Pro travel guide
24/25
Welcome PGA Professional
Last year was a record year for PGA professionals taking groups of members and clients away on trips with us. Many of these have already rebooked for 2024, as more and more PGA members recognise the vast wealth of benefits travel can bring to their business.
And, as our Pro Travel Club community of PGA professionals continues to rapidly expand after its introduction last year, so do the offerings with have in place for you as a Pro! This year sees the exciting introduction of our Pro Travel Club Socials, bringing travel minded pros together in one space and our Annual Pro Travel Club Awards, recognising travel excellence amongst PGA members, to go alongside the £500 credit we offer you, simply for booking your travel with us!
In this brochure, we’ve handpicked resorts boasting world-class amenities, including fantastic practice facilities, perfect for your next coaching break with members as well as expert advice from fellow PGA professionals who are seasoned travellers.
Is this the year you join the hundreds of PGA professionals across the country offering travel to their membership and creating a lucrative additional income stream? If so, we look forward to welcoming you to our Pro Travel Club and helping you create unforgettable golfing memories for you and your members.
Foster
bfoster@golfbreaks.com 07471 034 852
Meet the Golfbreaks Pro Travel team
Here to guide you every step of the way, and plan the perfect golf break for you and your guests. Joe Bowrey
Shaya Ghambari
jbowrey@golfbreaks.com 01753 752 880
sghambari@golfbreaks.com 01753 752 880 Josh Wright
jwright@golfbreaks.com 01753 752 880
jrmartin@golfbreaks.com 07849 083 479
catkin@golfbreaks.com 07729 047 990
Join our club today
Since launching our dedicated Pro Travel team in 2009, we have found that PGA Professionals are constantly looking for ways to diversify their revenue streams and increase their income, particularly through the quieter winter months when golf courses areoften closed.
Taking members away on breaks is very lucrative, as well as a great way to engage andentertain your membership. On average, the PGA Professionals we help, earn more than £1,750 per trip, by taking a small group of members away and getting to play some of theworld’s finest golf courses.
Sign up to our Pro Travel Club today to access the following benefits:
• £500 credit to use against your bookings with us*
• Access to Pro Inspection trips
• A dedicated team of Pro Travel experts
• Exclusive invites to our Pro Travel Club Social events
• A personal one-to-one service
• Eligible for our Pro Travel annual awards
• Join a community of like minded travel professionals
Hurry, membership to the Pro Travel Club is limited so call the Golfbreaks Pro Travel experts to sign up and become part of a thriving community of like minded PGA Professionals.
Why book with us?
Trusted experts
We are the official Golf Tourism Operator of the PGA TOUR with over 25 years of experience, sending over 200,000 golfers on a break each year.
Dedicated Pro Travel team
Our Pro Travel team offers a personal one-to-one service from start to finish from a team of experienced travel experts.
Extensive choice
With over 2,000 venues available worldwide, and a host of Pro Travel preferred venues, we have the perfect break for all tastes and abilities.
Pro Travel Club
PGA Members who join our exclusive Pro Travel Club receive £500 credit to use against their bookings with us.
Loyalty rewards
We are the only golf travel company that offers PGA Professionals rewards simply for booking their breaks through us, with our Breakpoints scheme.
Unbeatable value & service
Our combination of excellent rates, detailed knowledge and outstanding customer care are unrivalled in the marketplace.
Safe & secure
All of our packages are ATOL and ABTOT bonded, so you can book with total confidence.
Book with confidence
Rated excellent on Trustpilot based on over 9,500 reviews.
Join us on a Pro Inspection trip
As a Pro Travel Club member, you’ll also receive exclusive invitations to join our team on inspection trips to new Pro Travel venues, allowing you to experience them first hand before offering them to your customers.
It’s the perfect way for you to get to know our team, explore new venues and spend time with fellow professionals with an interest in group travel.
