Golf is at its best when shared with friends. Sure, it can be a treat to steal a few holes by yourself after work before the sun sets on productive day at the office. Playing as a single on Saturday also can set you up with a chance to meet three new pals, which can be a rewarding experience providing your foursome has at least a few things in common. But the best golf – and the most fun – is always reserved for close friends who come together to enjoy a shared experience out on the golf course. It really lends itself to the phrase from the old children’s song: “Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver, the other is gold.” And thanks to our gilded friends at LINKS Magazine, we now have a complete guide to planning your next buddies golf trip at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club.
David DeSmith’s “Complete Golf Buddies Trip Checklist” from LINKS does a solid job outlining the ins and outs of planning your next golf trip, but here at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club – Arizona’s ultimate golf experience – we would be remiss if we didn’t highlight the Golf Suites at the all new We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, and the best way to avoid the “buzz saw snoring” from one of your friends during the trip as DeSmith highlights below.
Just steps away from the two award-winning golf courses at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club – Cholla and Saguaro – is the all new We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort. Each of our four golf-themed suites comfortably sleeps four to five guests in two deluxe queen rooms connected by a living room with a pullout sofa and kitchen. It’s the perfect lounging area to relax, snack, drink and recharge before heading out for the night’s festivities at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort or Fort McDowell Adventures.
Booking a We-Ko-Pa stay & play package is easy:
To book a Stay & Play Package or receive additional information, please call James Kinzer at 480.789.5307, or email him at jkinzer@wekoparesort.com.
And just for kicks, here’s our piece on how to plan a golf trip.
Here’s David DeSmith’s checklist from LINKS Magazine:
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WHO
Traveling with others can be equal parts joy and stress. To avoid the latter, choose your fellow road warriors carefully. That guy who complains about everything may be tolerable in small doses, but a steady diet of him over the course of a week may not go down well. Large groups (more than eight) can also create logistical challenges. Confine your group to no more than one or two foursomes, and if you’re not sure whether a player can go the distance, consider leaving him or her off the invite list.
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WHERE
Any place can be special when you’re with good friends. But given the time and expense that goes into a buddies trip, you need to make sure the majority of the courses you’ll be playing are first-rate. At the end of the day, food is food. A hotel room is a hotel room. But every time you set foot on a new first tee, it’s like opening a present. Whether you’re staying in the U.S. or venturing overseas, play the best courses you can, with a lesser-known gem or two thrown in for variety.
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WHEN
It’s never easy to find a window that works for everyone. But I like to target the months of June and July. Why? There’s more daylight, which gives you the option of playing 36 without rushing—or to rejigger your tee times in case of bad weather. Shoulder seasons are normally cheaper, and winter golf down south is always welcome. But you gotta love those long summer days.
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HOW
Once you’ve agreed on your dates and destination, pick an organizer—preferably someone who’s a stickler for details. Then, everyone else get out of the way. You’ll want consensus on details like how many rounds, how much you wish to spend, and other activities on top of golf. You can share info and opinions back and forth on a private Facebook page or Google doc, but planning a trip by committee usually ends in disaster—so don’t go there!
If you can, use a tour operator. They do so much for so little upcharge, and they can recommend special experiences along the way that would never even occur to you. If you can’t use a tour op, at least hire a transportation provider. For groups of more than four, this is a must. But even when you’re just a foursome, if your trip will involve any appreciable amount of time on the road you should leave the driving to someone who isn’t just coming off a career round and eager to celebrate. Nothing beats the taste of a cold post-round beer when you’re relaxing in a comfortable coach. And in truth, no rental vehicle that supposedly seats four will ever be big enough for four players plus their clubs and luggage. Trust me on this.
You also need to give some thought to sleeping arrangements. Yes, sharing rooms is cheaper, but nobody wants to be kept up all night by a roommate’s buzz-saw snoring. Separate rooms give everyone privacy—and room to decompress.
Finally, whenever possible, try to take advantage of stay-and-play packages. Those kinds of discounts really add up when multiplied by a bunch of travelers.
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MAKING IT SPECIAL
Just spending time with close friends is special. Add in golf, and it’s a can’t-miss situation. But it’s often the little things that everyone remembers most fondly. Consider a group gift—customized balls or a hat or shirt. Include some “tournament” rounds for prizes (flasks make good trophies). Bring glow-in-the-dark balls and see if you can squeeze in a couple holes of night golf or a postprandial putting contest.
Make sure to also leave time for non-golf adventures. Take in a historic site or natural wonder. Visit a winery or distillery. Make reservations at a few special restaurants. And when you get home, create a Dropbox file or Google page where everyone can upload their favorite photos and videos. Those memories will sustain you until the next time you can hit the road together.
