Many sports have their own vocabulary and golf is no exception. Learning golfing terminology can be like learning a foreign language at times.
Here at Golf Drives, we have put together an A-Z list of our favourite and the most commonly used golf phrases and terms, so you can be completely prepared the next time you hit the green.
A-Z Golf Slang and Terminology
A
“A” Game:
A golfer’s best game which is executed on a regular basis.
Ace:
Hitting the ball into the hole in one swing of the club.
Afraid of The Dark:
When the putted ball refuses to fall into the hole.
Airmail:
A golf shot which travels a considerably longer distance than planned.
Albatross (aka Double Eagle):
This means a score of three strokes under Par, which as you can imagine is very rare.
All square:
Tied score in match play.
Army Golf:
Like a marching rhythm: Left-right-left, in the game of golf it means hitting the ball out of bounds to the left then to the right the next time.
B
Backhander:
When you hit the ball casually with the back-side of the putter to “Hole” a very short putt.
Banana Ball:
The ball travels in a ”banana-shaped” curve. A very sharp fade shot known as a “slice”.
Barkies:
Hitting the golf ball at trees and obtaining a good score despite it.
Beach:
Term used for a sand bunker.
Birdie:
A score of one less than par.
Bite:
If a ball has lots of backspin it is said to “bite” because it stays close to where it landed or may spin back toward the player. If a ball appears to be going past the hole a player may shout “pray” or a more humorous way can be to shout, “grow teeth!”.
Bogey:
A score of one over par.
Bracket:
To be prepared for a different situation where you need to hit a certain shot you will need to take additional clubs – one higher and one lower known as a Bracket.
Buzzard (aka Double Bogey):
A score of two over par.
C
Cabbage (aka Spinach):
If you hit the ball into inescapable thick rough.
Can:
Refers to the “Cup” on the Green.
Carpet:
Term which refers to the “Green”.
Casual water:
A build-up of water on the golf course after heavy rain that is not part of a water hazard. The player can move the ball without penalty.
Cat Box:
A sand bunker
Chicken Stick:
If faced with a difficult shot, a golfer will choose a play-it-safe club that is within his capabilities to properly complete the shot.
Chili Dip (aka Fat/Chunk shot):
Hitting the ground behind the ball before impact with the ball.
Chipping:
Short shot usually made from just off the green.
Cuban:
Putting action where the ball stops short of dropping into the cup.
Cup:
The hole on the green – 4.5-inch diameter, 4-inch-deep.
D
Dance floor:
Refers to the green.
Dawn patrol:
Golfers who play at sunrise.
Dew Sweepers:
Reference to players in a Professional Tournament who have the earliest Tee times (when the dew is still on the course), in the third or fourth round of the tournament.
Dog Track (aka Goat track):
When a golf course is in poor condition.
Dribbler (aka Fat Shot):
When a shot that only goes forward a few feet.
Duck Hook (aka Snap Hook):
A ball that curves right to left on a low trajectory and off target.
Duffer (aka Hacker):
An “inexperienced” or mediocre golfer.
Deep:
A hole/flagstick that is located on the back of the green.
Divot:
The small chunk of turf that is dislodged when a club head strikes the ground as a player hits the ball.
Drained:
Slang term for having sunk a putt.
Draw:
A golf shot (for a right-handed golfer) where the ball slowly moves right to left.
Drive:
The first shot taken at the teeing ground at each hole.
Driver:
The longest club with the biggest head, used for tee shots as it’s designed to hit the ball the farthest.
Duff:
A bad shot.
E
Eagle:
A score of two under par.
Executive course:
A golf course that is shorter and has a lower par than regular golf courses suitable for beginner golfers and juniors.
F
Fade (aka Cut Shot):
A golf shot (right handed golfer) in which the ball gradually moves left to right.
Fairway:
The centre, short-mown portion of a golf hole in between the teeing ground and the green.
First tee:
Where a round of golf play begins.
Flyer:
Hit from the rough, a ball which goes a lot further than envisioned.
Fly the green:
A shot that goes over the green.
Fore:
Shouted when the ball is heading towards someone.
Forward tees:
The teeing ground located closest to the green.
Flop shot:
A golf shot which is hit quite high and short, which upon contact with the Green, rolls very little and stops. The ball is “Flopped” onto the putting surface.
Flub:
A terrible shot which causes a loss in scoring.
Foot Wedge:
Where the golfer uses his “foot” to push the ball into a better position.
Four-jack:
On any given Greentaking four putts to get the ball in the hole.
Fried Egg (aka Plugged):
Where only the top half of the ball is visible when buried in a Sandtrap.
Frog Hair:
Closely mown grass surrounding the Green.
G
Gimme:
A shot so close that only a short putt is needed, and the other players agree can count automatically without being played.
Get up:
An expression shouted at a ball that looks like it’s going to land short of the target.
Grounding:
Setting the heel of the golf club on the ground.
H
Handicap:
A numerical representation of a golfer’s playing ability.
Honours:
The right to tee off first based on having the best score on the last hole or being furthest away from the hole.
Hook:
When a right-handed player strikes the ball such that it curves sharply from right to left.
Hot:
A shot that goes faster than intended.
Hacker:
An “inexperienced” or mediocre golfer.
Hand Wedge:
Where the golfer uses his “hand” to nudge the ball into a better lie.
I
Iffy lie:
A ball that is in an unfortunate lie and dubious whether the ball can be struck well for a good golf shot.
In the Leather:
A putted ball close enough to the hole to be accepted by the other players.
J
Juicy lie:
Offers a nice clean hit. A juicy lie indicates the ball is sitting on top of grass as if it is mounted on a short Tee.
Jungle:
A ball hit into the deepest and rough area on the golf course.
K
Kick:
A golfer who asks for a good kick is hoping for the ball to bounce in a good position.
Knee-knocker:
A nervous reaction when a golfer has a short putt (3 to 4 feet) remaining for the next Putt.
L
Lay up:
When trying to reach the Green could be a risky shot and it is a lot safer to hit a drive or fairway shot short of the Green.
Lip out:
You have “lipped out” when your ball hits the lip but doesn’t go in the hole.
Loop:
Refers to one 18-Hole circuit around the Golf Course.
Lumberjack:
When a golfer hits a ball into a wooded area numerous times during a round and continues to hit the trees trying to get out of the woods.
Lie:
While in play the Lie is the position/location of the golf ball.
Loft:
The degree/angle of the face of the club.
M
Mickey Mouse course:
Refers to a course with many short holes and bad maintenance.
Mulligan:
Referring to a second shot from the Tee, after a bad first shot.
Match play:
A golf format where the goal is to win individual holes rather than tallying the total of all the strokes.
Modified scramble (aka Shamble/ Texas Scramble):
Tournament format where golfers select the best shot off the tee, move all balls to that spot, and play individual stroke play for the rest of the hole.
N
Nineteenth (19th) hole:
The Clubhouse Bar.
Nip it:
A Clean hit which tends to lessen the amount of backspin.
Nuked:
When you gain a greater distance than your average or typical distance.
O
Out of Bounds (OB):
The area of the course is often marked by white stakes which should be avoided where play is not allowed.
P
Pin (aka The Stick):
The flagstick on the green standing inside the cup.
Playing through:
When a group of golfers pass by another group of slower playing golfers.
Provisional ball:
A second ball that is played if the first ball is or may be lost or out of bounds.
Putting:
The golf stroke used to roll the ball on the green.
Q
Quick:
Rushing your swing or trying to hit too hard.
