Terms & Conditions
Effective from: August 2024
These Terms & Conditions apply to all golf tours, itineraries, travel arrangements and related services booked through Gorse & Thistle (“Gorse & Thistle”, “we”, “us” or “our”).
By making a booking with Gorse & Thistle, the person making the booking (“Lead Passenger”) confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these Terms & Conditions on behalf of themselves and all members of their party.
1. About Gorse & Thistle
Gorse & Thistle is a luxury golf travel provider specialising in bespoke golf experiences in Ireland, Scotland and other destinations.
We arrange a combination of services which may include golf, accommodation, transportation, dining, sightseeing, experiences, guides, hosts and other travel-related services.
Certain services included within an itinerary are provided by independent third-party suppliers. Such suppliers are responsible for delivering their respective services and may operate under their own terms and conditions.
2. Your Booking
A booking is considered confirmed once:
- Gorse & Thistle has received written acceptance of the proposed itinerary;
- The required deposit has been received; and
- Gorse & Thistle has issued written confirmation of the booking.
Until these requirements have been met, no booking or availability should be considered guaranteed.
The Lead Passenger is responsible for ensuring that all information provided to Gorse & Thistle is accurate, including passenger names, travel dates, golf requirements and any other information necessary to fulfil the booking.
The Lead Passenger is also responsible for ensuring that all members of their party are aware of these Terms & Conditions.
3. Deposit
A deposit is required to secure your booking.
The deposit amount and payment deadline will be confirmed in writing as part of your booking documentation.
Payment of the deposit confirms your acceptance of these Terms & Conditions and authorises Gorse & Thistle to proceed with securing the relevant arrangements.
Deposits may be non-refundable where this is stated in your booking confirmation or where amounts have already been committed to third-party suppliers.
4. Final Balance
The remaining balance of your booking must be paid by the final balance date stated in your booking confirmation or invoice.
Gorse & Thistle will issue a reminder where appropriate; however, responsibility for ensuring that the final balance is paid by the due date remains with the client.
Failure to make payment by the required deadline may result in the cancellation of some or all arrangements and may result in cancellation charges being applied.
Any supplier cancellation charges, non-refundable payments or additional costs arising from late payment may be passed on to the client.
5. Prices
The total price of your arrangements will be confirmed in writing at the time of booking.
Unless otherwise stated, prices are based on the itinerary and services specifically detailed in your proposal or booking confirmation.
Additional costs arising from changes requested by the client after confirmation may be charged separately.
6. Airfare and Flights
Unless expressly stated otherwise in writing, clients are responsible for arranging and paying for their own airfare and flights.
Clients are responsible for ensuring that their flights are booked to arrive and depart at suitable times to allow them to participate in the confirmed itinerary.
Gorse & Thistle accepts no responsibility for cancelled, delayed, diverted or rescheduled flights, missed flights, missed connections or other airline disruption that may affect any part of the client's itinerary.
Any costs, losses or additional expenses arising from flight disruption are the responsibility of the client, subject to any rights the client may have against the airline or their travel insurer.
Clients are strongly advised to ensure that their travel insurance provides appropriate cover for flight cancellation, delay, missed connections and associated costs.
7. Travel Insurance
Gorse & Thistle strongly advises all clients to obtain comprehensive travel insurance immediately after booking.
Clients are responsible for ensuring that their insurance provides appropriate cover for their individual circumstances and the nature of their trip.
This should include, where appropriate:
- Cancellation and curtailment;
- Illness or medical emergencies;
- Death or bereavement;
- Flight cancellation or disruption;
- Travel delays;
- Missed connections;
- Personal belongings and baggage;
- Golf equipment;
- Medical expenses;
- Personal liability; and
- Other unforeseen circumstances that may affect the trip.
Gorse & Thistle accepts no responsibility for losses arising from a client's decision not to obtain suitable travel insurance.
Where a client cancels their trip due to death, illness, medical circumstances or any other reason covered by their travel insurance, the client is responsible for making the relevant claim directly with their travel insurer.
Gorse & Thistle will provide reasonable documentation relating to the booking where required to support an insurance claim, but the outcome of any insurance claim is solely a matter between the client and their insurer.
8. Cancellation by the Client
If a client wishes to cancel their booking, they must notify Gorse & Thistle in writing.
Cancellation charges may apply depending on the timing of cancellation and the terms and conditions of the relevant suppliers.
Certain golf tee times, accommodation, transport arrangements, experiences and other services may be non-refundable or subject to substantial cancellation charges.
Where a client cancels due to illness, death, medical circumstances, flight disruption or any other insured event, any recovery of costs is a matter between the client and their travel insurer.
Gorse & Thistle is not responsible for recovering costs from a client's insurer.
9. Passports, Visas and Travel Documentation
Each client is responsible for ensuring that they have all documentation required for their trip.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- A valid passport;
- Appropriate visas;
- Electronic travel authorisations where applicable;
- Any required entry permits;
- Golf handicap documentation where required; and
- Any other documentation required by the relevant country, airline, golf course, hotel or supplier.