From popular Pro Travel destinations such as Spain & Portugal to up and coming venues further afield, you’ll be sure to learn a lot from your time away with the Golfbreaks team.
Share your experiences with like-minded pros Benefits:
Explore new venues abroad
Play the golf courses
Check out the practice facilities
Experience the nightlife
To find out more about our latest Inspection trips and register your interest head to: golfbreaks.com/en-gb/golf-pro-travel/
6 steps to Golf Pro Travel
At every step of the cycle our dedicated team at Golfbreaks will be on hand to assist you. Create
Talk to your clients and understand what they are looking for in a pro-led golf break Mark-up
Speak to one of the experts at Golfbreaks and let them put the perfect package together
Consider the services and tuition you will offer and add your margin in accordingly
Advertise the package to all your clients, gather interest and spread the word
Turn that interest into commitment and fill up your spaces, taking deposits as you go Deliver & enjoy
You’ve done all the planning, now enjoy the experience with your clients
I organise multiple trips both in the UK & overseas. These trips have been a valuable part of my business, particularly during the winter months. My members love the chance to play in a warmer climate, and I have large groups that travel. The financial returns on these are superb.
Tim Coxon
Head PGA Professional
Mickleover Golf Club
Professional perks
As a golf professional, Golfbreaks offers you an exciting range of benefits to help broaden your income... and your horizons.
Increase earning potential
Travelling to a warmer climate allows you to teach off-season, creating yearround income potential.
Off-season Income
PGA Professionals who work with us can make in excess of £1,500 by taking a group of members away on a short break.
Build client loyalty
Golf breaks are a great way to develop long lasting relationships with your customers and engage with your members.
Broaden your horizon
Add travel and residential golf breaks to your skill-set to broaden your offering as a golf professional.
What’s in it for me?
Head of Pro Travel at Golfbreaks, Ben Foster, shares his insight on why, as a PGA Professional, you should be taking groups away if you aren’t already.
Here are my top 5 reasons for getting involved in travel.
Additional income stream
Generating an additional income stream for your business through taking groups of members away is easier than you think. Whether it is a coaching break, escorted trip or a tournament experience, adding value to a break by attending and offering your services to your group can be very lucrative.
Member retention
As a PGA Professional, offering travel as a service to your members is another reason for your members not to move elsewhere. Offering a club trip every year, whether it be in the UK or abroad, helps create camaraderie and a great atmosphere amongst members.
Add value to your offering as a PGA Professional
Running golf breaks with your members or organising their trips adds significant value to your offering as a PGA Professional and helps further strengthen your position within your club.
Create customer loyalty
It is easy to turn members into customers for life with golf travel. Looking after them at every step of the trip and making sure they enjoy their time away is a great way to build long lasting client relationships.
Raise funds for a larger project
Are you looking to raise funds for a larger project? It could be anything from building a new swing room to upgrading your TrackMan. Taking groups of members away is a great way to fund large purchases and not have to worry about how you are going to pay for them.
Find out more
To find out more about how Pro Travel can benefit your business, get in touch with the dedicated Pro Travel team at Golfbreaks. Our Business Development managers cover the whole of the UK and would welcome the chance to discuss your ideas face to face at your home club.
01753 752 880 golfbreaks.com/en-gb/golf-pro-travel
What trips can I run?
Coaching
Coaching breaks are an excellent way to engage with members and generate an additional income stream for your business.
Captain’s Away Weekend
PGA Professionals can take the hassle out of their Captain organising their annual away weekend.
Competition
PGA Professionals can add a competitive edge to their trips by running a Ryder Cup style event, often teaming up with a fellow Professional.
Leisure
A relaxed break away with members is an excellent way to build relationships and client loyalty for PGA Professionals.
Tournament Experience
From The Masters to the DP World Championship in Dubai, we have a range of tournament experience packages available.
