Remembering your first big golfing trip away …

[Bamberdele2.0]

I fancy a good story to read.

How long ago was it and where was it to.

Did any memorable things happen on the trip that will forever live with you?

Please share

I have my first big away trip booked in September for 5 days and I am absolutely buzzing for it, although slightly concerned for my health. 20 brilliant like minded folk heading down to Ashbury Manor which now looks to be an annual trip to look forward to each year.

 

[Orikoru]

I am envious of people who have this many friends who play golf. I arranged a golf trip last year, for the first time we've ever done anything like that - there was only 4 of us though. We have the next iteration of the trip this Thursday & Friday actually (as we intend to make it yearly now) and we have got the number up to 6! Including my wife who's not been able to play very much since we had the baby. Last year it was at Wensum Valley in Norfolk, this week it's Meon Valley in Southampton. (Not deliberately limiting ourselves to 'Valley' courses, it's just a coincidence.)

The most memorable thing about last year's trip was that the course was scorched to a bone. Very little grass to be found and I hit the longest drives I've ever hit in my life as they never stopped rolling. Sadly the second day course had a lot more water and other hazards involved so that blessing became a curse as we all routinely ran into trouble.

 

[Imurg]

I joined my first club in '94 and instantly gelled with the others.
November '95 and 24 of us - we had a roll up on a Sunday called the Teapot (that's where you put your quid - ventured, almost, as far South as we could to Seaford.
The Teapot on Tour left the club early Saturday, stopped for a gloriously greasy full English at a Greasy Spoon somewhere and made it to the club for our noon tee time.
Off we went, lovely course etc etc....1st memorable was playing the last by the lights of the Clubhouse..and I sunk a 20 foot putt when I could barely see the flag let alone read the putt.
We took over their Dormy house, had nosh after which some went to sample any local nightlife they could find - one did get arrested but was released in time for the Sunday round.
The rest of us embarked on an alcohol fuelled Snooker marathon that lasted into the wee small hours before we all crashed.
Sunday....several didn't make breakfast - 2 didn't make the tee....
On the Saturday we'd found a perfect Nearest the Pin hole - about 150 yards..Nice and simple.
On the Sunday, the weather had taken a significant turn for the worst, we got to the hole to discover they'd moved the tee 45 yards back and there was a 30mph gale blowing left to right...we played nearest the green...
Once we'd dried off and had lunch and done prizes etc we set off home....someone left their golf bag behind and had to go back for it in the week.
Surprisingly they let us back the following year which was a reasonable copy of the first with the addition of play being halted while the local foxhunters, horses and Beagles chased what they thought was a fox but turned out to be another dog so they all made friends.....
Ah...Happy days..

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I am envious of people who have this many friends who play golf. I arranged a golf trip last year, for the first time we've ever done anything like that - there was only 4 of us though. We have the next iteration of the trip this Thursday & Friday actually (as we intend to make it yearly now) and we have got the number up to 6! Including my wife who's not been able to play very much since we had the baby. Last year it was at Wensum Valley in Norfolk, this week it's Meon Valley in Southampton. (Not deliberately limiting ourselves to 'Valley' courses, it's just a coincidence.)

The most memorable thing about last year's trip was that the course was scorched to a bone. Very little grass to be found and I hit the longest drives I've ever hit in my life as they never stopped rolling. Sadly the second day course had a lot more water and other hazards involved so that blessing became a curse as we all routinely ran into trouble.

There are pluses and minuses to big numbers. Big numbers can be good fun but it does tend to lead to more beer being drunk . 4, or 6, is a great number. A bit more manageable, try getting a table for 20, sociable enough, more likely that everyone will get on.

No great stories to tell I'm afraid but I have never had a bad trip so that is good. The group ones have mainly been to N.Yorks area, Harrogate in particular. Great spot, plenty of pubs, restaurants, good courses. All you need.

 

[SteveW86]

I am envious of people who have this many friends who play golf. I arranged a golf trip last year, for the first time we've ever done anything like that - there was only 4 of us though. We have the next iteration of the trip this Thursday & Friday actually (as we intend to make it yearly now) and we have got the number up to 6! Including my wife who's not been able to play very much since we had the baby. Last year it was at Wensum Valley in Norfolk, this week it's Meon Valley in Southampton. (Not deliberately limiting ourselves to 'Valley' courses, it's just a coincidence.)