Clients are responsible for checking the entry and visa requirements applicable to their nationality and destination.
Gorse & Thistle may provide general guidance but cannot accept responsibility where a client is unable to travel or enter a country because they do not hold the correct passport, visa, travel authorisation or other required documentation.
10. Golf Bookings and Tee Times
Golf tee times, courses, caddies, buggies and other golf-related arrangements are subject to availability and confirmation by the relevant golf club or supplier.
A requested tee time is not guaranteed until it has been confirmed in writing.
The client acknowledges that the relevant golf course ultimately remains in control of its tee times, course access and playing arrangements.
Golf courses may alter, delay, restrict or cancel tee times due to weather, course conditions, maintenance, tournaments, health and safety requirements, operational circumstances or other reasons outside the control of Gorse & Thistle.
Gorse & Thistle cannot guarantee weather conditions or that a golf course will remain open for the duration of a client's booking.
If a course is closed or a tee time is cancelled for reasons outside the control of Gorse & Thistle, we will use reasonable efforts to assist in rescheduling the golf or finding a suitable alternative where possible.
However, rescheduling is not always possible and cannot be guaranteed.
Where no suitable alternative is available, any refund or compensation will be subject to the terms of the relevant golf course or supplier.
11. Handicap and Golf Club Requirements
Clients are responsible for ensuring that they meet the handicap, playing ability, dress code, equipment and other requirements of the golf courses included in their itinerary.
Certain golf clubs may require evidence of an official handicap or impose specific visitor requirements.
Failure to meet a golf club's requirements may result in the client being refused access.
Gorse & Thistle cannot accept responsibility for a client being unable to play where the client has failed to meet the requirements communicated to them.
12. Accommodation
Accommodation is subject to availability and confirmation.
Hotel rooms, room categories, meal plans and other accommodation arrangements will be detailed in your booking confirmation.
Hotels may change room allocations, facilities, operating hours or other services for reasons outside our control.
Special requests, including adjoining rooms, specific room locations, dietary requirements or accessibility requests, will be passed to the relevant supplier but cannot be guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in writing.
13. Transportation
Transportation arrangements may include private chauffeurs, cars, vans, minibuses, coaches or other forms of transportation.
Any transportation arranged by Gorse & Thistle and included within an itinerary will be provided by an appropriate third-party transportation supplier.
Transportation services provided by third-party suppliers are insured by the relevant supplier, in accordance with their legal and insurance requirements.
Vehicle type, capacity and availability will be confirmed as part of your itinerary.
Passengers must comply with applicable transportation and safety requirements.
Clients are responsible for ensuring that luggage and personal belongings are appropriately packed and within any applicable weight or size restrictions.
Gorse & Thistle is not responsible for delays caused by traffic, road closures, weather, accidents or other circumstances outside our reasonable control.
14. Personal Belongings and Valuables
Clients are responsible for their own luggage, golf equipment, valuables, personal belongings and other items throughout their trip.
Gorse & Thistle accepts no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged personal belongings or items, except where liability cannot legally be excluded.
Clients are strongly advised to ensure that their travel insurance provides appropriate cover for luggage, valuables, golf equipment and personal belongings.
15. Medical Requirements and Medication
Each client is responsible for bringing, carrying, storing and managing any medication, medical equipment or other personal medical supplies they require during their trip.
Clients are responsible for ensuring that they bring an adequate supply of any prescribed or essential medication for the full duration of their travel, including additional medication where reasonably required in the event of delays or unforeseen circumstances.
Gorse & Thistle does not administer, store or manage clients' medication unless expressly agreed in writing in advance.
Clients should ensure that any medication they are carrying complies with the requirements of the relevant destination country.
16. Illness During the Trip
Should a client become ill, feel unwell or require medical assistance during their trip, it is the client's responsibility to immediately alert a member of the Gorse & Thistle team or their appointed tour host, where reasonably possible.
Gorse & Thistle will assist in directing the client to the relevant authority or appropriate service, such as emergency services, a medical professional or other relevant provider.
Gorse & Thistle does not provide medical treatment or medical advice.
If a client is unable to participate in any part of their itinerary due to illness or medical circumstances, any resulting loss or unused services will be the responsibility of the client to claim through their travel insurer, where applicable.
Gorse & Thistle will provide reasonable documentation to assist with an insurance claim where appropriate.
17. Dietary Requirements, Allergies and Special Requests
Clients must notify Gorse & Thistle of any dietary requirements, allergies, mobility requirements or other special requests at the time of booking.
We will communicate relevant information to the appropriate suppliers.
However, Gorse & Thistle cannot guarantee that a supplier can accommodate every request, particularly where the request is made after booking or shortly before travel.
