, but the prices are starting to fall. We are starting to see courses offer discounts on their normal rates or offering free replays in the afternoon if you wish to play 36 holes. The hotels are also dropping prices and offering free nights for staying several days with them. If you are willing to stay in middle of the road hotels and B & B's a 7 day trip to Scotland could be done for less than $2,500 per person plus airfare.
All of that being said, there may be an even better option than traveling to Scotland. Ireland is still my favorite destination for golf. I have been several times and sent numerous groups there. Everyone who has been to Ireland and Scotland comes back talking about how much more they enjoyed their time in Ireland. There are actually more quality links courses to play, the people are very friendly, the pubs are great and the exchange rate is even better.
The Euro was at a high of 1 Euro to $1.60 in the past 12 months. It is currently around 1 Euro per $1.27. The better exchange rate combined with generally lower prices in Ireland make it a bargain. We have seen 7 day trips for less than $2,000.
There are lots of travel companies out there. Make sure you have a good recommendation from someone before spending your hard earned money. At Champions Travel we have been booking golf trips for over ten years and have many satisfied customers. I am a PGA professional who actually takes the same trips I book for my customers. I want each person who travels with us to have the trip of a lifetime. If you have questions about any kind of golf trip just send me an email. troyhalt@gmail.com
