IN ORDER TO PROCESS A RESERVATION WE REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING:
TRAVELING PARTY DETAILS: Please forward a list of your party’s names, golf club and handicap details at your earliest convenience.
DEPOSIT: A $250.00 per person non-refundable deposit is required to book your tour. Deposits may be paid by Visa, MasterCard or American Express*. * Some vendors may not accept American Express. Please note each vendor will charge your party a deposit at time of confirmation and Grand Golf Travel will advise you of these charges.
HANDICAP INFORMATION: When traveling to the UK or Ireland please have a copy of each golfer’s handicap card OR a letter of introduction from your golf professional stating your handicap. You may be asked to prove your handicap at time of check in at the golf course.
AIR DETAILS: Please forward both arrival and departure air itineraries of all your party at your earliest convenience. Grand Golf Travel require this information to confirm your transportation and meet & greet.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
CANCELLATION POLICY: In the event of a cancellation, written notice of your cancellation must be emailed to Grand Golf Travel as soon as possible. A trip is not considered to have been cancelled until written notice has been received from Grand Golf Travel. If any trip is canceled by Grand Golf Travel all deposits and payments will be refunded in full, otherwise cancellation charges will apply as follows to each traveler:
• 90 days or more before arrival at destination: loss of deposit plus any supplemental fees or deposits charged by vendors (golf courses, hotels, etc.).
• 89 days or less before arrival at destination there will be no refund.
There are No Refunds for unused portions of the confirmed tour. The Golf Travel Co. reserves the right to cancel, change or substitute any service and to decline to accept or retain any tour member at any time for any reason.
FINAL BALANCE: You will be notified when your final balances are due to the vendors and final payment may be paid by Visa, MasterCard or American Express*. * Some vendors may not accept American Express.
SPECIAL SERVICES: Special arrangements (i.e. tournament tickets, private homes, train tickets, etc.) are non-refundable.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: In the event of any unforeseen emergency Grand Golf Travel highly recommends travel insurance to protect yourself and your traveling companions. We also recommend that you obtain accident and baggage travel insurance. Grand Golf Travel is not liable for loss, damage or theft of luggage or personal belongings, or for personal injury, accident or illness. Grand Golf Travel includes information on travel insurance at the time of reservation.
PRICES: All tour costs are provided in U.S. Dollars and are subject to change due to major currency fluctuation. The total price of the tour is not guaranteed until Grand Golf Travel has received payment in full.
CHANGES: Once a tour has been booked and confirmed, an administrative fee of $100.00 may be charged for each subsequent change in the tour. In addition, any fees charged by vendors if applicable. Reservations are NOT transferable without the consent of Grand Golf Travel Co. Any name change is subject to an administration fee plus any fees charged by vendors if applicable.
CAR RENTAL: A valid U.S. driver’s license is required for all drivers. Drivers must be at least 21 years of age. Certain car companies and/or car categories have differing minimum and maximum driving ages – please check with our Golf Travel Consultants for details. Unlimited mileage, local value added taxes (VAT), and collision damage waiver insurance (CDW) are included. Rates do not include gasoline and personal accident insurance.
PASSPORT: For U.S. citizens a current passport is required for travel to Grand Golf Travel destinations. Citizens of other countries should check with their appropriate Embassy.
AIR TRANSPORTATION: Packages do not include airfare unless specified. Contact Grand Golf Travel office for air advice.
FINAL DOCUMENTS: Upon receipt of full payment, travelers will receive a detailed itinerary and all necessary travel documents within 21 days of departure. Reservation Form, provided at the time of booking, must be completed and returned to Grand Golf Travel before any Final Documents will be sent to travelers.
