For a passionate golfer like you nothing can parallel the charms of a golf vacation in Scotland! Even if you can not make it to Scotland—-the home of golf—-you can still enjoy a perfect golf vacation anywhere else in the world, if you go by a well chalked out planning. Here are some tips to help you plan your golf vacation to the perfection.

Golf vacations are generally expensive; to get the maximum value from it, you have to keep many other details in mind other the arrangements for accommodation and transportation.

First decide on the destination

* At home or around the world, you will come to find a number of alluring golf courses some of them tucked in the foothill of a magnificent mountain, some sitting pretty like an oasis amidst the busting city life or some of them sprawling near historical castles or monuments.

* So first decide what among these can work to your liking and then choose the destination.

* In case you are accompanied by non- golfers, it is a must to consider their views in this matter. This will allow you to concentrate on your game while they are busy exploring the other attractions.

Searching the destination

In the USA alone you can find over 300 golf resorts; not to include the total number of golf packages offered by the resorts and hotels all over the world.

* So you see options are endless; you only have to pick out the right one.

* For that you can do two things; stage a search on your own on internet by googling with the keyword—Golf Resorts around the World.

* Secondly you can consult your travel agent to help you find out the right resort depending on your budget and vacation requirements and the type of game you are looking forward to.

* Your state and area golf associations, Chambers of Commerce and Convention Bureaus can also be your good source of information on golfing destinations.

Choose the accommodation wisely

* When golfing is the main highlight of your vacation, then choose the golf course first and then look for the nearest accommodation.

* The adjoining resorts are usually expensive. If your budget permits, you should prefer an expensive resort near your course rather than choosing a cheaper accommodation far from the course.

You should take help of the specialty travel agents for taking care of the detailed travel plan

A golfing travel agent will help you design your golf vacation the way you want to enjoy it taking care of all details like booking teeing times, arranging for lessons, carts etc. Even if you are staying in a golf resort, you have to abide by the teeing rules of the property and for that book the tee time well in advance—this will be taken good care of by your agent.

* When you are in a group of two or more, stay prepared for more stringent teeing rules; while for the single players, booking tee time is somewhat easier.

* In the winter season when days are shorter, it becomes harder to find tee time after 1 p.m. The warmer seasons allow you play for longer. Keep these factors in mind while booking your golf holiday.

Choose the travel agent with care

You need to do a little research to find legitimate golf travel agent. It is preferable that you deal with an agent that belongs to major travel organizations like the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) or the National Tour Association (NTA).

In this regard you can find more information from the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (800-542-4282 or go on-line at www.icta.com), and the U.S. Tour Operators Association (212-750-7371 or go on-line at www.ustoa.com).

How to slash the cost

* Look for packages that include accommodation and tee time in its price; the services are lot more costlier if purchased separately.

* In the USA or outside it, insist on golf resorts and hotels with golf courses that offer ‘stay & play’ golf packages. You can also look for the hotels that offer discounted ‘stay & play’ packages.

* But before buying any of these packages, make sure of such details as arrival/departure dates, how many persons the quoted rates apply to etc.

Detailed planning and research can save you from on the spot nasty surprises! So plan well and when you finally set your feet on the course, tee it off with style.