Terms and Conditions Prior to June 2019
Deposit, Final Payment, and Pricing: A non-refundable Deposit, as advised and determined by the specifics of the tour, is required at the time reservations are requested. Final payments are due no later than 60 (SIXTY) days prior to departure date, with the exception of tours that include “Confirmed” or “Guaranteed” Old Course at St. Andrews tee times in which case Final payments are due no later than 120 (ONE HUNDRED TWENTY) days prior to departure date. All tour prices are quoted in US Dollars and all international tours (other than select Caribbean tours as noted) are subject to international currency/exchange rate fluctuations (i.e. tours to the UK are subject to fluctuation between the U.S. Dollar (USD) and the U.K. Pound, tours to the Republic of Ireland are subject to fluctuation between the US Dollar (USD) and Euro, tours to Canada are subject to fluctuation between the US Dollar (USD) and the Canadian Dollar (CAD), etc.). The base rate of the tour quote for international tours is the applicable exchange rate at the end of business on the day the first reservation form is received (or prior business day as applicable, for example if the first reservation form is received on a Sunday, the base rate of the tour quote will be from the prior Friday) from any member of your group. The prevailing exchange rate at the end of business 75 (SEVENTY-FIVE) days prior to departure (135 days (ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE) for tours that include “Confirmed” or “Guaranteed” Old Course at St. Andrews tee times) will determine the actual Final Payment due in US Dollars (or the next business day as applicable, for example if the 75-day mark prior to a UK tour departure date falls on a Sunday, the determining exchange rate will be from the following Monday). For example, a UK destination tour quoted at USD $3000.00 per person with a Deposit due of USD $1000.00 per person and with a base rate of 1 UK Pound = $1.50 US Dollars leaves a Final Payment due of USD $2000.00 per person, subject to currency/exchange rate fluctuation. If the determining exchange rate 75 days prior to departure in this example (or the next business day as applicable) is 1 UK Pound = $1.60 US Dollars, the actual Final Payment due would be USD $2133.33 per person. If the determining exchange rate in this example is 1 UK Pound = $1.40 US Dollars, the actual Final Payment due would be USD $1866.67 per person. Should the local currency change (i.e. from Euro back to Lira in Italy) in any of your tour destinations between the date deposits are paid and 75 days prior to departure (135 days for tours that include “Confirmed” or “Guaranteed” Old Course at St. Andrews tee times), Final Payments will be calculated per the exchange rate between the USD and the new local currency. Final Payments must be received in full no later than 60 (SIXTY) days prior to departure date (120 (ONE HUNDRED TWENTY) days for tours that include “Confirmed” or “Guaranteed” Old Course at St. Andrews tee times). All late Final Payments will be assessed a late penalty of $50.00 USD per person. Final Payments received less than 60 days prior to departure date (120 days for tours that include “Confirmed” or “Guaranteed” Old Course at St. Andrews tee times) are subject to further increases in USD amounts due to international currency/exchange rate fluctuations, and are not eligible for any decreases. If Final Payment is still not received 45 (FORTY-FIVE) days prior to departure date, (90 (NINETY) days for tours that include “Confirmed” or “Guaranteed” Old Course at St. Andrews tee times) all arrangements will be canceled with no refund of deposit and remaining group members will be responsible for covering your share of any fixed costs. For tours booked less than 75 days in advance of the departure (135 days for tours that include “Confirmed” or “Guaranteed” Old Course at St Andrews tee times), payment will be due in full within 7 (SEVEN) days of the date reservations are requested. All quotes include local taxes at the tax rates at the time of the quote. Client/traveler assumes the risk of local tax rates increasing. If local tax rates go up between the date a trip is booked and the date of travel, and as a result any suppliers increase rates to reflect changes, trip prices will be adjusted accordingly. Reservations cover ground arrangements only, airfares are not included. Client/traveler acknowledges the existence and threat from volcanos in Iceland and elsewhere as well as additional threats that can affect flights and acknowledges that many travel insurance programs will not cover cancellation due to volcanic ash flight disruption, aircraft mechanical failures, and other causes and assumes the risk in this regard.