HANDICAPS: Several of the golf courses at Grand Golf Travel destinations around the world require visitors to be a member of a recognized golf club and to hold an official handicap. Some courses have maximum handicap restrictions. Please check with our office or our web site for a complete listing. Grand Golf Travel accepts no responsibility for clients being refused golf if they do not meet these requirements.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Grand Golf Travel has contracted with independent contractors in securing and booking the services provided in their tours and is not responsible for any negligent act and/or omissions of these independent contractors, their employees, agents, servants or representatives. Grand Golf Travel gives notice that in issuing coupons, vouchers or tickets for travel conveyance or transport by any means, and in making arrangements for golf, hotels or other accommodations, they are acting not as principals but as agents only for the companies, corporations or persons providing or offering their service. Grand Golf Travel is not responsible or liable, with respect to person or property, for any loss, damage, injury, accident, delay or irregularity however sustained or suffered during any trip or tour arranged by them. Grand Golf Travel accepts no responsibility for and shall not be liable in respect of loss or damage or changes caused by force majeure events such as strikes, riots, political unrest, war hostilities, or threat of war, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, fire, flood, weather problems or any other event or action not within the control of Grand Golf Travel. The responsibility and liability of international air carriers are subject to international conventions limiting their liability, which limitations of liability are contained on the reverse side of your airline ticket and form part of the terms and conditions hereof.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The following travel information will greatly assist you with preparing for your vacation and hopefully answer any additional questions you might have about your golf trip.
Value Added Tax (V.A.T.)
Throughout the UK and Ireland, Value Added Tax is charged on most goods and services at a rate of approximately 13.5% – 21%. Foreign visitors can reclaim the VAT, minus an administrative fee, on purchases over a minimum limit (check with the store for their limit). Be sure to obtain the tax refund documentation from the store where the item is purchased. The refund is processed at the refund agency’s counter at the airport of departure. Refunds only apply to goods being taken out of the country, not services.
Currency and Money Exchange
You may bring foreign currency notes, traveller’s checks, etc. in any currency and amount. If your arrival is on the weekend, we suggest you change a small amount of U.S. Dollars to local currency prior to travel, as most banks (other than at your arrival airport) will not be open to exchange funds.
Banks are generally open 9.30 am to 4.30 pm – Monday – Friday (Closed weekends and public holidays). Bureau de Change at the airports are open on the weekends to accommodate all flight arrivals. We would recommend that you do not change any money in your hotel, as the exchange rates offered are generally less favourable.
While in the UK or Ireland traveller’s checks, denominated in UK pounds or Euros as applicable, are an excellent way to protect against carrying too much hard currency and are easier to cash than traveller’s checks denominated in US$. If you decide to take traveller’s checks, be sure to leave a copy of the numbers of the checks at home or in your office in case they are lost.
A convenient alternative is credit cards (American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Diners Club), which are widely accepted. Most large shops, stores, hotels and restaurants will accept the majority of credit cards. However, it is advisable to carry some cash in case of difficulty, as many smaller establishments (pubs, small shops, golf club lounges) may only accept certain credit cards (sometimes just MasterCard & Visa). Cash will be required for all caddie fees.
ATM machines are available all over the UK / Ireland, (check with your local bank for compatibility with your card and charges). There is normally a maximum withdrawal of £250 / € 400 per day from most ATM machines. Exchange rates offered are generally very favorable.
Weather
Hopefully, the weather will allow for perfect conditions while you are on the course, but you must be prepared for all kinds of weather. If you would like a detailed weather forecast on each area just prior to your trip we recommend you log on to the following sites: for UK – www.bbc.co.uk/weather or for Ireland – www.met.ie
GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
Passport Requirements
All non-European community visitors must have a valid passport to enter the United Kingdom and Ireland. Your passport must have a valid date at least three months following the date you will be returning home. No visa is required for holders of American and Canadian passports. Travellers from other countries, please check with your nearest UK or Irish Embassy as appropriate.
NOTE: We highly recommend bringing a photocopy of your passport with you in case yours is lost, or stolen, in transit. You should copy all pages which include important identifying information including your picture (normally the first couple of pages). This will greatly assist in securing a replacement passport in the unlikely event that you need to replace your passport while travelling. It is also a good idea to leave a separate copy at home as well.
Customs
United Kingdom & Ireland customs operate on a Red/Green/Blue (EC Arrivals) door system. After claiming your baggage from the airline, simply proceed out through one of the available channels, depending on whether or not you have anything to declare. If you are making an internal connecting flight then you will be required to go through customs with hand luggage only as your suitcases, golf clubs, etc. should have been checked straight through to your final destination. Most visitors proceed directly through the green channel, since restrictions are primarily only on gift items you are bringing to the country.
