Tom Macfarlane
Head of Business Development
UK & Ireland | Europe | Worldwide
Head of Business Development
UK & Ireland | Europe | Worldwide
I started playing golf at 8 years old, thanks to the encouragement of my dad on holidays at Trevose in Cornwall. We used to go round the short course there like clockwork mice! I'm very lucky to be a member at Royal St George's and the hairs still stand up on the back of my neck when driving down the driveway even after 29 years of going there! One of my toughest challenges was at West Cliffs in Portugal. Testing winds, brutal terrain and stunning views provide extra distraction!
My perfect golfing holiday would involve anywhere with good friends, great food, a few beers and preferably links golf! At the top of my bucket list is Dunas Terras da Comporta in Portugal, and I'd love to cross that off someday. Golf for me is about the adventure as much as the sport, and helping others find their own perfect golfing experience is what makes my job so fulfilling.
What's in my bag?
TM MP5 Driver
TM MP6 3W & 5W
Callaway Apex Pro Irons
Cleveland Wedges (52 & 60)
Odyssey White Hot 2 Ball Putter
I have played golf in 14 different countries, from the UK, to Vietnam, USA, Slovenia or Australia and feel very lucky to have played over 200 courses in the process.
Whilst I would describe myself as a traditional golfer who appreciates classic UK and Ireland links courses, I also massively enjoy playing a classic Spanish resort course with groups of mates, or a quirky pitch and putt course with my kids.
I have experienced some of the best work familiarisation trips in my years at Your Golf Travel, from Mauritius to Vietnam, Sawgrass to the Masters, plus many of Europe's top destinations.
Scotland
A golfers paradise, so many amazing courses varying from true old school tests to stunning modern links designs, somewhere I hope to keep going back to every year for the rest of my life.
USA
Playing the Dye's Valley on Day 1 just gets the juices flowing for the more famous Stadium course the following day. One of the few times I have experienced having a caddy and they make the whole experience hugely entertaining. The wait to play the 17th was all worthwhile, walking off with an easy par!
Greece
Having been there twice (once on honeymoon, and once on a family holiday) I have to say this must be the best golf resort in Europe, 4 exceptional courses, multiple hotels and a seemingly neverending coastline - it's a must visit destination.
USA
Experiencing the Masters is somthing I wish every golf lover could tick off their wishlist. Seeing Amen corner with your own eyes is probably the biggest "wow" experience I have been lucky enough to have!
Europe
I have been lucky enough to play most of the courses in the Algarve, with my favourites being San Lorenzo and Quinta do Lago South. In and around Lisbon there are some amazing courses, Troia, West Cliffs, Oitavos Dunes to name some of my favourites.
Europe
Royal Bled was a course I knew nothing about until I played it a few times back in 2018. What a great setup and beautiful courses, with Ljubljana being a superb city to visit, just down the road as a great base to stay and enjoy the local culture.
Lisbon
I am hearing too many good things about thos course to not have it at the top of my bucket list. "Best course in Europe" is the consistent feedback I keep hearing!
USA
I'm not sure when I will make it here, but the multiple golf courses look like my dream destination to visit, so I will keep dreaming about it!
Scotland
I'm playing here in June 2026 - it will be the marqueue course for my society to play when celebrating our 20 year anniversary - can't wait to play it!
Norway
I love the idea of being able to play golf all day long, I've played 3 rounds in a day before, maybe at Lofoten I will be able to try 6?!
Worldwide
I did a 3 week trip round New Zealand as part of my gap year, it was the most stunning country I have ever visited and how I would love to go back there to experience some their phenomenal looking courses.
Wales
I have played some of Swansea's finest courses, but have always wanted to play Royal Porthcawl, another course where I only ever hear about how much people love it.