10 Rules I Use For Every Golf Trip

RULES 6-10
The Warm-Up Rules

Rule #10: One Great Meal Rule

Every trip needs one meal everyone remembers. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. It just needs to be good (and something good in the specific location you’re at).

For example, in Williamsburg, Virginia, we grabbed key lime pie at a local restaurant after a round… and to this day we still talk about that key lime pie. You’ve gotta find your key lime pie on every trip you go on. Shoutout to In N Out too, can’t go on a trip to California and not get yourself a double double.

Rule #9: Explore Beyond The Course Rule

Some trips get so packed with golf that you end up doing nothing but sleeping, driving, and teeing off again. And while that’s fun, it also means you miss out on the place you’re in.

Take a little time to explore. When we were in Chicago, we went to Wrigley Field at night. There wasn’t even a game happening, but walking around the stadium was awesome. It was something different, something memorable, and it made the trip feel more complete.

Rule #8: Shoulder Season Value Rule

If you’re looking for value, this is where it’s at. Shoulder seasons are when the courses aren’t as busy, the tee boxes aren’t backed up, the restaurants aren’t slammed, and the prices drop a ton.

The weather can still be great, the experience is still great, and you usually get way more attention and help from the staff. It’s a simple way to get a premium trip for way less.

Rule #7: Challenge Day, Vibe Day Rule

A good trip needs both. One day that’s really tough and locks you in. And one day that’s just pure fun.

When we went to Miami, we played the Blue Monster at Trump National Doral, and it was easily one of the hardest rounds we’ve ever played. Then the next day we played Miami Lakes Golf Club and had one of the most relaxed, fun rounds ever. That combination is what made the trip.

Rule #6: Collect Something Every Trip Rule

We collect ball markers, but not the boring poker chip ones. We look for the nice, unique ones that really represent the area or the course. And then we actually use them.

It’s fun finding them in the pro shop, and now all of us do it. We’ve gained quite the collection too. Whether it is golf balls, course flags, ball markers, or course pencils, make sure that you’re building a collection of your own.Subscribe

RULES 4-5
Working Our Way to #1

Rule #5: The 90 Minute Rule

Within the US, try your hardest to keep every course on the trip within 90 minutes of each other. Once you start driving two hours or more between rounds, it stops feeling like a golf trip and more like a road trip.

Now, if you’re overseas or you’re doing a week-long trip, this rule can shift a little. But for most US trips, 90 minutes is the sweet spot (definitely consistently shoot for less though).

Rule #4: Pace The 36s Rule

36 holes is awesome. Some of the best memories come from those long days. But just be aware, you will get tired.

If you’re stacking multiple 36-hole days in a row, mix up the games you play. Make one of them two vs two instead of stroke play. Keep it simple and fun so the back half of the day doesn’t feel like you’re grinding. If possible don’t stack too many 36 hole days together, give yourself a little bit of breathing room.

RULES 1-3
Saving the Best for Last

Rule #3: Be First Out Rule

Try to get at least one “first out” tee time during your trip.

It’s not even about having the course to yourself. It’s just nice to play at your own pace. You can play faster, set your own rhythm, and usually have one of your better rounds because your mind and body are fresh.

Yeah, you have to wake up early, and that does suck. But it’s worth it. Morning golf is hard to beat. This is also a game changer when you have an afternoon round lined up that same day. Sometimes (maybe even typically) those will get backed up. This makes it so at least one of your rounds during the day has a good pace.

Rule #2: Find A Gem Rule

Every destination has that one course locals always talk about. This isn’t necessarily a popular and famous one either… It's a gem.

It might not be half the price. It might even be expensive. But locals and people who visit all the time will tell you, “You have to play this place.” That’s the course you want to find. We have found these in every state so if you ever want some advice, just let us know and we can help you find them.

Rule #1: Start With The Anchor Rule

This is the rule that drives everything. Pick one anchor course and build the whole trip around it. It sets the tone, gives you something to look forward to, and helps you plan everything else around that one round.

We’ve had a ton of these. In Palm Springs, the Stadium Course at PGA West was our anchor. In Miami, it was the Blue Monster. In Wisconsin, it’s SentryWorld. Pick your anchor first, and work from there.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
We Use these Rules EVERY TRIP

These are the rules I follow whenever I’m putting a trip together. They keep things simple and make the whole experience better, whether you’re doing a weekend trip or a full week. If you’re planning something for 2026, I break down our best trips, our favorite courses, and how we do it each week inside The Turn.

See you next week.