Golf and the Good Life - Your Guide for Golf Trips Across the Pond

Our Legendary Links series returns for a look at one of Scotland's most beloved courses, North Berwick Golf Club.Twenty-five years ago, North Berwick was unranked. Today it sits twenty-fifth in the world. Connor and D.J. unpack what that climb has meant for visitors and the puzzle of pairing the course with nearby Muirfield.They also cover the history, notable holes, and Good Life options that shouldn't be missed nearby. Additional Resources7 Things to See at North Berwick Golf ClubNorth Berwick & Muirfield Golf Trips

With The Open returning to Royal Birkdale this summer, D.J. and Connor sit down with colleague Mike Walters for a deep dive on England's Golf Coast, fresh off his trip through the region.They walk through all three Royals (Liverpool, Lytham & St Annes, and Birkdale), make the case for the deep supporting cast that often gets overlooked, and explore the Good Life in Liverpool. Whether you're heading to The Open, planning a trip to England's Golf Coast, or just armchair traveling, the one's worth your time.Additional ResourcesThe Complete Guide to England's Golf CoastHow Much Does a Golf Trip to England Cost?Where to Play on a Golf Trip to England: A Regional Guide

In Part 2 of the series, D.J. and Connor get into the decisions that start to give an overseas golf trip its shape: when to go, where to go, which courses to play, how much golf, and how you'll get around.Connor reframes the timing question in a way most travelers haven't considered, D.J. breaks down the divide-and-conquer approach to choosing regions, and they both make the case for adding a course you've never heard of. Key Points:Why framing your travel dates as "when can't you go" is more productive than "when can you go."The daylight advantage of June and July, and the September wrinkle at St. Andrews that catches some groups off guard.How to divide and conquer: picking one or two regions for a 7-night trip, and why a third usually means shortchanging one of them.The anchor-course strategy: pick your marquee course first and build the rest of the itinerary outward from there.Why the course nobody in your group has heard of often becomes the highlight of the trip. The difference between a trip that's been planned for you and a trip that's been hosted, and why a driver-host turns transit time into part of the experience.Additional Resources:How to Plan a Golf Trip to Scotland – 14 Key DecisionsHow to Plan an Ireland Golf Trip – Breaking It DownThe Benefits of a Driver-Host on an Overseas Golf TripBest 36-Hole Days in Scotland and Ireland

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

If you’re thinking about a 2027 golf trip across the pond, you’ve likely noticed the noise.Deadlines. Openings. Applications. Limited tee sheets. Ryder Cup. The Open. It can all start to feel like a race before you’ve even settled on a plan.In this episode of Golf and the Good Life, Connor and D.J. provide a clear-eyed update on where things stand with 2027 planning, particularly for The Old Course, Muirfield, Royal County Down, and Royal Portrush.We discuss what’s different about this booking cycle, why certain windows are more condensed than in years past, and how major events are shaping demand.More importantly, we share perspective from the planning side: what truly requires urgency, where flexibility creates opportunity, and how to approach the process without letting it overshadow the excitement.The goal isn’t to add to the noise. It’s to replace it with clarity.If 2027 is on your radar, this conversation will help you understand the landscape and move forward with confidence.Additional ResourcesThe Complete Guide to 2027 Golf Trips to Scotland, Ireland, and England

Our Legendary Links series returns for a conversation with Bill Donald, General Manager of Royal County Down Golf Club.Bill offers a rare, thoughtful look behind the scenes at what it takes to steward a club like Royal County Down. We discuss how RCD balances global demand with its member traditions, the refinements underway to elevate the visitor experience, and why planning a golf trip here is best approached the same way you would a world-class event: with intention, patience, and an appreciation for just how special the opportunity is.We also touch on Bill's favorite moments around the course and a few can’t-miss spots in Newcastle that complete the experience beyond the fairways.Additional ResourcesThe Complete Guide to Royal County DownExplore Northern Ireland Golf TripsMentioned in this EpisodeSlieve DonardBrunel'sVilla VinciHarbour HouseThe Buck's Head DundrumNugelato

