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What to Bring and What to Expect on Your First Tee Time Booking in Spain and Portugal

If this is your first time booking a tee time in Spain or Portugal, the process is more straightforward than it might seem — but a few local differences from booking at home are worth knowing before you travel.

Before you travel

  • Handicap certificate: most courses in Spain and Portugal require proof of an official handicap (typically 28 or lower for men, 36 for women, though this varies by course). Bring a physical or digital copy.
  • Booking confirmation: keep your booking confirmation email accessible on your phone — most clubhouses will ask for it at check-in.
  • Golf insurance: not always mandatory, but many clubs will ask for proof of civil liability insurance, which is often included with a golf federation membership.

What to pack

  • Soft spikes only — metal spikes are banned at the vast majority of courses.
  • A collared shirt and tailored shorts or trousers; strict dress codes are common, especially at private and resort clubs.
  • Sun protection year-round — even winter sun in southern Spain and the Algarve is stronger than most UK or Irish golfers expect.
  • Your own clubs if you have a preference, though rental sets are widely available.

On arrival

Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before your tee time. Most clubs will ask you to check in at the pro shop or reception, where you’ll confirm your booking, pay for any extras (buggy, trolley, range balls) and receive your scorecard.

How the booking itself works

Booking online is simple: select your course, date, number of players and preferred time, then pay securely online. You’ll receive an automatic confirmation by email, which serves as your proof of booking on the day — no separate call to the club required.

A few local differences worth knowing

  • Pace of play is generally stricter than in the UK or Ireland — marshals actively manage slow groups.
  • Many courses require golf buggies to stay on cart paths near greens and tees, marked clearly on-site.
  • Cancellation policies vary by course, so check the specific terms shown at the time of booking.

FAQ

How to reserve tee time in Spain or Portugal as a first-time visitor? Book online through Reserve Tee Time by selecting your course, date and number of players — no account or phone call required, and confirmation is instant by email.

Do I need a handicap certificate to play in Spain or Portugal? Most courses require one, typically 28 or lower for men and 36 for women, though some resort courses are more flexible. Check the specific course requirements before booking.

Are golf carts or trolleys included in the tee time price? Not usually — buggies and trolleys are typically booked and paid for separately, either in advance or on arrival at the course.

Is it safe to pay for my tee time online? Yes. Payments are processed securely via Stripe, a widely used payment platform, and the price shown at checkout — including taxes and a small payment processing fee — is the price you pay, shown clearly before you confirm.

Can I cancel if something comes up before my trip? It depends on the course’s cancellation policy. When free cancellation is available, it’s shown clearly on the course page before you pay, so you’ll know the terms before booking. If your plans firm up close to the date, our Last-Minute Offers page is worth checking too.

What if I have questions before or during my trip? Our team is available on WhatsApp to help — whether that’s picking the right course, changing a booking, or answering questions once you’ve arrived.