Golf Genius ::

Essentials -

Money – When you are travelling in Portugal the Euro is the currency. If you choose to, there are currency exchange booths at Airports but they do tend to provide a less favorable exchange rate.  Your local bank is a good option ahead of time, to bring some Euros, though they may require 48 hours to complete the transaction.  There are also ATMs available that are an excellent option to access additional local currency.

Credit cards – Mastercard and Visa work well throughout Portugal.  American Express is not as common … it may get accepted but not everywhere. Be sure to call your credit card company and give them your travel schedule so they don’t get suspicious of overseas transactions and turn off your card.

Passport – Do not forget to bring your passport. Make sure it is up to date. It can take several months to process a renewal if yours is not up to date.

Dress for travel and dinners and golf – Comfort is the key. Jeans are best worn in the evenings when you have casual dining at the local pub.    Like most private clubs in the States, the dress code on the course would include standard golf attire like collared shirts, khakis, sweaters, etc. Be sure to bring golf shorts as the Portugal climate will be very comfortable while you are there.

Travel Insurance – We highly recommend travel insurance as unforeseen events can ruin a holiday and be costly to deal with. Items to consider including are medical, flight cancellation and luggage/ club protection.

Below is a link for an online quotation as reduced rates are available for Sullivan Golf Travel Customers.

Other companies to consider is your current insurance provider, Allianz, AAA or your medical carrier for health coverage.

Golf clothes to bring –

2 pair of golf shoes – water proof is good; alternate the shoes day to day. Also, don’t break out a brand-new pair of golf shoes on your trip – blisters will be an unpleasant outcome, more often than not.

Layered clothing - long sleeve Under Armor product is great that keeps you warm, wicks away perspiration.

Golf Shorts – the weather will be mild, and they will be very comfortable. If a rain squall comes in off the Atlantic, putting your Rain pants on over golf shorts is easy and the ends of your pant legs won’t get wet as long pants often do.

Golf cap – you will have many options to buy them and there is great fun in returning home with a cap from one or more of your favorite courses. A knit cap is always safe to pack … sometimes the early morning tee times can be cool!

Golf towels –bring some extra to pack around your clubs in the travel bag for further cushion.

Bag tags – if you have tags on your bags with your name, that is great. We will provide bag tags upon your arrival to help us keep up with everyone’s bag.

Golf equipment –

Golf Bag - bring your regular golf bag as you will be riding in a golf cart (buggy) each round. Do remember that you will be hauling your bag through the airport (unless you ship it separately) so a smaller bag will be easier on your back.  There is enough room in today’s carry bags to stow your rain suit.  Bring a couple dozen golf balls with you on the trip but don’t carry more than 6 balls in your bag, and certainly no more than nine.  Golf balls are heavy and carrying 3 dozen balls is not necessary.

Travel Bag – Soft Cover Travel Bags (e.g., Club Glove) are the preferred option as it provides the most flexibility once you have landed and can be easily stowed prior to your trip home. However, an added precaution should be taken to protect your most important club, your DRIVER. You should use a “club protector” in the travel bag. You can purchase a Club Glove Stiff Arm Golf Club protector for $30 or alternatively, go to your neighborhood hardware store and purchase a piece of plastic PVC tube, 1 inch diameter and 1 inch longer than your driver (approximately 48”) for a few dollars. Place the “Club Protector” in your golf bag next to your driver and then place your golf bag into your travel bag. Your clubs will now be better protected to handle the airline baggage handler “drops” when you arrive at your destination. Additional golf towels wrapped around your clubs will also help you land safe and intact!

Umbrella – due to the breezes that often accompany the occasional rain on the course, an umbrella tends to be pretty useless.  Having said that, an umbrella available for evening walks around town is a nice option on the remote chance we have any precipitation.

Painkillers including Advil, Aleve – great for post round and as necessary pre round discomfort. Be sure to bring some with you as it may not be readily available. Irish whiskey has proven to be a good option during the round!!

Snacks on the course – every morning will start with breakfast but fuel on the course is important too.  On some rounds, you may not eat till after the round.  Bring your favorite granola bars or other snacks to carry in your golf bag.

Other -

Wireless communications – you will have WIFI service in your accommodations.  Bring your laptop and you will be able to access the internet. Your plugs for computers, cell phone chargers, etc. will require an adaptor which you can pick up at Best Buy or order online (such as amazon.com).  It is best to bring your own Universal Adapter. Look for a United States to Portugal Travel Power Adaptor.

Cell Phone service – call your service provider to have your phone activated for International Service if you desire to stay connected.  Also, be certain you understand how you will be billed for data, emails and text messaging.  We have heard horror stories regarding outrageous roaming bills while traveling outside their home country.

Wifi access is common across Portugal – Free messaging services such as WhatsApp can be a great way to stay in touch with people at home and to send pictures of all the great sights and courses along the way.

Glasses vs. contact lenses – if you golf in contacts, bring them along.  They are a lot easier to deal with than glasses when you experience a little bit of mist.

Small Carry bag for the Flight - it is a good idea to have a small carryon bag that includes any medications, a change of clothes and toiletries on the remote possibility that your baggage is delayed. For the balance of the trip, the carry bag will be handy to permit you to bring additional items for day trips (to the course, an extra pair of socks and a pair of shorts or an extra shirt).

Language – while Portuguese is the language of Portugal, you will be able to navigate easily with the English language as the vast majority of folks you will encounter during your travels will be conversant in English.

VISA Entry – VISA requirements into Portugal which is part of the European Schengen Area vary depending on the passport of origin. Unless you plan on staying more than 90 days, you should have no concerns regarding entry or departure.