FAQs
1. What is included in a GreenGolfBall golf tour?
Every GreenGolfBall itinerary is different, but most tours include luxury accommodation, guaranteed tee times, private ground transportation (or premium self-drive vehicle where appropriate), daily breakfast, airport meet and greet, concierge support before and throughout your trip, and all applicable taxes and service charges.
International flights, travel insurance, lunches, evening meals, caddie and buggy fees, and personal expenses are generally excluded unless specifically stated in your itinerary.
2. How far in advance should I book my golf trip?
The earlier, the better. Many of Ireland and Scotland's most sought-after courses allocate visitor tee times well in advance, and availability is extremely limited during peak season.
For travel between April and October, we recommend booking 12–24 months ahead, particularly if your itinerary includes iconic courses such as Royal County Down, Royal Portrush or St Andrews. If your dates are more flexible, we may still be able to create an outstanding itinerary at shorter notice.
3. Can you customise my golf itinerary?
Absolutely.
Every traveller is different, and we believe every itinerary should reflect that. Whether you're looking for a bucket-list golfing adventure, a luxury couples' holiday, a corporate trip or a golf club group tour, we'll tailor the itinerary around your preferences.
From accommodation style and golf courses to sightseeing, dining and pace of travel, we'll design a tour that suits your group.
4. Do I need a golf handicap to play in Ireland?
Some championship courses may ask visitors to provide proof of handicap, while many others do not.
If you have an official handicap certificate or digital handicap record, we recommend bringing it with you. If a course has specific handicap requirements, we'll let you know well in advance so there are no surprises.
5. What is the best time of year to play golf in Ireland?
Ireland offers fantastic golf from spring through autumn.
May, June and September are particularly popular, with excellent course conditions, long daylight hours and generally favourable weather. July and August remain busy, while April and October can offer great value with quieter courses and fewer crowds.
No matter when you visit, one thing is guaranteed—you should always pack waterproofs!
6. Can you arrange transport throughout our trip?
Yes.
Whether your group prefers a luxury executive coach with a professional driver or a premium self-drive vehicle, we'll organise every aspect of your transport.
Our goal is to make travelling between courses and hotels as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus on enjoying your golf holiday.
7. What happens if our flight is delayed?
Travel doesn't always go exactly to plan, and that's why we're here.
Our team works closely with your driver, accommodation providers and golf clubs to minimise disruption wherever possible. We'll adjust arrangements when needed and keep everyone informed, so you can travel with confidence knowing that someone on the ground is looking after the details.
8. How much deposit is required to confirm a booking?
To secure your tour, we require a 25% non-refundable booking deposit.
The remaining balance is paid 90 days in advance of your departure date.
9. Can non-golfers join the tour?
Of course.
Many of our tours include partners, family members and friends who don't play golf. We can build in sightseeing, spa experiences, whisky distillery visits, castles, coastal drives, city tours and plenty of opportunities to experience the very best of Ireland and Scotland while the golfers are on the course.
10. How difficult is golf in Ireland?
Ireland's famous links courses are incredibly rewarding, but they can also be wonderfully unpredictable.
The wind is often the biggest challenge, meaning the same course can play completely differently from one day to the next. Firm fairways, deep bunkers and natural coastal terrain all add to the experience.
That said, golf in Ireland isn't reserved for elite players. Whether you're a single-figure handicap or simply looking to tick off some bucket-list courses, we'll recommend an itinerary that matches your ability and ensures you enjoy every round
11. Can you arrange caddies and golf buggies?
Yes.
We can request caddies, forecaddies and golf buggies wherever they're available. Availability varies from course to course, and some championship links have restrictions on buggy use due to the terrain or course conditions.
If you'd like to reserve any of these services, simply let us know when booking and we'll take care of the arrangements.
12. Do you organise golf trips for golf clubs, societies and corporate groups?
Absolutely.
