Start Planning Your Golf Trip for the Masters

The Masters. One of the creme de la creme events of the golf world. It’s probably no exaggeration to say that many golfers count a golf trip to the Masters Tournament in April as a bucket list item. Maybe it’s a bucket list item of yours this year, too.

Why You Should Take a Golf Vacation in April

But if you can’t make the Masters this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t take a big golf vacation in April. If anything, April during the Masters Tournament is one of the best times of year to get your golf on. The camaraderie amongst golf buddies around the country will be running high, as will the amount of good-spirited competitiveness that turns a good golf game into a great one.

Additionally, all the major golf courses in the southeast (and everywhere else for that matter) will be keeping close tabs on the Masters. Imagine every big-screen TV in every sports bar, golf resort, and pro shop tuned in to the scores, the interviews, and the highlights. It’ll be all golf, all the time, for seven days.

Finally, if you’ve been meaning to take part in a stay and play golf package for a while now, early spring offers you one of the best times to do it. Although the weather starts to get warmer by then, it still counts as the shoulder season (aka the off-season) in many places in the vacation world. You’re bound to find some good deals on golf packages at the golf course of your choice if you take a spring golf trip.

How to Prepare for Your Spring Golf Trip

Book Your Spot at the Golf Course

Although the late winter snows may still be falling as you read this, it’s best to remember that you can’t start your trip prep too early. Once you and your golf buddies have agreed on where you’d like to go, it’s time to book your spot for your stay and play golf package of choice.

Although your golf resort of choice may get less business in the spring than it does in the summer, booking early ensures that you get a spot in the golf package of your choice during the week of the Masters. The farther in advance you can book, the better. Six months in advance is ideal, but if you can’t do six, book as quickly as possible.

Additionally, many golf packages come with “goodies” as a part of the package, like the use of a driving range and other related items, like golf carts. It’s a good idea to find out how each aspect of the package works and whether you need to book times at the driving range and other facilities ahead of time.

Finally, it’s likely that the golf resort you plan on visiting may have some Masters Tournament-themed activities planned. Be sure to ask about those as well and book your spots for those activities if reservations are required.

Book Other Activities at the Golf Resort

If you’ve settled on one place for your golf trip (as opposed to visiting several courses during your golf vacation), then also think about booking your other activities as well. Some golf resorts have onsite activities like:

• Sport shooting
• Tennis
• Hiking and biking
• Horseback riding
• Pedal boats
• Archery ranges
• And more

Also, if you plan on having at least one nice dinner out, you’ll also want to book your spot in the restaurant, particularly if you plan on eating together as a big group.

Preview the Course and Plan Out Your Play

It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the layout of the golf course you’re going to visit on your golf trip. If the course offers guests a preview of the course, you may find it beneficial to go over the course to plan out your play for the week.

Get Your Equipment in Order

In the months before you take your golf vacation, go through your clubs and other equipment to ensure that everything looks good and will support you in your gameplay. If you’re not sure, consider checking in with the golf pro at the local pro shop to see what you need.

On the flip side, if you plan on flying to your destination, ask yourself if you want to carry your clubs and other items on the plane. Or would you rather rent equipment when you get there? If you choose the latter, then you’ll want to ring up the resort’s pro shop to see what you need to do to make that happen.

On a related note, if you do fly, make sure that you have a way to get from the airport to the golf resort. Check out transportation to and from your destination as well.

Think About What You’ll Pack

The Masters Tournament lasts seven days. If you plan on taking your golf vacation to coincide with the full seven days of play, then you’ll want to pack enough golf outfits to get you through the week.

It’s also important to note that some facilities have a dress code for both the golf course and in some areas, like a fine dining restaurant. You’ll want to check with the resort to see if it has a dress code and pack accordingly.

On a related note, if you plan on doing other activities or if you plan on taking trips offsite in the evenings after you play golf, then you’ll want to bring enough outfits for that as well.

Also, consider the fact that you’ll be playing golf in April. As such, it’s possible that the weather could change on you. Make sure that you bring along some alternative outfits, as well as all-weather clothing. An extra pair of shoes and lots of good socks always help, no matter what season it is.

Here are some other items that should go on your golf trip packing list:

• Pain relievers, like aspirin or Tylenol
• Bandaids, Ace bandages, knee braces, etc.
• Antacids and prescriptions
• Vitamins
• Contact lens prescriptions or extra glasses
• Sunscreen and skin care products
• Cash for tipping and souvenirs
• Extra business cards
• Phone, tablet, chargers, etc.

Final Thoughts on Planning Your Golf Trip for the Masters

Celebrating the Masters Tournament with a dream golf trip is one way to honor this important golf event. Such a trip gives you time to bond with your other golf-loving friends and even gives you an opportunity to make new ones. It’s also a time to up your golf game and to play along with the players at the Masters in spirit, which is always a good thing.

If you’d like to book a golf vacation during the Masters, contact us today! We’d love for you to come play golf here! Contact us today!