Scotland is top choice for Smart golfers

12 June 2023: As the leaders in global sports chartering, we arrange a substantial amount of complex charters for teams, fan groups and VIPs to leading sporting fixtures around the world. With unrivalled industry partnerships placing the world’s private jet fleet at our disposal, we are also the sport industry’s preferred private jet charter specialists, frequently flying sport stars and enthusiasts in smaller aircraft, offering a more bespoke, exclusive experience.

Golf trips are always our leading private jet sports charters, with Scotland being the most popular golfing destination, followed by Portugal and Ireland. Seeking courses that boast the best terrain, outstanding conditions, and the most challenging layout, the majority of our golfing clients head to Scotland each year to play some of the most prestigious golf courses in the world. The most desirable courses include St Andrews Links (the home of golf, where the sport was first played over 600 years ago), regal Gleneagles, with three impressive 18-hole championship courses, and Muirfield, the home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers and the host of many Open Championships.

Here’s why our clients chose to fly by private jet to these world-renowned golf courses:

Flexibility:

Flying by private jet allows more flexibility than travelling with a commercial airline. Clients can arrive up to 15 minutes before departure rather than the standard two hours before.

James Gregory, Head of VIP Charters, said: “It makes sense for our clients to fly private over commercial. Many of them have tight schedules and flying private allows them to maximize their time, and even allows them to travel to a destination to golf for the day before returning home. We get so many golf requests because the majority of the itineraries would be commercially impossible.”

Security and safety:

The Smart Team is highly skilled at arranging private golf charters and finding the correct aircraft is key. It is very important to know hold sizes for baggage and clubs. Some aircraft can seat seven people but only allow carry-on bags, which can be very misleading. This is why we always request a kit list in advance so we can find the aircraft with the correct capacity.

Golf clubs are prized possessions, with clients investing considerable amounts of money in their collection over a long period of time. By flying privately, guests can visibly see their golf clubs being loaded onto the plane and know they are safely secured for transit.

In-flight fueling:

As with all private jet bookings, Smart Aviation can handle all specific dietary requirements. Working with only the highest quality catering suppliers, clients can choose their inflight dining menu in advance. Golfers can fuel up during the flight and head straight to tee off on arrival.

Luxury transfers:

The Smart Team has trusted private transfer suppliers across the globe, meaning clients can walk straight off the private jet and immediately step into an awaiting vehicle to be transferred to their golfing destination, with their golf clubs and luggage being carefully handled and looked after.

All the little extras:

We always go a step further for our clients and we can help arrange an array of additional extras for any golfing trip including branded golf balls, trophies, display banners and gazebos.

Founded in 2005 by charter specialist Mark Hawkins, Smart Aviation was set up with one goal; to exceed client expectations every time. Our unparalleled expertise and unrivalled partner relationships means we can promptly find the perfect aircraft to transport our clients in a safe and cost-effective way.

Convenience is paramount; we have exclusive access to jets of all sizes and can cater for the most complex travel itineraries departing from a wide range of stunning private terminals. Our truly personalised service ensures we can handle the most delicate of requests for our clients including specific meal requirements and disability assistance.

We have access to aircraft of all sizes including:

large VIP configured commercial jets with fully reclining seats
regional jets for efficient short-haul team travel
cost effective turboprop aircraft for short hops
the world’s private jet fleet at our disposal for scouting trips, transfer windows and flights for executives and VIPs.

Our experienced team will make sure that every detail is attended to including: