Top golf destinations for 2010
Flight price search and comparison website, Cheapflights.co.uk, has scoured the globe to unveil the world's Top 10 Golf destinations for 2010, and help travellers swing into action.
"While the Ryder Cup is one of the world's most important golfing events, avid players may prefer to be part of the action rather than spending their time on the sidelines as observers," says Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert for Cheapflights.co.uk
"Active holidays are one of the more popular trends for this year, and as it's the season to be golfing, now is the perfect time to combine your love for the sport with a holiday," adds Hallak.
Here we take a sneak peak at three of the Top 10 destinations compiled by Cheapflights with insider tips on airline regulations, and packing tips for golfing equipment:
Portugal: An all time favourite for holidaying Brits, it also boasts some of the world's most impressive golf courses including San Lorenzo, Vale de Lobo, Vilamoura, and Quinta de Lago. Golf lovers can take their pick of greens with flights to Portugal from £49 return including tax.
Spain: Another popular British favourite, Spain's Costa del Sol played host to the 1997 Ryder Cup, drawing crowds of A-list celebs, who return regularly to resorts like Aloha, Las Brisas, and Torrequebrada. Grab a golf getaway in Spain from just £43 return.
Florida: Orlando boasts more tour pros per square mile than any other city, and has a huge selection of public-access golf, with Bay Hill, Grand Cypress, Orange County National and Disney, to name just a few. Ponte Vedra Beach is home of the PGA Tour, and is known for Players Championship Venue TPC at Sawgrass. Other "greats" include Amelia Island and the World Golf Village. Flights to Orlando start from £365 return.
Every airline also has a different policy when it comes to sports equipment, so check with your carrier what exactly their requirements are for transporting golf bags. Cheapflights.co.uk issues insider advice to ensure a smooth journey:
* Baggage allowance: golf bags must be checked and thus count towards your baggage allowance however, they aren't subject to normal baggage size restrictions and can measure up to 75x29.5x25.5 inches (190x75x65 cm) and weigh up to 50 lb (23 kg).
* Equipment regulation: airlines are strict about what constitutes golf equipment. Don't put anything other than your clubs (max. 14), golf balls (max. 12) and golf shoes in the bag, otherwise you may have to pay extra fees. Some airlines allow a golf umbrella, too.
* Appropriate packaging: if you transport your clubs in a soft bag, most airlines will make you sign a limited liability release and won't cover any damage to your equipment sustained during the flight, so a protective bag or hard shell case is strongly recommended.
* Going through security: fertilizer can set off explosive trace detection machines. If you're being swabbed and test positively, tell airport security that you've spent the last week on a golf course and are likely to have picked up traces of fertilizer there.
* Baggage collection: be prepared to wait a little longer for your bags. Oversized baggage such as golf bags are often loaded into the plane first and unloaded last. This is especially important when you book connecting flights and need to re-check your bags. Allow plenty of time for collecting your baggage and checking it in for the connecting flight.
* Don't skimp on insurance: You spent a lot of money on your clubs. Don't be cheap when it comes to golf travel insurance. Not only will you be covered for loss or damages during transport, most golf travel insurance policies also cover the costs of hiring clubs (in case yours get lost on the flight), non-refundable green fees and liability.
To view the full list of Top 10 golfing destinations, visit: cheapflights.co.uk