The most memorable thing about last year's trip was that the course was scorched to a bone. Very little grass to be found and I hit the longest drives I've ever hit in my life as they never stopped rolling. Sadly the second day course had a lot more water and other hazards involved so that blessing became a curse as we all routinely ran into trouble.

I've only ever been on golf trips with people I've met off the forum. Best thing to do is sign up for the meets (like the Cooden one next year), youll get to see a different side to people on here. It gets said a lot, but the forum used to be much more active with these type of meets and those that went on them still keep in touch and games get arranged privately aswell as hosting days put in the arrange a game section.

 

[Orikoru]

There are pluses and minuses to big numbers. Big numbers can be good fun but it does tend to lead to more beer being drunk . 4, or 6, is a great number. A bit more manageable, try getting a table for 20, sociable enough, more likely that everyone will get on.

Might be an age thing to be fair, I have another mate who has dabbled with golf but is still playing Sunday League footy and hasn't properly taken to the golf just yet. I'm sure he will when he deems it time to sack off the footy. And maybe a couple of other pals will give it a go once they turn 40, haha.

I've only ever been on golf trips with people I've met off the forum. Best thing to do is sign up for the meets (like the Cooden one next year), youll get to see a different side to people on here. It gets said a lot, but the forum used to be much more active with these type of meets and those that went on them still keep in touch and games get arranged privately aswell as hosting days put in the arrange a game section.

I have done so already.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Been on a few trips

Forums ones - the best one was the first Kent trip

The first day a few went to Princes , we went to Littlestone

We were playing Deal the next day , that night 12 of decended on the Kings Head - where we proceeded to have a big booze filled night where we everything was discussed - we found out what some people’s favourite course was - The Grove was a popular answer for someone fav links ( and heathland and course in Portugal etc ) , there was the lovely Dolly and a plant pot was assaulted and abused.

Next day was interesting round a calm Deal with a few people feeling a bit green


It was just a great time and met some great people who I still play golf with every year , most of them were at recent trip to Woodhall

There have been other great times - the H4H meets , the two Sunningdale ones especially the last one were a great afternoon was spent in a lovely pub in Camberley with cider

Outside the forum

The Saturday Swindle we have had some recent good trips to Woodhall , Belton Woods , Hawkstone Park

Sunday lot we have had around 40 people go to places like Portal and East Sussex

We also have a group that goes to the Lincolnshire Swing every year

 

[sjw]

I am envious of people who have this many friends who play golf. I arranged a golf trip last year, for the first time we've ever done anything like that - there was only 4 of us though. We have the next iteration of the trip this Thursday & Friday actually (as we intend to make it yearly now) and we have got the number up to 6! Including my wife who's not been able to play very much since we had the baby. Last year it was at Wensum Valley in Norfolk, this week it's Meon Valley in Southampton. (Not deliberately limiting ourselves to 'Valley' courses, it's just a coincidence.)

The most memorable thing about last year's trip was that the course was scorched to a bone. Very little grass to be found and I hit the longest drives I've ever hit in my life as they never stopped rolling. Sadly the second day course had a lot more water and other hazards involved so that blessing became a curse as we all routinely ran into trouble.

 

[oleinone]

I came back to golf after a very long break about 10 years ago. My son has always been a keen and pretty good golfer. We decided that we would take a trip to Spain. Murcia. The highlight was the rounds at Las Colinas, an outstanding course run by a professional and welcoming team.We so much enjoyed it that we have repeated the experience in different regions every year, sometimes twice. It's great to share this mutual interest and also sample the local food and the occasional beer (or two).

 

[Hobbit]

Crikey! I’ve been doing golf trips with the boys(old men now) for 40 years, maybe even longer than that. There’s probably 20-30 trips in that time, the majority in the U.K. but some into Europe too. Where to start? I guess it’s got to be my first trip. A trip to the Scottish Borders, Peebles & Moffat. Not exactly eyebrow raising venues but, in reality, perfect for a mixed ability group of golfer, or was it drinkers.