We regularly organise tours for golf clubs, member groups, corporate clients and incentive travel programmes from around the world. Whether you're planning a hosted members' trip, a client event or a once-in-a-lifetime golf holiday with friends, we'll manage every detail from start to finish.
Our role is to make the planning process as enjoyable as the trip itself.
13. Do you only organise golf tours in Ireland?
Not at all.
While Ireland is our home and remains a major part of what we do, GreenGolfBall also creates bespoke golf tours throughout Scotland and across the rest of the UK.
We can arrange itineraries covering the historic links of St Andrews, the west coast of Scotland, the Highlands, England’s renowned championship and heathland courses, and standout golf experiences throughout Wales and Northern Ireland.
We also regularly combine Ireland, Scotland and other parts of the UK into one seamless itinerary. Wherever you choose to travel, you can expect the same level of service, careful planning and on-the-ground support throughout your journey.
14. Can I hire golf clubs during my trip?
Yes.
We can arrange premium rental clubs from leading manufacturers for most destinations throughout Ireland and Scotland. Hiring clubs can be a great option if you'd rather avoid travelling with your own equipment.
Just let us know your preferred brand, handedness and shaft preference, and we'll organise the rest wherever possible.
15. Can you arrange sightseeing and activities as well as golf?
Definitely.
The golf may be the reason you visit, but it's only part of the experience. We can include distillery tours, castle visits, coastal drives, food experiences, hiking, fishing, city tours and many of Ireland and Scotland's most iconic attractions.
Our aim is to create a holiday that everyone in your group will remember, whether they play golf or not.
16. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payment by bank transfer and major credit cards.
Your payment schedule will be clearly outlined when you book, and our team is always happy to answer any questions regarding deposits, balances or currency options.
17. What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation terms are outlined in your booking agreement before you confirm your tour.
As many of our suppliers require advance commitments, deposits are generally non-refundable. If your plans change, we'll always do our best to minimise any cancellation costs and work with our suppliers wherever possible.
We strongly recommend that all travellers take out comprehensive travel insurance when booking their trip.
18. Will someone be available if I need assistance during my trip?
Yes.
From the moment you arrive until you head home, our team is only a phone call away. Whether you need help with a tee time, transport, restaurant recommendation or an unexpected change to your plans, we're here to help.
Having local experts on hand gives you peace of mind throughout your holiday.
19. Why should I book my golf trip through a tour operator?
Planning a golf trip to Ireland or Scotland involves much more than securing tee times.
Our local knowledge, long-standing relationships and experience allow us to create seamless itineraries, recommend the right courses, coordinate transport and accommodation, and provide support throughout your journey.
Instead of spending months managing logistics, you can simply look forward to your trip knowing every detail has been taken care of.
20. How much does a golf trip to Ireland cost?
The cost of a golf trip to Ireland depends on the time of year, the standard of accommodation, the golf courses you choose and the size of your group.
As a guide, most of our luxury golf tours range from €3,500 to €10,000+ per person, with bucket-list itineraries featuring many of Ireland’s most celebrated links courses sitting at the higher end of that range.
Every itinerary is tailored to your preferences, so we will work with you to create a tour that delivers the best possible experience within your budget.
21. How much should I tip caddies in Ireland?
Tipping is entirely at your discretion, but it is customary to tip caddies when you have received good service.
As a general guide, many visitors tip between €30 and €60 per bag, depending on the level of service provided and the course you are playing. Forecaddies are usually tipped collectively by the group, with the amount shared between the players.
If you are unsure what is appropriate at a particular club, we are always happy to advise before your round.
22. What is Irish culture like?
One of the things that makes Ireland such a special golfing destination is everything that happens away from the golf course.
You will find genuine hospitality, lively pubs, traditional music, fascinating history and spectacular coastal scenery at almost every turn. Whether you are enjoying fresh seafood overlooking the Atlantic, listening to a traditional music session in a village pub or chatting with members in the clubhouse after your round, these are often the moments that become the lasting memories of the trip.
