People will ask "why did you decide to do this instead of that."  Or "why aren't we playing this course on Monday and that one on Tuesday".   So we thought you'd "enjoy" learning about how decisions were made.  Here are a few notes that we hope will enlighten you:

Question:  Why did we choose July 31 to August 8, 2010?

Answer:  First, we got a few letters from teachers who asked us not to do this in late summer or September since school was in session.  Second, the Fairmont hotel felt that the swell of activity resulting from the Open Championship at the Old Course might start dying-down at that point and it was a good time for them to block-off 60-70 rooms each night for our group.  The Old Course is closed the month prior to the open, so that ruled out late June to late July.

Question:  So why did you choose the Fairmont as opposed to some of those quaint, historic hotels?

Answer:  Many of those quaint, historic hotels only have 50-60 rooms.  At the onset of planning this event, all we had to go on was the survey we did of our members.  The survey we sent-out in July, 2009 went to 18,000 e-mail addresses - - present members, former members, and individuals who had visited our website at one time in the past and joined our mailing list.  From that, about 600 folks responded and 484 said they would definitely be interested in a trip to Scotland in 2010.  We know from past experience that when 100 people say they'd like to go, only about 25% will actually put-up the money, hence, from the beginning, we have planned for and anticipate 100-128 people attending this event.  Planning a trip of this size is so much different than planning a trip for 20-30.

Question:  How do I get from the airport to the hotel?

Answer:  As you enter the area to pick-up your luggage, you'll see men standing with "ASGA" signage.  That's us.  Notify them and get your luggage and load-up.  You may have to wait for others to show-up.  We will post a schedule of when everyone's coming in and we'll gang together groups of members for the bus or van ride to the hotel, depending on how many came in on the current flight.

Question:  What if I fly into another city, like Glasgow?

Answer:  We understand this may happen, especially if the airline you have accumulated airline miles with only flies to Glasgow.  Glasgow is about two hours away.  We cannot accommodate everyone's needs if they fly into cities other than Edinburgh.  If Glasgow or some other city is your only option, please let us know and we will see if someone else is in the same boat (or plane) and we'll try to group you together and arrange transportation to St. Andrews.  There will be an additional charge for this and furthermore, all flights into Glasgow don't come in at the same time, so it may be expensive to transfer just one person.

Question:  Will you publish a list of those attending or those coming from my chapter?  Will you pass-out e-mail addresses and phone numbers?

Answer:  Yes, unless someone does not want their name published, we will post a list of all those attending and which chapter they are coming from.  If you'd like to coordinate any activity, please check your local roster, available to you at your chapter's website or through your roster printed each month.  We've made it a policy not to pass-out personal information on anyone, unless it is a member of your own chapter, so if you'd like to stay in communication with any attendee, please be sure to ask them before departure.

Question:  How will I recognize other members of ASGA?

Answer:  They have a big smile on their faces!  And since we don't have a secret handshake, each member will be given an ASGA lapel pin.  Prior to the trip, you will be mailed your lapel pin and final program, nametags, etc.

Question:  Why aren't we shotgunning our starts everytime we play golf?

Answer:  "Shotgun?"  That's the response we got when we spoke with most courses.  "Oh no, we'd never do that.  We haven't done that in a hundred years...."  However, the Fairmont courses, the Kittock's and the Torrance, will allow for a shotgun.  Carnoustie and Gleneagles will allow us to split our group into three sub-groups, and we'll tee off in straight tee-time format, thereby getting us out on the course quicker.  A lot of this has to do with the fact that they generally don't use motorized golf carts.  One course only had about eight golf carts.  Some courses we checked-out had the number 10 hole as far as two miles away.  Tough to shotgun when there are no carts and you have to carry your clubs two miles before you start playing!

Question:  Why didn't you line-up the Old Course as part of our trip?

Answer:  We begged.  However, the St. Andrews Golf Links Trust does not allow group play on the Old Course.  Therefore, you have to enter the ballot if you want to play it.  In addition, you'll have to have a playing partner's name when you sign-up and you'll have to agree to play one additional course of the six that the Links Trust owns.  Details on all of this at SinglesGolf.com/oldcourse

Question:  Why are we staying at the Fairmont for six nights in a row?

