Tailoring accommodation to needs of golfers

[Barbara Devoti]

Seeking suggestions/feedback on how accommodation could be better improved for the specific needs of golfers. Any ideas large or small greatly appreciated.

[Bravo]

Hi Barb:

Tell us a little more about yourself (not personally).

What do you do? Looks like you live in Scotland. Do you have a golf travel agency? Are you in a golf-related business related to tourism in Scotland?

[SiberianDVM]

Practice greens in every room!
Beer girls on every hole!

[Barbara Devoti]

I work for VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board in Scotland and I am involved in a project through which we hope to improve and make accommodation even more welcoming to golfers from overseas and from home. I liked Siberians suggestions, can't promise the beer or the greens in the room but all will be passed on and who knows what some accommodation owners might decide to do, so please keep suggestions flowing!

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by Barbara Devoti

Seeking suggestions/feedback on how accommodation could be better improved for the specific needs of golfers. Any ideas large or small greatly appreciated.

Lodging owners should provide locked spaces for guests' clubs. Leaving clubs in the car (if not in an enclosed trunk (boot?) invites a "smash and grab" robbery. Lugging clubs up flights of stairs to a room every night is a pain. Literally.

[Slingblade61]

Welcome aboard Barbra!

If you could provide a link to your site I'd be happy to post it on the front page. We already have one travel outfit there (See golf in the holy land).

As for your request, I find myself wholly unqualified to offer any advise as I have not yet had the opportunity to travel to Scotland. My ancestors left there about 400 years ago and I don't think we're allowed back yet.

On the other hand, if you wanted to send me on a trip I think I could sneak by the authorities and give your request a proper evaluation.

[Bravo]

Originally Posted by Barbara Devoti

I work for VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board in Scotland and I am involved in a project through which we hope to improve and make accommodation even more welcoming to golfers from overseas and from home. I liked Siberians suggestions, can't promise the beer or the greens in the room but all will be passed on and who knows what some accommodation owners might decide to do, so please keep suggestions flowing!

A group of my friends traveled there a year ago on a super trip - which amazingly - they planned themselves using the internet without any assistance.

They were able to get their own airfares, tee times and accommodations just fine. Everything relating to this went as planned.

There was a substantial debate about ground transportation. Rent a vehicle and drive from town to town or engage a coach company? It was decided to engage the coach company.

As it ended up, the coach driver was assigned to them every day, all day. He would drive them to the course and ask them what they wanted for lunch. Of course he offered suggestions on locally available food which he obtained once they made their decision. As they walked off the last hole from the morning round, there he was with their lunch. He gophered anything they needed, from extra socks to outerwear and they all were unaminous in their praise of him...he also was able to rearrange tee times for afternoon rounds based on decisions they made once they were in Scotland and suggested other courses they should consider...(they played the Old Course, Muirfield, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, North Berwick, Turnberry Ailsa and four other lesser known courses that Neil suggested. They loved them all.)

At the end of their five day journey....he received a 100 BP tip from each of the 8 players. They said that on the next trip, they will do everything the same, but make certain they call Neil first to make certain that he was available during the timeframe they planned to visit...

I think if you could provide some sort of 'personal driver/valet' for groups that provides services for players such as this, it would be a big hit...all they wanted in terms of accommodations was a good, clean bed in a quiet room and the ability to walk to a pub closeby.

[Adam Pettman]

I'm from Scotland.And would represent every golfer in the world in return for a round of golf at St Andrews.

[SiberianDVM]

Originally Posted by Adam Pettman

I'm from Scotland.And would represent every golfer in the world in return for a round of golf at St Andrews.

Hey, I'm from Augusta, GA. Do you think I've been invited to the National?

[Bravo]

Originally Posted by Adam Pettman

I'm from Scotland.And would represent every golfer in the world in return for a round of golf at St Andrews.

Adam...the man I am referencing lives in St. Andrews and is a member of the Trust.

Would it help if I could put you in touch with him by phone?

[Adam Pettman]

Is that a serious offer ?????