If you are going to arrange your trip with a tour operator, then planning will start by requesting a quote from one or more operators. For the operator to be able to make a proposal that is going to be of interest to you, it is essential to give them some basic information about the trip you are planning.
Key details are:
Number of people in the group
Number of nights stay in Scotland
Number of rounds of golf to include
Courses that you ideally want to be part of the itinerary
Helpful but not crucial at this stage are:
Handicap information for the party
Level or type of accommodation you would prefer
Transport requirements - self-drive versus coach and driver or taxi transfers
Budget limit for the trip
Why do tour operators ask for this information?
The need for some information is fairly obvious. Costs have to be based on a particular length of stay and number of rounds of golf. The size of group may also determine what accommodation options are available.
If there are courses you particularly want to include it is essential to let the operator know at this stage.
Many Championship courses have handicap limits. For example Troon requires male golfers to have a handicap no higher than 20, while the Old course at St Andrews has a limit of 24 for men. A handicap limit indicates the challenge of the course. A tour operator wants to be able to suggest an itinerary to you that all the group can participate in and, importantly, enjoy by taking into account their golfing ability and experience.
A tour operator will work with a wide range of accommodation options from small bed and breakfast properties to the highest quality 5 star resort hotels. The package price can vary considerably depending on where you want to stay. Help your tour operator help you by giving them information on what you want.
If you are unsure which courses to play, or where to stay, an alternative option is to give the operator a budget to work with. They can then advise you what is possible for what you wish to spend.
A word of caution!
Bear in mind that while it is tempting to fit in as much golf as possible if you are making the trip to Scotland you should consider how much golf you are used to playing. Championship courses mean 4 and a half hour rounds or longer, on foot, with no ride-on buggies.
If you normally play once a week from a buggy then it is better not to plan on a week of golf, playing every day, and cramming in extra rounds by planning several 36 hole days. The trip will soon become exhausting rather than enjoyable and you will have spent large amounts of money on green fees to be on courses you are not enjoying playing.