Baggage Allowance
Typically, airlines allow passengers to check 2 bags and 1 carry-on bag suitable for storage under your seat or in the overhead storage compartment. Any additional pieces are subject to an excess baggage charge. A golfer therefore, will be allowed to check only 1 major piece of luggage as well as a golf bag. Non-golfers may check-in 2 bags. Always have a note of your name etc. attached to each piece of luggage. NOTE: Grand Golf Travel strongly recommends that you do not travel with a hard sided golf club case because of the amount of room that it takes up, especially in rental cars. A soft cover travel case is recommended along with a ‘Sunday bag’ or normal carry bag, not a ‘Cart bag’.
Luggage Space
You should always pack as lightly as possible due to limited car rental space. This means in order to maintain a reasonable level of comfort you must limit your luggage to two pieces per person (including your golf bag). NOTE: Two passengers sharing a mid-size will normally have to use the back seat to accommodate some luggage. IMPORTANT NOTE: Never leave luggage or golf clubs in your car unattended at any time.
Drivers License / Driving Age
A valid US or Canadian driver’s license is required by anyone who shall be driving in the UK or Ireland. Minimum age for driving rental cars is 21 (25 on certain categories) in the UK and 21 in Ireland. The maximum driving age is 75 in both the UK & Ireland.
Golf Club General Rules/Dress Code
Clubhouse accommodations, visitor’s facilities and dress regulations vary in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland. The majority of clubs have visitors changing facilities, plus a bar and dining room where you can relax without the necessity of a coat and tie. A few of the more traditional clubs require gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie to enter the main bar and the dining room. Collar-less or sleeveless shirts are not permitted on the golf courses. Shorts may be worn at most courses but you should check the local club rules on this before play on the day. NOTE: Wearing shorts may not permit you access to certain parts of some clubs after you have finished your round. You may want to bring some long pants to change into as appropriate.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
What Should You Pack (Only Suggestions)
Golf: To allow for all weather conditions we recommend you pack the following for golf – sweaters, turtle necks, stocking cap, warm slacks (e.g. corduroy), warm socks, rain suit, umbrella, two pairs of golf shoes and golf shirts (short & long). Weather permitting, tailored golf shorts can also be worn at most courses. However, shorts may limit access to certain parts of the clubhouse. It is recommended that you get approval at check-in if you plan to wear shorts. The key word overall is layering, Due to the often-changing weather pattern, it is not uncommon to experience several seasons in the course of one round! NOTE: The newer ‘mock turtle neck’ shirts are acceptable wear at most clubs.
Non-Golf Clothing (Dining Wear): Men – In the evening, for gentlemen, a good general rule at deluxe hotels is to wear a sports jacket, with tie optional. At all other hotels a sweater or golf shirt would be considered appropriate attire, with sports jacket optional. Ladies – A cocktail or evening dress is appropriate at deluxe hotels. At all other hotels smart, casual attire is appropriate.
Early Morning Hotel Arrivals
As in the USA or Canada, hotels in the UK & Ireland have applicable check-in and check-out times. It is normal for the earliest check-in time to be between 12.00 Noon – 2.00 PM, although this will vary from hotel to hotel. If you have an early morning arrival, the hotels will do their best to accommodate you in a room as soon as possible, but this cannot necessarily be guaranteed until their published check-in time.
Early Morning Hotel Departures & Breakfast
If you are departing early in the morning then we recommend that you settle your hotel account the evening before to prevent delay in the morning. Breakfasts are normally served from 7.30 AM to 9.00 AM. Check with reception at each hotel. If your check out is before normal breakfast hours then a continental breakfast can usually be arranged.
Electrical Equipment
The UK and Ireland use 240v power outlets. The use of an adapter is therefore necessary for the appliances you bring with you. If you choose to take an adapter, it will only work with appliances, which are dual voltage, unless it has a dual voltage adapter built in.
Prescription Drugs
Those taking prescription drugs on the trip may wish to have a letter from a physician explaining the type of drug being taken and the reason it has been prescribed, in case a refill is required while travelling.