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Why Classic GOLF Tours? Why Classic GOLF Tours?Choose Classic Golf Tours for simplicity and ease. We plan, you play! Wherever you want a golf vacation — in the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico, Scotland, Ireland and around the world — we are your "home country" experts.Our local in-country offices have relationships with all the courses for pre-booking of guaranteed tee times, and we know the best accommodations to enhance your golfing holiday. What better friends can you have? Don't settle for one or two types of accommodation, a limited selection of courses, or committing to an itinerary that isn't exactly what you want for your vacation.
How do we get a tee time on the Old Course at St. Andrews?There is hardly a golfer anywhere in the world who doesn't dream of playing where the game was born over 600 years ago. There are four ways for visiting golfers to play the Old Course, but the process is precise. In any planning, know that the Old Course is used by several different member clubs in St. Andrews, hosts several competitions, and is closed on Sundays. Tee times for visitors are limited and sell out quickly. Handicap limit for men is 24, for women it is 36.For an advance guaranteed tee time, there are two ways to success --- 1. Through an application process you do yourself. For the highest chance of success, plan your vacation at least 18 months in advance, and make application direct to St. Andrews Links Management Committee. Greens fees are paid in advance and in full upon tee time allocation. Ask us how to apply - we can help. 2. Let us do it for you. With our special relationships, we make application, on your behalf, for a preferred tee times package, Monday through Friday only. An application is for four golfers (tee times are sold in multiples of four only; so any groups with less than four share the cost of the entire tee time), with names, home clubs and proof of handicaps. Also, you must play one of the other championship courses — either the New, Jubilee or Eden — and stay at least two nights in St. Andrews. Greens fees are paid in advance. A third way is the one most know about --- the daily Lottery Ballot. The Ballot process provides tee times about 24 hours prior to play, for groups of 2-4. We enter your names into the daily Old Course Ballot, on the day prior to the desired day of play (Monday, for Tuesday play, etc.). If successfully drawn, greens fees are paid directly to the Starter on the day of play. We notify you at your accommodation shortly after the Ballot results are released. When doing the Ballot, there are no requirements to play any other course or stay a minimum number of nights. There is no limit to the number of days one can enter the Ballot. However, as above, St. Andrews requires names, home clubs and proof of handicaps. Greens fees are paid directly to the Starter on the day of play. The fourth way is to approach the Starter very early on the day of play to be slotted in. This is typically the only way for a single golfer to play, and certainly an option for a party of two if the Ballot is unsuccessful. (The chance of success for a party of three or four is very slim, unless it is early spring or late fall. Greens fees are paid directly to the Starter. NOTE: Occasionally we do have a 2-ball or 3-ball party with advance guaranteed tee times that seek an additional player --- so ask us. Can we play Muirfield?Muirfield -- known officially as The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers -- is one of the most difficult courses for visitors to play. It is by invitation only from the Club Secretary. Visitors are welcome for a very limited number of tee times, available on Tuesdays and Thursdays only. Handicap limits are 18 for men and 24 for women, and in parties of two or four golfers only.Securing a tee time is through an application process to the Secretary, which we make on your behalf. The bulk of allocations are made in May and June for the following year. An application requires names, home clubs and proof of handicaps. What is the weather like in Scotland?With sea on three sides in Scotland and all around Ireland, the weather is very varied. When on the coasts, rain and sea breezes are a probability. Inland, there is less wind. Golf courses and sightseeing attractions rarely close due to bad weather.Come prepared for all sorts of possible weather: bring a sweater, good quality rain gear and accessories, shorts, golf shirts and sunscreen. The long summer days — sunset is around 10.00 p.m. mid-May to mid-September — there is plenty of time to fit in two rounds of golf, if you want and visitor tee times are available. Or, use the extra time to sightsee. October through April, count on only one round per day. Can we customize our itinerary?Yes! While we offer several outstanding self drive golf packages, we work closely with you to meet your objectives and make your vision of a particular golf getaway a reality, all at a price that is easy to take. For groups of one to twenty - and more - we will arrange a trip from your list of courses, or originate a customized itinerary to meet your needs.What kinds of accommodations are there in Scotland?From Bed & Breakfast Guest Houses to Hotels to Castles. Bed & Breakfast Guest Houses are a specialty of Classic GOLF Tours. We have relationships with those who have earned 3-star and 4-star recognition throughout Scotland and Ireland by their respective tourist boards. We know the best ones! A Guest House stay is a unique way to personally experience the people, culture, history and hospitality; higher cost hotels only serve to separate you from these opportunities. Guest Houses offer the most value, hosts are friendly and attentive, and rooms are comfortable. Full native breakfasts are cooked to order. We select those that are "en suite" (minimum of toilet and shower in room). Rooms are typically smaller, and beds are typically smaller to fit. A king-size bed is not the norm. That said, many Guest House rooms can be more spacious and luxurious than rooms in some mid-priced hotels.Should your tastes or preferences be more along the line of a country house, moderate or deluxe hotel, or a castle --- we can gladly book for you. Note: Some courses require a stay at the adjoining hotel to play. For example, a guaranteed tee time at Turnberry Ailsa or Kintyre requires a minimum one-night accommodation in the hotel. Are caddies required in Scotland and Ireland?No. However, both countries are lands of walkers and on most of the courses golf carts (buggies) are not available. Pull carts (trolleys) are generally available. In any event, plan on walking the links!One of the joys of the game of golf in the home lands is having a true caddie carry your bag, and tell you where (or where not) to hit it. These colorful characters often become a favorite memory. How is it to drive in Scotland and Ireland?Different, but fun. Driving is on the left side of the road. A driver operates the car from the right side, and a manual transmission shifts with the left hand (foot pedals are in the normal configuration).For your convenience, safety and comfort, we recommend an automatic transmission vehicle. We carefully select a proper size for the number of passengers, luggage and golf clubs. Typically, an intermediate-size car is best for parties of two, a minivan works well for parties of three to four (where there are one to three non-golfers), and a full size van is best for parties of four golfers. For groups larger than four, additional vehicles or larger capacity 8-, 12-, or 16-passenger minibuses are available, although these vehicles are manual transmission only. For pure ease and relaxation, consider a chauffeur driven holiday. Can Classic GOLF Tours schedule our air?With our sister company and full service travel partner The Spirit of Travel, we can also arrange your round trip air connections. It's as easy as 1-2-3!Not everyone in our party plays golf. What can non-golfers do?We know that not every spouse or traveling companion is a golfer. We believe there is no reason for a non-golfer to stay behind at home or be bored! We can arrange for exciting tours or simply offer suggestions on activities for a non-golfer to do. These tours might include castles, historic sites and museums, galleries and gardens, scenic tours and shopping, crafts and antiques. In Scotland, cultural events like the Highland Games, Tattoo, distilleries and family research. You name it - we'll do it!Do we need travel protection insurance?Penalties charged by accommodations, golf courses, rental car companies or other suppliers for cancellation, interruption or delays during your vacation are often expensive. Refunds are usually not possible. We strongly recommend purchase of travel insurance to protect you financially for unforeseen circumstances or medical emergency, and for baggage loss or damage. Cost of the insurance is minimal in comparison to the peace of mind it delivers.How far ahead should we plan our vacation?For success getting tee times for the most sought after courses, 9-18 months is best. Passports are also necessary, and these take several weeks to get.Corporate Incentive Programs | About Us | Contact Us |
