Do you know of any sources for golf getaways/schools for single golfers? I can only find one listing for golf for singles. I e-mailed the famous John Jacobs Golf Schools about whether any of their schools in Canada and the US were more "single-friendly" for the over 45 age group. Got a terse response that they did not pay any attention to a person's status or age. They also have a pretty hefty single supplement at all of their schools! . . . Gillian H, Vancouver, BC
Golf getaways/schools for single golfers? It's a simple question but complicated to answer if I include Gillian's periphery remarks. I see that she is also thinking about disagreeable single supplements, age concerns, and a disinterested response from a holiday supplier.
Aha, now we face the complications typical of every solo travel plan. For some of us it's golfing. For others it's skiing, sailing, fishing, or any of a dozen different holiday wishes seemingly stymied by a world configured for two – or more.
Adding to her dilemma, Gillian reports that she "can only find one listing for golf." Is there a solution? I can't say for sure, but at least I can share how I would go about expanding my options if I were in her place. I'll start by answering the basic question:
When you find nothing of interest in Connecting newsletter, where do you go?
First reference is always the Single-Friendly Travel Directory (SFTD).
Gillian's note indicates that her priorities are: golf, schools/getaways, single, over 45 age group.
The SFTD has 15 Cross Reference Indexes listed on pages three to five to help locate companies by their activities. Browsing through the indexes, I note that there is no category specifically for "golf," but there is one headed "Active, Sport-oriented," and also one headed "Learning, Study, Workshop." Perhaps Gillian saw the listing for John Jacobs Golf Schools in either of those categories.
The bad news about John Jacobs Golf Schools, according to Gillian, is that she received only a "terse response" to her inquiry and, in any case, they charge "hefty single supplements at all of their schools."
The good news about John Jacobs Golf Schools (and the reason the company is included in the SFTD) is that single supplements may be avoided because roommate matches are possible with "at least 31days notice prior to a school's start date."
Alternatively, "commuter" pricing is frequently available for those who would rather arrange their own private, less expensive lodging, say at a nearby bed and breakfast. This might be the solution for some but not for Gillian because she wants to know up front if her golf companions will be in the "over 45 age group," and she prefers to be with "singles."
I see also listed under the Learning, Study, Workshop category two possibilities that Gillian missed:
I'd suggest that Gillian mark those two for possible checking later on. But first, I would start by cross-checking two other indexes: Mature Travelers and Singles Only.
A quick scan of the Mature Travelers' index indicates the listing "National Senior Sports Association." Okay, here's a possibility, but does this company offer singles-only golf trips? Darn! I note that it isn't also listed under the "Singles Only" index, but still, I'd follow up and check the company description in the SFTD's Alphabetical Listings.
The description for National Senior Sports Association states "golf, tennis and bowling trips for seniors" – definitely worth a call to find out what is on the agenda.
If Gillian had called she would have found, as I did, that golf is the sport of choice for this company; a fact which is reflected in a recent name change to: National Senior Golf Association.
Groups are mixed, although singles are welcome, level of play is serious, accommodation is upscale, and (sigh!) once again single supplements range pretty high.
Too rich? Wrong scheduling? If, for whatever reason this company doesn't fit, Gillian and I must go back to comparing the two indexes – Mature Travelers and Singles Only – for a possible match.
I note that three other companies are listed under both indexes: Solo Flights & Mature Tours, Saga Holidays, and Solo's Holidays.
Of course the company names don't reveal whether or not golf trips are scheduled. Each company's description in the Alphabetical listings may or may not be more conclusive, but at least its contact details are given, and it's only a matter of calling, writing, or visiting its website to find out.
Even if a golf trip for singles isn't currently planned, who knows where an inquiry might lead.
If those inquiries lead nowhere it's time to give up on a priority or two, but it's no time to give up on the Single-Friendly Travel Directory. There are over 20 companies listed under the Mature Travelers' index, any one of which might include golf among its programs. It may be a tedious process of elimination, but no one ever said that planning a perfect solo holiday is easy.
First on the list is Caravan Tours. I called and found no help there. Next, Elderhostel; I went to the website and found "Golf, Golf, Golf and More Golf," over 200 programs in fact, all for the 50+ age group.
And so it goes, one by one through the various indexes in pursuit of the trip that fits dates, style and pocketbook.
Other Cross-Reference Indexes to try in this instance would be:
Okay, I understand. This searching and calling is a pain. This is what travel agents are for, you might say. True, that is why I advise you to plan your trip alongside a local travel agent. The two of you should work together with your SFTD as a primary research tool.
Just to help out a little more, I'll get you started. The following pages list golf-specific options selected from the SFTD and also a few gleaned from the current as well as past newsletters.
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