How to Plan a Golf Trip with a Group (Step-by-Step)

Most golf trips don't die over the courses. They die in the group chat, over dates, money and "who else is going?" Do things in this order and you'll actually get on the first tee.

1. Get real commitments first

Everyone's a "yes" until it's time to pay. Before you research anything, get a list of who's genuinely in. Keep a bench of alternates: if you want 8 golfers, keep 10–12 names in mind, because someone always drops out.

Plan in multiples of four. Otherwise the course pairs a stranger with your group, or someone sits out.

2. Pick dates by vote, not debate

Offer two or three weekend blocks and let people vote. Then pick and move on. Groups that run the trip every year often lock a standing date, like "the third week of April," so the date is never up for debate again.

3. Set the budget before the destination

Agree on a per-person range (golf + lodging) before anyone falls in love with a bucket-list resort. Shared costs are easy to forget: rental cars or a van, groceries and drinks for the house, caddie tips, and the prize pot. Run the numbers here.

4. Choose the destination

Let the group weigh in on the region, then the organizer picks. Three questions decide most trips:

• Drive or fly? A non-stop flight plus a longer drive usually beats a regional connection that strands your golf bags.
• Season. Shoulder season is the value sweet spot. Desert golf in summer is cheap for a reason.
• One house or a resort? Eight golfers fits a big rental house or a resort cottage. Twenty-plus usually means a hotel room block.

Browse destination guides →

5. Collect deposits immediately

This is the #1 organizer pain point. Courses and resorts often want money up front, and the organizer ends up fronting thousands on a personal card.

Some groups use a quarterly payment plan so the cost doesn't land all at once. Use the free deposit tracker →

6. Book lodging and tee times

Call instead of clicking. Resort golf shops and stay-and-play desks will often book tee times at nearby courses for your whole group. For 12 or more, ask about group rates and back-to-back tee times. Confirm cancellation and rain policies in writing.

7. Sort travel and transport

Decide who rents the vehicles, who drives after the round, and whether bags fly or ship. Two SUVs or a passenger van hold 8 golfers and their bags. Put each person's flight on a shared sheet.

8. Plan the competition

A trip with something on the line beats four random rounds. Most buddy trips land on a Ryder Cup format: two teams, team formats early, singles last. Make sure everyone has a handicap (a GHIN) so even the 25-handicapper has a shot. Generate fair pairings →

9. Send one itinerary (and only one)

About 30–45 days out, send a single doc with tee times, foursomes, the room list, addresses, dinner reservations, the drivers and a packing list. When anyone asks "what time are we playing?", point them to the doc. Get the checklist →