Early Final Payment Remittance: Early Final Payments may be remitted for your tour at any time between the date of deposit payment and the date of final invoicing. Upon request of a Lead Client on behalf of the entire group traveling on your tour, Hidden Links, Inc. will provide an invoice for an early remittance of Final Payment, which must be made by the entire group if requested and is not available on an individual Client/Traveler basis. For international tours, the actual Final Payment amount will be determined by the prevailing exchange rate at the end of the day of request, plus an additional two cents (i.e. $1.52 if the prevailing exchange rate is 1 UK Pound = $1.50, to cover retail spreads and hedging costs) or the next business day as applicable. Early remittance of Final Payment must be submitted by check, wire transfer, or money order only and Final Payment will not be eligible for any discounts that otherwise may be offered for non-credit card payments. Early remittance of Final Payment, if made by check or money order, must be postmarked within seven (7) calendar days of the date of the invoice provided and any payment not postmarked within 7 calendar days of the invoice will be assessed a late penalty of $50.00 USD per person. Early remittance of Final Payment, if made by wire transfer, must be received within 7 calendar days of the invoice and any payment not received within 7 calendar days will be assessed a late penalty of $50.00 USD per person. Early remittances of Final Payment not received or postmarked within 7 calendar days of the invoice are subject to further increases in USD amounts due to international currency/exchange rate fluctuations, and are not eligible for any decreases. Client/Traveler agrees to abide by the decision of the Lead Client on whether to make early remittance of Final Payment. Early remittances of Final Payment are non-refundable regardless of how far in advance of the tour departure date they are submitted.
Flights: Flights are not included in your tour price and all flight reservations must be made directly by Client/Traveler. Hidden Links Inc. advises that you do not purchase your airline tickets until you have been notified that all reservations have been confirmed, and also recommends direct flights to your destination of choice rather than connecting. Client/Traveler acknowledges these recommendations from Hidden Links, Inc.
Cancellations: Notification of cancellation must be given in writing to Hidden Links, Inc. All payments are nonrefundable. No refunds will be given for any unused tour portions. For air travel, applicable airline penalties will apply. Hidden Links, Inc. reserves the right to decline any substitute for any reason. Substitutes are subject to the approval of the individual golf clubs. Travel Insurance can be purchased through Hidden Links via Travel Guard Int’l., client/traveler acknowledges that this has been offered and recommended. Client/ traveler can purchase any travel insurance program they wish, or none at all. Travel Guard Int’l is not affiliated with Hidden Links, Inc.
Group Reductions: A reduction in group members leaves remaining members subject to covering additional fixed costs, for example a single room supplement, a charge for having fewer people in the chosen transportation (motorcoach divided 7 ways instead of 8 for example), etc. Fixed cost tour elements cannot be cancelled within 60 days of departure. Lost deposits for those cancelling cover only golf and accommodations. Late or non-paying group members are subject to cancellation of their individual arrangements with no refund of deposits, leaving other group members subject to covering additional fixed costs from the reduction.
Documentation: For U.S. or Canadian citizens, a current passport is required for travel to the United Kingdom and Ireland. All drivers must be over 21 years of age (over 25 on certain groups of vehicles) and have a valid driver’s license. In Ireland there is a maximum driving age of 74 years (65 on certain groups of vehicles). Client/Traveler assumes responsibility for possessing proper documentation to enter the destination country.
Accommodations: Accommodations on your tour generally have afternoon check-in times and client/traveler acknowledges that arrival at a particular accommodation before check-in time may mean that the room will not be ready. Some accommodations especially at the guesthouse/B&B level do not have phones in rooms, 24-hour receptions, elevators, bars, or restaurants and many rooms/beds will be smaller than a comparably-rated hotel in the USA or Canada. Client/Traveler acknowledges that these points have been advised and that Hidden Links, Inc. recommends upgrading to four-or-five-star hotel should any of the above amenities be desired.
