IMPORTANT from 12th January 2009 all though UK citizens are part of the visa waiver program, a new requirement is that all visitors to the US must apply online, fill in an-online form called an “Electronic System for Travel Authorization” (ESTA) which allows travellers to enter the US without a visa and stay for up to 90 days, this replaced the written form that has traditionally been used, READ this link http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/newsroom/latest-news/?view=News&id=11904951.
Authorisations under ESTA will be generally valid for as long as two years, or until the applicant's passport expires, you will need to keep the paperwork and pass the approval notice number to your Coach leader before travelling.
Should you not have this ESTA you will be refused to board the flight to USA.
What Golf Courses do we play - All are great quality PGA courses, in the locations we visit, unfortunately because of ongoing course commitments namely competitions and course bookings we cannot give you a rough course guide until your booking dates are confirmed, therefore early booking is advisable. NB reference to Augusta is the area and not the Private Augusta National course.
Where do we eat - whilst not exactly on the hoof, but this could also be called “Anytime dining”, the chances of eating in the same place twice will be remote apart from the Hotel at the start and end of the trip.
Breakfast will be flexible but the driver will stop between 8 and 10 for an hour, we recommend Denny’s or for that really unique road travellers brekkie ask the driver to find a real truckers fuel stop-with courses named typically “the really hungry trucker” which normally consists of 12oz steak, 2/3 eggs Hash browns/visit to the salad bar/pint of orange juice and unlimited coffee for only $10!
Lunch. All of the golf courses have this available, but normally after a good breakfast maybe just a sandwich at the halfway house or a few nibbles and snacks with those well deserved drinks on the 19th.
Dinner/your choice, on the golf course or out at a restaurant/ the majority of our golf groups save dinner for the latter as this is normally a good time to discuss the finer shots of the day and other golfing matters !
Of course the Niteliner® coach has a large fridge for beers and a microwave for those late night pot noodle moments!
Do I need insurance -Yep! Buy it -Medical expenses/repatriation is expensive in the States and is simply remedied, by getting insurance.
How do I charge up my phone - Power points are located throughout the Niteliner® coach, in fact your private berth will have its own dedicated power supply, alongside your own TV. You will need a UK-US plug converter, if you forget yours ask the driver he will most probably have one from a previous trip. Good tip here-turn off roaming on your phone and send texts instead. Remember all of the Niteliner® coaches have complementary Wi-Fi.
Where do I store my golf clubs-luggage - under the Niteliner® coach will be at least two thru compartments, unpack your golf clubs from your golf travel bag and utilise one compartment for golf clubs and one for luggage-all the Niteliner® coaches have two lounges-best idea is to use the rear lounge or restroom as the changing room.
What do I wear - the majority of US golf courses will demand shirts with collars, tailored trousers/shorts and soft spikes, and don’t forget your hat and sunscreen !
Do I need a handicap card - Mostly-so take it if you have one, if you can’t find yours, ask you’re pro to supply you with one.
I’ve never played an American course what are they like - Water, sand-traps, lots of features, great greens and service. Golf carts, beverage buggies and complimentary ice water is supplied.
Can I smoke on the Niteliner ® coach - As in the UK, smoking is slowly being outlawed in the US - the official policy is no.
What happens if someone misses the Niteliner® coach - The Niteliner® coach will leave at a reasonable time of approximately 7 am. If you leave too late you may miss your tee times. Most of the Niteliner® coach journeys are a maximum of 150-180 miles, as long as the person left behind has a few dollars he can grab a greyhound bus or a taxi to catch you up and be the butt of the jokes.
What facilities does a Niteliner® coach have - Air-conditioning, motion satellite DirectTV, stereos front and rear, DVD players front and rear, private berth TVs (your bed!), refrigerator, ice chests, microwave, coffee maker and a restroom. All have in motion wireless (WiFi) Internet systems.
Are there ATM’s machines - not on the Niteliner® Coach, but the majority of golf courses-hotels-shopping malls have ATM’s, just bring your card and pin.
Will the driver cook/clean/carry our bags - No. He’s not your mother or your caddy! Needless to say he’s a professional fully insured driver who will get you to your golf course/pick you up at an agreed time/take you into town and park up at a suitable location (normally a landmark hotel). He will then leave you to your own devices until the morning to get the show on the road again.
Tipping - Yes that great American mystery! Who and when? normally a $1 a bag to the person who puts your bag on a trolley then up to your room and opens the curtains, as if you can’t! (tip here: carry your own). Golf courses, 50 cents to a dollar per drink for the course buggy girl which is the same as in a bar. 15-17% in a restaurant and $5 if the course staff manages to grab your bag and wash your clubs at the end of a game. The Niteliner ®coach driver at the end of your trip has never been known to say no yet ! and the rough norm is $5 a day per person, it’s up to you.
When will we be going - Peak Niteliner® times are between April to October with July to September being the busiest but also the hottest months. The times tend to get booked up, at least 3 months in advance. – Check with your Golf Pro or telephone us.
Will we have fun - Yes this will be the most unique holiday that you will remember for years
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