CLIENT FEATURE

Pioneer Golf: Helping golfers plan dream vacations to Scotland, Wales, England, Ireland

By Brandon Tucker,
Staff Writer

With literally hundreds of courses in the British Isles - both well-known and off the beaten path - booking a golf trip to the Old Country can be a daunting task.

• Murcar Links Golf Club: A rising star north of Aberdeen • Cruden Bay's scenery, flash overcome its few flaws • Golf courses in Scotland • ScotlandGolf.com: Your key to the home of golf

Since 1971, Pioneer Golf has tried to ease the confusion of heading overseas by lending its authentic touch to a countless number of clients, eager to maximize the enjoyment, value and ease of their trip.

Peter Hazelton, president of Pioneer Golf, admits planning a trip overseas can be a mind-boggling process.

"Of course [it can be frustrating] because of the logistical complications that can so easily arise," Hazelton said. "Sometimes potential clients don't have a sense of relative location and can easily underestimate distance between golf courses. For others, it's not so much a matter of distance, but time."

Hazelton points out that chief amongst these barriers is the number of tee times open to the public at a number of the well-known courses.

"If they are open to visitors, it's only at certain times," he said. "For someone unaccustomed to doing this, it can become quite frustrating."

Because Pioneer Golf deals with many of these courses on a consistent basis for the past three decades, getting tee times is easier for them.

Hazelton, who has run the operation since 1981, is originally from Scotland, giving him an authentic knowledge seldom found in most other agencies. But Pioneer Golf's chief asset in the travel market is their familiarity with the grounds of the United Kingdom.

Pioneer Golf   609 Castle Ridge Rd.   Suite 311   Austin, TX 78746 USA   Tel: (800) 262-5725 or   (512) 327-2680   E-mail:   info@pioneergolf.com   Web site:   www.pioneergolf.com

Pioneer Golf focuses primarily on golf travel, but that hasn't always been the case. When Pioneer first opened, it was known as Pioneer World Travel Inc., and it focused on all facets of travel to Europe. In 1997, a division of the company was opened to highlight golf tours. Since the divesting of Pioneer World Travel in 2000, Pioneer Golf has concentrated on golf alone.

Whether you're planning an inexpensive or luxurious trip, Pioneer Golf's history and credibility make it a surefire option.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.