General · 7 February 2019
To hire or not to hire – that is the question.
By The Golf Planet Holidays Team · Golf-travel specialists since 1981 · Updated 28 April 2026 Self-drive golf holidays can make it all too easy for us. We throw every piece of golf paraphernalia in the boot of the car, from rain gear to the odd gizmo we have never used. On our return we […]
Self-drive golf holidays can make it all too easy for us. We throw every piece of golf paraphernalia in the boot of the car, from rain gear to the odd gizmo we have never used. On our return we always promise we will be more sensible in our packing next time but it just never happens.
Fly-drive golf holidays are a different case (pardon the pun) all together. Most airlines now charge to carry golf bags on top of your standard luggage allowance, unless you are lucky enough to be turning left when you board a plane.
Hunting around, the average airline cost to carry golf bags short haul is around £70 return. Is it worth it?
Playing on a golf holiday with your own clubs should mean you play better, but you could use this as an opportunity to try some different clubs you’ve been eyeing for a while, or just choose the same set as at home.
Across the popular Golf Planet holiday destinations in Spain and the Algarve in Portugal several companies have now set up offering golf sets for hire. Depending on how much you are willing to pay, you can choose from the latest clubs on the market and either pick them up at the airport or have them delivered to your golf resort. Of course the sets of clubs are always clean and ready for action on the first tee.
We would recommend you take out the low cost insurance when you hire clubs on your golf holiday as even losing a golf head cover can be costly.
Some resorts, including Costa Navarino in Greece, are running special offers this year for Golf Planet Holidays clients including club hire in your European golf holiday cost.
If you do decide to take your own clubs, one helpful hint gathered from personal experience is to stick a tall broom handle in your golf bag. If it’s longer than your largest club it would be the broom handle that would be damaged, not your driver.
Where to stay & play in Portugal
Tailor your Portugal golf trip →
What our golfers say
4.997 reviewsWe have just returned from a superb golf holiday to Madeira. Everything was professionally arranged by Nigel at Golf Planet. Would highly recommend this company.
Our 18 strong group of “golfers” enjoyed a trip to Portugal again this October and again we asked GPH to assist us with all the transfers , accommodation and booking the courses / buggies . Experienced and knowledgeable the team at GPH …
Just got back from a Portugal golf trip which we booked precovid. 3 years in the waiting and definitely worth it. All made easy by Simon Crawley who continuously looked after us when we had to reschedule twice due to going into the Red …
Frequently asked questions
How much does a golf holiday in Portugal cost?
Tailor-made golf breaks in Portugal start from £205 per person, including your hotel, green fees and airport transfers. Every package is built around your group, dates and handicaps.
Do you arrange flights to Portugal?
Flights can be added as an ATOL-protected option, or you book your own and we handle everything on the ground — private transfers, tee times and buggies.
Is my money protected?
Yes. Every booking is financially protected through Protected Trust Services (PTS) — your money is held safely in trust until you have travelled. Flight-inclusive trips are also ATOL protected.
Can I tailor the trip?
Always. We don’t sell off-the-shelf packages — every Portugal break is built personally around your group, your preferred courses and your dates.
Come and play with us
Wherever you're travelling from, you're welcome on a Golf Planet hosted tour — a small group, a host with you from the first tee to the last, and every round, transfer and dinner taken care of. You just bring the clubs.