Motorcoaches: For tours that include a motorcoach and/or personal driver, note that these vehicles are non smoking. Client/Traveler agrees to abide by any restrictions on driver hours that are necessary to comply with local laws and regulations.
Changes: Any changes made after the deposit has been received and confirmation given will be charged an administrative fee of $15 per person per change. No changes are permitted less than 60 days prior to travel. All changes are also subject to supplier change fees (i.e. lost deposits made to golf courses, accommodations, and/or transportation providers). Name changes can be accepted or declined by the clubs at their discretion, and new green fees or deposits may be required. No refunds will be given for green fees or deposits lost.
Handicaps: Some golf courses require visitors to be members of a recognized golf club, to hold an official handicap, have handicaps below a certain level, and present an official handicap card prior to play. Hidden Links, Inc. is not responsible for clients/travelers being refused golf if they do not meet these requirements.
Advance bookings: Hidden Links Inc. will make golf requests to each club at the time of booking even if their respective diaries are not yet open and fixture lists not yet finalized for a given year. Allocation of starting times will vary by date according to individual club policy, and nonrefundable deposits may be paid to some clubs before all of the starting times are in. Client/Traveler authorizes Hidden Links, Inc. to pay all required deposits on client/traveler’s behalf upon receipt of starting times, and acknowledges that may not be possible to wait until the entire schedule is confirmed before paying off these deposits. Client/Traveler assumes risks of certain clubs ending up not being available and in these instances, Hidden Links, Inc. will either rearrange the schedule to accommodate that club or choose an alternative. Hidden Links, Inc. will try to accommodate but cannot guarantee requests either for or against general or specific times of day for starting times and reserves the right to change the order of courses as needed to avoid course closures or closeouts. If a specific request is not made, Hidden Links, Inc. will use its discretion to book the “best starting time still available” at each club, taking into account wakeup times, breakfast, warm-ups, fixtures/events, travel to/from, sunrise/sunset, etc. Accommodations may be changed if a starting time is early AM.
St. Andrews and other Direct Payments: Payments for St. Andrews Old Course rounds obtained via the ballot/lottery or walkup will be made directly by the day of play, and deducted from final payment due to Hidden Links, Inc. Payments for rounds via the St. Andrews Links direct application process will be made directly by clients per the policies of St. Andrews Links and deducted from payment due to Hidden Links, Inc. Payments for some advance tee times may be made by clients directly to the source of the tee time and in that case the payment will be deducted from the final payment due to Hidden Links, Inc. St. Andrews Old Course rounds via the direct request application, ballot/ lottery, or walkup are not guaranteed, client/traveler agrees to hold Hidden Links, Inc. harmless if access is not obtained.Andrews and other Direct Payments: Payments for St. Andrews Old Course rounds obtained via the ballot/lottery or walkup will be made directly by the day of play, and deducted from final payment due to Hidden Links, Inc. Payments for rounds via the St. Andrews Links direct application process will be made directly by clients per the policies of St. Andrews Links and deducted from payment due to Hidden Links, Inc. Payments for some advance tee times may be made by clients directly to the source of the tee time and in that case the payment will be deducted from the final payment due to Hidden Links, Inc. St. Andrews Old Course rounds via the direct request application, ballot/ lottery, or walkup are not guaranteed, client/traveler agrees to hold Hidden Links, Inc. harmless if access is not obtained.
