Finally home in good ole Huntington Beach CA and wanted to take a moment to THANK YOU for an exceptional job in getting me to and from a dream vacation in Italy. All went well and I so appreciate your hard work putting together one of the best dream vacations ever!! Golf & Tours are #1 in the job that you do. I felt welcomed and well looked after. I so appreciate all that you did to make my holiday FANTASTIC!!
Neira Boysen
Tour Host
Herning, Denmark
Lubker Golf Club
5
I started playing golf when I was 16 because my brother was going to JNJGF lessons. Soon I started hitting it past him, so he quit, ha ha. I started taking it pretty seriously, joined Castle Hill Country Club, then got a golf scholarship in the USA after high school in Australia. After College, I did my traineeship at Concord Golf Club in Sydney. I then did some teaching and played ALPG events. I stopped playing after I had kids and moved to Denmark, when my girls were 2 years old. I miss it and love when the weather is better, so we can go out an have a hit!
I would have to invite:
I most enjoy meeting the wonderful people that come on the tours. Everyone has the same passion for golf and travel. And of course the fabulous golf courses we play and hotels/cities we visit.
I love experiencing new sights, accents, architecture, food and wine. Being able to experience a world other than our own day to day lives. You open yourself up to meeting new people and appreciating the beauty of the world and being grateful for how lucky we are to be able to experience it all.
I think the most important attributes are empathy, patience and a good sense of humour.
I am a true hockey mum! I drive my 3 kids to practice every day and then all over the country to watch them play on weekends. We send each other hockey tips on Instagram, and all our dinner conversations revolve around hockey. My side hustle is selling Bling Sun Visors for Women, on Amazon.
I just love hosting golf tours. There is nothing in the world I enjoy doing more (apart from watching my kids play hockey). I am a helper and a coach. I love helping people and making them happy and comfortable, and making sure they are having a good time. It gives me such joy to watch a ‘student’ execute my golf instructions, and when they get the Ah Ha! Moment, it is just SO good!
… Neira was fabulous, I can’t say enough good things about her. She was kind, patient, smart, caring and never missed a single detail on our whole trip. She handled any issue that came up with ease and in a confident swift manner. She was 100% engaged with us the entire trip. Most importantly we left the trip feeling as though we made a lifelong friend in her. JoAnn, Waldorf MD
… Everyone loved Neira and we were so grateful to have such a warm, caring, organized, professional and fun host. She never got defensive when constructive feedback was being given and encouraged honest feedback as she truly wants folks to enjoy the tour and be return customers. It was clear how much Neira sincerely cared about each person on the tour and how much she enjoys her job. Maryle, Sammamish WA
… Wonderful organisation, communication and awesome host Neira who went above and beyond to make this trip memorable in so many ways. Thanks to Golf & Tours. This trip was a bucket list tick off with so many wonderful memories created with a great group of women from all over the world. Jan, West Wodonga VIC
Caroline Rattenbury
Operations Manager (& Tour Host)
Perth, WA Australia
I am not yet associated with a club however have just started lessons at Wembley Golf Club which is beautiful!
Stay tuned…
I thoroughly enjoy planning our tours, learning about new destinations (in the hope to one day travel there) and help people achieve their dreams of travelling to world class, bucket list destinations. I love that I am able to work so closely with our incredible tour hosts and get to talk with our guests throughout their entire experience with us. We are always striving to create wonderful connections between guests which is so important. It is wonderful to witness new and genuine friendships develop off the back of travelling with us.
Meeting new people, travelling to great destinations and have a wonderful time. For me seeing and feeling the beautiful connections everyone makes is so special, in todays’ world, feeling connected, and important, is vital to our well-being and to be able to play a part in making someone feel wonderful, feel looked after and cared for is very important to me.
Exploring new destinations and immersing yourself in a difference culture is wonderful. People love to connect, and no matter where you are, this doesn’t really change. Oh and of course….. who can go past all of the glorious food!
A reputable and trustworthy reputation along with a well organised, well planned and executed experience is essential. We like our guests to not have to worry about any of the planning, to know they can just turn up and we have the everything covered. Safety is of the utmost importance to us, so we ensure we have fully researched our destinations. It is also imperative that the guests and hosts have support when they need it, and we ensure that is always available.
My role at Golf & Tours also covers the operations of the business. This means you will often find me at the end of an email or the end of the phone! I thoroughly enjoy working with all our suppliers, and our team to deliver a great guest experience. When you finally get to meet someone after only speaking over email or phone, it like catching up with a long lost friend!
I live along the northern beaches of Perth, in Western Australia with my family which consists of my partner, 2 children, 2 dogs and 7 chickens! You will often find us down at the beach (not the chickens) or on a great road trip. WA has so many beautiful places to travel too, I am not sure if we will ever see it all. I am originally from Tasmania and have lived in many places along the east coast of Australia. WA is definitely home for me now though, although I would always consider migrating north for the winter! I have recently started golf lessons and can absolutely see why everyone loves it so much. I can’t wait to get on the course and start honing my new skills.
… Heather is the perfect host, how fortunate you are to have such an organized charming caring person to work for you. Josie, Brighton East, VIC
… Many thanks to Heather. A great way to met other woman golfers, in a smaller group. It was a really good experience. A well organised week with a great host and fellow golfers. Carol, Tannum Sands, QLD
… Excellent well organised tour, and courses were excellent, you had time with day off to explore the district and meeting like minded ladies, and our host Heather was excellent. Julie, Glen Innes, NSW
Clancy
CFO (Chief Fun Officer)
With Mum & Dad
No golf club will let me join, because I am too good at chasing balls and bringing them back
Bringing back all of the balls
The one with the most bunkers!
The one with the most bunkers!
All of the pats and snuggles. I am told, I am the bestest girl.