R
Rainmaker:
A golf shot with a very high trajectory.
Ready golf:
To speed up or maintain the pace of play players will hit when ready.
Rough:
The long grass bordering the fairway.
S
Scratch:
A golfer with Zero handicap.
Snowman:
Reference to scoring an 8 on a hole.
Skull:
A stroke made above the equator of the ball which is mis-hit, resulting in a line-drive trajectory.
Sticks:
The plural “sticks” means golf clubs not to be confused with flagstick.
Stroke play:
A golf format in which the objective is to finish the game using the fewest total shots.
T
Tap in:
A short, easy to make Putt.
Tester:
Tends to test a golfer. It is where a Putt is too far away for a “Gimmie”, but short enough a good putting golfer can hole it.
The Tips (aka Championship Tees/Back Tees):
The farthest teeing ground from the green, usually defined by blue, black or gold tee markers.
Thin (aka Skinny):
A shot strike near the centre of the ball, characteristically causing a low flight.
The turn:
The halfway point in a round of golf.
U
Up and down:
Only taking two strokes to get the golf ball into the hole when your ball is resting around the green.
U-turn:
A Putt that rolls almost all the way around the edge of the “Cup” before actually coming out and around without falling in.
V
Valleys:
Relatively flat areas with sharp undulations between mounds on a green.
Victory lap:
The circle a Putt makes around the rim of the Cup before going in.
Velcro:
Is the speed of the Putting Green on a golf course.
W
Worm burner:
A golf shot (not a putt) in which the ball never gets but a few feet off the ground.
Watery Grave:
A final resting place for your “Miss-Hit” shot over a water hazard.
Whiff:
A poor golf swing with a complete miss of the ball.
Y
Yips:
Due to nervousness and lack of a smooth putting stroke, Yips is the inability to make short putts.
Yank:
When a Putt is pulled sharply to the left.
Z
Zone:
You’re said to be “in the zone” if you are playing well.
Gearing up for your next golfing trip
Now that you’ve learned the lingo, you’ll be all set for your next round of golf. If you’re heading off on holiday, why not arrive in style with one of our golf transfers? We can help you book your travel from the airport straight to your golf resort or 18-hole course, wherever you are. It’s convenient and hassle-free, so you can focus on your game (and your golf slang)! Simply fill out our transfer form to get an instant quote.
11 golf accounts you need to be following on Instagram
Whether you are looking to improve your golf game and want to see how the pros do it or are just looking for a bit of a laugh, there is plenty of golf-related media out there for you to enjoy. Here are 11 tee-riffic (sorry) golf accounts that you need to be following on Instagram!
@pjkoenig
Patrick Koenig is a golfing enthusiast and photographer, head over to his Instagram to check out some of the outstanding photographs of people, places and things he encounters on the golf course.
A post shared by Patrick Koenig (@pjkoenig) on Sep 27, 2019 at 6:58am PDT
@taniatare63
Tania Tarehas made a name for herself with her trick shot skills. The professional golfer from New Zealand makes impossible shots look easy, on and off the course.
A post shared by Tania Tare (@taniatare63) on Sep 19, 2019 at 8:45am PDT
@anthony.taranto
Anthony Taranto is an artist who creates amazing personalized Callaway wedges from his California workshop. In fact, if you see a custom Callaway wedge, it was most likely designed and built by him. Go and check out some of his spectacular work.
A post shared by Anthony Taranto (@anthony.taranto) on Sep 20, 2019 at 1:19pm PDT
@golf_gods
Golf Gods describe themselves as, ‘not your everyday golf brand’ and we couldn’t agree more. Specialising in out of the ordinary golf apparel, their Instagram account is your one-stop shop for Golf-related humour, gifs and memes.
A post shared by Golf Gods (@golf_gods) on Sep 26, 2019 at 6:46pm PDT
@foreplaypod
Cheeky name notwithstanding, The Fore Play Podcast is a laddish yet highly enjoyable concept, a funny and refreshing take on the game ”by the common golfer, for the common golfer.”
A post shared by Fore Play (@foreplaypod) on Oct 6, 2019 at 9:03am PDT
@belenmozo
Belen Mozo is a former Spanish professional golfer who plays in the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour. She provides an interesting behind-the-scenes insight into life on the LPGA tour and the training that goes into it.
A post shared by Belen Mozo (@belenmozo) on Sep 12, 2019 at 5:01am PDT
@nolayingup
The guys over at No Laying Up always have something interesting to offer up when it comes to the hottest topics in golf. Their series, Tourist Sauce is also a great watch!
A post shared by Matt Ginella (@matt_ginella) on Jul 17, 2019 at 1:36am PDT
@tishaalyn
Tisha Alyn is a Filipina-American professional golfer, dancer, fitness model, and broadcaster whose infectious personality will surely win you over. And if that doesn’t, her golf tricks will!
A post shared by Tisha Alyn (@tishaalyn) on Aug 30, 2019 at 6:17pm PDT
@the_beau_show_
Beau Hossler is a 24-year-old American professional golfer who at just 17 years old, qualified for his second consecutive U.S. Open. He shares some fascinating insights and opinions on the art of golf.
A post shared by Beau Hossler (@the_beau_show_) on Jul 15, 2019 at 1:01pm PDT
@Golfdigest
Golf Digest is a monthly magazine published that covers everything relating to recreational golf and men’s and women’s competitive golf. The perfect place for the latest golf news.
A post shared by Golf Digest (@golfdigest) on Oct 2, 2019 at 6:31am PDT
The Top 10 Golf Courses in England
Most people don’t think of England as being a top golfing destination, but, actually, golf is a huge part of English culture. This is reflected by numerous golf courses across the entire country. It may surprise you to hear that there are more courses in England than in neighbouring Scotland.
This means that you’re spoilt for choice — it can be difficult to know which course to pick for your next golfing holiday. To help you choose, we’ve made a shortlist of the top 10 golf courses in England.
The Royal St George’s Golf Club
Royal St George’s in Kent has played an important role in golf history. In 1894, it became the first club outside of Scotland to host the Open Championship. To date, it has held 14 Open Championships, which is still more than any other club outside Scotland.
The course at Royal St George’s is set among wild dunes with blind and partially-blind shots. Although it has been adapted to be slightly more fair, it still has the deepest bunker in championship golf.
A short distance from London, you’ll find Sunningdale Golf Club, home to two courses — the Old Course and the New Course.
An interesting thing about the Old Course is that designers had previously considered the heath, hills, and woodland unsuitable for playing golf. However, since it opened in 1901, it has been widely called one of the best inland courses in the country.
In contrast with the Old Course, the New Course at Sunningdale has undergone many changes since its inception in 1913. Only the first five holes remain as they were originally, but the redesign (which has fewer hills) has proved popular.
St Enodoc also has two courses: Church Course and Holywell Course. Situated on the coast of Cornwall, both offer spectacular ocean views.
The most notable feature of Church Course is the so-called Himalaya bunker at the sixth hole. There is some argument as to whether it is the biggest bunker of any golf course in Europe. However, the signature hole of the course is the 10th, as this passes by St Enodoc Church, for which the course is named. Sir John Betjeman is buried here — the Poet Laureate was a fan of the course and even wrote a poem about its 13th hole called “Seaside Golf.”
Then you have Holywell Course. It is a great choice if you want a challenge, whatever your handicap. At the same time, it is far less strenuous than Church Course, making it ideal for a relaxing round.
Saunton is another club with two courses, called the East Course and the West Course. Both are championship courses are were named among the 100 Best Courses in the UK. Visitors can play on either and are welcome most days after 9:30 am, provided they notify the club of their arrival in advance.
