Why private aviation is becoming part of the modern golf travel experience

Private aviation has long been associated with elite professional golf. When Rory McIlroy won the Masters for a second consecutive year at Augusta in April, JetSpy data showed that 239 private jets departed nearby Augusta Regional Airport on the final day of the tournament.

While its use in professional golf remains highly visible, private aviation is also becoming an increasingly important consideration within golf tourism. For travellers planning multi-centre itineraries, visiting remote destinations or carrying bulky golf equipment, convenience, flexibility and the ability to make the most of limited time are often the main attractions.

That demand reflects wider industry growth. According to Private Jet Card Comparisons, WingX data showed that global private jet activity reached nearly 81,000 flights in the final week of March 2026, an increase of 11.3 per cent from the same week a year earlier.

Edinburgh-based jetlogic has specialised in private jet and helicopter charter since 2009, helping golfers and tour operators build seamless travel itineraries across Scotland and beyond.

We spoke to Business Development Manager Natasha Dunn about how private aviation is evolving within golf travel.

I've worked in private aviation for over 11 years, with helicopters forming the foundation of my experience, and I've seen the industry evolve considerably during that time.

Following the disruption caused by Covid, demand has continued to grow as people look for travel that's efficient, flexible and tailored to their individual needs. I also think there's been a shift in perception. More people are recognising that private aviation isn't just about luxury. It's about solving a logistical challenge and making the most of the time they have available.

Time is our most precious commodity, and that's also true for many golfers. Whether they're travelling for a bucket-list trip to Scotland, attending a major tournament or combining several destinations into one itinerary, they want to spend less time travelling and more time enjoying the experience.

There isn't a single booking window, but for golf travel, I'd say three to six months is probably the most common.

It very much depends on who's arranging the trip. Golf tour operators and travel planners often work much further in advance, particularly when they're coordinating tee times, accommodation and wider itineraries. On the other hand, individual travellers or personal assistants may come to us much closer to their departure date.

One of the advantages of private aviation is its flexibility. We regularly support clients who've been planning their trip for over a year, alongside those who need a solution within a matter of hours. It's all about understanding the client's requirements and building the right solution around them.

It really depends on the itinerary and what the client is trying to achieve.

Private jets are typically used for longer sectors, whether that's travelling internationally or connecting different regions within the same country. They allow guests to travel efficiently and comfortably, making the journey itself much more seamless.

Helicopters offer a different kind of flexibility. They can reduce lengthy road transfers and connect golf courses, hotels and other experiences. Where suitable landing sites are available, they can also get guests much closer to their final destination. That can make a significant difference when clients are trying to maximise their time and make the most of their overall experience.

Very often, the two work hand in hand. A client may arrive by private jet before continuing their journey by helicopter, creating a seamless travel experience from start to finish. Rather than one being more popular than the other, it's about understanding the client's itinerary and recommending the right solution for each stage of their journey.

Scotland continues to be one of the world's leading golf destinations, but we're also seeing strong demand for Ireland, Norway, Portugal and North America.

Each destination offers something different, and it really comes down to what the client is looking for. Alongside those more established destinations, we're also seeing growing interest in places such as Japan, which has become an increasingly popular choice for golfers looking to experience something a little different.

Major events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and the Masters also generate significant interest. We often see enquiries increase as golfers build their travel plans around these events, either attending as spectators or incorporating them into a wider golfing itinerary.

Absolutely! Some of the world's most iconic golf courses are in remote locations, and that's often part of what makes them so special.

For our clients, the question isn't whether they're prepared to travel there; it's how they can do it as efficiently as possible. Nobody wants to spend hours on the road if there's a better alternative, particularly when they're travelling on a tight itinerary or trying to fit several courses into one trip.

Private aviation helps remove some of those logistical challenges. Whether that means flying by private jet into the most convenient airport or using a helicopter for the final part of the journey, it's about reducing travel time and making the overall experience more enjoyable.

Sustainability is an important and ongoing conversation across the aviation industry, and we're certainly seeing greater awareness of SAF, or sustainable aviation fuel, and the carbon-offsetting initiatives being introduced by operators.

As a broker, we work closely with trusted operator partners and remain mindful of the sustainability measures they're implementing. Part of our role is also to educate and guide our clients, helping them understand the options available so they can make informed decisions when the subject arises.

Sustainability isn't only about the aircraft itself. We can also support responsible tourism by encouraging clients to explore destinations beyond the traditional hotspots. By introducing them to different regions and experiences, we're helping to spread the economic benefits of tourism more widely while showcasing everything those destinations have to offer.

Definitely! Private aviation lends itself naturally to multi-centre golf trips because it gives clients the flexibility to travel quickly and efficiently between destinations.

Rather than spending hours on the road, clients can maximise their time on the golf course and, where they want to, experience several different regions within the same trip. Whether that's playing multiple courses over a few days or combining golf across different countries, private aviation makes those itineraries much more achievable.

Ultimately, it's about giving clients more time to relax and enjoy the game, while reducing the time they spend travelling between destinations.

Historically, the majority of our clients have been from a more established demographic. They're often at a stage in life where they value convenience, flexibility and making the most of the time they have available.

More recently, though, we're seeing that evolve. Increasingly, younger travellers are recognising the value of their time and the role that private aviation can play in making travel more efficient. It's becoming less about luxury and more about choosing the right travel solution for the journey they're planning.

There's also still a perception that private aviation is out of reach for many people. While it does come at a premium, it can be more accessible than many people initially expect when costs are shared across a group and the time saved and overall experience are taken into account.

There are definitely seasonal trends. In the UK and Ireland, the traditional golf season tends to run from spring through to autumn, so that's naturally when we see the highest demand for those destinations.

As the seasons change, however, the demand doesn't disappear; it simply shifts. Clients start looking further afield to destinations where they can continue playing golf, whether that's in Europe, North America or places such as the Far East.

For us, golf travel is very much a year-round market. There will always be somewhere in the world in season, so while the destinations change throughout the year, the demand for private aviation remains consistent.

Group sizes vary enormously. We support everything from individual travellers and small groups through to much larger parties requiring multiple aircraft.

Every enquiry is different, so we don't take a one-size-fits-all approach. We look at the size of the group, the itinerary, luggage requirements, timings and overall travel experience before recommending the most appropriate solution.

That's where our role as problem solvers really comes into its own. Clients tell us what they're trying to achieve, and we look at the different options available, whether that's a single aircraft, multiple helicopters or a combination of aircraft. Our aim is always to find the solution that delivers the best possible experience for the client.

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