Get in touch with our Pro Travel team for expert advice on planning your next members break away. 01753 752 880 golfbreaks.com/en-gb/ golf-pro-travel
Why run a coaching break?
Create an additional income stream
Coach and play with your members in the winter months
Build long lasting relationships with your members
Upsell coaching packages for the season ahead
Form part of your member retention strategy
Coaching breaks are a great way to add another revenue stream to your business. It offers you a great source of winter income, builds bonds with your members and helps cement that relationship and loyalty towards you as their Pro. If you’re not already involved then travel is definitely a service you should be adding to your armoury.
Head Professional Walmley Golf Club
How to run a coaching break?
Whether you’ve run coaching trips before for your members or have been thinking about getting involved, the below guide sets out exactly how to run the perfect coaching break for your members to Amendeoira Golf Resort in Portugal, our number one selling Pro Travel venue.
Stay
Amendoeira Golf Resort has everything you need to run the perfect trip. The resort itself is one of the finest in the country and has been previously voted “Portugal’s Leading Golf Resort” at the World Travel Awards.
Only 40 minutes from Faro airport, it is perfectly placed for a short overseas coaching break.
The resort offers a mix of modern apartments and villas and is on the doorstep of arguably two of the most prestigious golf courses in the Algarve. The elevated clubhouse benefits from extensive panoramic views over both courses making it the perfect spot to sit and unwind with your group after a hard day on the fairways.
Play
With 2 x 18 hole courses on-site, the crown jewel at the resort is the eponymous Sir Nick Faldo design (The Faldo Course), which since opening a decade ago has become a regular
feature in Europe’s top 100 courses. The signature course is complemented by Christy O’Connor Jnr’s (The O’Connor Course) enticing design, flatter in comparison to its sister course but still delivers a test to rival the very best that Portugal has to offer.
Amendoeira also boasts a 9-hole Par 3 Academy course – the only floodlit course in Portugal and is perfect for a fun competition one evening or for a knock around to hone your group’s short game.
Coaching facilities
Amendoeira is one of the best coaching resorts you can take your members to in Europe. The extensive facilities include:
• 3 putting greens
• Double ended grass driving range
• Fantastic short game area
Facilities can be reserved dependent on your coaching itinerary and packages including unlimited range balls for 2 hours are included in your package from Golfbreaks.
Steve Carter
Example itinerary
Day 1
Arrive early afternoon with your group and check-in
Play a fun tournament on the Par 3 Academy course late afternoon or in the evening – floodlights can be added for €200 per hour
Day 2
7:00am-9:00am - Breakfast
9:00am–11:00am - Short game coaching with reserved area for your group
11:30am onwards - Play on the O’Connor course
Afternoon/evening - At leisure
Day 3
7:00am-9:00am - Breakfast
9:00am–11:00am - Long game coaching with reserved area for your group
11:30am onwards - Play on the Faldo course
Afternoon/evening - At leisure
Day 4
7:00am-9:00am - Breakfast
9:00am–11:00am - Putting coaching with reserved area for your group
11:30am onwards - Play on the O’Connor course
Afternoon/evening - At leisure
Day 5
7:00am-8:00am - Breakfast
8:30am onwards - Play on the Faldo course
Lunch & presentation in the clubhouse Depart for airport
Take into account:
• Organisation & management of your break –you will be the first port of call for any questions your group may have.
• Coaching services on the range provided to your group.
• On-course management coaching when playing with your group members.
Facilities can be reserved dependent on your coaching itinerary and packages including unlimited range balls for 2 hours are included in your package from Golfbreaks.
Golf travel can be hugely beneficial to your business as a PGA Professional, and not just financially. There are a wealth of benefits and opportunities associated with taking groups away, and this is not limited to just taking your members abroad.
John Cheetham
PGA Professional & Director
Ladies Love Golf
How to market your breaks
Here’s our top tips for marketing and delivering the “ultimate members golf break”.
