About Legendary Golf Trips
Our Philosophy
At Legendary Golf Trips, we believe that golf is more than just a game - it's a way of life. We are dedicated to helping avid golfers play the best, most exhilarating golf courses around the world. We specialize in creating lifetime memories with great friends featuring many of the Top 100 golf courses in the world. Additionally, Legendary Golf Trips can help you find those hidden gems that make your special trip legendary.
Our Services
We offer customized golf trips focusing on Scotland, Ireland, and England. We can also help with other amazing golf destinations in the U.S., Australia, and around the world. Full-service travel planning and execution so you can enjoy your trip without the stress. Your trip is about you and your friends and what you want to get out of your trip. It is not about fitting you into a pre-determined itinerary.
Make your trip Legendary!
John Handley
John is a sales, media, and marketing executive with more than 30 years experience in the corporate world.
Prior to forming his golf travel consulting company, John held sales leadership positions with Sports Illustrated, GOLF Magazine, ESPN, Men’s Journal, Inside Golf and Tour & Travel News. He has lived in Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, and now Austin. John is a member of the prestigious California Golf Club of San Francisco, Spanish Oaks Golf Club and a former member of Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in Oregon.
John has played over 40 of the top 100 courses in the world including Cypress Point, St. Andrews Old Course, Royal County Down, Sunningdale, Muirfield, and Royal Dornoch. Fun fact, he is not afraid to hang out with the goats at Lahinch Golf Club while looking for his golf ball. John uses his first-hand experience traveling and playing golf in Scotland, Ireland, and England to plan legendary golf experiences for friends and clients. John has been doing this for the past twenty years.
He holds a BS in Communications from The University of Texas and resides in Austin, Texas. An avid golfer, John carries a 3.0 index.
Play the world's best golf courses
Play ENGLAND's best golf courses
COURSES WE LOVE IN ENGLAND
SUNNINGDALE
Arguably the greatest 36 hole complex in the world, Sunningdale features the Old and the New course. Most struggle to decide which one they like better. So we recommend play them both one the same day! What would be better than a 36 hole day at Sunningdale? An easy decision when you are in London.
ROYAL ST. GEORGE'S
A brilliant seaside links in Kent, that plays host to the Open Championship, most recently in 2021 won by Colin Morikawa. RSG is well-known for being a tough test of golf but one that any passionate traveling golfer should experience and walk in the footsteps of legends.
ROYAL BIRKDALE
One of the favorite stops on the Open Championship rota, this links course is up in the Liverpool area, home to many great golf courses. In fact, it's often referred to as England's Golf Coast. The Open returns to Royal Birkdale in 2026. Make a week long trip to enjoy this area which is as good as any worldwide.
ST. GEORGE'S HILL
Located in Surrey, just outside of London, St. George's Hill features three nines. It is the Red & Blue nine that comprise the proper course for visiting golfers. Steeped in history and oozing with class, St. George's Hill is a very special day on the course. Be sure to experience the clubhouse and learn about the history of the club for the full experience.
ST. ENODOC (CHURCH COURSE)
Located in Southwest England, the Church Course at St. Enodoc is considered one the best courses in England. Featuring brilliant terrain and vistas, St. Enodoc is a course that will stir the senses. From the challenging holes to the Himalaya bunker, the Church Course possesses all the elements for a legendary day.
SWINLEY FOREST
Consider yourself very fortunate to experience Swinley Forest. A tremendous low-key golf course and club, Swinley Forest offers a few visitors the ability to see the beauty of the London area golf course. While not a long course, it is a shot-makers paradise. This one should be on the top of your bucket list.
Play IRELAND's best golf courses
courseS we love in ireland
LAHINCH GOLF CLUB
Old Tom Morris, Dr. Alister MacKenzie, and Dr. Martin Hawtree all contributed to the brilliance of Lahinch Golf Club. One of the most interesting layouts, Lahinch features the famous Klondyke (4th hole) and The Dell (5th hole). No matter what you think about playing these unique holes, one thing is clear, golf at Lahinch is fun! It is one of my personal favorites.
