Frequently Asked Questions

We’re here to make your golf trip as smooth and memorable as possible. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about travelling and playing golf in Ireland, Scotland, and England—along with expert tips from our team.

About Halcyon

What does Halcyon Golf Travel do?

We are specialists in planning and executing golf trips to the UK on behalf of our customers. This consists of suggesting and booking your accommodation, tee times, caddies, transportation, dinner reservations, sightseeing and experiences unique to Scotland, England and Ireland. We combine all of these elements together and sell them to you as a customised package. Personal hosting services throughout your golf trip are available on request.

We create bespoke golf experiences, tailoring every aspect of your trip – from courses and accommodation to transport and dining.

Our Golf Travel Experts are with you every step of the way, from start to finish. With our team available 24/7, we’re always ready to ensure everything runs smoothly. You’ll even have their personal number, so whether you need assistance, have a question, or just want to talk about that tough bunker shot, we’re only a call away!

Our fully accessible itinerary, available on both our website and app, keeps you updated in real-time. From tee times to accommodation details, everything is just a tap away.

It even includes all your trip inclusions, dress code reminders, and local restaurant and pub recommendations. Plus, everyone in your group can access the itinerary, so there are no surprises along the way.

You can pay using any major credit card, including Amex, or opt for Klarna instalments if that’s more convenient. Need separate invoices? We can do that too! Enjoy hassle-free payments that work around your needs.

Planning and booking early is the key to guarantee your preferred tee times, especially on the most famous courses. As a general guideline, the ideal time to book a golf trip for the following year is around March or April, approximately 12–18 months in advance. However, there are exceptions. For instance, if you plan to play at Muirfield, you’ll need to have your arrangements in place by mid-February the previous year.

Another key consideration is the size of your group. The larger the group, the earlier you should secure your booking. For the most sought-after courses, booking consecutive tee times often requires acting as soon as the course’s schedule becomes available. Conversely, smaller groups of 2–4 golfers have more flexibility. We can usually arrange something closer to your desired date, especially if you’re open to afternoon tee times or pairing with another twosome.

golfers and friends on golf trip in Scotland

Golf Travel

When is the best time to visit Scotland to play golf? 

The best time for a Scotland golf trip is May to September, offering the warmest weather and best playing conditions. April and October are quieter but still great for play. Links golf courses in Scotland have excellent drainage, and are playable year-round. Just be prepared for Scotland’s unpredictable weather!

May to September provide the best weather conditions for golf vacations in Ireland with July and August being the warmest months. April and October are also great, there’s a lot less tourists but the airs a little crisper. It goes without saying the climate is a little temperamental in Ireland, so course maintenance relies partly on the previous few months weather but tends to happen out of season.

May to September provide the best weather conditions for golf vacations in England. April and October are also good months to visit, it will be a little quieter and a little cooler. Course maintenance is very weather dependent but tends to happen out of season. The only exception to this is around London, where sometimes they ‘punch’ the greens in August. Halcyon Golf Travel will be able to advise on planned course maintenance during the planning phases of your trip.

Take a look at our example itineraries for a good guide to pricing. Our custom golf trips start from £4000 per person for a 7 night trip, going up to £10,000+ per week. This would include accommodation, breakfast, green fees and travel arrangements. Remember all of our golf trips are bespoke, so we can work with you to create a dream golf trip within your budget.

The best way to describe the weather, is unpredictable. It’s likely you’ll experience all 4 seasons during your visit, especially in Scotland and Ireland! You can view average temperatures and rainfall in Scotland, Ireland and England on our destination pages.

Royal Portrush Dunluce course

General

What currency is used in Scotland, Ireland and England?

In Scotland and England and Northern Ireland, the currency is British Pounds Sterling. In the Republic of Ireland the local currency is Euro.

All visitors travelling to Scotland, England, or Northern Ireland will now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. It’s similar to the U.S. ESTA program – a quick and easy digital travel permission.

The ETA is valid for multiple visits to the UK over two years, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first) and the application is simple – only taking about 5–10 minutes to complete. You’ll need your passport, contact details, and a digital photo.

The easiest way is through the UK ETA app, available on Google Play or the Apple App Store. Or you can apply online at GOV.UK. 

It costs £16 and typically takes less than 3 working days to process – often quicker but we recommend sorting your ETA well in advance of your trip to ensure there are no issues. If you need help, just ask – we’re happy to guide you through it.

UK outlets differ from those in the USA and Australia. Plugs here are three-pronged so bring the appropriate adapters for your electronics. We use Type G, 240 V. It’s also a good idea to bring phone power banks as a backup.

St Andrews Old-Course---Hole-1

Ready to start your golf adventure of a lifetime?