What is a golf retreat as opposed to a golf trip?

A retreat is an immersive golf coaching experience that looks at the other parts of your game as well as the technical swing side. That’s the overall physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects to playing golf. We use a combination of conventional and non-conventional coaching techniques to advance your game.

How long is the retreat and what do I get?

Our retreats vary in duration from two days and one night stays up to four days and four nights. You will stay at a quality golf resort hotel on a shared room dinner, bed and breakfast basis (single room option is available at an additional per night cost). Over the course of each retreat, you will attend a variety of group coaching sessions and presentations (indoors and outdoors) that will test your technical, mental, physical and emotional ability to play golf. There is time each day to practise and then to play. At the end of each overnight stay day there is a group review before dinner and time to relax. 

Below is an example itinerary of our four-day retreat to give you an idea of what’s included:

What’s not included?

Our retreats are not conventional golf trips where guests should expect to play eighteen holes of golf every day. Each retreat ends with a final day challenge or competition. Most days will be a mixture of morning coaching and training exercises then nine holes of golf with on-course thinking or skills tests in the afternoon.

Breakfast and dinner are included but lunch, drinks and golf extras (e.g. buggies/extra range balls) are not.

Can I come on the retreat on my own?

Absolutely. Our retreats welcome individuals and group bookings.

What level of golfer do I have to be?

Our retreats accommodate a range of abilities from low handicappers through to enthusiastic beginners. Before the actual retreat you will receive a questionnaire to complete so that we can design the best possible coaching experience for you based on your goals and perceived ability level.  

What happens if the weather is bad?

The weather is unpredictable, and we cannot guarantee four days of uninterrupted golf. As with any golf experience, we are at the mercy of the elements to an extent (please see our T&Cs for more details on our cancellation policy). However, the retreats are a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. If it’s safe to get out on the course, we will do so – even if that requires wet weather gear and umbrellas! We endeavour to choose our venues with bad weather alternatives in mind. There are indoor health and wellbeing facilities to use as well as covered ranges and practice areas (subject to availability). 

How many rounds of golf are included in the retreat?

Our retreats are not conventional golf trips where guests should expect to play eighteen holes of golf every day. The retreat ends with a final day competition over eighteen holes, but the other three days will be a mixture of morning coaching sessions and training exercises then nine holes of golf in the afternoon.

What age do I have to be? And what level of fitness?

We welcome guests from 18 years+ however, we would advise that our retreats are aimed at the 40 years+ age range. There are no extreme physical challenges in any session, so if you can play golf, you should be able to take part in all sessions. 

Do I need to attend every session?

It’s certainly not compulsory but we do ask all our guests to come prepared to take part positively in every structured session if they can. We understand that guests may not be able to attend every session but to get the most out of the retreat we do want you to participate in as many as possible. There are no extreme physical challenges in any session, so if you can play golf, you should be able to take part in all sessions. 

Can I choose who I play with?

No is the short answer. We will make every effort to group players together in their ‘booked’ groupings on the first and last days of the retreat. Due to the nature of the coaching plans guests will be required to train and play in different groups in order to learn and develop.   

Do we all eat together?

Guests take breakfast at their leisure between 7am and 9am. Dinner is taken together on Day 1 (and on Day 4 of the longer retreat stays).

Can I use other facilities at the venue?

Absolutely. Guests can use the practice facilities (subject to availability).

There is a gym, cardio space and swimming pools with sauna and jacuzzi for all guests to use during their stay. Also available is the Health Spa with an array of treatments (at an extra cost).

Are there any social activities planned as part of the retreat?

Yes – we encourage the guest group to socialise at their leisure and get the most out of the retreat.

Will I leave a better golfer?

We believe you will leave our retreat a better golfer.

We promise you will leave our retreat with the tools to become a better golfer.

Is there a minimum / maximum handicap that you need to have?

No is the short answer. Our retreats accommodate a range of abilities from very low handicaps through to enthusiastic beginners. 

Is it suitable for single players?

Absolutely. Our retreats welcome individuals and group bookings.

What time does the day(s) start and finish?

Our retreat days will start at 9am and finish early evening (with breaks in between).

Do you cater for vegetarians/vegans etc.?

Before the actual retreat you will receive a questionnaire to complete – one of the questions will ask about any special dietary requirements. We will then make these requests with the venue.

When is my deposit and balance payment due?

A deposit of 25% per person is required to secure your booking then the final balance is required 13 weeks before the retreat date.

Can I get a refund of my deposit if I can’t make it?

Unfortunately, not – the deposit is non-refundable.

Can you take payments from different members of my party or do all payments need to be on the same account?

All individual bookings must be paid for by a Lead booker (initial deposit and then balance).  Balance payments will be taken automatically from the Lead Booker’s account 13 weeks before your retreat date.

Can I make amendments to my booking, such as changing names?

Yes, amendments such as name changes can be made up until 48 hours before your retreat.

Is there a minimum age to join the retreat?

18 years+

Do you send an itinerary of the retreat beforehand?

Before the actual retreat you will receive an overview of the retreat and an individual questionnaire to complete so that we can design the best possible coaching experience and outcomes for you based on your goals and perceived ability level. We will share a detailed itinerary plan at the welcome meeting on Day 1.

When can we check into our hotel room and what time is check out?

Check-in to the hotel will be late afternoon on Day 1. All guests should arrive ready to play golf in the morning on Day 1. When you arrive, park in the golf club & facilities car park rather than the hotel car park. Check-out would be in the morning on the last day of your retreat before activities begin.

Will there be storage for golf clubs?

No storage is provided – golf clubs can be stored in hotel rooms. Lockers may be purchased at an extra cost (subject to venue availability).

Do I need to obtain any travel insurance at all?

No special insurance is required. We advise all guests to have up-to-date personal travel and golf insurance.

Do I need to bring anything else with me other than my golf clubs for the sessions?

Appropriate clothing and food and drink for the golf course. A notebook would be recommended.

Can I video the sessions for my own personal benefit and to use after the retreat?

We don’t allow video but would encourage a notebook. The journey will become a personal one, so noting your own thoughts and experiences would be valuable. 

Will there be time for a 1:1 with the coaches?

The sessions are set up as a group experience. There will however be time for any individual questions you may have.

Do you offer any follow up support /coaching after the retreat?

Yes – on a one-to-one basis. This can be discussed further with the coaching specialists at the retreat.

Will there be free time for me to play golf at my leisure (and is that included in the price)?

The schedule for each coaching day is full to make the most of your stay. There is golf scheduled for each day which is included.

Is it compulsory to attend all the programmed sessions?

It’s certainly not compulsory but we do ask all our guests to come prepared to take part positively in every structured session if they can. We understand that guests may not be able to attend every session but to get the most out of the retreat we do want you to participate in as many as possible. There are no extreme physical challenges in any session, so if you can play golf, you should be able to take part in all sessions.