BALLYBUNION (OLD COURSE)
The Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club is consistently ranked as one of the top 100 golf courses in the world. Not only a brilliant golf course, but a fun experience, a visit to Ballybunion is a must. This seaside links course offers stunning ocean views and a challenging test of golf.
PORTMARNOCK (OLD)
Portmarnock is a classic, proper Irish golf club and championship course. Established in 1894, a visit to Portmarnock is a must, especially since it is only 15 minutes from Dublin. The club has hosted an impressive list of tournaments including the Irish Open, the Walker Cup, and most recently, the Irish Amateur in 2019.
THE ISLAND
Established in 1890, The Island Golf Club makes you feel like you are miles away from everything, even though it is only just 15 miles from Dublin's City Center. This picturesque championship links is often ranked in the top 10 in Ireland. One visit to The Island Golf Club and you will know why.
THE EUROPEAN CLUB
The European Club is located in the tumbling dunes just to the south of Dublin and features sweeping sea views from 19 of its 20 holes. Yes, you read that correctly, there are two bonus holes at The European Club. Because, well why not? They warmly welcome visitors so this one should be included whenever you are in the Dublin area.
WATERVILLE GOLF LINKS
A true links course along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, you will be hard-pressed to focus on the golf while taking in the amazing views at Waterville. This Eddie Hackett and Tom Fazio designed course consistently ranks as one of the best courses in Ireland. You won't find a friendlier group of people to make you feel like you warmly welcomed.
Play scotLAND's best golf courses
golf courses we love in scotland
TURNBERRY AILSA COURSE
Arguably, the renovated Ailsa Course at Turnberry is the best course in Scotland. The setting is something special and since it is considered a resort, tee times are very accessible. The Ayrshire Coast is beautiful and features a strong list of other great golf courses which in itself, would constitute a legendary trip.
MUIRFIELD
Home of the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, the links at Muirfield is truly world-class. A difficult get in terms of tee times, Muirfield only accepts guests on Tuesday and Thursdays, about a year and a half in advance! But for those who plan properly, it is one of the best experiences you will ever have. Play 18 holes in the morning, change into coat and tie for their carvery lunch, then play 18 holes alternate shot in the afternoon. So much history, so much fun, and leave knowing you have walked in the footsteps of the legends in the game.
NORTH BERWICK WEST LINKS
One of the most interesting golf courses you will find, a day at the West Links of North Berwick is magical. Beautifully crafted along the the Firth of Forth, you will have to play over a wall to a green, putt through a 4 foot swale in a green, play a redan hole, and that's just on the inward nine! Book in advance and plan to play it twice, you will thank us later.
ROYAL DORNOCH
The home of Donald Ross, Royal Dornoch is one of the best golf courses in the world. Located about an hour north of Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland, the links is a true gem. Serious golf aficionados understand the extra effort to get there is 100% worth it. Just make sure you don't just check the box, stay and play at least twice. On the flight home, you will realize what a great decision it was.
CRUDEN BAY
If it is possible to fly under the radar as a World Top 100 golf course, Cruden Bay does it well. A day at Cruden Bay is a unique and unforgettable experience. Interesting golf course architecture, beautiful sea views, fun to play, and probably the most welcoming staff and membership in Scotland. Cruden Bay was originally designed by Old Tom Morris with help from Archie Simpson. The course was later reworked in 1926 by Tom Simpson and Herbert Fowler.
ST. ANDREWS OLD COURSE
You didn't think we wouldn't include the Home of Golf right? Well it is something special and a place everyone who is passionate about golf should visit. The Old Course can be a challenge to gain access to unfortunately, due to the system of distributing tee times. We are unable to guarantee Old Course tee times in advance but they can be accessed via lottery or the daily ballot.
Contact Us
Email: john@legendarygolftrips.com
Want to know more about the best courses? Have a question about booking travel? Want to talk golf? Send us a message, and we'll get back to you soon.
Legendary Golf Trips
