Hi guys,
Thanks for the interest. I've received quite a few questions so thought I'd make a post to bring a little more light on how this has gone and answer some of your other questions.
First of all I do understand there are a wide range of people at a wide range of economic levels who are members of GCA and passionate about golf course architecture. I promise I'm doing my best to make this accessible for you. I know how it is, tough times for some of us, in my family the only rich one is my ex-wife for the record. I have had to start from scratch ;-) but I have proven myself to be very generous ha ha....easy to say when nothing remains.
As I mentioned to Tony and Mark. This is where I started. The private clubs in Holland basically don't accept groups above 12 people as a general rule, unless they are corporate sponsors. Like all things in life there are a few exception, unlike the UK, the exceptions mean, they want to charge groups a surcharge, not welcome them at a reduced price and this one is going to kill you but I'm dead serious about it. If I as a member of my club want to bring a group in above 12 people then I'm responsible to pay the greenfee as well, even though I'm a member. I haven't quite got my head around that one yet. The normal greenfee for these two days is equal to more than 25% of my annual dues. Please keep this in mind when you write me with concerns about the prices. I'm not asking you to not write with concerns about them, you are free to do what you want. I just want you to fully understand how things work here. Rules are rules and here they are different. I'm trying to get US the best deal I can and that includes above all else ACCESS to the courses.
Those of you who are PGA members/pros or Raters and rankers just know I'm trying to negotiate for all of us. If in the end you are not happy with what I've been able to arrange I will give you the contact info of the right person to write to. I rank and rate as well so fully understand and am doing my best for all of you. Though I can't possibly do it individually for everyone as you understand.
I would also love to see some of the guys make the trip over from the US. If you want to come with spouses or even entire families I will be happy to give you advice as best I can. I know The Netherlands better than any travel agent you are going to run into in the US.
The dates are set, they won't change. whether you come in before or after is up to you. Trips across the Atlantic are cheaper if there is a weekend thrown in, all the time. Waiting till the last minute will not make the trip (flight/lodging) cheaper. What is very possible is booking really cheap inter-European Flights out of Amsterdam or other Dutch cities as an FYI. These airlines when booked in advance offer extremely cheap European return flights. Great for side trips to the UK or Ireland for example.
www.transavia.nlwww.easyjet.comwww.ryanair.ieSometimes KLM and BA are also ok however normally the above are far cheaper. They will not offer the first class luxury that you may be use to, not food on the flights unless you pay for it on the flight. Watch out for extra baggage fees however. Golf bags etc are all separate costs. The same goes with golf bag fees for overseas flights if you are not use to that. Here is one hint if you don't have a regular airline. KLM has a golf club, it's free to sign up. Once you do you can get a "bring your golf bag for free" voucher available for members. That will save you like $120-150.
Feel free to ask questions as they come up. The more I know in the coming week about #'s and interest the more things I can arrange and the more concrete I can make this.
Even in terms of things like accommodations. We don't have many bed and breakfasts here in NL. So if I know the preferences people have and what kind of accommodations would suit you then it's easier to look.
5 star
3 star
piled into one house sleeping on the floor in sleeping bags
Holiday trailer park
Anyway you get the idea. Some of us are really easy going, it's all about the golf and company and others prefer to maintain a certain level of comfort. I don't know enough about all the GCA people to know which group we are entertaining over here yet. I'll look at accommodation when I do.
Look forward to firming up all the details. Again if you are from the US and you've been to Scotland, Ireland etc or haven't been yet then you should come.
I'd recommend everyone spend the weekend before in Amsterdam. It's tough/but not completely impossible to get in some golf on the weekend as well if it's pure golf for you. I can also arrange some fun things during the weekend or at least give good advice for people that come early or stay late.