The calendar may have just turned to 2026, but for anyone considering a 2027 golf trip to Scotland, Ireland, or England, the planning window is already open.In just a few short weeks, some of the most sought-after courses across the pond will begin opening their tee sheets for 2027 visitors.At some of these marquee venues, most, if not all, visitor availability often disappears in a matter of days. And in some cases, just hours.In this episode, Connor and D.J. share key details for planning your 2027 trip, as well as destination-specific insights and the impact of major events like The Open and the Ryder Cup.It's a timely conversation, rooted in the current realities of overseas golf travel, and a valuable listen for anyone looking ahead to 2027 or beyond.Additional ResourcesThe Complete Guide for 2027 Golf Trips to Scotland, Ireland, and England

“AI is a great researcher — but a terrible trip manager.”In this episode, Connor and D.J. offer a candid look at how AI is shaping the way golfers are planning their overseas trips.They unpack the benefits, the blind spots, and what makes a golf travel company like H&B essential for turning research into reality.Additional Resources⁠AI & Golf Travel Planning: Even ChatGPT Knows the Difference⁠Have a question about golf travel—or a story of your own to share? Record your message at ⁠⁠haversham.com/podcast⁠⁠ and you may hear it featured in a future episode.About H&B⁠⁠⁠Haversham & Baker Expeditions⁠⁠⁠ is the leading provider of international golf travel to America's private clubs and their members. Known as the "country club of golf travel," H&B has specialized in Golf and the Good Life in Scotland, Ireland, and Beyond since 1991.

Come explore the best options for 36 hole days in Scotland, Ireland, and England. From legendary double-round destinations like Muirfield and Sunningdale, to smart pairings and underrated “second courses,” Connor & D.J. share both planning tips and personal favorites. Whether you’re building an itinerary or just daydreaming, this episode is packed with insight for when you want to double up.Highlights include:The “Legends” of the 36-hole day: Muirfield, Sunningdale, and Royal St. George’s.Favorite same-day pairings across Scotland, Ireland, and England.Why "second courses" deserve a second look.A Planner’s take on what makes or breaks a 36-hole itinerary.DJ and Connor’s personal top picks.Additional Resources:The Best 36-hole Days Across the PondThe Complete Guide to MuirfieldThe Complete Guide to Sunningdale7 Things to See at Royal St. George's

The Swilcan Package is one of the four key ways to land a tee time on The Old Course at St. Andrews.In this timely episode, DJ and Connor walk through how the application works, why the odds—though long—are still worth a shot, and what to know before you apply.As the 2026 window opens, it’s a useful listen for this year and future trips alike.Additional ResourcesSend Us Your Old Course at St. Andrews StoryApply for the Swilcan PackageThe Complete Guide to Old Course at St. Andrews Tee Times

With so much preview content already swirling around this year’s Open at Royal Portrush, we decided to take a different approach.In this episode, we trade analysis for reflection, sharing personal memories of The Open and what makes Royal Portrush and the surrounding area such a special place.From the storied Dunluce Links to our favorite spots nearby, we revisit the experiences that have stayed with us and explore why The Open remains simply without equal.Additional ResourcesThe Complete Guide to Royal Portrush9 Things to See Near Royal PortrushBook Mentioned in Episode - The Long Golden Afternoon by Stephen Proctor

When most travelers picture golf across the pond, they imagine long summer days and busy clubhouses. But there’s another window that’s steadily gaining popularity among seasoned H&B Members and golf travelers: the shoulder season.In this episode, D.J. and Connor unpack the growing appeal of spring and fall travel to the UK and Ireland. From greater access to marquee tee times and accommodations, to the warmth of the hospitality, there’s a compelling case to be made for stepping outside the summer rush.Considering a trip of your own? Or already a believer in the shoulder season? We’d love to hear from you. Record your message here.Additional ResourcesThe Complete Guide to Shoulder Season Golf Trips Across the Pond

Quick heads-up: The first version of this episode had the audio from Part 1 instead of Part 2 (our bad!). It's been fixed, so without further ado, here is the real Part 2.In the second half of this two-part series, Connor & D.J. continue the conversation with five more essential questions every traveler–especially group captains–should ask before selecting a golf travel company. From understanding what “custom” really means to ensuring your time off the course is just as memorable as your time on it, these final questions are designed to help you make an informed decision and keep your trip in the fairway.Additional Resources⁠10 Questions to Ask Your Golf Tour Company⁠⁠Do You Really Need a Golf Travel Company?