How to Plan an International Golf Trip
International golf trips add a layer of logistics domestic trips don't have. Here's the checklist that keeps them from tripping you up.
Documents First
Check passport expiration well ahead of travel - many countries require six months of validity beyond your return date. Confirm whether your destination needs a visa or e-visa for your nationality, and print or save confirmations offline. This matters even for golf-heavy trips to seemingly simple destinations; entry rules for Ireland differ from those for the UAE or Thailand, so don't assume last year's rules still apply.
Clubs: Fly, Ship, or Rent
- Flying with clubs is usually cheapest if your airline's oversized-bag fee is reasonable, but connections and hard case durability are risks worth weighing
- Shipping ahead via a golf logistics service avoids airport handling but costs more and needs lead time
- Renting on arrival makes sense for one-off trips or when visiting resort destinations like Riviera Nayarit or Hua Hin where rental quality is generally solid
Whichever you choose, confirm it in writing with the resort or airline before departure, not on arrival day.
Handicap Certificates
Many international clubs, particularly traditional ones in Scotland and parts of South Africa, require a valid handicap certificate to book a tee time, sometimes with a maximum handicap cutoff. Get an official card or digital proof from your home club or association before you go - a phone screenshot of an app is often accepted, but check the specific club's policy in advance.
Dress Codes Vary More Than You Think
- Collared shirts are close to universal, but some clubs ban cargo shorts, denim, or require tucked-in shirts
- Metal spikes are banned at most modern clubs regardless of country
- Some private and historic clubs have stricter clubhouse dress rules than course rules - pack accordingly if your itinerary includes one
Money and Tipping
Currency and tipping norms shift by country and even by role. Caddie tipping is expected and sometimes substantial in places like Jamaica and the Bahamas; in other regions it's smaller or built into the fee. Carry some local cash for caddies, bag handlers, and small clubhouse purchases even if the resort itself runs mostly on cards.
Jet Lag and Scheduling
Don't book a tee time within the first 24 hours of a long-haul arrival if you can avoid it. Build a buffer day for the body clock to catch up, especially before an early tee time - see best time of year for a golf trip for how season and time zones interact with trip timing.
Travel Insurance
Look specifically for a policy that covers golf equipment loss or damage and trip interruption, not just generic medical coverage. Standard travel insurance often caps sports-equipment claims well below the replacement cost of a full set of clubs.
Build the Checklist Once, Reuse It
- Passport/visa status confirmed
- Club transport method booked
- Handicap certificate secured
- Dress code checked for each specific club
- Local currency and tipping norms researched
- Insurance policy covers equipment
- No tee times booked inside your jet-lag window
For broader destination research, browse countries and destinations before finalizing the route. And when you're ready to fill out the group for the trip, use your TeeLinkUp dashboard to connect with other golfers heading the same direction.