You don’t have the time. You don’t have the money. The recession has got you down. The litany of excuses on why golfers hesitate taking a golf getaway these days is seemingly inexhaustible.

My advice: Start planning your next golf getaway now.

Maybe these words by golf great Ben Hogan will get you going. “As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round,” said Hogan.

Photo by Ed Schmidt Jr.

So, how do you start the planning process?

First, answer these questions:

·     Whom should I go with?

·     What is my budget?

·     When is the best time to go?

·     Where have I always wanted to tee up?

·     How can I get the best rates?

·     What type of courses do I like to play?

·     What type of experience do I want in terms of other resort amenities?

·     Do I want to walk or ride a cart?

·     Do I want a resort with caddies?

·     Do I want to visit a golf destination with a variety of courses or a secluded resort?

·     Do I want to drive or fly?

·     Should I use a golf tour operator?

Obviously, the previous list is a short one just to get you started. No doubt, other questions will come to mind.

The most important component in designing a successful golf getaway is determining the type of trip theme you want to execute. Are you seeking a romantic getaway with your spouse where golf is just one of many activities you’ll pursue, or do you want a trip with your golf buddies where you’ll chase the white dimpled ball from sunrise to sundown and throw down a few brewskis afterward? Other getaway themes include family trips, where you play golf while your spouse and kids enjoy other resort activities; a golf instruction getaway, where you attend a resort golf school for an intense, multi-day program to upgrade your skill level; a walking-only golf experience at a resort that features a caddie program; and a budget trip, when the sole concern is saving money.

If the entire planning process proves to be too time-consuming and confusing, I suggest contacting a tour operator that specializes in golf excursions. Some of the best I’ve worked with previously, include: Haversham & Baker, Golfpac, PerryGolf and Myrtle Beach Golf Packages.

For more golf travel tips, check out http://www.thegolftravelguru.blogspot.com.

I enjoy the idea of golf. Luscious, green courses stretching across acres, the sweet parabolic arch of a well-hit ball, racing around dangerously in a tiny motorized cart. All great. Unfortunately, whenever I find myself playing, this fantasy quickly crumbles into a succession of shanks which rile the blood and turn anything within reach into a possible projectile. By the end, I’m muttering obscenities under my breath and wondering why I would put myself through such suffering.

That said, how about some family golf?

Get the whole clan out on the course to share in the fun! Thanks to Marriott Golf’s International Family Golf Festival, even if you struggle on the course as I do, you can forgive yourself and simply enjoy time spent with family. Especially because it’s free.

Oh yes, that’s right, free.

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa

Starting May 16, on select dates at Marriott Golf properties, families can partake in an afternoon of golf instruction, clinics, games and more (with the extra bonus of potential prizes), all gratis. Additionally, kids up to 15 years old golf for free after 3 p.m. with a paying adult and receive a free lesson from a Marriott Golf instructor when they are accompanied by a paying adult. So, if you want to introduce them to the fleeting joys (and consistent frustrations) of the grand game of golf, here’s a great opportunity.   

The International Family Golf Festival takes place from May through December at various Marriott Golf locations. Check the Web site for dates. Marriott Golf manages 60 golf courses at 44 locations in 13 countries, so there are plenty of destinations to choose from. www.marriottgolf.com