We often ventured north, obviously on missionary trips, Blairgowrie, Kirriemuir, Blair Atholl & King Jimmy’s in Perth being a fantastic trip. And then it was over to the west of Scotland and Rothesay. I remember one evening, midnight-ish, playing round the hotel lounge without touching the ground. The leading time was held by the hotel owner that night. All made it to the first tee the following morning. That trip is probably worth a few pages just on its own. We went back the following year and were treated like kings, even on the ferry over before we even got there.

Then it was to England’s northwest’s golf coast. Great courses but, perhaps, not quite the stunning scenery found in Scotland - I remember our first trip to the Highlands setting myself a goal of seeing at least one deer a day. That got blew out of the water around Balmoral…30+ in a herd. But let’s not paint a poor picture of Hesketh, Hillside, S&A, Royal Latham and and another hidden gem, St Anne’s Ladies.

And then onto north Wales, from Rhyl around to Royal St David’s, Aberdovey and one of my favourites, Ynyslas & Borth. North Wales(Conwy) and Maesdu are definitely worth losing a few golf balls… I played Conwy many times, and often took the first 14 holes to task, but I would drop one or two too many on those last four holes.

The midlands trip, including Beau Desert and Little Aston. Stunning courses that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The Belfry & Forest of Arden… yeah but. There’s history to those course but… meh. Then across to an East Midlands trip, and my most favourite, outstanding course Woodhall Spa. Go a little further and do a few days on the north Norfolk coast. Hunstanton, Royal Cromer, Wells… and one that will blow your mind, Royal West Norfolk(Brancaster). The honours boards alone make you realise you’re somewhere special. Try and play it when there’s a good tide coming in. Playing across water that wasn’t there the day before was… different.

Then, before we cross the channel, it the Cooden/H4H trips. Dare we mention the curry houses the night before? Meeting forumers, some of which I’ve really crossed swords with, like Hogie. Still don’t agree with some of his politics but what a genuinely lovely, lovely guy.

And the the jolly boys went to France. Hardelot, Le Touquet and around that area. Great courses but again a little meh. Portugal for few years, especially around Vilamoura was tailored to golfing holidays. Great golfing days and, I think, great golfing nights.

Our first trip to Spain was to La Manga. Jet2 into the old San Javier. I’ll mention the flight out there first as it set the tone for the next 5 days. The plane was a little over half full. The stewards, recognising we were decent fellows moved us towards the back of the plane. Stella joined us in the airport before we left, and on the plane. Towards the end of the flight we asked the stewardesses if we could build a Stella pyramid in the aisle, expecting a no. Yes lads, and we’ll collect cans from other passengers and bring them back to you. It wouldn’t happen these days but what a Stella start to a fantastic holiday.

There has been so many memorable instances I could probably do a book. But if you only do one overnighter do it with the forum boys.

 

[Whereditgo]

My first big trip was the Castle Stuart trip with Golf Monthly. Spey Valley in horrendous conditions. playing a Golf Monthly vs Jon Findlay select team - still the coldest I have ever been on a golf course! We also played Boat of Garten (though that may have been on the way back). Smiffy arranged a couple of static caravans somewhere near Nairn, we got very wet on the inside that night! Then Nairn and Castle Stuart, brilliant company and some fantastic courses.

Pretty much every year since, other than Covid, a group of around 20 that started out as colleagues vs customers have played a Sweden vs the rest of the World Ryder Cup style event, alternating between Sweden and Europe, one of the most memorable also being a Scotland trip playing Irvine Bogside, Glasgow Gailes, 2 x Old Prestwick, 2 x Dundonald Links and then Carlisle on the way home.

 

[PhilTheFragger]

My first big golf away trip was back in 2014 with The Irish Craic Classic, Organised by some of the Irish lads some of whom are still here

Went up with Gibbo (forum leg end and winner of the "I'm gonna fight someone " prize 2015)
Ferry from Holyhead to Dublin, Met up with @smange and we played a lovely little course called Rossmore for about 15 euros

Met other Forum stallworts like @palindromicbob (Poobah Po Po Bagpipes), @brendy , @bladeplayer @garyinderry @LanDog
Played Concra Wood, Sleive Russell, Farnham Estate
Drank a shedload of ale, ate some fab steak and I needed a holiday afterwards to recover.

Needless to say, it was a great experience.

