Safe to say, road trips are a national pastime in Australia. Every year, we look forward to hitting the open road and setting our sights on natural attractions like beaches for surfing or mountain ranges for hiking expeditions.
Our national love for outdoor adventuring makes the golfing road trip feel just as organic as a coastal drive. And with our sheer abundance of globally recognised golf courses here in Australia, you can travel to virtually any state and be guaranteed some great greens.
If you’ve never loaded your clubs up in the car for a multi-day expedition, however, then we highly recommend perusing this guide. Together, let’s explore some key tips for preparing a great Australian golfing road trip. 

1. Be gear-ready

If you’re a seasoned road-tripper, you know the value of practical preparation. Steps like getting your vehicle in for a timely servicing or renewing your car insurance can help ensure you stay safe while adventuring down country highways.
The same goes for preparing your golf gear for long journeys. If you don’t make efforts to take care of your clubs as you travel, then you may be looking at hundreds if not thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to your gear.
Thankfully, a little due diligence here can help ensure your golf gear is ready for the long journey ahead. A thorough clean and maintenance check after every course does the trick, along with replacing any worn grips as needed. Also, consider a basic (or comprehensive) golf repair kit, so you can perform minor repairs on the road. It’ll save you money and (playing) time.
There are also insurance considerations for your golf clubs just as there are for your vehicle. For instance, some travel insurance providers may be able to offer a golf cover add-on for those looking to travel with equipment in tow. In some cases, golf cover may also be able to cover green fees and/or cancellation fees if you find yourself delayed between bookings on your travel itinerary.

2. Map out your itinerary in advance

Long before you load the clubs into the boot, you’ll definitely want to plan a route that lets you visit Australia’s best and most celebrated courses. Because why not? We’re blessed with courses that rival the rest of the world – courses that needn’t be left for annual opens and members' days.
Of course, Australia’s massive, and things can quickly become a logistical nightmare if you try to tick off too many famous courses from your golfing bucket list. The best approach you can take here is to keep things practical by making sure all the courses and clubs across your itinerary are at least in proximity, minimising your overall travel time.
For instance, if you’re road-tripping to Melbourne, why not try the Royal Melbourne Golf Club one day, then Kingston Heath the next? Not only are they close to each other, they’re close to Melbourne’s CBD, so your evenings will never be dull.  

3. Know the conditions, know the rules

Your preparation extends past the routes you take on your adventure. Knowing at least a little of what to expect with each course you play will make playing a lot more fun and rewarding. How much research is a matter of personal preference. If logging how many bunkers you’ll encounter in a spreadsheet is how you roll, do you.
Dress codes, hire cart availability, and local rules: these are all details that if you choose to ignore them, you will be doing so at your own peril. If you’re unsure of what expectations are placed upon you as a patron, a brief phone call with the club pro shop will answer all questions. In the end, it’s a mark of respect to other fellow local players and club members to maintain this attention to detail and adherence to all relevant club rules. 

4. Prize comfort and safety

While we all covet the random adventures that fall our way on road trips, there’s something to be said for feeling safe and comfortable. Again, this comes down to planning and preparation. The smarter you pack, the better.
Essentials first: loads of snacks, plenty of water, sunscreen, and sun-smart clothing. Insect repellent and a first aid kit. If it’s summer, an esky will save your life, trust us. If you’re driving to or through remote areas, these tips apply even more. Consider things like fuel. Research where you can refill the tank before you lose phone reception. And keep a physical map handy.
Now to comfort. Neck pillows, light (or heavy) blankets, and sunglasses. You’re vulnerable to the elements on a road trip, despite being in a car, so be ready. 

5. Remember, it’s not just about golf

Whoever said ‘it’s about the journey, not the destination’ first was obviously talking about road trips. We’re prepared to bet the house on it. But the simple truth is that a golfing road trip is about both, so be sure to enjoy equally.
There’ll be times when poor weather precludes a round; if you find yourself in a city, rain can mean an afternoon matinee or a stroll through a world-renowned gallery – so the day isn’t entirely lost just because you can’t get on the green. This is bigger picture perspective, a way to make the most of your time on the road. Which is the way to treat every road trip, if we’re honest.

Embark on your golfing road trip fully prepared for every swing

A road trip that combines your favourite pastime just hits different. While it should be marked with moments for rest, the anticipation of the challenge, of the contest with friends, will take centre stage.
Just remember to take each day as it comes; cliche advice, yes, but there’s nothing worse than getting over-excited and spending the day recovering from poor tee shots. Savour each course and local experience with an open mind. So long as you can do this, you’ll find plenty of enrichment across your first golfing road trip.