27 JUN 2012: I recently travelled to the west coast of Scotland for a week of marathon golf with three other golf writers and self-confessed addicts. We are all members of an association called The A Position and we called our foursome the Scottish Golf Road Warriors. After a few days of gale force winds, pounding rain and trying to play 36 holes a day we started to refer to ourselves as Weary Golf Road Warriors. However, rain or shine we soldiered on and had a ball, partly because we were well outfitted.
I have chased dimpled white golf balls over five continents so trust me when I tell you that having the right equipment can make your life on the links infinitely more enjoyable. If your clients are planning a golf getaway somewhere soon, perhaps these travel tips will come in handy.
To Schlep or not to Schlep?
First question to ask yourself if you’re flying is, “should I bring my clubs?” I used to have a rule that if I were playing more than three rounds I would bring them. You’ll need to check with your airline to determine allowances, but should you decide to bring your own, and if you often travel with your gear, I’ve found a life-changing airplane bag.
American President Woodrow Wilson once described golf as “a game in which one endeavors to control a ball with implements ill adapted for the purpose.” Most golf travel bags seemed to have been similarly designed. The act of navigating one’s clubs through a busy airport is almost always a stressful and physically demanding exercise. To the rescue comes Sun Mountain’s ClubGlider. The breakthrough design incorporates spring-loaded legs and wheels that are safely tucked in the undercarriage of the body. When extended, they enable the user to pull along this perfectly balanced travel bag with a mere fingertip. Although the case is large enough for a tour bag, it’s also easily folded and stored.
One of the five finalists in The Golf Channel’s “Fore Inventors Only” new products showcase, Sun Mountain built the ClubGlider with sufficient padding and a rugged exterior that stands up to just about anything airport baggage handlers can throw at it. Another way of looking at this investment is: spend more time of the fairways and less at the chiropractor.
Should you decide to rent clubs I think you’ll find that most golf courses stock first quality name brands.
Sometimes what you can rent is better than what you own and it’s a chance to give the rentals a test drive, especially in you’re in the market for new sticks. At Fairmont’s golf resorts, guests can rent new TaylorMades for a fee. Fairmont also allows guests, who are members of the Fairmont President’s Club, to reserve a set of the latest TaylorMade clubs at select city hotels (non-golf properties) up to seven days in advance for FREE (based on availability.) So let’s say you’re travelling on business and there’s a chance to “network” with a key client over a round. Simply request the clubs when you make your reservation, pack your glove and shoes and you’re good to go.
Happy Feet
Speaking of golf shoes, I’ve discovered that Ecco’s Street Luxe shoes are so stylish and comfortable you can use the same pair both on the fairways and for sightseeing and save on real estate and kilos in your baggage. Ultra cool pro golfer Freddie Couples wears these contemporary hybrid sneakers so you’ll be in good company.
Swingin’ in the Rain
Now I know it never rains on the golf course, but just in case, follow the Boy Scout motto: Be prepared. Let’s say you’re at some trophy course that you’ve got one window of opportunity to play and it’s pouring. I’ve found that a few key rain items can turn a miserable round into a comfortable one.
Sun Mountain’s rain gear kept me snug and dry throughout extreme conditions during our Scottish trip. I especially like their rain pants because they have deep, zipped pockets and a clever snap system that lets you adjust the hem.
You will also find that a pair of rain gloves (FootJoys are great) will allow you to get a grip and keep it. In fact, the wetter they get the better the grip. From my experience, the cost of stocking up on rain gear, balls, etc. in Europe and the UK is far more expensive than in Canada, so head out to your nearest Golf Town store for one-stop shopping.
High Tech Tools
Every year the golf club and ball manufacturers come out with new products designed to help you hit it longer and straighter.
In most cases, you’d be better off spending your money on a lesson or two. However, I do have a new “toy” that really does deliver more distance. It’s the TaylorMade Rocketbalz driver. It comes with a screwdriver so you can adjust the loft and face angle. The advanced aerodynamic shape of the club head reduces drag and increases club speed. Today I tried the demo Rocketbalz fairway woods and rescue club. I won’t get too technical but there’s a slot in the sole of the club that TaylorMade calls a speed pocket for the ultimate blast off.
And yes, it’s legal.