Answer:  At first, we thought the best itinerary was to have everyone stay at one hotel for 2-3 nights, then move to another hotel in a different city.  We were going to move all over the country, even heading down to Turnberry, two hours away from St. Andrews.  Possibly even play Royal Troon in the same area.  Ultimately, we knew we wanted some trophy courses on our agenda, but not ALL trophy courses - - as they cost as much as 170.00GSP's or $285.00 each to play.  Also, four rounds in a week, we felt, was the max that anyone would want to play.  So we kept Gleneagles in, took Turnberry out (due to distance) and added Carnoustie in its place.  This way, we can stay at the Fairmont and get to any course within an hour and we don't have to pack and re-pack our bags and lose a lot of time traveling.  Afterall, this is a vacation and vacationing is about relaxing as well!

Question:  Does this trip include all gratuities and taxes?

Answer:  Yes.  You are not required to do any additional tipping, however, if your service exceeds your expection, you are always welcome to tip additionally.

Question:  I want to come early or stay additional days.  Is that possible?

Answer:  Of course.  (Who asked this silly question?)  If you want to stay at the Fairmont additional days, please contact Tom Alsop at GolfASGA@aol.com for cost and arrangements.

EXTRA NIGHTS AT THE FIVE-STAR FAIRMONT RESORT  -  If you want to arrive early, the room rate at the hotel is 249BSP (British pounds).  This is about $410 in our money.  ASGA has negotiated a rate for additional nights at $249/room/night if you're rooming by yourself or $139.50 each person if you have a roommate.  These prices are inclusive of the 17.5% VAT that will be effective for 2010.  If you want additional nights, please add that amount to your bill (in comments section) or notify us in some other manner (at GolfASGA@aol.com).  Go to the top of the page at www.Singlesgolf.com/ScotlandDetails for more info on additional nights.  We'll be in Edinburgh for our final two nights.  If you wish to stay at the Caledonian (or the equivalent hotel if you've signed up after 4:00pm on Sept., 3rd, 2009) for 1-3 nights extra, please contact GolfASGA@aol.com.

Question:  I see rates pretty low on the internet.  Can't we get those rates?

Answer:  Many airlines, hotels, etc. will post last minute specials to fill-up empty seats and hotel rooms.  Internet discounters like Expedia and Travelocity work with companies in the travel industry in order to sell their left-over inventory.  To make a real comparison, you have to price things looking at the exact dates of the event.  Everyone discounts golf in Florida in the middle of Summer and certainly, the present economy is difficult to predict a year down the road.  Hotels and airlines are in need of business and you'll likely see a lot of last minute deals hit the internet.  We do know that waiting until the last minute means that sometime, someone else gets your seat or room!  This event is at a 5-star hotel in peak season two weeks after the Open Championship.  Demand should be strong . . . but who really knows? 

Question:  Can I / should I rent a car while in Scotland?

Answer:  A "full size" car rental (e.g. Toyota Prius), should run about $380 for the week and gas is expensive.  We don't recommend it unless you simply like driving on the wrong side of the road and dealing with turn-abouts.  Once you're at the hotel, transportation to and from our scheduled venues is included in your overall price.  And at the Fairmont, you can take the free shuttle into town anytime you'd like.  A U. S. driver's license is all that is required to rent a car in Scotland.

Question:  What is haggis?

Answer:  It's the Scottish version of sausage.  It's very good and is typically served with all traditional Scottish breakfasts.  Try it first, then ask later.

Question:  The dollar's weak against the British Pound (GSP).  Why don't we wait another year or so to do this trip?

Answer:  Well, we are, in essence, waiting another year.   This event will be in August, 2010.  No one knows what it will be like a year from now.  We think our economy is in the tank, but the Brits and Scots think theirs is as well.

Question:  Will the price of this trip vary depending on the value of the U. S. Dollar?

Answer:  No.  Your price will neither go up or down.

Question:  Why didn't you charter a plane so we could all fly to Scotland together.

Answer:  The idea did pass our minds.  After checking into it, it came down to cost.  Charter flights are simply 3-4 times more expensive than commercial flights.  For real!  If anyone has a different insight into this, please bring it to our attention.

