To arrange a golf trip: call 763-245-4710, or Contact Us. If you get a recording, we are probably golfing, but we will get back to you promptly when we return.
Book Early: There can be tremendous pressure on certain courses, especially at certain times of the year, thus it is very important planning as much as a year before your projected departure date (in the case of St. Andrews, 18 months).
Deposit Schedule: When creating custom-designed packages, as soon as G&MG receives a $400 per person deposit (in some circumstances, due to heavily booked destinations, a larger deposit may may be required), we will immediately begin designing your golf adventure. The balance is due 75 days prior to your scheduled departure.
Cancellations: Please notify G&MG in writing if you are forced to cancel. Cancellation charges will include all deposits lost to courses and lodging, plus a $100 handling fee. If any trip is cancelled by G&MG, all deposits and payments will be refunded in full.
Tour costs: Tour costs cannot be guaranteed until payment is received by G&MG. G&MG reserves the right to adjust its rates if foreign exchange rates fluctuate or other unforeseen circumstances arise. Typically the tour price includes only guaranteed tee times and golf fees, lodging (with full breakfast included) and land transportation (auto hire or coach-driver). All other charges, unless specified in the itinerary, are not included in the tour. Airline transportation can be arranged by G&MG but airline prices cannot be guaranteed until ticketed, and frequent flyer upgrades cannot be arranged.
Maneuvering past a truck on the narrowest of narrow roads, with 45 minutes to go eight miles... did we make our next tee time on time??
Transportation: If you are ordering a self-drive car or mini-bus, for safety reasons G&MG reserves automatic transmission vehicles (left-side drive, you know), unless you specifically request a manual transmission. Rental car drivers must be 21 years of age or older, and a supplemental charge may be required at the airport for additional drivers. The normal maximum age for drivers is 70 years, although extensions to 75 can sometimes be obtained. G&MG rental cars include Standard Insurance. Car rental rates do not include gasoline.
With groups comprised of at least 8 persons or more, the best way to enjoy your trip is for G&MG to arrange a coach (minibus or bus) and a driver/guide. If at all possible, leave the driving to an expert who does not white-knuckle over left side drive, roundabouts and narrow roads. And, most importantly, he knows how long it takes to get from point A to point B.
Accommodations: Accommodations are booked on a twin bed basis (two single beds in a room) with a private bath, unless a room with a double bed is specifically requested. Guests can always request upgraded rooms, suites at an additional cost. Should a specific hotel be unavailable, a same-standard, alternative hotel will be arranged.
Travel Insurance: G&MG strongly recommends you take out travel insurance in the event of personal injury, forced cancellation, lost luggage or illness, none of which is in the control of G&MG. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you must sign an Insurance Waiver Form. Without this signed form your reservation cannot be confirmed.
Passport: Be sure everything is in order with your passport. And remember, your passport name and the name on your airline ticket must be the same.
Tour Documentation: No later than 3 weeks prior to departure, G&MG will provide the lead golfer pre-paid vouchers to cover golf, lodging and transportation, as well as any other information relevant to your itinerary.
Restaurants, sightseeing, shopping, special events: G&MG can offer a number of recommendations for any trip you might arrange to either Scotland or Ireland.
Caddies and Carts: G&MG will gladly order caddies for you but they cannot always be guaranteed; it is recommended you call the course prior to arrival to re-confirm the availability of the caddies. Payment for the caddy is made directly to the caddy or the club. Sturdy pull carts are almost always available, but they can be cumbersome... best to bring a bungee cord to secure your bag to the cart. Most of the links courses do not allow motorized carts, but some of the parkland and resort courses have a limited supply.
Spikes: Soft spikes!
Golf Handicaps: Many courses no longer ask, but, in the event you are asked, you should be prepared to present an official handicap card and a letter of recommendation from your home golf professional. Golf handicap limits are 24 for men and 36 for women.
Money: ATMs are readily available and will accept American cards. Banks offer the best rate of exchange for travelers checks or cash. The exchange rate for purchases made with major credit cards is generally very reasonable.
When to go: It depends. Weather can be very seasonable in late April or May and prices lower than the summer months, but the courses may not be in the “nik” of condition. And what about activities and events other than golf? Check with G&MG for suggestions.
Non-Golfers: G&MG welcomes those understanding relatives or friends of hopelessly addicted golfers. We can offer superb sightseeing and a range of activities to meet the needs of non-golfers.
Changes: An administrative fee of $25 per person will be charged for requested changes after deposit has been received and confirmation forwarded. No changes can be made less than 60 days prior to departure.
Refunds: No refunds can be made for any unused portions of the trip. If for any reason you are unable to play any particular course, please contact that course directly.
Responsibility: G&MG acts solely as an independent contractor for the actual suppliers of transportation, golf-related activities and accommodations. G&MG does not assume any responsibility from any expense, loss, cause of action, any claim, injury, or damage that participant may incur relating to the failure by any third party (golf course, lodging, transportation, or airline) to perform its obligation to provide goods, services, or accommodations; the willful misconduct or negligence of any third party in connection with the performance of its obligation to provide goods, accommodations or services; or any act of God, Civil War, disturbance, conflict, strike, theft, governmental action or any other event or action not within the control of G&MG.