Golf and the Good Life - Your Guide for Golf Trips Across the Pond

The west coast of Scotland is the Birthplace of The Open Championship and home to some of the most storied links in the game. In this episode, Connor and D.J. take a deep dive into Ayrshire and the West Coast, from the marquee names of Royal Troon, Prestwick, Western Gailes, and the Ailsa Course at Turnberry to the outstanding supporting cast found throughout the region. Along the way, they cover...

Our Legendary Links series returns for a look at one of Scotland's most beloved courses, North Berwick Golf Club. Twenty-five years ago, North Berwick was unranked. Today it sits twenty-fifth in the world. Connor and D.J. unpack what that climb has meant for visitors and the puzzle of pairing the course with nearby Muirfield. They also cover the history, notable holes, and Good Life options th...

We've spent plenty of time talking about how to lead a great golf trip across the pond. This episode is for everyone else. The group members. The friends along for the ride. The 90% who didn't volunteer to be the Captain (the H&B word for the person organizing the trip). Connor and D.J. walk through what it means to be a great traveler when you're not the one leading, from respecti...

With The Open returning to Royal Birkdale this summer, D.J. and Connor sit down with colleague Mike Walters for a deep dive on England's Golf Coast, fresh off his trip through the region. They walk through all three Royals (Liverpool, Lytham & St Annes, and Birkdale), make the case for the deep supporting cast that often gets overlooked, and explore the Good Life in Liverpool. Whether you're h...

In Part 3 of the series, D.J. and Connor close out the 15 most important decisions for your overseas golf trip. The focus shifts to the choices that often get made later in the planning process: where you'll sleep, the case for caddies, packing choices, dinners and your time off the course, plus getting ahead of the inevitable question: where to next? Key Points: Why "we don't care wh...

In Part 2 of the series, D.J. and Connor get into the decisions that start to give an overseas golf trip its shape: when to go, where to go, which courses to play, how much golf, and how you'll get around. Connor reframes the timing question in a way most travelers haven't considered, D.J. breaks down the divide-and-conquer approach to choosing regions, and they both make the case for addi...

Planning an overseas golf trip involves more decisions than most travelers expect, and the ones you make early on tend to shape the entire experience. In this first episode of a 3 part series, D.J. and Connor walk through five key decisions every group faces before the planning even really begins: the type of trip, the invite list, your budget, DIY vs. a golf travel company, and custom vs. stock i...

In this episode, Connor serves as interviewer as D.J. takes us through his long-awaited solo drive of Scotland's North Coast 500. Along the way: Rounds of golf at Royal Dornoch, Wick, and Durness. Single-lane mountain roads through snow and hail. The wildly stressful descent of the Applecross Pass. A dinner 20-years-in-the-making at The Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye. Plus, what he'd d...

We first covered packing way back in Episode 7. That was 72 episodes and a lot of Expeditions ago. It's time for an update. In this episode, D.J. and Connor break packing into two categories: your golf gear and your luggage. From shipping your clubs and the AirTag rules you need to know, to the overnight outfit trick that could cut your suitcase in half, this one is full of firsthand advice fr...

If you’re thinking about a 2027 golf trip across the pond, you’ve likely noticed the noise. Deadlines. Openings. Applications. Limited tee sheets. Ryder Cup. The Open. It can all start to feel like a race before you’ve even settled on a plan. In this episode of Golf and the Good Life, Connor and D.J. provide a clear-eyed update on where things stand with 2027 planning, particularly for The Old Cou...

In this episode, we're making the case for building breathing room into your overseas golf itinerary and why it's something captains need to plan for upfront, not figure out on the fly. Drawing from Member feedback, we discuss the tension between wanting to play every marquee course and the reality of what makes a trip truly memorable. We cover strategic timing for days off, low-key golf a...

Our Legendary Links series returns for a conversation with Bill Donald, General Manager of Royal County Down Golf Club. Bill offers a rare, thoughtful look behind the scenes at what it takes to steward a club like Royal County Down. We discuss how RCD balances global demand with its member traditions, the refinements underway to elevate the visitor experience, and why planning a golf trip here is...