The land of Saunton Golf Club is managed particularly carefully, as it is situated on Braunton Burrows in Devon. This is the largest sand dune in England and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
A great time to visit is the summer, when more than 400 varieties of wild flowers are in bloom. However, you can play at any time of the year. In fact, Golf World magazine even named the club the Best Value Winter Break destination.
Ganton Golf Club is just south of North Riding Forest Park. Its Championship Course features undulating terrain of combined heathland and links. It is ideal for a relaxing game, but equally suitable for serious golfers who want to test their skills.
Since World War II, no club has held more championship and international events than Royal Birkdale. It has been named top club in England and among the top 35 in the world. Located near the coast in Southport, the course provides you with a classic link experience.
Another course in Southport, Royal Lytham & St Annes is a premier link course and has been the host of many tournaments. Although it is some distance from the sea, you’ll find that the breeze is still strong enough to impact your game. This makes for a difficult game and the need for great accuracy.
Unlike many choices on this list, the course is far from picturesque. However, it still has a unique charm that many golfers love.
To complete your experience, you can stay in the onsite accommodation, just off the first tee.
Since the very first release of the World’s Top Rankings in 1938, the Old Course at Walton has consistently been one of the named courses. Set in Surrey heathlands, this long course with small greens presents a challenge to any golfer.
While at Walton Heath, you need to also play a round on the New Course. Originally a nine-hole course, it has now been extended to a full 18 holes. There are even more hazards on the new course than on the old, presenting fresh challenges to keep you alert.
From summer through winter, Notts Hollinwell is the perfect place to play. The free-draining sandstone means that even heavy downpours will not pose a problem. Furthermore, it is stunning all year round, thanks to its location in Kirkby Forest. It uses the natural hills for fairways and has dips and valleys covered in gorse, heather, and fern.
What makes West Sussex Golf Club so appealing is its location. Set against a backdrop of the Sussex Downs, it is framed by pine trees. This beauty continues on the golf course itself. In fact, it is renowned as being one of the most attractive golf clubs in the country, thanks to the incorporation of natural features like heather and softly-rolling hills.
Visitors are welcome most days. The only requirement is that you are a guest of a member of the club or yourself a member of another golf club, either in the UK or abroad.
You can play at the club any time of year, as it is almost always open. After a rainstorm, the sandy subsoil dries fast. Plus, the shelter offered by the Downs means that snow and frost hardly ever pose a problem. If the course does need to close, it is usually for a couple hours at most — nothing to spoil your holiday. This makes West Sussex an excellent choice if you are looking to continue playing late in the season or you want to start early.
Many of these top golf courses are some distance from airports or even train stations. This makes arriving complicated, especially when you consider that you will be carrying a large amount of golfing equipment. Travel in comfort by booking an airport or hotel transfer and eliminate the need to rent a car.
For a service designed for golfers, choose Golf Drives. Unlike other transfer services, you’ll receive one golf bag per person included as standard luggage. Plus, you can arrange pickup and drop-off at a time that suits you.
Review of the 2019 Masters Tournament
This Sunday saw the close of an exciting Masters tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club. The winner was Tiger Woods — with his first major win since the 2008 U.S. Open.
So like millions of others, I was astonished by Tiger Wood’s comeback by winning the Masters at 43 years old. I believe everyone, golf and nongolfers can appreciate this triumphant, after he went through four back surgeries and the global tabloid exposure of his martial cheating. This was arguably one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history.
Tiger Woods’s Record
Tiger Woods has now won 15 major championships and has had 12 finishes in the top five for his 22 appearances at the Augusta National Golf Club. This was his fifth win at the Masters, which means he has the second most wins of all golfers, just behind Jack Nicklaus — who won six Masters and a total of 18 major championships. Tiger Woods was previously tied for second most wins with Arnold Palmer.
BA’s rules with sporting equipment are like those of Lufthansa, you can take your golf clubs as a part of your hold luggage allowance (not in addition to).
You can take your golf clubs as long as they do not exceed the dimensions of 190 x 75 x 65cm (I’m sure they won’t!) Also, they cannot exceed the weight allowance of 23kg.
If you want to take a suitcase as well as your golf clubs on your holiday, you always have the option to pay for additional luggage. When travelling in Europe to/from London Gatwick or Stansted airports, you will have to pay £36 for any additional bags. All other routes carry a charge of £60 per additional bag (prices are charged each way).
In the first round, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka (the current PGA Championship and U.S. Open champion) together took the lead with 66 (-6). Tiger Woods and Rickie Fowler (both pre-tournament favorites) ended the round tied for 11th place with a score of 70 (-2), along with eight other players.
The second round saw Jason Day and Francesco Molinari (both of whom ended up in fifth place) rise to first place with 67 (-5). Also leading at the end of this round were Brooks Koepka (one of the runners up) with a score of 71 (-1), Louis Oosthuizen with 66 (-6), and Adam Scott (the 2013 champion) with 68 (-4), the second-best round of the day.
As per Masters golf rules, all players have to be within 10 shots of the leaders to make the 36-hole cut. A total of 65 succeeded (including four amateurs), which was a record number since the rule was introduced in 1957. Tiger Woods scored 68 (-7), putting him in joint sixth place.
In the third round, Francesco Molinari was still holding on to the lead, ending the round with 66 (-6). Tony Finau scored 64 (-8) and Tiger Woods scored 67 (-5), moving the two of them into joint second place.
At the start of the final round, it seemed as if Francesco Molinari would be the winner of the Masters tournament. In fact, he maintained his lead for the first 11 holes, but his shot at the 12th hole came up short and rolled in Rae’s Creek.
This gave Tiger Woods the chance he needed to rise to first place. He ended up winning the 2019 Masters by just one stroke, at 13 under par. This was the first time he has won a major championship after trailing for 54 holes.
The Rewards
In addition to a fifth green jacket and a Masters golf trophy, Tiger Woods will be taking home a large amount of cash.
The prize fund from the Masters tournament this year is $11,500,000 with a winner’s share of $2,070,000. This is up from a prize fund of $11,000,000 and a winner’s share of $1,980,000 in 2017 and 2018. The amount is larger than other golf events, simply because there are fewer contenders. This year, 87 golfers took part in the Masters. In comparison, the regular PGA tour and the other three majors see 156 players on the field.
After Tiger Woods receives his cut, the remaining amount will be divided among the other winners. The three runners up will each receive $858,667. The golfers in fifth place will each receive $403,938. The amount continues to decrease until 62nd position, with these four golfers each receiving $25,415. As per United States Golf Association rules, amateurs are forbidden to accept any prize money. Four amateurs placed in the 2019 Masters — in joint 32nd, joint 36th, 55th, and joint 58th places.
The Location
The Masters tournament was held at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. One of the most famous clubs in the world, it opened in 1933 and has been the host of Masters golf since 1934. For the 2019 Masters tournament, the fifth hole (called Magnolia) was lengthened by 40 yards to 495 yards. This resulted in a total length of 7,475 yards. The course has a par of 72.
The Top Five Best Golf Courses in Algarve, Portugal
Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal, is exceptionally well-known for a number of things – their beaches, sandy coves, five-star villas, and more. But when it comes to golf courses, they definitely peak as one of the best locations in the world.
Whether you’re planning a trip for business or leisure, you simply won’t make the most of your time in this coastal destination without having tried one or more of these best golf courses in Algarve.
