How to have a lousy golf break!

Make sure the destination you pick is the course of your dreams. This is Desert Willow in Palm Springs

You've dreamed about getting away to a golfing paradise and all your mates turned green with envy, when they heard. But when you arrived, instead of being a fabulous getaway it turned into a nightmare.

Recognise the scenario? You could have avoided all the heartache, if only you'd given it some forethought and planning.

Here's a short-list of pitfalls to avoid next time you're planning a golf trip:

1. You can't get a tee time

You travel all that way to play an acclaimed course only to arrive on spec to be told: "Sorry Sir, but if you haven't booked we can't let you on."

Always check out a course's restrictions in advance. There might be obscure rules for booking a tee time; they're closed for a tournament or the course is being treated.

If you visit a resort and you're not a guest there, you may be barred from playing. Resorts often give preference or exclusive access to only their own hotel guests. Additionally, some world-renowned courses demand a certain handicap or at least a letter of introduction to play.

Pick courses that aren't too tough

2. You chose a course that far exceeds your skill level

Is it really worth the frustration just to have bragging rights? Everyone wants to play off the pro's tees but bunkers and water hazards that pose invigorating challenges to even scratch golfers can spoil the day for those with high handicaps.

With a little online research, you can match your skill level to appropriate courses, many of which have a difficulty rating.as well as a score card and detailed descriptions of each hole. Altern atively call the course and speak to the pro.

3. You went when the weather is terrible

What do you mean it's 120 degrees? Your image of the perfect golf vacation just wilted in extreme desert heat maybe it got blown away by stiff coastal winds, drenched by rain, or suffocated by humidity.

If you want predictable sunshine and pleasant temperatures, check out what the weather is like during the season you're going - before you make your reservations. Weather websites give extensive historic information about a location's daily temperatures, rainfall and seasonal changes.

If attractive off-season rates are important to you, be aware that you may encounter unfavourable weather, such as tropical storms in Florida and the Far east storms or the windy season in Texas. If the golf destination has other great attractions, you can still enjoy your vacation on days when golf isn't possible.

Make sure you get on with your golfing colleagues

4. Your holiday companions whinge and moan

Imagine reaching your golf paradise and only to discover your companions ruin your fun. One playing companion complains that the courses are too difficult, another says they're too easy, while the stranger you're paired with by the pro gets a call on his cell phone every other hole. Choose fun people to play with.

And when the vacation includes non-golfers, be sure to select a destination that offers a variety of activities and attractions that meet their interests. Not only will it relieve you from any guilt you might feel taking hours away from them, it'll avoid even more earache!

5. You waited too long to take advantage of the best deal

Although discount programmes are becoming more popular, they tend to come with more restrictions. Many of the best deals came yesterday but they're seldom at a time you prefer to play. Waiting until the last day often only leads to either 6 am or 4.30 pm availability - starting too eaerly or too late. Plan early, to get the tee time that works best for your schedule, not what the course has left over.

Whether it's for the best airfare, accommodation rates or golf package, online research can save you a lot of money.

Avoiding these mistakes doesn't guarantee a great golf holiday but improves your chances.

San diego-based Rohe Eshbaugh is President of www.Golf Guys.net a passionate golfer who has played some of the best courses, helps other golfers find destinations that fit their requirements or just happened to be close by in a strange town.