Jet Golf

Andrew Penner

Posted 2005-04-27

The way we play golf – at many fine resorts and private clubs, anyway - is changing. Professional caddies are again the “mode” of choice. Walking with hired help is “in.” And, after soldiering along for 18 holes the good ‘ol fashioned way, you can’t deny it, that first single-malt always tastes way better. But, mark my words, that perfectly peaty 25-year-old will taste like liquid gold when you’re sipping from your private jet – another “mode” of transportation that’s “taking off” in the golf world.

Let’s be honest, flying coach is, for most of us, the normal way of getting to “b.” (Including times when “b” happens to be a suave and savoury golf destination.) A newspaper, a window seat, a plastic knife, and, fingers crossed, someone pleasant to sit beside. It’s just the way it is.

But, when plain old coach just isn’t good enough – and you’ve got a few extra bills burning a hole in your wallet - there are ways. Oh my, oh my, there are ways.

Private jet golf vacations have never been more popular. Numerous companies in North America are ready, willing, and able to whisk you – and your most valued clients or friends - to enchanting golf destinations like Cabo del Sol, Bandon Dunes, Whistling Straits, Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, and many more – sans the plastic utensils.

Jet Golf (www.jetgolf.com) based in Duluth, Georgia, is the market leader when it comes to golf-specific getaways via private jet. They offer a number of packaged excursions that include, well, just about everything. Gratuities, ground transportation, snacks, lodging, green fees, on-site facilitator, and dining arrangements will all be taken care of. Also, trips can be fully customized to ensure your specific needs and service levels are met. Currently, Jet Golf flies out of approximately 10 major North American airports. Prices for Jet Golf excursions start at $1750 per person for one night trips and can climb, basically, as high as your imagination will take you (the 50-year-old Scotch can get a tad pricey).

Other companies - such as Blue Star Jets (www.bluestarjets.com), based in New York City and one of the leading brokers when it comes to finding the right jet, at the right time, in the right place - have seen a considerable increase in golf-related bookings over the last few years. “Nowadays it seems golf and private jets go hand in hand,” says Blue Star’s public relations manager, Mathew Van Damm. “Some months nearly half our requests are for golf-related trips.” And Blue Star Jets, which has access to over 4,000 jets around the world, can find you some pretty pristine fairways on fairly short notice to boot.

But, chances are, there are other options for you as well. Depending on where you live, most cities and regions are serviced with smaller companies that handle (mainly) corporate jet or private plane booking requests. Whether they are brokers or actually own the airplanes themselves, it’s likely that one of the hundreds of smaller and more private “airlines” can get you where you want to go when you want to go – and they likely won’t mind packing along some golf clubs. Just make sure you mention you’re not leaving “a” without your golf clubs (not all aircraft have enough room to store sticks)!

Of course, regardless of the destination you choose, going “private” is always going to have a sweet payoff – just make sure your favourite Scotch finds its way on board as well.

Andrew Penner writes for a number of golf publications in North America, including GOLF Magazine, Golf Canada, SCORE Magazine, and Pacific Golf. He can be reached at andpenner@shaw.ca

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Jet Golf

Andrew Penner

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