1. Vilamoura Victoria Golf Course
Course Type: 18-hole golf course
Payment: £142 for 18 holes
Time to Vilamoura Victoria Golf Course from Faro Airport: 23 minutes (25.9km))
Accommodation near Vilamoura Victoria Golf Course: Antatara Vilamoura Algarve Resort
A pristine golf course in Vilamoura, Algarve, this course has 18 holes and a par of 72. It opened its door in 2004 and is now considered one of the most sophisticated golf courses in Europe. It’s also home to the European Tour Portugal Masters since 2007.
This golf course isn’t very hilly, making it a smooth yet long course. It has adequately-sized fairways and greens, and is suitable for all ages and genders. It’s surrounded by gorgeous lakes, and olive and almond trees, making it not only a great golf course in Algarve but also, a beautiful one.
Another great perk of this golf course is that they have many attractive offers. A game of 18 holes will cost you £142 but if you’d prefer an all-you-can-play game, you can pay £92 and enjoy the course as you like from 15.20 p.m. to 16.30 p.m. And if you book three plus rounds, you will receive an 18% discount, depending on the time of year.
They also offer golf lessons by a professional, so that’s something to think about if you’re new to the golfing game or feel like a brushing up on your skills.
2. Gramacho Golf Course
Course Type: 27-hole golf course
Payment: £72 for 18 holes
Time to Gramacho Golf Course from Faro Airport: 60 minutes (68 km)
Accommodation near Gramacho Golf Course: Pestana Golf Resort
Founded in 1991, Gramacho Golf Course in Algarve can be found in the Carvoeiro region. It has 27 different greens, making it an excellent place to experience different conditions such as bunkers, boulders and trees.
It’s considered one of the best golf courses in Algarve and has a par 72 course. It is quite a short course, in great condition, but don’t let that fool you into believing that it’s any easy course. In fact, it is exceedingly hilly and may be a little challenging for those who aren’t very fit.
In fact, one user commented: “Enjoyable holiday golf, not too difficult, but some challenging holes,” – so watch out for those.
This golf course also shows off a score of 8/10 from recent visitors, and has reception facilities, a pro shop, locker rooms, buggies, a club house with restaurant, and a driving range.
Here, you can also request a lesson or two from a professional golfer. And if you’re hoping to bring your little one along, there is a junior section for those 16 and under.
In terms of payment, you can expect to pay £72 for 18 holes.
3. Onyria Palmares Golf Course
Course Type: 27-hole golf course
Time to Onyria Palmares Golf Course from Faro Airport: 65 minutes (81.7 km)
Accommodation near Onyria Palmares Golf Course: Onyria Palmares Beach House Hotel
This ocean-view golf course in Algarve first opened in the 1970’s. Since, it has transformed into an even more spectacular spot for golf-enthusiasts. With over 90% of the course showing off sea views, you can enjoy the sport and a bit of nature.
It is a 27-hole golf course that has been described as quite challenging, despite the gorgeous views, as it was reconstructed by Robert Trent Jones II with “the highest level of international tournament golf in mind”.
This golf course in Algarve has been given an average rating of 4.1. out of 5, with golfers being quite impressed. Some comments from visitors include:
“Breath-taking, must-play course,” and “nice to play due to lovely sea views and a real links golf group of holes down by the beach and dunes.”
The golf course itself has a club house, a driving range, and several pitching and putting greens to encourage your very best game.
One handy tip: consider renting a buggy, as the course has many hills with long distances between holes.
4. San Lorenzo Golf Course
Course Type: 18-hole golf course
Payment: £122 for full 18-holes
Time to San Lorenzo Golf Course from Faro Airport: 20 minutes (18.4 km)
Accommodation near San Lorenzo Golf Course: Dona Filipa Hotel and Formosa Park Apartment Hotel.
This 18-hole golf course in Algarve opened its doors in 1988 and since has been a favourite for locals and tourists alike. It has a par of 72, and you can expect to pay £122 for the full 18 holes.
Interestingly, San Lorenzo Golf Course is considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in Europe, and has won awards for its facilities. And despite each and every hole offering exquisite views, the final hole is the one that may just take your breath away.
At the location, you have access to a club house, a pro golf shop, storage facilities, a driving range, a practice bunker, two chipping greens, one putting green, and an array of golf equipment for hire. You can also request a golf caddy and the cleaning of your golf clubs.
One thing to note: At this golf club in Algarve, you’ll have to pay green fees. And if you are not a member of this golf club, you will only be allowed a game if you book your stay at the Dona Filipa Hotel, a five-star hotel that can be found nearby, or the four-star Formosa Park Apartment Hotel.
Alternatively, you could contact a golfing agency who could perhaps hook you up with a game.
5. Pine Cliffs Golf Course
Course Type: 9-hole golf course
Payment: £20 – £34 for full 9-holes
Time to Pine Cliffs Golf Course from Faro Airport: 32 minutes (35.2 km)
Accommodation near Pine Cliffs Golf Course: Pine Cliffs Golf Suites
This nine-hole golf course in Algarve can be found in the Albufeira region. It has a par of 33, and a game will cost you around £20 to £24.
Pine Cliffs Golf Course is extremely well-maintained and is basically situated on top of a cliff. It’s managed by Pine Cliffs Hotel, a luxury resort, and offers glorious views of the sandy beach and majestic pine trees.
Here, you can expect to play a fun yet somewhat challenging game of golf. In fact, its ninth hole is more commonly known as “Devils Parlour”. This is because it is played from a ravine that shows off sheer natural beauty.
This golf course in Algarve has a rating of 8.1/10 from users, with the majority awarding it five stars. If you decide to visit, you’ll have access to a driving range, a putting green, a chipping green, a pro shop, restaurants and bars, as well as a golf academy.
So, are you ready for a golf holiday of a lifetime? Enjoy one or more of these five best golf courses in Algarve and you’ll be rewarded with excellent facilities, great views, and lots of fun!
Your Comprehensive Guide and Golf Checklist to an Ace Golf Season
The weather is finally starting to swing in your favour, and it is time to enjoy the sunshine once again as the best season of the year arrives! No, not summer – golf season!
And because preparation is key, we’ve created the ultimate pre-season golf checklist so that you’re 100% prepared and ready to play your favourite game in the sun somewhere amazing.
Get Your Body in Check
Golf is an activity that can be taxing on the hips, pelvis and upper back as well as other areas, so it’s important to keep working out to stay fit, even when it’s off season.
These are the four most important parts of the body to work on and how you can implement them into your workout routine:
The Upper Body: with bicep curls and push-ups.
The Lower Body: wall sitting for 30-60 seconds at a time.
Core: stomach crunches and leg lifts.
You’re also going to want to work on your flexibility, so stretching on a daily basis is key to avoiding injuries and aching muscles.
Keep Practicing
Even when the weather makes a turn for the worse, you’re going to have to make sure you’re still practicing. Luckily, it’s easy to do so without leaving your home.
Start off by putting in your house or office, which is an important element of the game. Then, if space allows, you could implement a dome or an indoor net that allows you to practice your short game.
Invest in Excellent Golf Clothes and Accessories
If you’re an avid golf player, you have probably already invested in golf clothes and shoes of excellent quality. If not, we strongly suggest spending that extra bit of money for your attire so that you not only feel comfortable but also look presentable.
Additionally, you’re going to want to plan your attire based on the weather. If your chosen golf holiday location is prone to wind, prepare a windbreaker. For those chilly days, a pair of hand warmers and a beanie. And when it rains, you’ll definitely need waterproof outerwear and an umbrella.