Golf may bring you to Ireland, but it is the people and culture that keep visitors coming back.
23. What should I pack?
Ireland’s weather can change quickly, so it is worth packing for a variety of conditions.
We recommend bringing waterproof golf clothing, comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, a warm mid-layer, a hat and gloves, and a small umbrella. Even on sunny days, a lightweight waterproof jacket is always worth having in your golf bag.
Do not worry if the forecast looks mixed. Some of the most memorable days of golf in Ireland come with a little wind and the occasional passing shower.
24. Why are Ireland and Scotland considered the world’s greatest golf destinations?
There are few places in the world where golf and landscape come together quite like Ireland and Scotland.
Home to many of the game’s most celebrated links courses, both countries offer an exceptional combination of championship golf, dramatic coastal scenery, rich history and warm hospitality. From the towering dunes of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way to the historic links surrounding St Andrews, every region has its own character and story.
What makes a golf holiday here truly memorable is everything beyond the fairways. Traditional pubs, whisky and whiskey distilleries, castles, vibrant cities, spectacular drives and welcoming local communities all combine to create an experience that is about far more than golf alone.
Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to discover somewhere new, Ireland and Scotland offer a golfing journey unlike anywhere else in the world.
25. When is the best time of year to visit Ireland and Scotland for golf?
The golf season typically runs from April through October, with each month offering something a little different.
Spring brings quieter courses and fresh conditions, summer offers the longest days and the warmest weather, while autumn is a favourite among many golfers thanks to beautiful colours, excellent course conditions and fewer crowds.
We'll happily recommend the best time to travel based on your priorities, whether that's weather, course availability or value.
26. Can I combine Ireland and Scotland in one golf trip?
Absolutely.
Many of our guests choose to experience both Ireland and Scotland in a single journey, combining two of the world's greatest golfing destinations into one unforgettable trip.
Whether you'd like to play the legendary links of Ireland before heading to St Andrews and Scotland's east coast, or explore the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands after touring Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, we'll design an itinerary that flows seamlessly. We'll take care of all transport, accommodation and logistics, allowing you to enjoy the very best of both countries.
27. Can you arrange accommodation before or after my golf tour?
Absolutely.
Many of our guests choose to extend their holiday before or after their golf itinerary. Whether you'd like to spend a few days exploring Dublin, Edinburgh, London or another destination, we'll happily arrange additional accommodation, transport and sightseeing to complete your trip.
28. Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, we strongly recommend that every traveller purchases comprehensive travel insurance.
Travel insurance can provide protection against unexpected events such as medical emergencies, cancellations, flight disruption or lost luggage, giving you peace of mind throughout your journey.
29. Can GreenGolfBall arrange airport transfers?
Yes.
We can arrange private airport transfers, luxury chauffeur services or executive coaches depending on the size of your group.
Whether you're arriving into Dublin, Shannon, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow or another airport, we'll ensure your journey is smooth from the moment you land.
30. Do I need a visa to travel to Ireland or the UK?
Visa and entry requirements depend on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit.
Many visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia and a number of European countries do not require a visa for short tourist stays. However, if your itinerary includes the United Kingdom, you may need to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you travel, depending on your nationality.
If your tour includes both Ireland and the UK, we'll be happy to advise you on the latest entry requirements and point you towards the relevant government guidance before your trip.
31. Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Of course.
Whether you have allergies, dietary restrictions or personal preferences, we'll communicate your requirements to hotels and restaurants wherever possible.
From gluten-free and vegetarian options to specific medical or religious dietary needs, we'll do everything we can to ensure you're well looked after throughout your trip.
32. Are Ireland and Scotland safe for visitors?
Yes.
Ireland and Scotland are consistently regarded as two of the safest and most welcoming destinations in the world for international visitors.
Like any destination, it's sensible to take normal precautions with your belongings, but visitors generally find both countries easy to explore, friendly and relaxed, whether travelling independently, as a couple or with a group.