Caddies and carts: Caddies and carts cannot be guaranteed by Hidden Links, Inc. Golf Clubs make every effort to secure caddies for our clients, but these caddies are not employed by either the clubs or Hidden Links, Inc. Chances of obtaining a caddie are greater at certain courses than others. In general, the demand for caddies exceeds availability. If caddies are obtained, the caddy master will inform you of the caddy fees and tipping policy. During the summer months, bag carriers (students not as skilled as regular caddies) are sometimes available. If so, they will be booked when caddies are not available. In the event neither caddies nor bag carriers are available, most clubs have pull carts (trolleys) available for hire, subject to availability. Client/Traveler agrees to be prepared to carry his or her own bag in the event none of the above are available. Certain golf clubs may have electric carts (buggies) available for hire. Hidden Links, Inc. will make every effort to reserve one in advance when requested, but availability is not guaranteed and client/traveler agrees to be prepared to carry own bag. Caddies may be required at Muirfield even if not requested, at St. Andrews they are assigned 5 minutes prior to play. Caddies and carts must be requested at the time of booking. Golf clubs generally will require payment for requested caddies if turned down by client/traveler on the day of play, client/traveler agrees to hold Hidden Links, Inc. harmless in that situation.
Responsibility: Hidden Links, Inc. is acting as a mere agent for suppliers in selling travel-related accepting services, or in accepting reservations or bookings for services that are not directly supplied by Hidden Links, Inc. (such as air and ground transportation, golf starting times, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). Hidden Links, therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract, failure to comply with any laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or any intentional or negligent actions or omissions on the part of such suppliers, which result in denial of services booked and paid for, or any loss, damage, delay, inconvenience or injury to clients/ travelers or client/travelers’ companions or group members. Hidden Links, Inc. does not guarantee availability of specific accommodations and reserves the right to choose alternate accommodations as needed. Hidden Links, Inc. does not guarantee suppliers’ handling of baggage or other personal effects. Hidden Links, Inc. shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses caused to any client/ traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, act of God, volcano, death of a monarch, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside Hidden Links, Inc.’s control. Client/Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for, and hereby releases Hidden Links, Inc. from, any duty of checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of each destination, and all safety and security conditions of such destinations, during the length of the proposed travel. For information concerning possible dangers at international destinations, contact the Travel Advisory Section of the U. S. State Department, (202) 647-5225, or access the StateDepartment’s on-line travel advisory service (www.state.gov/travel information/travel warnings). For medical information, call the U. S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), (404) 332-4559 or log on to www.cdc.gov./travel. By embarking upon his/her travel, the client/traveler voluntarily assumes all risks involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected. Client/Traveler is hereby warned of the above risks as well as possible travel industry bankruptcies and medical and climatic disruptions, and the possibility client/traveler may be unable to travel as scheduled because of personal emergency. Client/Traveler is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against these risks, information is available through Hidden Links, Inc. regarding purchasing travel insurance, and client/traveler acknowledges receipt of this information. Should client/traveler purchase travel insurance, Hidden Links, Inc. is not responsible should reason for cancellation not be covered by such insurance. Client/Traveler’s retention of tickets, reservations, or bookings after issuance shall constitute consent to the above and an agreement on his/her part to convey the contents hereto to his/her travel companions or group members. Client/Traveler agrees to abide by the specified payment, cancellation, tour changes, and group reduction policies of Hidden Links, Inc. in this agreement and otherwise agrees to cover any legal costs of Hidden Links, Inc. that arise. Hidden Links, Inc. reserves the right to require final payments be made via American Express, or via check or wire transfer only, and at Hidden Links, Inc’s sole discretion. Hidden Links, Inc. is not responsible for disruptions of any kind stemming from computer-related problems, weather, volcano, or carrier or supplier logistical problems. Hidden Links, Inc. reserves the right to cancel a tour. In the event of such, Hidden Links, Inc. will make a full refund of all payments received from clients/travelers. This refund will be the full extent of Hidden Links, Inc’s. obligation and liability. This contract is governed by the laws of the State of Georgia.
Client/Traveler confirms that he/she has read, understands, and accepts the Terms & Conditions for his or her self and any other clients/travelers that he/she will be paying for. Client/Traveler confirms understanding that all payments are nonrefundable even in situations out of his or her control such as the Iceland volcano eruption. Client/Traveler confirms that travel insurance has been offered and recommended and that it is client/traveler’s sole responsibility to ensure that he/she is covered.