Having the right attire, of course, applies for all kinds of weather fluctuations, including summer. When the sun shines – sun cream, a hat, and sunglasses is paramount.
Lastly, when it comes to waterproof shoes, the longest guarantee is around two years. So if you’re hoping to sport the same pair as last season, it’s probably for the best that you invest in a new pair.
A tip to make your shoes last longer? Buy two pairs and alternate between the two during golf season.
Maintaining your Golf Equipment
Bear in mind that your grip should be replaced after every 30 – 40 rounds of golf. If you’re playing a round with a worn out grip, it will not only make you feel uncomfortable, but it’ll also cause inconsistency and even penalties when it comes to your stroke.
Also, make sure that your shafts and grooves are in good condition.
Time for New Golf Equipment?
If you feel that your golfing equipment has run its course, or perhaps you’re looking for an upgrade, the best thing to do is to get your new items fitted by a professional. Again, you’re going to want to spend that extra bit of cash now as opposed to buying what’s on sale every season.
Use a bucket and fill it with a mixture of mild dish washing soap and warm water. Add your club heads so that they are completely covered in the water and leave them for a few minutes. Use a soft bristle brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the grooves, then rinse the head with clean water. Dry with a soft towel.
Treated almost the same as irons, make sure that your metal woods are only dipped into the water/dish washing liquid mixture for a second. Metal woods should never be soaked. Then, dry with a damp cloth. Again, you can use a device to scrub the grooves.
These are very delicate and should only be washed with water and dried with a cloth. Then, use a good quality wax to polish your graphite shafts.
Added tip: graphite shafts should be given an immense amount of care. If you spot any dents in the outer coat, it should be replaced as not to cause any injuries.
To keep a good grip, wet it then add a touch of hand soap. Scrub the grips with an old toothbrush, rinse with water, and dry.
Accountability and Progress
For many, bringing along or making new friends at the golf course is a regular occurrence. And that’s not only great for your social life, but also an excellent way in which to remain accountable.
Create a WhatsApp group or meet regularly to practice and talk about your progress, so that you can watch your and your buddy’s skills get better over time.
Research Golf Holidays
Have you decided where you’ll be going golf season? Research is key! Try to make a list of the things that are desirable to you in terms of a golf course, weather, and other activities, then find a location that best suits you.
It’ll also be extremely beneficial for you to find holiday golf resorts that offer golf transfers. This is because, if you’ve ever travelled with your equipment, you’ll know that it can be quite a nightmare.
Traveling with Golf Clubs
When traveling, you have one of two options. You could either hire clubs at your golf resort or you could bring yours along with you. If you’re planning for the latter, then here are several tips on how to travel with golf clubs:
Check your airline to see if there are any additional fees attached to bringing your golf clubs.
Be sure to get travel insurance (or better yet, travel insurance for golf holidays) so that, should something go missing or damaged, you’re covered.
Try to book a non-stop flight, as it minimises the risk of damage while in transit.
Choose a sturdy golf bag to reduce the chance of damage, and add towels in between your irons and wedges for extra padding. Woods should always have head covers.
Consider a shipping service that can transport your golf equipment for you, so that you don’t need to travel with them yourself.
An Additional Helpful Tip for Golf Season
If you’ve chosen to go on a golf holiday and it’s your first time playing there, a handy tip would be to use a GPS-tracking watch. Even better, would be to consider a GPS-tracking watch made especially for golfers.
Depending on which GPS-tracking watch you choose, it can help you in a number of ways:
It’ll help you to navigate a new course
It’ll help you find your distance to the green
It’ll track your shots
It’ll track the distances off the tee
It’ll track your steps
It’ll track the speed at various points in your swing
It’ll track your performance over time
And there you have it! A comprehensive golf checklist and everything you need to know about preparing for golf season! Hopefully you’ll be graced with excellent weather and an even better swing!
40 of the Best Golf Blogs You’ll Find Online in 2019
Do you like to be kept up-to-date with the latest news and golf opinions? Or maybe you’re looking for golf holidays along with some of the best how-to tips? Our top 40 golf blogs are a great way to get a different perspective from the mainstream golf media. We’ve even included golf travel blogs so you can pick up a few useful tips for your next golf holiday!
If you’re ready to get to grips with the latest golf trends, putting tips and the hottest courses to try out, these blogs are a great place to start.
How do we rank the best golf blogs?
In order to make our ranking fair, we took into account 4 factors:
Alexa Rank
Social Media Presence
Domain Rating
Similarweb rank
For each factor, we gave each blog points. The top blog received 1 point, the 2nd blog 2 points and so on. Each factor was worth 25%, so we added up the total number of points to determine their rank and popularity. Those with the lowest number of points have the highest ranking. Take a look!
Is your golf blog featured?
There are a number of ways you can shout about your listing on Golf Drives’ Top 40 Best Golf Blogs.
Display your Winner’s Badge
Get your well-deserved badge to display on your website. Copy and paste the code below to proudly display your winner’s badge!
Shout about your achievement on social media by copying and pasting the caption below!
We’ve been featured as a @GolfDrives Top 40 Golf Blogs! Check it out: https://www.golf-drives.com/blog/the-best-40-golf-blogs/
40 of the best golf blogs in 2019
Without further ado, here are 40 of the best golf blogs in 2019.
1. Wei Under Par
Stephanie Wei is a well-known name in the golf industry, as a golf broadcaster, writer and blogger, she is known for her unique outlook and reporting style from the PGA Tour and LPGA tournaments. Stephanie is a keen golfer and was nationally ranked in the top 100 as a junior golfer.
If you’re looking to keep up-to-date with anything and everything related to Irish golf, then Irish Golf Desk is the place for you. More a news website, rather than a blog, but we felt it deserved its place in this list! The content is written and edited by Brian Keogh, who’s also a regular contributor to many top publications.
Hooked on Golf Blog (HOG) is without a doubt one of the most popular golf blogs around at the moment. It’s easy to understand why when you read their content. If you’re looking to keep in the loop with everything from equipment reviews and travel to tournament news, then you should be a regular reader of HOG!
We love Golf Stinks! It’s a golf blog that we can really relate to. It’s good to read a blog from the perspective of someone in the same shoes as the regular golfer. Golf Stinks doesn’t take itself too seriously. It offers a place to appreciate golf, without the constant pressure to improve your game, as they say, ‘taking the frustration out of golf’.
With posts covering the latest news, equipment, travel, betting, players, courses and everything else across the industry, GolfBlogger.co.uk is a one-stop-shop for everything golf. This golf blog is written by people who love golf, for people who love golf. A must-read for any golf enthusiast.
If you’re looking for a website which brings you the best online golf news, blogs and photography then Golf & Course is the site for you. Golf & Course offers brilliant tips and advice, with some added humour for our entertainment, which we love! Find brilliant posts on everything from swing tips to golf app reviews.
Troy Vayanos helps golfers with all abilities achieve their golf goals and increase their confidence on the course by showing them how to get the best out of their game. Troy has over 25 years of golfing experience to pass on. He knows exactly what it takes to go from a high 40+ handicap to lower single figures.
The Sand Trap began from humble origins on a few golf-nuts friends wanting to share their passion and have a place of their own to talk about golf and share their opinions. Launching in mid-2004, TST has grown to become one of the top golf blogs around, offering news, swing tips, opinions and a whole lot of commentary.
The Armchair Golf Blog launched back in 2005 as nothing but an experiment by Neil Sagebiel. Since then, the blog has gone from strength to strength and it is now one of the top golf blogs on the internet. Neil’s endeavours have led him to meet golf legends such as Jack Fleck, Errie Ball, Tommy Bolt and many more.
