Planning an overseas golf trip involves more decisions than most travelers expect, and the ones you make early on tend to shape the entire experience.

In this first episode of a 3 part series, D.J. and Connor walk through five key decisions every group faces before the planning even really begins: the type of trip, the invite list, your budget, DIY vs. a golf travel company, and custom vs. stock itineraries.

If you're in the early stages of putting a trip together, this is the foundation.

Key Points:

• Why mixing group types (buddies, couples, families) on the same trip creates more friction than most people anticipate.
• The #1 reason you should be selective with your invite list.
• Why the average overseas golf trip involves 40 to 50 individual plans and reservations.
• The difference between a trip being made for you and you being made for a trip.
• Connor's breakdown of how destination and season choices will impact your budget.

Additional Resources

How to Plan a Golf Trip to Scotland – 14 Key Decisions

How to Plan an Ireland Golf Trip – Breaking It Down

In this episode, Connor serves as interviewer as D.J. takes us through his long-awaited solo drive of Scotland's North Coast 500.

Along the way:

• Rounds of golf at Royal Dornoch, Wick, and Durness.
• Single-lane mountain roads through snow and hail.
• The wildly stressful descent of the Applecross Pass.
• A dinner 20-years-in-the-making at The Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye.

Plus, what he'd do differently, who this trip is really for, and the fish and chips that dethroned Tailend in St. Andrews.

Additional Resources

Scotland's North Coast 500: A Golfer's Guide

We first covered packing way back in Episode 7. That was 72 episodes and a lot of Expeditions ago. It's time for an update.

In this episode, D.J. and Connor break packing into two categories: your golf gear and your luggage.

From shipping your clubs and the AirTag rules you need to know, to the overnight outfit trick that could cut your suitcase in half, this one is full of firsthand advice from Members who've gone before you.

Plus: the apps worth downloading before you leave, and a key update for the required UK ETA.

If you're counting down to a golf trip to Scotland, Ireland, or Beyond, it's a must-listen.

Additional Resources

What to Pack for a Golf Trip Across the Pond

How to Pack Your Golf Travel Bag