Key Takeaways
- Retired golfer Trevor Immelman shares insights for golf travelers, stressing the importance of proper gear and preparation for a smoother trip.
- Immelman highlights the necessity of chargers, battery packs with multiple ports, and expedited security programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR for efficient travel.
- Immelman advises making bookings for restaurants and accommodations, especially during major events when venues might be crowded.
- Immelman advocates for TSA PreCheck and CLEAR programs to save time during security screenings at airports.
- Immelman’s guidance reflects years of experience, offering actionable tips for a stress-free and organized golfing journey.
Winter Park, Florida–Trevor Immelman, the retired professional golfer from South Africa, recently shared his essential travel tips for enthusiasts looking to enjoy a comfortable golfing trip in an interview with GOLF magazine.
Travel Challenges for Golfers
In the interview, Immelman said that traveling can be especially challenging for golfers due to having to carry their clubs and other golf equipment wherever they go. However, he feels that trips can be made much more enjoyable and less stressful with the right gear and prior preparation.
Essential Gear for Golf Travel
Immelman said that for him, chargers and battery packs were top priorities while traveling, especially ones with multiple ports.
This would prove useful as golfers, in addition to personal gadgets, use various other electronic devices, including GPS, rangefinders, swing analyzers, scorekeeping apps, and golf simulators.
“TSA PreCheck and CLEAR is a must,” he said in the interview. “It’s a game-changer; there’s no doubt how much time it can save in the space of a year. Just thinking about this morning even, it must have saved 30 minutes in security just with that.”
TSA PreCheck is a program offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States that allows pre-approved passengers to go through an expedited security screening process at participating airports.
CLEAR is another US airport program that uses biometrics ID technology to speed up the security screening process. Members could bypass the queue directly to the designated security screening area.
Booking Strategies for Comfortable Trips
Immelman also recommends making all the necessary bookings before traveling, something he says his wife usually did for him even though she no longer traveled with him as much.
“She always pre-books all the restaurants and stuff like that [at tournaments], so we have a place to go every night,” he said, adding that when attending a big event, there would be a lot of fans in town and that restaurant would usually be full.
Trevor Immelman is a retired golfer who spends his days as a tournament analyst and television commentator. He has won 12 tournaments, including two PGA tours and the prestigious ‘Masters Tournament 2008’.
The original interview is a part of Road Rules, a Golf.com print series that targets professionals in the field of golfing, including players, caddies, course raters, teachers, and writers.
What We Think
Traveling as a golfer requires meticulous planning, and Trevor Immelman’s insights shed light on crucial aspects that can significantly enhance the experience. His stress on preparation through technology and streamlined airport procedures is invaluable.
Moreover, his advice on pre-booking arrangements ensures smooth navigation during tournaments or busy events. Immelman’s suggestions not only simplify travel but also alleviate potential stress points, allowing golf enthusiasts to focus on the game rather than logistical hassles.
Incorporating his recommendations can undoubtedly transform a golfing trip into a seamless and enjoyable experience.