Josh is a keen golfer who is currently a 4-handicap, with the eventual goal of becoming a scratch golfer. He started Golf is Mental blog as a way of sharing his thoughts and experiences and connect with like-minded golf lovers. He believes golf isn’t just a game, it’s a lifestyle and we agree!
GolfDash Blog is great if you’re looking to get the very best out of your game or even your life in general with cutting-edge performance ideas. The blog was launched way back in 2006 by John Diekmann and Doug Farrick and since then it has gone from strength to strength to become one of the top golf blogs around.
Kevin Smith is the man behind Golf Ball Guy. This one-time professional golf club fitter/maker now describes himself as a weekend golfer and family man from Southeast Texas. Kevin is an expert when it comes to signature golf balls and golf ball memorabilia & he considers himself a know it all in the ways of the high handicap golfer.
GorillaGolfBlog offers a unique and fun environment for passionate and would-be golfers. Tommy Priest is from Switzerland. He Launched GorillaGolfBlog back in 2010 and uses the blog to communicate with fellow passionate golfers from everywhere around the world. He encourages compelling conversation between golfers and non-golfers to create a wider interest.
Back in 2012, Jim Burton launched The Grateful Golfer. You might be wondering where the name comes from, well there is a story behind that. Jim is a cancer survivor after being diagnosed in 2009. He now uses the blog to talk about the positive aspects of golf and interact with like-minded golfers and have constructive exchanges about all things golf.
Rob AKA GolfGuyRob is a true golf enthusiast and he is also a golf tutor. He has over 40 fantastic, but frustrating years playing the beautiful game of golf. He shares his passion through his blog – and this really comes through in his writing – with golfers around the world! He’s also been mentioned in several top golf publications.
Eddie Pepperell is 22 from England and currently Golfing on the European Tour. He aims to inspire young people and pass on his knowledge through his blog as well as to be able to keep all his thoughts and experiences stored.
Blogger Ru McDonald was awarded Golf Tourism Scotland Young Person of the Year in 2013 for work across the industry. Using his initiative, to grow his personal brand he provides informative content to budding golf travellers. Ru created The Scottish Golf Podcast in 2014 and was joined by Graylyn Loomis whose detailed Scottish golf course reviews always prove popular.
Although Jack Moorehouse, is not a golf professional himself, he has worked to help thousands of golfers worldwide to lower their handicaps quickly. As an author of “How to Break 80 and Shoot like the Pros”, he provides useful tips, strategies and techniques to thousands of golfers.
Stacy Solomon, from New York, is a Yankees fan but started to learn Golf in 2000. As an avid golfer, she began her Golf for Beginners blog in 2004, as a way for her to write down and remember all her lessons and golf tips. She has since written hundreds of articles and blogs which have been reprinted on thousands of websites including Worldgolf.com.
Author of ‘999 Updated Questions on the Rules of Golf 2012-2015’ Barry Rhodes, resident in Dublin, is an enthusiastic, high handicap golfer. He developed a fascination with the Rules of Golf in 2000 after his participation in the inter-club Rules of Golf quiz competitions, organised by the Royal & Ancient for Golf Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland. This then led to him writing articles and creating his blog in 2008.
Ed refers to himself as a Guru after nearly three decades visiting golf resorts and destinations and writing about them. He started playing golf from a young age at Mohawk Golf Course in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He has since played in golf havens such as Scotland, Ireland, Kenya, Morocco and China. The Golf Travel Guru Blog is his way of giving back and sharing the knowledge he has gained about golf travel over the past 30 years.
Golf in Romania is closely related to the Royal Family. The first woman to play golf in Romania was Queen Maria. Golf in Romania started from the idea of having all the details about the golf game, about the lands, competitions, teachers, equipment and impressions about them in one place.
Rob West, golfer from England blogs for players and fans of all levels. He owes his passion of golf to his golfing father who introduced him to the game 40 years ago. Birdieable came about after he was unable to find a site which offered something else outside of instructional and equipment sales. He takes great pride in writing about not just golf equipment but the best golf courses, news, features and the funniest golf videos on the web.
Kevin Markham is a Golf Writer and photographer from Wexford, Ireland. He is a published author having written ‘Hooked’, the most comprehensive guide to Ireland’s golf courses, and ‘Driving the Green’. He has 35 years’ experience playing Golf and is a featured writer for Irish Golfer Magazine, a freelancer for Irish Examiner and Editor for Destination Golf Ireland.
The blog focuses on the top 100 golf courses in the world. It covers golf course critique, travelogue and social commentary in equal parts. This blog offers opinions about each course as well as information about the club’s atmosphere and traditions.
Covering a range of topics from the best golf resorts to golf training aids and equipment, Mike Sigers has created an informative blog for all golfers.
As an avid golfer, Golfgal took up the sport 10 years ago for both business and pleasure. When she is not playing golf, she is writing about it and has now turned golf into her business. Working as a daily blogger for Golf for Women magazine in 2008 she has also been a senior writer for Inside Golf Magazine and Golf Today Northwest.
Three Guys Golf is a golf blog founded by Adam Staelin, Matt Murley and Wade Baynham. It has regular contributing writers who all seek to provide a unique perspective for fellow golfers. They write long-form prose on a variety of topics including product reviews, golf instructional posts and videos.
If you’re looking for honest yet fair analysis, predictions about the Tour with lots of information you’ve never been exposed to then this blog is for you. Owned by Joel Harrington 4 Deep Golf Blog is not yet another golf website. It is a source for PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour picks, previews, analysis, honest criticism, news, opinions, as well as golf course and equipment reviews.
Amy is an amateur golfer and marketer by profession – the Golfer Babe is her persona that brings it all together. Around three years ago, she had her very first golf lesson and she admitted it wasn’t the best. She is now consistently in the low to mid-80s. Her blog is a little bit of everything she loves.
Ryan lives in San Antonio with his wife and is the Chief Golf Blogger at Front9Back Golf Blog. In November 2009 he started his golf blog and has grown into something he is quite proud of. He has a passion for the game of golf. He loves playing golf and talking about it. He has an 11.2 USGA handicap and puts himself in the “average” category.
UK Golf Guy is designed to help people plan golf trips at some of the greatest courses in Europe and beyond. It’s one person’s subjective opinions but aims to inspire. As a Scottish based keen golfer, the UK Golf Guy is a 14 handicapper. Having agonised over which courses to include on a golf trip and fantasised about playing all over the world it was time to start writing about it.
Patricia Hannigan’s The Golf Girl lives in Danbury, CT. Her blog the Golf Girl’s Diary was one of the first independent golf blogs edited by a woman. She regularly writes about golf lifestyle, travel publications and has appeared on Inside Edition and Good Morning America. She is the go-to voice for a female’s perspective on gender issues in golf.
From golf book reviews to personal golfing experiences this blog has something for all golfers. Aiming to get golfers talking and providing conversation starters.
Golfhacker, are proud to say they have worked with the best in the golf business. Initially, they produced articles for GolfPunk however they have also been involved in events such as the Solheim Cup, Ricoh Women’s British Open and the British Par 3 Championship and several golf shows including the American Golf Show in Manchester. Their aim is to provide golf extensive content for those who love the game and the help young writers. It is fair to say Golfhacker is part of a wider golfing community and they want to help everyone involved in golf.