Question:  What's the weather like in Scotland in early August?

Answer:  We heard repeatedly on a recent trip to Scotland that Scotland has four seasons - - every day!  It's an island in the North Sea and anything can happen.  Two weeks after the Open Championship can't be too bad of a season - - we'll just have to wait and see!

Question:  I understand the Scottish people can identify Americans a mile away, is that right?

Answer:  Yes.  And if you don't want them to, don't wear white tennis shoes in public.  Dead give-away!

Question:  Do I need to have the same roommate for all six nights at the Fairmont?

Answer:  What, are you complaining about your roommate before you've even met him/her?  Hmmmm....  It is possible that you could get stuck with a bum ringer, however, that person has to go somewhere.  Unfortunately, you'll have to work things out with your roommate or simply pay the upcharge to room by yourself.  Or, you can sign-up with a friend and you guys will room together anyway.

Question:  Does the standard ASGA cancellation policy apply to this event?

Answer:  No.  This event will have its own cancellation policy clearly stated prior to you putting any money down.  The terms and conditions are set-forth by the host hotel, the Fairmont, to a large extent.

Question:  Can we make last minute changes?

Answer:  ASGA will try to accommodate you as best possible.  However, ASGA cannot be put in a position where there is the potential for financial loss due to changes you make.

Question:  What if I injure myself while playing golf?  Do I get a refund for unplayed rounds?

Answer:  We will do our best to accommodate but cannot make that determination carte blanche.  We'll handle each case as it arises.  In a worse case scenario, you'll receive a gift certificate for the pro shop.

Question:  Should I bring my own golf clubs or rent them?

Answer:  Airlines will likely charge you $50.00 each way (as additional luggage) to get your clubs to Scotland.  If you rent clubs in Scotland, you'll most likely pay around 50.00GSP, or $83.50 for each round.  That's $334.00 for four rounds.  Each course charges a different amount for golf club rentals.  We'll post specific pricing in May, 2010.

Question:  My golf bag is heavy.  Am I expected to carry it?

Answer:  We noted on a recent trip that virutally everyone walks the course and about half of those who walk don't even use a pull cart.  Pull carts, if they're not included in the cost of golf, which typically they are not, might run you about $8.50 to rent for the day.  If you carry your own clubs, you will definitely need to purchase a light-weight golf bag and keep to a minimum what you have in that bag.  No need to carry two dozen balls and all that "stuff" with you!

Question:  Which credit card should I use on my trip?

Answer:  We found that the American Express and the Capitol One cards might not have the 3% "international transaction fee" associated with its card.  Call ahead and determine which card works best for you.

Question:  Any other concerns with credit cards?

Answer:  You should contact your credit card company(s) and notify them that you'll be in Scotland for the time period indicated, that way, you'll hopefully not get turned down on transactions due to the card company thinking your card has been stolen.

Question:  What about passports and driver's licenses?

Answer:  A passport will be required to enter the country.  You should also register as a visitor with the U. S. Embassy to let them know you're in that country and who your next of kin are in case something happens (you know, like getting a hole-in-one).  To register, simply go to SinglesGolf.com/embassyregister   If you plan on renting a car or driving, all you'll need is your credit card and a U. S. driver's license.

Got a question not answered here, please contact Tom Alsop at GolfASGA@aol.com and we'll get it posted for all to read!

Question:  Can ASGA buy group insurance for our group?

Answer: We’ve had numerous inquiries regarding trip insurance for our trip to Scotland in 2010. After speaking with the experts, we’ve come to the realization that our group cannot benefit from any group insurance discounts. This is due in part because a group our size will have a broad spectrum of individualized insurance needs. For example, Jane might want to insure her trip because her mother is in the hospital and she might have to stay home to care for her; while Bob has a medical condition and Jim just wants emergency trip/cancellation insurance.
ASGA’s cancellation policy states: “You may sell your position to another member without charge if you ever need to.” But if you believe your job, medical or other reasons might cause you to cancel and you are afraid that you won’t be able to re-sell your spot, you should check into vacation insurance, found in many places on the internet. One source is InsureMyTrip.com.

Click here to obtain a quick quote for your
individualized insurance plan.