Our Legendary Links series returns with a conversation from one of the game’s most storied venues, Royal Liverpool Golf Club. Andy Leadbetter from Royal Liverpool shares an inside look at Hoylake, what it truly means to host The Open Championship, and how those moments shape a club long after the grandstands come down. Andy also makes the case for England’s Golf Coast as one of the most compelling...

The calendar may have just turned to 2026, but for anyone considering a 2027 golf trip to Scotland, Ireland, or England, the planning window is already open. In just a few short weeks, some of the most sought-after courses across the pond will begin opening their tee sheets for 2027 visitors. At some of these marquee venues, most, if not all, visitor availability often disappears in a matter of da...

In the final episode of the year, Connor and D.J. look back on recent and extensive travels across Great Britain and Ireland. From Royal County Down and Royal Portrush to Liverpool and the London heathland, they share some key takeaways, new discoveries, and why time spent on the ground each season is essential to delivering Golf at its Finest and Life at its Best. Have a question about golf trave...

“AI is a great researcher — but a terrible trip manager.” In this episode, Connor and D.J. offer a candid look at how AI is shaping the way golfers are planning their overseas trips. They unpack the benefits, the blind spots, and what makes a golf travel company like H&B essential for turning research into reality. Additional Resources ⁠AI & Golf Travel Planning: Even ChatGPT Knows the Dif...

After 70+ episodes, Connor & D.J. finally share the personal journeys that led them to the game of golf, to H&B, and eventually, to this little podcast. From early days on the course to stories even they hadn’t heard from each other, this episode pulls back the curtain on Golf and the Good Life. They also preview some upcoming travels that are sure to shape future episodes.

Come explore the best options for 36 hole days in Scotland, Ireland, and England. From legendary double-round destinations like Muirfield and Sunningdale, to smart pairings and underrated “second courses,” Connor & D.J. share both planning tips and personal favorites. Whether you’re building an itinerary or just daydreaming, this episode is packed with insight for when you want to double up. H...

In this episode, Connor & D.J. explore the wisdom of playing one course a second time during your golf trip to Scotland, Ireland, or England. They explain why doing so often leads to better golf, sharper memories, and a more relaxed experience. You'll also learn planning strategies, specific courses where repeat rounds are most viable, and why quality tops quantity when it comes to golf at...

The Swilcan Package is one of the four key ways to land a tee time on The Old Course at St. Andrews. In this timely episode, DJ and Connor walk through how the application works, why the odds—though long—are still worth a shot, and what to know before you apply. As the 2026 window opens, it’s a useful listen for this year and future trips alike. Additional Resources Send Us Your Old Course at St....

This week, the Irish Open returns to the K Club. With the 2026 venue still unannounced (as of this recording) Connor & D.J. discuss where they'd like to see the Irish Open held in the future. From the usual suspects near Dublin to a few logistically challenging choices, the picks all show off the outstanding links golf in Ireland. Additional Resources 7 Things to See at Portmarnock Golf Club T...

A common question we receive from Members preparing for their Expedition is simple: What should I read before I go? In this episode, Connor and D.J. share their curated list of books and other great reads that will both pass the time before departure and enrich your understanding of golf across the pond. From the legends of Old Tom Morris to modern reflections on links golf and architecture, these...

Your first day across the pond can set the tone for your entire golf Expedition. In this episode, Connor & D.J. share practical advice to help your trip get off to a smooth start. From managing flight arrivals and tee time expectations to arrival-day golf and sightseeing. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, this episode is packed with insights to help you hit the ground running. Additi...

In this episode, D.J. and Connor break down the key differences between golf travel in the U.S. and across the pond. From private clubs and tee times to hotel rooms and daily logistics, they cover the quirks, surprises, and what every traveler should know before heading to Scotland, Ireland, or England. Additional Resources How Overseas Golf Travel Differs from the U.S.

With so much preview content already swirling around this year’s Open at Royal Portrush, we decided to take a different approach. In this episode, we trade analysis for reflection, sharing personal memories of The Open and what makes Royal Portrush and the surrounding area such a special place. From the storied Dunluce Links to our favorite spots nearby, we revisit the experiences that have stayed...