Trouble-free golf trip tips

For avid enthusiasts of the sport of kings, almost nothing beats a golf getaway. One exception: a trip that goes as smoothly as a perfectly executed tee shot.

Experienced golf travelers chipped in with trouble-free trip tips.

Here’s how to make your golf-centric vacation “par-fecto:”

• Prepare the night before your trip: empty your golf bag’s pockets, add new balls, a new glove, sunscreen, tees, markers, repair tools, soft-spike shoes with extra spikes.

• Call ahead for club rental options ($15-$45 per day) or consider a site like www.gear-to-go.com to lease clubs for about $200 week in limited areas.

• Pick the right golf bag. Hard bags offer more protection but are more expensive. Soft-sided bags are more affordable and maneuverable.

• Golf packagers can help arrange your entire trips, making things run smoother and allowing for more time on the course.

• Don’t overlook this important fact: Your actual golf game is up to you. Be sure to properly prepare for that part of the trip, too.