Do your research
With such a pent-up demand for travel it’s important to find out where your members would like to travel, whether it be in the UK or overseas. A little effort here will ensure you decide on the best destination.
Polish your marketing
Effective promotion can help you fill your breaks easily and quickly. Send out a personal invite to interested clients, promote with posters around your club and add into your weekly newsletter and email to your membership base. Make sure you list all the relevant information with a clear call to action.
Promote your expertise
Are you offering a coaching break? Make sure you heavily promote the coaching element to your clients and members. Offering a coaching element on a break is a great way to add a point of difference to a standard golfing holiday and enables you to increase your revenue significantly, all whilst providing an exceptional service to your membership.
Lock in commitment
Once you have generated the interest ensure you lock in their commitment by taking a deposit from your clients. This will ensure you can hold the best tee time availability and rates with Golfbreaks and also makes sure that your clients are serious about going.
The higher deposit you take, the less likely they are to drop out last minute and leave you with a space to fill. Golfbreaks also offer a flexible booking policy, vital in the current circumstances giving you and your clients peace of mind when booking.
Keep in touch
Regular communication is key. Make sure you send out all the vital information surrounding your break including itinerary and final payment dates. You can create a WhatsApp group to keep everyone involved and share any smaller information over this channel. You can also offer lessons to your group before they go to brush up on their swing and promotions on last minute essentials such as balls, gloves and clothing to ensure they have everything they need for their upcoming break.
Deliver a world class golfing experience
Pay attention to all the finer details and ensure your group are having fun at all times by giving them your undivided attention whilst you are away. Make sure you have all the travel information and documents and that your clients fully understand what their break entails and the full itinerary. All that’s left is to enjoy the golf, sunshine and great company!
Follow up post trip
Ensure you follow up with your clients once you are back to gather feedback. Have your next break ready to promote to them. In the majority of cases, you will be able to fill your next trip instantly as your clients will be itching to get away with you again!
UK, Europe & worldwide
Whether you are looking to run a break closer to home such as a Captain’s or Pro’s weekend, take a short flight to Europe or go further afield to experience some of the best golf courses in the world, we have you covered with over 2,500 venues worldwide to choose from. With our expertise we can help you find the right venue with all the facilities you need for the perfect coaching break.
Sign up to our Pro Travel Club and speak to our dedicated team of Pro Travel experts for more advice on creating your next unforgettable members’ trip.
UK breaks
Barry Newman, Head Professional at Newbury & Crookham is a seasoned traveller with Golfbreaks. As well as running multiple overseas breaks annually, Barry also runs a Pro’s away weekend in the UK.
The best thing about these shorter local breaks was attracting some completely new clients. Ones that would never have considered coming abroad with us in the past. The trips last year have opened the doorway for a completely new set of golfers wanting to come away with me. It also meant couples came together and now I have the possibility of running a couples/partners trip in the coming years.
What made you decide to add a shorter UK break to your schedule?
We decided on a shorter break last year to keep up the momentum for our golf trips. With the restrictions on travel we decided a local, shorter stay would be a safer option.
Where’s your favourite Pro’s away weekend destination?
We had two great trips last year. One at East Sussex National, and one around North Devon. It’s very hard to pick a favourite as both were excellent destinations. Both offered completely different packages suitable for all types of groups with great golf courses at each. East Sussex had the comfort of everything being all together and a great spa. North Devon gave us much more traditional golf and some stunning scenery.
What format does the weekend take?
The format for both trips was very relaxed and simple. Best scores for each day and an overall winner for the weekend. I try hard to get the balance of relaxed golf with a competitive edge. Each prize was a monetary value to be spent in the shop or put towards the next trip.
How do you advertise the weekend breaks?
To promote these events I simply spoke to the members. We also designed a few posters with the help of the Golfbreaks team that were positioned throughout the shop and the club. Usually, I find these trips very easy to fill.