18. Changes Requested by the Client
If a client wishes to amend their booking after confirmation, Gorse & Thistle will use reasonable efforts to accommodate the request.
Changes may be subject to:
- Availability;
- Supplier restrictions;
- Additional charges;
- Cancellation fees;
- Fare differences; and/or
- Administrative charges.
Any additional costs will be communicated to the client before the change is confirmed wherever reasonably possible.
19. Changes or Cancellation by Gorse & Thistle
Gorse & Thistle will endeavour to operate all arrangements in accordance with the confirmed itinerary.
In exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary to make changes to arrangements or, where unavoidable, cancel a booking.
Where changes are necessary, we will communicate them to the client as soon as reasonably possible and work with the relevant suppliers to identify suitable alternatives where possible.
20. Circumstances Beyond Our Control
Gorse & Thistle will not be responsible for circumstances that could not reasonably have been foreseen or prevented and which are outside our control.
These may include, but are not limited to:
- Severe weather;
- Natural disasters;
- Fire;
- Flood;
- Epidemics or pandemics;
- Industrial disputes;
- Road closures;
- Government restrictions;
- Acts of terrorism;
- Civil unrest;
- War or threat of war;
- Airport or transport disruption;
- Flight disruption;
- Closure of golf courses;
- Supplier failure; or
- Other extraordinary circumstances.
Where such circumstances affect your arrangements, Gorse & Thistle will provide reasonable assistance and work with suppliers to identify suitable alternatives where possible.
21. Client Responsibilities
Clients are expected to behave responsibly and respectfully throughout their trip.
Clients must comply with the rules and reasonable instructions of hotels, golf clubs, transport providers, restaurants, hosts and other suppliers.
Clients may be responsible for costs arising from damage, loss or additional expenses caused by their actions or the actions of members of their party.
Gorse & Thistle reserves the right to terminate arrangements for a client whose behaviour is disruptive, abusive, threatening or otherwise materially affects the safety or enjoyment of other guests, staff or suppliers.
Any resulting costs will be the responsibility of the client, subject to applicable law.
22. Payment Card and Personal Information
Gorse & Thistle takes the privacy and security of client information seriously.
Gorse & Thistle will not share clients' payment card details or personal information with third parties without the client's prior authorisation, except where disclosure is required by law or is necessary to fulfil the services expressly authorised by the client.
Where personal information must be shared with a supplier to arrange or deliver a service, Gorse & Thistle will only share information reasonably necessary for that purpose and in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.
23. Complaints
We want every Gorse & Thistle guest to have an exceptional experience.
If you experience a problem during your trip, please notify your Gorse & Thistle host or our team as soon as reasonably possible so that we have the opportunity to resolve the matter while you are travelling.
Where an issue cannot be resolved during your trip, you should notify us in writing as soon as reasonably possible after returning home.
We will investigate complaints fairly and respond within a reasonable period.
24. Supplier Terms
Certain elements of your itinerary are provided by third-party suppliers, including golf clubs, hotels, restaurants, transport companies and experience providers.
Those suppliers may have their own terms and conditions, cancellation policies, dress codes, safety requirements and booking restrictions.
Where applicable, those terms will also apply to the relevant service.
25. Personal Data
Gorse & Thistle will process personal information in accordance with applicable data protection legislation and our Privacy Policy.
Personal information may need to be shared with relevant suppliers where necessary to arrange and deliver services that the client has authorised us to book.
26. Photography and Marketing
From time to time, Gorse & Thistle or its representatives may take photographs or videos during a trip for promotional or marketing purposes.
We will seek appropriate consent where required.
If you do not wish to appear in Gorse & Thistle marketing materials, please notify us before or during your trip.
27. Accessibility and Mobility
We aim to make our travel experiences accessible wherever reasonably possible.
Clients should notify us of any accessibility, mobility or assistance requirements at the time of booking.
Some golf courses, hotels, vehicles, historic sites and experiences may have limitations due to their location, design or operating requirements.
We will discuss known limitations with you and work with suppliers to identify appropriate arrangements where possible.
28. Travel Insurance and Claims
Gorse & Thistle strongly recommends that every client has comprehensive travel insurance in place before travelling.
Clients are responsible for ensuring that their policy provides adequate protection for the full duration of their trip and covers their individual circumstances.
All claims arising from a client's cancellation, illness, injury, death or other insured event are between the client and their travel insurer.
Gorse & Thistle is not responsible for the acceptance, rejection or processing of an insurance claim.
29. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms & Conditions and any agreement between you and Gorse & Thistle shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Northern Ireland.
The courts of Northern Ireland shall have jurisdiction over any dispute arising in connection with these Terms & Conditions or your booking, subject to any mandatory rights the client may have under applicable law.
30. Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding these Terms & Conditions or your booking, please contact:
Gorse & Thistle
Luxury Golf Tours
Email: info@gorseandthistle.com
Website: www.gorseandthistle.com
Effective from: August 2024