Tour Operators and Itineraries by Thomas Hollowell and Katie Kelly Bell
Using a tour operator to help plan a golf itinerary is advantageous for various reasons. Not only will you save time and possibly money, but also an agency will be able to help accommodate nongolfers by recommending areas that will appeal to the varied interests of the group.
In-country tour operators are generally associated with the Ireland Golf Tour Operators' Association (IGTOA). Those with offices inside or outside of Ireland might belong to any number of other travel conglomerates as well, including the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA; www.asta.org) or the National Tour Association (NTA; www.ntaonline.com). The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO; www.iagto.com) represents agencies around the globe in print and online via their Golf Holiday Search Engine.
Some of the best golf tour operators to Ireland include:
Eire Golf Tours (www.eiregolftours.com) promotes trips through both Ireland and Scotland. With their tailored packages, they can take the hassle out of arranging your own trip and get you excellent rates on golf and accommodations all around the country.
Ireland Golf (www.irelandgolf.com) offers custom tours of some of Ireland's most renowned courses. They have a variety of well-priced regional itineraries outlined on their website. Packages include hotels and transfers.
Golf Vacations Ireland (www.golfvacationsireland.com) is another in-country quality agency with an online “Plan your Tour” feature that gives you accurate quotes on customized itineraries.
JD Golf Tours (www.jdgolf.ie) is a premier inbound tour agency located in the Shannon region that helps set up tee times for individuals, couples, and larger groups. They can help you take care of accommodations, transport, and help you select the best courses that fit your desires.
Irish Links Tours and Travel (www.irish-links.com) is unsurpassed for their personal and professional services, promoting various travel incentives online. They do a nice job of gearing tours for golfers traveling with companions who do not play the game.
The Wide World of Golf (www.wideworldofgolf.com) offers trips throughout the globe and has a variety of options available on the Emerald Isle.
