How to Build Excitement Before Your Golf Trip

Tips for Passing the Time Between Now and Then

The countdown to an overseas golf trip can be a restless time.

So much so, that we’ve dedicated an entire section of our website to the topic.

But we are often asked by Group Captains for additional ideas to help build excitement among their travelers.

There are plenty of easy ways to do so, and the small efforts pay big dividends during the trip itself.

Here are seven suggestions to help pass the time and boost the anticipation before your golf trip across the pond.

Start a Text Thread

One of the best ways to build excitement ahead of your golf trip is to start a text thread with all of the participants.

You can use the thread to share photos of the courses you’re playing and the famous sites you’ll encounter along the way.

The pre-trip banter will also help those who may not know each other well to get acquainted before the trip.

Perhaps most importantly, it’s an easy way to communicate what’s needed from everyone as the trip draws closer.

Tune-In to YouTube

Over the last several years, a number of creators have showcased golf travel across the pond on YouTube.

The videos are a great way to build excitement before your journey and offer an insightful preview of what you’ll find once there.

They’re also easily shared on your group text thread.

For example, Cookie Jar Golf offers a cinematic tour of the great courses of Scotland and Ireland.

Meanwhile, No Laying Up chronicles a pair of lively buddies trips in Tourist Sauce Scotland and Tourist Sauce Ireland.

We also thoroughly enjoyed this recent feature of St. Patrick’s Links and the Rosapenna Resort by Erik Anders Lang.

Play Video

Read Up on the Courses

There is no shortage of reading material that will help build excitement before your golf trip across the pond.

If you’re heading to Scotland or Ireland, we recommend reading A Course Called Scotland and A Course Called Ireland by Tom Coyne.

If you want a classic view of these destinations, you’re certain to enjoy the work of the late James Finegan.

Of course, you’ll also find in-depth guides to many of the great golf courses overseas at the H&B Yardage Book.

All of which will paint a vivid picture of what you’ll experience during your Expedition.

Design Your Uniform

Another fun way to create some excitement is to design matching shirts for one or more days of your trip.

Every year, numerous H&B Expeditions create matching shirts and their Field Reports are always among the best of the season.

In addition to matching shirts, some groups also set a theme for various days of the trip.

For example, you can follow the lead of Dr. Ed Holland of Triple Crown Country Club and have a “Game Day” where everyone wears the gear of their college team of choice.

Golfers in Ireland wearing football shirts.

Establish the Games

An easy way to build excitement ahead of your trip is to set up the various wagering and games beforehand.

Many groups have a net competition that runs for the entire trip.

Skins games and daily team matches are another common choice.

Some groups get creative by hosting a par-3 competition over the length of the trip.

Whatever the case, start discussing this before your trip rather than the first tee.

The pre-trip banter on your text thread is certain to increase dramatically if you do.

Commission a Trophy

If your competition will crown a winning team or individual at the end of the trip, consider commissioning a trophy for the occasion.

The award will not only help build excitement for your first trip, but all of those that follow.

Of course, if you create a trophy, then your competition probably needs a name.

The Rat Trap Invitational, the Duke of Portland Cup, and the Texas Wedge Invitational are just a few of the unique names we’ve heard through the years.