Frequently Asked Questions

+ What is the best time to travel to Scotland?

The best time to travel to St. Andrews is in April and May. The prices are usually the most fair and typically April has the least amount of rainfall throughout the year. It is definitely our favorite time to host trips to St Andrews. However, July is most convenient for many of our travelers so we do trips in June/July as well.

+ Can a non-golfing spouse or friend come on the trip?

Absolutely! Spouses, significant others, and friends are of course welcome. Contact us for an additional companion cost. (Single occupancy rate plus meals and transportation costs would apply.)

+ Are there courses that have electric carts available for golfers with accessibility issues or who prefer not to walk? If so, which courses?

Scotland is primarily walking, as reserving a caddie is half the experience of being out there. However, some courses have cart availability but require a medical note from a physician, and carts have to be booked prior to arrival.

Depending on the location of your excursion, we will advise these courses directly if you require a cart. The Old Course at St. Andrews does allow carts with a physician’s note, booked prior to arrival.

Portugal, Spain, Dominican Republic, US and Europe typically have golf cars or "buggies."

+ What is the maximum handicap to play the Old Course at St. Andrews?

The maximum ladies’s handicap is 36 and the men’s handicap is 28 to play the Old Course. We suggest you travel with your handicap card when golfing anywhere overseas.

+ Should I reserve a caddie?

Yes. Caddies are a great addition to the golf experience and usually enhance your game. Caddies are approximately 65GBP plus tip and at least 115GBP is expected to be paid to the caddie after the round when playing The Old Course.

+ If someone wants to arrive early, can you provide recommendations for other courses and hotels in the area?

Of course! We recommend that travelers plan to come early regardless to adjust to the new time zone before their golf trip of a lifetime begins. We will take care of your booking needs directly and book through our office.

+ Do you book restaurants and/or spa appointments?

Yes! We can book anything you need or want during your stay. We usually include one group dinner as part of the excursion, but personal or group bookings at local favorites are also available upon request. For our escorted trips, dinners are booked each night, Tara and/or Alan go to one of the dinners usually hosted by TMIGolf and dinners are not included and also not required, go if you like, or Room Service, up to you. :)

+ When are the first and final deposits due?

Deposits are due immediately to secure your reservation.

Final payments are typically due 90 days prior to travel.

+ What is your refund policy?

6 months prior to the excursion start date: 100% of your deposit will be refunded

3-6 months prior: 50% of deposit will be refunded

3 months prior: No deposit refunds We recommend purchasing travel insurance incase your travel last minute is affected. ***However, if you are able to find a replacement for your spot, fees for last minute cancelation will be waived.

+ What would be the additional cost for a single occupancy room?

Most of our trips are quoted for single occupancy. When you see other tour operators quoting lower prices, it is most always because they assume double occupancy, i.e., sharing rooms. We only quote a double occupancy rate upon request or if we are pricing a couples golf trip. Yes, our prices will be higher and for good reason, single occupancy is of course more expensive, but is worth it especially as a female traveler. Always feel free to inquire about specifics as we are usually able to accommodate travels in different ranges of budget. We know you want to travel with friends so upgrades, or different hotels also an option to go on the trip.

+ Do you have gift certificates?

Yes we do. Give the gift of a lifetime. Contact us directly to purchase a gift certificate.

+ What is the Old Course Ballot?

Despite its overwhelming popularity, the Old Course still upholds the traditiona of a ballot (or lottery) drawn two days ahead of play. The ballot can be used for golfers who do not have guaranteed tee times on the Old Course. The St Andrews Links accepts a certain amount of golfers from the lottery each day except Fridays (for Sunday as the course is closed). To enter the ballot, one must contact the Links Trust and enter the names. If you are on a TMIGolf custom-made holiday, and do not have a guaranteed time on the Old Course, we will enter your names for you on the days you are in St Andrews. If you are selected for a ballot time, we will re-arrange your golf to include the Old Course without missing another desired golf course. If you are selected to play, there is an additional charge of 195GBP payable to the Links on the day of play.

As a reminder, if planning on enter the ballot, stay away from popular summertime visits. July, August and early parts of September are the most difficult times of year to win a ballot time.

What is the Difference between Transfers and Drivers

Transfers: Transfers are done by taxi's and it is important to be on-time with transfers. Although it saves money on the trip, the standard of taxi transfers can vary from place to place. Vans are not guaranteed if ordered from a taxi company, they are requested. At times a 4-ball may have to squeeze into an estate car.

Full time Driver: Full time driver with luxury vehicle: Driver is yours for the full holiday, with exception of the driving requirements of the area you are in, the driver will take you from hotel to golf/sightseeing and back again. This is the best way to get the full benefit of your holiday with no rush after golf and be on your own timescale.

Full time Drivers are recommended in Ireland and in almost all places in Scotland with the exception of St Andrews. When golfing and staying in St Andrews, taxi transfers are just fine.