Golf Stag Do

A golf stag do is the best balance I know for a daytime activity. There’s competition, fresh air and a drink or two along the way, and it’s unlikely anyone ends up in A&E (unless you let the stag drive the buggy). Every group has at least one lad who’s hopeless, and he’ll provide most of the entertainment.

It works as a single round on the Saturday morning or as the whole point of the weekend. And it’s one of the few activities where you can dress the stag up in something ridiculous and he still might not be the worst-dressed man on the course. Have you seen what some golfers wear?

Golfers, obviously. But it also suits a group with a spread of ages, where the dads and uncles often turn out to be the dangerous ones. If half your lot have never swung a club, pick a format that hides it. A Texas scramble (everyone plays from the best shot each time) keeps things moving and means the worst player still contributes. Occasionally.

If proper golf feels too serious, footgolf swaps the clubs for a football and suits the lads who’ve never held a putter. Crazy golf swaps the fairway for windmills, neon and a bar, which is kinder on the beginners and much easier to fit into an evening.

Make it a proper competition either way. Prizes for the winner, nearest the pin and longest drive, and a booby prize for the lad who spends most of the round in the trees.

• Dress code. Many clubs have one, usually collared shirts and no jeans or tracksuits. Check before you put the stag in fancy dress, as some clubs won’t let it fly.
• Handicaps. Some courses ask for a handicap certificate or set a maximum. If your group is a mixed bag, pick a course that’s happy with visitors of all abilities.
• Tee times. Weekend slots go quickly at popular courses, so book early, especially if you need several four-balls.
• Clubs. Plenty of courses hire out clubs, which saves the non-golfers buying a set they’ll use once. Check before anyone panics.
• The booze rule. A pint at the turn is part of the fun. Keep it sensible, especially if buggies are involved and the course has a lake.

Scotland is the home of golf, and Edinburgh gives you courses within reach and a cracking night out afterwards. If you’d rather have sunshine, Marbella sits on a stretch of the Costa del Sol that’s packed with golf courses, and the nightlife is no slouch either.

Or keep it close to home and pair a morning round with a long lunch and a pub crawl. If you’d rather not organise it all yourself, the packages below bundle golf with accommodation and more.