Phuketgolf.net is one of Phuket’s most established golf agents and provide discounted golf packages for all of Phuket’s stunning golf courses. Started in 2006 the company sells golf packages and have taken care of thousands of golfers, these include individual golfers to large international golfing groups. Their blog provides extensive content about ways to book a golf holiday through PhuketGolf.net.
One Bearded Golfer is an avid golfer, living in Lexington, Kentucky. He started his blog to document his golfing adventures. Although he has multiple interests golf remains his passion. He enjoys the challenge as well as the exercise. He has been inspired to document his achievements and to document Kentucky’s golf courses.
This blog is written from the golf perspective of about a 10-handicap and is an appreciation of Southern California golf. Socalgolfblog.com contains published work, blog work and companion pieces about golf and travel in California, as well as information about life in Southern California.
Thanks to the expert golf tricks and travel tips from our favourite golf blogs, you can now prepare yourself accordingly for your upcoming golfing holiday. If you’ve already organised your course and accommodation, don’t forget to check out our speedy, convenient and hassle-free golf transfers straight to your golf course or resort.
The Cheapest and Most Expensive Golfing Destinations in Europe
Planning a golf holiday? We’ve taken a look at 40 popular golf destinations across Europe to find out which destinations offer the best value for money and which could leave you with holes in your pockets.
We’ve taken into account the cheapest and most expensive golfing destinations for:
A round of golf and accommodation.
Meals which are as cheap as chips and ones which cost an arm and a leg.
Low-cost pints to drink away and end up with change to spare compared to more pricey pints.
Transport costs.
All of this can be used to help you make an informed decision on where to go for your next golf holiday in Europe! Take a look at the infographic below to find out where your favourite European golfing destination ranks.
Nice takes the top spot as the most expensive golf destination in Europe, where total costs average out at £264.98. Varna, on the other hand, has been crowned the cheapest destination, with an average total spend of £127.74, which would be even less if you’re not playing golf every day!
Will your next holiday to Vilamoura be pricey? Are prices fair in Malaga?
Everything You Need to Know About Taking Your Golf Clubs Abroad
You’re fancying a change from your local golf club, so you decide you want to jet off to warmer, more exotic climates of Vilamoura, Malaga and other places and play on some of the most iconic courses Europe has to offer.
Unfortunately, taking your clubs abroad isn’t as simple as popping them in your luggage, checking in and collecting them on the other side. With the age of airlines adding on costs for anything and everything, expenses can soon rack up if you’re not careful.
That’s why we’ve created a guide for those of you wanting to take your golf clubs abroad – covering everything from checking in, to collecting your clubs, and everything in between.
Take your clubs abroad or hire some when you’re there?
This isn’t as clear-cut as you think and however you speak to will likely have a different preference. Some of us love to take our own clubs while others love the convenience of hiring clubs abroad. There are plenty of pros and cons to both.
First things first, your golf clubs are your prized possession. By taking them in your baggage, there’s always the risk that they could go missing. Some airlines have steep charges for taking your clubs abroad, so it might not always be the most cost-efficient of processes. It can sometimes be more cost-efficient to hire clubs abroad. For instance, ClubstoHire has brilliant prices for hiring clubs.
If you like the convenience of taking your own clubs, you certainly won’t want to be dragging them on public transport or through the car hire area. Thankfully, our golf transfers include one golf bag per person (plus one hold luggage) in the final price, so there’s no need to get sweaty carrying your clubs about with you. It’s certainly a convenient way to get to your golf resort if you’re taking your own clubs – or not! Book yours online today.
The best airlines for taking your golf clubs and their charges
If you’re still not sold on taking your own clubs with you, here’s a breakdown of the charges for taking your golf clubs on some of the most popular airlines. In many cases, the cost of golf clubs is no different from a suitcase.
Ryanair has separate prices depending on whether you book to take your golf clubs when you book online or if you pay at the airport.
As you would expect, paying online is the cheapest – £35 each way (max weight – 20kg)
If you decide to pay at the airport – £40 each way (max weight – 20kg)
Be sure to check the weight of your luggage prior to getting to the airport. If you go overweight, you can expect to pay a costly £10 per kilo you are overweight.
If you’re jumping on a Jet2 flight to tee off in Costa del Sol or elsewhere in Europe, then you’ll have to pay an additional fee if you want to take your golf clubs with you.
You can take your clubs with you for a total price of £30 for each way (£60 for a return flight). Be aware, there are weight and dimensions that you won’t want to exceed. There’s a max weight of 22kg and size of 182 x 91cm.
If you’re within your free baggage allowance in terms of size and weight, then you can take your clubs on your flight with Lufthansa for free of charge.
If you’re travelling economy, then your 1 piece of hold luggage cannot exceed 23kg. Whereas if you’re flying business class, you can take 2 pieces of hold luggage with the maximum weight of 32kg.
If you want to take additional baggage or your clubs will exceed the allowances above, you will have to pay a charge of €50 each way, so €100 for a return flight.
Flybe counts golf clubs as an ‘exceptional item’, so there is always a fee incurred for taking them in your hold luggage. Keeping with the theme of all the airlines, fees are charged per flight, so you can expect to pay £60 to take your golf clubs on a return flight (£30 each way).
BA’s rules with sporting equipment are like those of Lufthansa, you can take your golf clubs as a part of your hold luggage allowance (not in addition to).
You can take your golf clubs as long as they do not exceed the dimensions of 190 x 75 x 65cm (I’m sure they won’t!) Also, they cannot exceed the weight allowance of 23kg.
If you want to take a suitcase as well as your golf clubs on your holiday, you always have the option to pay for additional luggage. When travelling in Europe to/from London Gatwick or Stansted airports, you will have to pay £36 for any additional bags. All other routes carry a charge of £60 per additional bag (prices are charged each way).
EasyJet count golf clubs as ‘small sports equipment’, so you will have to pay an additional charge to take them with you on your flight. Charges do vary from booking online and paying when you’re at the airport, so we would always recommend booking in advance.
When you book online, you will pay £37 each way and if you pay at the airport, expect to pay £47 each way.
You’ll also want to take into account the cost of insurance for insuring your golf clubs when flying. Here’s how the top airlines compare:
Total costs
Airline
Cost of flight
Extra Baggage Fee
Insurance Charge
Total Cost (return flight)
Ryanair
–
£70
£60
Price of flight + £130
Jet2
–
£60
£60
Price of flight + £120
Lufthansa
–
–
£60
Price of flight + £60
Flybe
–
£60
£60
Price of flight + £120
British Airways
–
–
£60
Price of flight + £60
EasyJet
–
£74
£60
Price of flight + £134
Things to remember when taking your golf clubs on a plane
Clearly label your bag and make it identifiable
It might sound simple, but making sure your bag is easily identifiable could help you locate it should it go missing. Adding unique things to your bag will also help you distinguish it on the luggage belt. Don’t forget to add a luggage tag, too!
Use your bag as additional storage
If you’re flying with Lufthansa or BA, why not just use your golf bag as extra storage? Place clothes and other belongings inside your bag, around your clubs. Also, you get the added benefit of your clubs being protected by the clothes.
Get a durable, well-made bag
Some people swear by a hard bag for your golf clubs, which offers maximum protection. If you’re very cautious about your clubs getting damaged, we would recommend a hard bag. However, if you are a bit more laid back and are happy with a soft bag we would recommend a lightweight pencil bag (maybe with some extra padding around the clubs).
Whichever bag you go for, make sure you don’t scrimp, and you choose a well-made bag. The cost may be slightly higher at first, but a durable bag will last you years!