 

[brendy]

My first big trip was the Castle Stuart trip with Golf Monthly. Spey Valley in horrendous conditions. playing a Golf Monthly vs Jon Findlay select team - still the coldest I have ever been on a golf course! We also played Boat of Garten (though that may have been on the way back). Smiffy arranged a couple of static caravans somewhere near Nairn, we got very wet on the inside that night! Then Nairn and Castle Stuart, brilliant company and some fantastic courses.

Pretty much every year since, other than Covid, a group of around 20 that started out as colleagues vs customers have played a Sweden vs the rest of the World Ryder Cup style event, alternating between Sweden and Europe, one of the most memorable also being a Scotland trip playing Irvine Bogside, Glasgow Gailes, 2 x Old Prestwick, 2 x Dundonald Links and then Carlisle on the way home.

That weekend was so up and down it was ridiculous.
Our flights from Belfast into Inverness were cancelled quite close to the date due to the volcano ash (remember that!!) so we ended up ferrying and driving it. The weather was to be awful on the Friday and hit or miss on the Saturday and Sunday. Friday at Spey valley, it just tipped it down all afternoon, we were finishing on the 18th as the greens were flooding. Cracking course and wouldnt mind playing it again later in the year than the April event back then. Castle Stuart was a pleasure to attend, from the arrival, practice range with pyramids of callaways, concierge service, the course itself, the company and the food afterwards, all top notch. Nairn on Sunday was much drier than we thought itd be and a little wind helped keep it moving.

 

[brendy]

My first big golf away trip was back in 2014 with The Irish Craic Classic, Organised by some of the Irish lads some of whom are still here

Went up with Gibbo (forum leg end and winner of the "I'm gonna fight someone " prize 2015)
Ferry from Holyhead to Dublin, Met up with @smange and we played a lovely little course called Rossmore for about 15 euros

Met other Forum stallworts like @palindromicbob (Poobah Po Po Bagpipes), @brendy , @bladeplayer @garyinderry @LanDog
Played Concra Wood, Sleive Russell, Farnham Estate
Drank a shedload of ale, ate some fab steak and I needed a holiday afterwards to recover.

Needless to say, it was a great experience.

Great weekend also, the pub in Cavan town still carries the best Guinness on the island vote from me, that wee old lady pouring it must have been around to get instructions from Arthur Guinness himself!
The greens at Farnham had some of the best surfaces I'd ever seen, Slieve Russell was a good test (I believe the best moderator won on the day too, eh Phil? I still have the trophy ) and Concra was its usual self, a nightmare if you weren't long and straight off the tee, such a scenic place to play 18 holes. IIRC the World Cup was on and we went into Cavan and watched a match or two and drank plenty! Great fun and right up there with the rest of the Ballyliffin Craic Classic weekends!


This is the son who owns the pub and her mum to the left, honestly she is stood there somewhere.

Pizza place was decent when in need of some drunken grub, only question was whether the eyes were as big as the belly!

My eyes are still burning from Bob turning up in...in this at Slieve Russell.


Im not the most photogenic so this is your lot. Made a great par at this signature par 5 at SR.


The rabble, what a decent bunch of lads, awful golfers, but real salt of the earth fellas. John B won the trophy btw (bottom right).


LanDog on one of the signature holes at Concra Wood with upwards of 200 yards carry over water. Some never made it home...

 

[Imurg]

I see Fragger got dressed in the dark again....

 

[brendy]

I see Fragger got dressed in the dark again....

Some say he takes his clothing influences from three different decades...all at the same time!

 

[Imurg]

Some say he takes his clothing influences from three different decades...all at the same time!

Some say Just because you play like a clown it doesn't mean you have dress like one....apparently...so I heard..

 

[PhilTheFragger]

I’m special

 

[Bazz]

Rodway Hill in Gloucester was my first, in November, it was bloody awful. All because my mate found the cheapest deal he could. Horrible course which should've been closed.

I took up the baton for organising and we've had some good trips, went again this weekend but wasn't the best, half out the 6 were more interested in how much booze they could drink and the other half actually wanted to play golf.

Only three will be going on the trip next year, much easier to organise and I don't need to babysit alcoholics.

 

[GreiginFife]

Not long back from the annual trip to La Manga with the numpties I have for mates. 8 of us this year and we managed to all turn up for all three rounds this year.

No buggies were crashed in the making of this years La Manga Lunacy.