It’s about engaging and communicating what you’re doing with the members. It’s their hobby, they love playing, and they love playing new places. If you ask them on one of your trips they’re usually very happy to be invited. It’s always a great way to build relationships with the members.
How easy was the trip to organise?
As always, the trip was super easy to organise. I spoke with Joe and James in the Pro Travel team at Golfbreaks to get their recommendations, found some dates that worked and booked it. Once the dates were booked, I talked to the members to fill it up. Very easy indeed.
Where is your next Pros weekend away?
The next planned trip away is for Southport on the West coast. Playing some fantastic links courses that I’ve not played so very much looking forward to that one. I don’t think that will be the next trip though as I’m getting asked by the members for one sooner. Looking forward to trying out some new venues and golf courses in the summer. Find out more
For more ideas on your next Pro’s away weekend get in touch with the Golfbreaks Pro Travel team.
golfpro@golfbreaks.com
Barry Newman
Head Professional
Newbury & Crookham Golf Club
Hear from the Pros -
Coaching breaks
Clark Baker is the owner and Head Professional at High Beech Golf Course in Loughton, Essex. Here, Clark tells us about his experience of organising and running his first coaching trip and the benefits involved.
I saw the value in offering a trip not just for my members who are better players but also my members who are still learning the game. A coaching trip was also a chance for me to organize a trip for a mixed group of members.
Owner and Head Professional, High Beech Golf Course
Have you run trips abroad with your members before?
Yes, I ran a playing trip in January 2 years ago and January last year as well as a coaching trip in February. We had 14 club members on the first playing trip and it was so successful that I took an additional 14 members the next year.
How did you decide on the right venue for your members?
Talking to the Pro Travel team at Golfbreaks and discussing exactly what it was I wanted to arrange. They suggested the right venue and accommodation with half-board for the right price.
What type of coaching did you offer?
Lots of structured group sessions on both long game and short game. Utilising the fantastic range facilities, practice chipping area, practice bunkers and the putting green at my chosen venue Islantilla in Spain.
What facilities did you look for in a venue for a coaching break?
Good golf courses that offered the members a truly memorable experience and encouragement that they can play these types of courses. Practice facilities that suited my teaching needs and could accommodate the size of the group. Good accommodation that was close to the course and facilities.
How did you market your trip to your clients/members?
Personal invites to my members, clients I coach and popping posters up advertising my trip around the clubhouse. Also, several of my members from previous golf trips came on the coaching trips with their wives.
What were the benefits of running a coaching break?
The trip was very profitable. It was fantastic for client relations as it allowed me to offer services that are bigger than my own facilities could provide. I was also able to build greater rapport with my members as I was able to spend time with them on and off the course. I also saw a definite increase in sales as a lot of my members realised that they needed to upgrade their equipment. Also, there were sales before the trip with members buying flight bags, luggage, golf balls and other equipment for the trip.
What did your members think of the trip?
My clients enjoyed the trip so much that the same group has booked with me for another coaching trip next year with increased numbers and interest in me running more trips.
Clark Baker
The Westin Resort Costa Navarino
The Westin Resort Costa Navarino is an idyllic, luxurious paradise, situated next to the Mediterranean in the pretty region of Messinia.
Located on the beachfront, this golf resort offers stunning views over the sea, with 5-star accommodation, magnificent restaurants and four championship golf courses, making this the perfect venue for your next members break.
Incredibly high standards of service, world class golf courses, idyllic Mediterranean beaches and outstanding restaurants combine to make Costa Navarino the best golf destination in Greece and contender for the top resort in Europe.
