Weather
Golf is a sport that requires sunshine and mild weather. Snow is terrible for the sport, as is rain, wind, and lightning. The best golf courses tend to be in warm weather destinations or in locations with long summers. Protection from the sun in the form of hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen is important to protect against sun burn, eye damage, and skin cancer. Sunscreen with a high SPF, higher than 30 or even 45, is recommended if you are especially prone to burning. In tropical destinations rain can last for weeks and even during dry seasons a strong bout of rain can occur, therefore waterproof and easy drying clothing is a good idea.
Food and water
When traveling in a strange country eating strange foods and the chance to drink unfiltered water is quite common, as are certain ailments. Medicines to counter these travel illnesses are recommended such as antibiotics and diarrhea medicine. When you are out on the course you might be far form any bathroom. Only drink bottled water in tropical areas, as the chance for cholera and water borne diseases is still high in many tropical countries. If you cannot get bottled water or want to cut down on your plastic bottle waste try iodine tablets, purifying drops, or water filters.
Golf Carts, Caddies, or Legs?
When walking around a golf course you have three options in regards to how to move from hole to hole. The most common way is to walk yourself with your bag and your clubs on your shoulder. You can also rent a golf cart. These small cars make your day of golf considerably easier. Not only do the carts carry your clubs, but you can drive yourself to every tee and shot. Similarly, a caddie, which is often a high school or college student trying to earn some extra money, will carry your clubs for you.
Public vs. Private
Private courses tend to have more rules and actually restrict people from using courses. To get to play at many private golf courses you will need a membership to the club or some sort of permission to play there. If you are not a member there is still a chance you can play by being invited by a member, staying at a hotel that gives access to that course, arranging play with a tour operator, or sometimes just paying a higher than normal fee. Public courses are open to the public. Anyone can play at these courses, although they will still have to pay the course fees, which are generally not overly expensive.
Safety
Fore! This is the word for “Watchout! There’s a ball coming your way!” Anytime a ball you hit, or anyone else hits for that matter, goes remotely towards another person you should scream “Fore!” as soon as you can so they have time to get out of the way.
Tee Times
While on many public courses you can just walk in at anytime and tee up, on most private courses you will need to call ahead or wait around for a tee time. This means you have a certain time frame in which you should start your game.