Author: Bill Burton Updated: Mon 10/6/2008 9:36 am

Bob Phillips: Tournament Starter, Travel Closer By Bill Burton METGA.ORG
St. Louisan’s travel business focuses on links golf in Scotland and Ireland

What started out as one of the most memorable golf experiences of his life turned into one of the more enjoyable business ventures for St. Louis golfer Bob Phillips. A Norwood Hills member and longtime rules official at area amateur events, Bob said it was just over 11 years ago, while playing the Old Course at St. Andrews, that he learned of an opportunity to “get into the travel game.” As a rules official and starter for the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association events, Bob has helped thousands of golfers get started off the first tee. As the owner of GolfAway Premier, Bob not only helps golfers get started but also close up all the details related to fabulous golf excursions to Scotland and Ireland. 

The time to start planning a 2009 golf trip is now! “For next year, you should probably nail everything down no later than Thanksgiving,” says Bob Phillips of GolfAway Premier. “The courses open up the book as they say at that point. It gets more and more difficult to secure good tee times after Thanksgiving.” 

“On that first trip to Scotland, the professional care we received was exceptional,” Bob recalls. “I asked one of our hosts who they worked with in the United States to attract business and they mentioned a group out of New York, but that they weren’t particularly pleased with the level of support they were receiving. So I asked ‘what if I sent some business your way?’” Bob and his Scottish hosts were both receptive to a partnership and GolfAway Premier was born in 1997. In the ensuing 11 years, Bob has arranged trips for over 50 groups. To this point, we’ve always been strictly word of mouth,” he says. “A friend at Norwood, Scott Thomas, asked how my first trip was and would I be able to arrange the details for a couples trip for him. At the start, it was pretty much my golfing circle at Norwood, and some of their friends. It has grown from there. We’ve sent groups from Georgia, Iowa and elsewhere.” Bob says he can tailor a trip to fit a budget, a timeframe or create a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” for the American wishing to experience links golf and international travel at the highest levels. And GolfAway Premier can meet or beat anyone’s price and service levels. Bob stakes his reputation on it. “I would encourage you to shop around and get a quote. Then come to me,” he says. “There’s no comparison. Not even close.” Bob, who has made four pilgrimages himself, says his favorite course in the UK and Ireland is  “Old Head,” he says without hesitation. “Breathtaking. There arecertainly other courses that rival Old Head for the golf. But nothing remotely compares to the scenery and overall experience.” He says the most difficult to access is Muirfield, a private club that offers very limited outside play. But his contacts allow patrons access to all of the best, including Ballybunion, Lahinch, Carnoustie and St. Andrews. As for up-and-comers to the long list of stunning courses, Bob has two. “In Scotland, Kingsbarn, and in Ireland, I think Doonbeg have become almost must play courses. The redesigned Kintyre course at Turnberry is also a strong new entry. As far as underrated courses, I’d say Waterville, in southwest Ireland, is exceptional.” While he has orchestrated all details of the trip for groups as large as 64, Bob says the optimal size is between 8-16 golfers. “You run into problems getting a consecutive block of tee times if you get larger than that. At Muirfield, for example, it’s not possible to take a large group.” Bob’s trips are primarily built around playing the world’s top links courses, but he can secure non-golf activities as well. “We arrange the sight-seeing activities and dining arrangements too. A lot of times, the wives may wish to tour the castles while the husbands play golf. ” He says July is the best time to travel to Ireland and Scotland. “July and a month on either side are best. I wouldn’t recommend going into October or your weather is going to be iffy.” The time to start preparing for a 2009 golf trip is now. “For next year, you should probably nail everything down no later than Thanksgiving,” he says. “The courses open up the book as they say at that point. It gets more and more difficult to secure good tee times after Thanksgiving.” For more information on a one-in-a-lifetime trip to some of golf’s greatest links courses, go to GolfAway Premier’s website, golfawaypremier.com. Bob Phillips’ tips for travel to Scotland and Ireland Pack two pair of golf shoes Make sure your wardrobe is versatile. The weather can change from warm and sunny to cold and rainy in the blink of an eye. While buggies (electric carts) are becoming more commonplace in recent years, most golfers in Ireland and Scotland.walk Build up your leg strength. Get a USGA GHIN handicap. Most courses insist that American tourists authenticate their skills by way of an official GHIN handicap index.