Senior Business Development Manger Pro Travel
James Martin
The Westin Resort Costa Navarino
Example itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kalamata Airport
Pick up and private transfer
Arrival & Check-in at The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino
Lunch at Flame Restaurant, located at The Dunes Golf Club: Classic and signature cuts, complemented by the freshest ingredients from carefully selected small-scale producers in the surrounding area
Play 18 holes at The Dunes Course, a signature golf course, designed by Bernhard Langer. Close to the sea, there is a links-like feel; further inland, it reflects a more typically Greek landscape of olive and citrus groves
Welcome Dinner at Da Luigi Restaurant in the Agora - from the Alps to Sicily, all the creativity and diversity of Italian cuisine
Day 2
Breakfast at Morias Restaurant
Transfer from Dunes Clubhouse to W (approx. 15 minutes)
Short Game Clinic
Lunch at the Bay Clubhouse
Play 18 holes at The Bay Course, a signature golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. It plays a little shorter than the Dunes Course but with a slightly greater emphasis on strategic play and positional golf
Transfer back to Navarino Dunes, Costa Navarino
Dinner at Morias Restaurant; diverse buffets showcasing Greek and international cuisine
Day 4
Breakfast at Morias Restaurant
Transfer from the Dunes Course at the Hills Golf course (approx. 20 minutes)
Long Game Clinic
Play 18 holes at The Hills Golf Course, designed by José Maria Olazábal.
Set above the coastline and offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the Bay of Navarino and the Ionian Sea
Lunch at Piqantro restaurant at Hills Clubhouse, a modern restaurant that fuses classic Spanish cuisine with contemporary techniques, with the signature of Michelin Star Chef Leon Griffioen
Transfer back from Navarino Hills to Navarino Dunes, Costa Navarino
Pick up and private transfer to a local Greek traditional restaurant, in the nearby area of Gialova
Private Transfer back to the Westin Resort, Costa Navarino
Day 4
Breakfast at Morias Restaurant
Transfer from Navarino Dunes to the Hills Golf course (approx. 20 minutes)
Putting Clinic
Golf Round of 18 holes at The International Olympic Academy Golf Course, designed by José Maria Olazábal. Set above the coastline and offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the Bay of Navarino and the Ionian Sea
Lunch at Piqantro restaurant at Hills Clubhouse, a modern restaurant that fuses classic Spanish cuisine with contemporary techniques, with the signature of Michelin Star Chef Leon Griffioen
Transfer back to Navarino Dunes, Costa Navarino
Dinner at Flame Restaurant, located at The Dunes Golf Club: Classic and signature cuts, complemented by the freshest ingredients from carefully selected small-scale producers in the surrounding area Day 5
Breakfast at Morias Restaurant
Check out, pick up and private transfer to Kalamata airport
Messinia, Greece
Hear from the Pros -
Long haul breaks
Lee Cox is Director of Instruction at The Shire London. As well as coaching players of all abilities, Lee specialises in working with Long Drive Professionals. Lee has been to many of the world’s leading golf resorts and offers high end breaks to his clients.
Spending time away with clients is a great way of growing relationships. I have been taking the same people away for the past ten years or so now, and they trust me to deliver a great package. My clients have grown to trust me, and when they are looking for their new set of clubs etc, I am the go to for this. I am fortunate to have a very loyal client base, and I honestly think running breaks away has played a pivotal role in this.
Lee Cox
Director of Instruction
The Shire, London
How did you first get into offering overseas coaching as part of your services to clients?
I first started taking groups away about 20 years ago now, mainly to Scotland and Ireland to sample the links golf on offer. It was something I initially did off my own back to try and grow relationships with my existing clients.
What do you feel the advantages are of smaller group sizes at higher end resorts?
The advantages of dealing with smaller group sizes are obvious really, less organisational work, a more personalised feel for my clients and I am able to hand pick venues. I am able to approach my clients that I feel will best suit specific venues and tailor the breaks to them. I have built some great friendships with clients I have taken away. The higher end resorts also tend to be a little less busy too, so gives me the scope to be very flexible once onsite.
What is the best resort you have taken your clients to?
