How To Find A Reliable Scottsdale Golf Packager

Definition of a Scottsdale Golf & Lodging Packager/Wholesaler - (generally referred to as Golf Package Provider, Golf Packager, Golf Tour Operator or Golf Travel Agency). A third-party person, persons or agency who represents a variety of accommodation types at Scottsdale Hotels, Resorts, Vacation Rental Condos, Private Homes and Golf Courses - via a contractual net rate agreement for the purpose of promoting and retailing golf packages to the golf enthusiast desiring to visit Scottsdale.

Support Your Local Golf Package Co.

I support certain golf packagers, not because they pay me (they don't!) but because they are the best at what they do and I honestly believe that for a destination like Scottsdale they are worth their weight in Pro V-1's. Especially if you are a newcomer. There are too many things that can go wrong with a point and click golf vacation and Mr. Murphy is waiting for you - the guy that says, "if it can go wrong, it will". All of the packagers that carry the SG Seal Of Approval are time-tested, golfers all, living and playing in Scottsdale. I believe that to be a critical component to their success but the one thing that they do that really separates the men from the boys is: keeping their customers happy and coming back year after year.

What A Good Golf Packager Can Do For You

*They offer expert and unbiased opinions about hotels, vacation rental homes and condos, golf courses and even restaurants. They may have their favorites but will listen to your needs first. Only then will they start making suggestions based on what you provide them with regard to your budget, dates, type of accommodations and golf courses and many other details.

*They provide local knowledge which I believe is one of the most important features of a packager selling a destination like Scottsdale. Driving times to courses, which part of town should you stay in, condo versus hotel, where to find a baby sitter, which hotels will take Fido and a hundred other things that central reservations people outside of Arizona don't have a clue about. And I know I shouldn't say this - but they speak flawless english too!

*They do all the legwork, make the hotel reservations, tee times, rental cars or vans, email vouchers and confirmation letters, process the funds and the one thing you really don't want to do yourself -  deal with all the changes! Changes in this business are a fact of life, people are people and plans change, golfers can go from a foursome to a twosome and back again within hours of the initial reservation. The hotel reservations and tee times you make today might be canceled tomorrow. Anything can happen and it usually does!

*Which leads us into another benefit, that of responsibility. They take the responsibility to make sure you are in a safe and happy location, that you get that non-smoking room on the first floor or the one with the spectacular views. How about that early morning tee time you have to have because of an early dinner with friends. Or that eight- passenger van that you need for all your luggage and clubs? They also take responsibility for making sure that the golf courses are expecting you and will go to bat for you if you have an illness or family emergency that prevents you from playing on a particular day while in Scottsdale - last-minute refunds here are hard to come by but you have to look very hard to find a golf course that is willing to offend a packager that is sending them thousands of rounds. They have clout! Let them use it in your behalf and chances are your money will be cheerfully refunded!

*They make it flexible for you and accept all major credit cards for payment. If a foursome wants to pay individually that's ok. I have taken individual payments from groups of sixteen before and I know all of my friends have too. It can be a pain but that's part of the service they offer. Terms and conditions will vary by hotel and golf course but to confirm a reservation or tee time you may have to put as much as down as 50% of the total (room plus golf) as a deposit with the balance due 30 days prior to arrival. 

*Packagers do not charge a fee. They make their money based on the difference in negotiated net rates and what they are able to charge their customers. Some will stay as close as they can to "published" rates and some will offer as much as 20% off. The average commission on a golf package is usually around 15% to the packager but they work hard for every dollar.

*Golf packagers can provide special components to otherwise standard packages where golfers may get the opportunity to play private courses, they can offer discounts on tee times using "trade" rounds and other secrets that they can't or don't advertise. They want your business this year, the next year and the year after that and "special" treatment is what keeps you coming back. 

*Generally speaking, golfers can make their own tee times 30 -60 days in advance depending on the course. Packagers have access to the tee sheets via tee time software like GolfSwitch and EZlinks and can secure tee times up to 120 days in advance. This becomes especially important in high season where the demand can make it hard to find the times you prefer to play.