Money-saving tips for booking golf clubs on a flight
Book beforehand, don’t wait until you get to the airport
If you book your golf bag as extra luggage online, rather than at the airport (if you must pay for extra luggage), the prices are cheaper. It might be tempting to leave things until the last minute, especially when you haven’t made your mind up. However, just bite the bullet and make the payment online to save those pennies (or pounds).
Use a pencil bag
We touched on a pencil bag being a lot less bulky than a hard-cased golf bag, so it is much easier to carry around. However, they are much more slimline than your usual bag, so there’s less chance of being over any baggage limits. In short, a pencil bag is a lot less bulky, but with enough room for one (maybe even two) sets of clubs. Perfect for short breaks.
Work out the total cost of the flight, rather than just the golf club cost
When you’re looking for a flight, don’t forget to consider the total cost of the flight and any extra charges. You might think that a Ryanair flight is much cheaper than a flight with BA, but is it with the extra charges included?
Travel light
Some airlines, such as Lufthansa and BA, allow golf clubs in your baggage allowance which is included in the price of your flight. If you travel light and don’t go over the maximum allowance, you’ll avoid the extra fees they charge for overweight baggage.
Get to your golf resort easily, and conveniently
Forget about the hassle of dragging your golf clubs from the luggage conveyor belt, out of the doors into the blazing heat, and to the taxi stand or public transport station – to wait in line and get more and more sweaty.
Why put yourself through that when you can book your golf transfer itinerary beforehand with Golf Drives. When you transfer with us, one of our friendly drivers will be waiting to collect you at the airport. It doesn’t stop there, we’ll also collect you from your hotel and take you to the golf course and back. We can even take you between golf courses!
Get your quote online today, and book your hassle-free transfer instantly.
These Rules Can Get You in Trouble. Golf’s Weirdest Rules!
If you’ve ever been the victim of your ball falling off the tee and had someone merrily call “one”, you will know only too well the frustration and, often, confusion, the rules of golf can cause.
Regulated by the R & A, you could say that golf is a well-governed sport, with countless eventualities being covered by the Rules of Golf. With so many rules, you would think playing golf would be easy yet there are still plenty of situations that leave your average golfer scratching their head.
With the arrival of the new golf season, we’ve shared some of the strangest golf rules to help you stay out of trouble on the green.
Situation 1 – Hide & Seek
As usual, your ball has ended up in a bunker. On the first inspection, you think your ball has completely vanished, and there is no trace of it in the hazard. However, after further searching, you realise that your ball is in the hazard, but has somehow been buried in the bunker. What do you do?
According to Rule 12-1a, if your ball is believed to be covered by sand to the extent that you can’t find or identify it, you can touch or move the sand in order to find or identify your ball without penalty.
However, if your ball is found and identified, you must re-create the lie as accurately as possible.
Under this Rule, you are permitted to leave a small area of your ball uncovered and visible.
Situation 2 – Something in the Wind
You’re lucky enough to be playing a links course in Ireland (see some of the best links courses in Ireland here) and about to take your turn when a gust of wind moves your ball. Under Rule 18, the wind is not an ‘outside agency’ and therefore you should play from where it came to rest. However, if your ball is moved by artificially propelled air, you must replace your ball without penalty. No fans on the green, please.
Speaking of wind, how do you test wind direction without being disqualified? Picking and throwing grass into the air, a handkerchief or the smoke from a cigar or cigarette are all allowed under Rule 14-3. However, a ‘windsock’ would not be compliant as its sole purpose is to measure conditions that may affect your play.
Situation 3 – Tools of the Trade
You’re about to tee off when you notice some dirt on your Driver. Under Rule 4-2, you can spit on your clubface before playing a shot to clean it. However, if it is your intention to influence your ball’s movement and reduce spin to hit an opponent’s shot, you would fall foul of Rule 4-2b.
You’ve finally perfected your swing, but your club lets you down with the clubhead falling off. However, depending on when the clubhead fell off, you might be able to retake the stroke. Whilst your clubhead falling off during the backswing of a completed swing which misses the ball doesn’t count as a stroke, if the situation occurred during the downswing it would count (Rule 4-2 & 4-3).
Situation 4 – Current Situation
You’re enjoying a golf holiday in the Algarve and are having a round at Quinta de Cima Golf Course. Things were going great until your ball landed in the stream with permeant flowing water on the 5th hole. What happens next?
Under Rule 14-6, you have two options. You can either hit the ball whilst it’s still moving or take a stroke. However, you must ensure that you don’t delay play in order for the current to move your ball into a more beneficial position.
Situation 5 – Snake in the Grass
Guaranteed to cause confusion on the course, ‘loose impediments’ are defined by the R & A as natural objects such as stones, dung and insects that are not fixed, growing, solidly embedded or adhering to the ball. Whilst this might sound simple, in practice, it’s anything but.
Let’s talk about fruit first. Unsurprisingly, a half-eaten apple is considered a loose impediment regardless of whether there are any apple trees close by. However, if your ball becomes embedded inside an apple or any other piece of fruit, you must play the ball as it lies or declare it unplayable and face the penalty (Rule 23-10).
Whilst you can’t usually control wildlife, you can sometimes remove them. Whilst a dead snake would be treated as a loose impediment and can be removed, a live snake is classed as an ‘outside agent’ and therefore cannot be moved before continuing play (Rule 23).
Situation 6 – A Prickly Situation
Whilst visiting Tenerife in the Canary Islands, you play a round at Golf Del Sur. Whilst admiring the incredible sea views, you lose concentration and your ball lands next to a cactus. What do you do?
According to the Rules, you can wrap an arm or leg in a towel to protect yourself from the needs whilst playing your shot but can’t cover the cactus with the towel (Rule 1-2/10).
Situation 7 – An Inside Job
Under Rule 24-2b/14, if your shot ends up inside the clubhouse, and the clubhouse isn’t considered out-of-bounds, you can open a window or door and play your next shot without a penalty.
Similarly, if you hit your ball under a parked car, but can readily move the car, the car is treated as a movable obstruction and moved. However, if it can’t be moved, it is classed as an immovable obstruction and you are entitled to free relief (Rule 24-2b).
Situation 8 – The Forgetful Friend
You’re playing a round with your golf buddies and have just finished playing a hole. Whilst moving to the next one, you realise that you left your putter at the previous hole. Of course, you return back to the hole to get your putter, but will your forgetfulness earn you a penalty?
Unfortunately, you’ve fallen victim to Rule 6-7 (Undue Delay) and will be subject to loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play (6-7/1).
Situation 9 – A Sticky Situation
Your ball has landed in the bunker and, following a recent rain shower, you’re playing from wet sand. As you take your stroke, the ball becomes stuck to the face of your club because of the wet sand.
Thankfully, the Rules offer a logical solution with Rule 1-4/2 allowing you to drop the ball, without penalty, as near to the spot where the club was when the ball becomes stuck.
Situation 10 – Anger Management
You are playing a round of golf on a golfing holiday in the Vilamoura. Whilst playing the course, you are nearly struck by a ball played by a player in the group behind you. In anger, you hit the ball back towards the group. Has your moment of madness resulted in a penalty?
Yes. Unfortunately, you should incur the general penalty of loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play (Rule 1-4/4).
Angry at your penalty, you break your putter. In a bid to recover from your disadvantage, you buy a new one in the Pro Shop after the first nine holes and use it for the rest of the round. However, as long as you started the round with 13 clubs, you are entitled to add another club under Rule 4-4a and so will escape further penalties.
We hope these situations have entertained and educated you on some of the strangest rules in golf.
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