I have been very fortunate to visit plenty of fantastic resorts across Europe and beyond, from Costa Navarino in Greece to Verdura in Sicily, but for me the best resort in Europe is Terre Blanche in Southern France. Everything is top class from the moment you arrive. The two courses onsite are superb, accommodation second to none, and practice
facilities are the best I’ve seen. There is plenty to do both onsite and in the local area. I couldn’t recommend Terre Blanche enough for someone looking for a high end break away.
Are there any resorts currently on your bucket list to tick off?
I am really looking forward to revisiting Monte Rei and Costa Navarino once their new courses have opened. I have seen pictures, and the plans look exceptional. I am always looking for new venues too, so will be working with Golfbreaks for recommendations in the future.
Would you advise other PGA members to offer overseas travel as part of their services to members?
For any Pro’s looking to build long term relationships with loyal high end customers, breaks away at world class resorts are really worth exploring. The team at Golfbreaks have always been great, and do all the leg work for me. I’ve been working with them for years now, and they really understand my requirements, the process couldn’t be easier.
Tournament experiences
Create an unforgettable experience for your group with a Golfbreaks Tournament package in 2024/25. Experience the magic of The Masters with the ultimate bucket list trip or head to New York to watch Europe battle it out with the USA at Bethpage Black. Whatever tournament peaks your interest, we’ve got you covered, with packages also available for The Open Championship, Solheim Cup, The Players and the DP World Tour Championships to name but a few.
Click here for more information and to see the full line up of tournaments.
DP World Tour Championship
Dubai, UAE
14th - 17th November 2024
From £899 pp
Golfbreaks team on site
Play straight after the Pros
THE PLAYERS
Florida, USA
13th - 16th March 2025
From £999 pp
Golfbreaks team on site
Option to upgrade to Hospitality Ryder Cup
New York, USA
26th - 28th September 2025
Official partner of the PGA TOUR
Golfbreaks team on site
Official resellers for the 2023 Ryder Cup
Daily tournament transfers
From £5,299 pp
The Masters
Georgia, USA
10th - 13th April 2025
From £2,299pp
Golfbreaks team on site
Daily tournament transfers
Hear it from the Pros -
Tournament experience
Rich Pace, Head Professional at Hornsea Golf Club and Golfbreaks Pro Travel
Partner gives us an insight into his recent trip with a group of members to the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
The experience of Dubai is something different to any other golfing experience your clients may have had before. They had all been to Open Championships or the BMW PGA Champs before but thought that the atmosphere at the DPWTC was something else.
What prompted you to take a group to the DP World Tour Championship?
For me, the weather and location provided a great opportunity to extend the golfing season. The season ending DP World Tour Championship gives club golfers the opportunity to see and get close to the action of the some of the best golfers on the planet. Add in the high quality of golf courses that can be found in Dubai, with the (almost) guaranteed weather makes it the perfect place for a golf trip towards the end of the year.
How did you market your trip?
I used my monthly newsletter to advertise the trip, obviously sitting down with members and speaking to them is the best type of marketing as it gives you the opportunity to add the personal touch. Social media was also very important in the marketing of my trip.
What did your experience entail?
We had 3 days at the event, including both days over the weekend. We played 4 rounds of golf, including a round on the Earth Course on the Wednesday following the event, and had 9 holes of night golf at Emirates Golf Club on their Par 3 course. I put on a small event which ran for the duration of the week, playing different formats each round to keep it varied.
How is tournament travel lucrative to a pro?
It is something that a lot of golfers I know haven’t had the opportunity to experience and
allows you the opportunity to charge for that service. I included extras like a goody bag, shirt and prizes, all of which added to the experience of watching an event.
How easy was it to arrange?
All the Golfbreaks team were great in helping me organise the trip. Having never been out there previously, they provided me with great advice on where to play and which hotels were suitable to stay in. Having the Golfbreaks Tournament team on site also made it very easy if I had any questions that popped up in the week.
Rich Pace
Head PGA Professional Hornsea Golf Club