All the new smells, and meeting all the new humans and pups.
They need to make all of the humans smile. They like it when I roll on my back, with my feet in the air. They also like to chase me while I run around with their shoes in my mouth.
I sleep and do a lot of jobs, like bringing back sticks and barking at anything that gets close to my house. I also like to follow my humans anywhere they go. We are a pack. I am their leader.
I am an Australian Blue Heeler, and am two years old. I have been the CFO at Golf & Tours since I was 8 weeks old. Initially I chewed through a lot of the computer cables, but now I prefer sticks. My most favourite thing in the world is making my humans happy. Lucky, that is easy. Every time they walk past me, they press their head against mine, and whisper “I love you Clancy”.
… thank you so much for being the bestest dog in the world! Mum, Moss Vale, NSW
…I really appreciate how Clancy shares her sticks with me. Kita, Moss Vale Dog Park, NSW
…You’re my best friend. You run really fast. Charlie, Kiama NSW
Tiffany Mika
Teaching Professional & Tour Host
Bayview, NSW Australia
Kapalua in Maui
Augusta National (USA)
I love meeting new people, travelling, going to new places, playing new courses that I haven’t played before and helping those on the tour improve their golf games. And of course, having fun! Going away on tours is all about having fun memorable experiences!
I love exploring new destinations. It’s exciting and fun!
Being Professional, Adaptable, Flexible, Helpful, Genuine, Organized and Personable.
I teach golf to ladies of all levels, both clinics and private lessons. I am The Lady Golf Teacher and Co-Founder of Golf Bargains. I have also written a book, Focus which teaches people how to accomplish their goals in sport, business and life.
I have a passion for helping others both golfers and sports people, to accomplish their sports dreams. Whatever their sports dream may be! From building confidence, to playing 9 holes socially with their friends, competing in 18 hole competitions and reducing their handicap and helping athletes compete on the world stage.
Sport has been part of my life all of my life, therefore I love it! I love training at the gym daily, as it is important for me to look after myself so that I am fit and strong. I still love to practice. I love to go to the driving range and hit golf balls, practice out on the golf course with my Mum (spend quality time together) or get out my tennis ball machine and practice tennis. I love to travel and go to new destinations with my husband (and of course play golf with him too!). I just love life. I embrace it and pursue things I love to do.
… The Golf & Tours trip to the Gold Coast exceeded my expectations. It was just the break I needed to have some fun, meet lovely people, play golf & learn skills. Being relatively new to golf, I never thought I’d be able to play on some fabulous courses & get a whole ‘golf experience’ so early in my journey. Our coach, Tiff, was very encouraging & we learnt some very practical techniques that you could use immediately to improve your game. I learned & laughed so much! Will definitely do another tour like this in the future. Fran, Bentleigh, VIC
… This was my first golf tour, but from my very first interaction with Ben Saunders at Golf &Tours to the last day playing golf, everything was so well planned and organised. Tiff Mika, our coach and mentor, made us all feel valued and gave us some very useful coaching sessions and tips without trying to change our natural way of playing golf. I thoroughly enjoyed the week and will be using Golf & Tours again. Kim, Buddina, QLD
… The Kangaroo Valley weekend was fabulous. We met on a lovely blue sky day, whilst surrounded by native bush, with a welcome introduction from Tiffany. The golf games were challenging and fun. The clinics and tuition were helpful as we played on the course. So good to share the time with other enthusiasts with plenty of laughs and friendship. Hope to go on another trip some time. Joy Mosman, NSW
… It was so great to have the time on the course over the weekend where Tiff could watch each individual and then give advice specific to that person. The teaching environment was fun and comfortable with no pressure. Really liked that there was no competition over the weekend. Also loved the simplicity of Tiff’s approach. Trisha, Haberfield, NSW
Maxine Corfield
Tour Host
Eltham, VIC Australia
Latrobe Golf Club
26
I have been lucky to play at a variety of different courses both in Australia and overseas- many are memorable for different reasons – Millbrook Resort in New Zealand, Black Mountain in Thailand and closer to home my home town, Port Fairy and Moonah Links where I had a hole in one!
St Andrews, as it is the Home of Golf
I really enjoy ensuring that the group has a memorable time, and they have fun both playing golf and socially. When I remember the golf trips I’ve taken, it is the great people I met that made the trip fun.
I love the adventure of travel – new places, people, scenery, culture, food. Everything really!
Ensuring everyone has a memorable, fun, stress free time. It’s so important to be organised and ensuring that our guests are well informed around what is happening each day. Being someone who is aware of group dynamics and can mediate smoothly where necessary is also helpful.
I retired in 2020 from a 40+ year nursing career. Subsequently I have a more relaxed lifestyle, which I have slotted into easily! The activities that keep me busy are: playing golf, learning bridge, looking after my rehomed dog – Frank, minding grandsons and gardening. I am not bored!
My motto in life is “ We do not know what tomorrow will bring “, so everyday is important to me, as there are no second chances. I enjoy meeting and talking to people. A nickname I have had is ”Mrs Have-a-chat”. I also know when to be quiet!
… Maxine & Mary are two very lovely ladies. They were very informative at all times. We were never left wondering what was happening next. Would love to do another golf tour with them. Christine, Kennington, VIC
… They were sensational. They were inclusive, friendly, happy, always smiling, super prepared and really proud of their hosting roles. Would go on a trip with Mary & Maxine again in a heartbeat. Sam, North Lambton, NSW
… Thank you Golf & Tours. Our Mornington Golf Escape was excellent. Have not laughed so much for quite awhile. Mary and Maxine were excellent hosts. “I’ll be back” Sue, Coleraine, VIC
Mary Neville
Tour Host
Melbourne, VIC Australia
Latrobe Golf Club
24
Lord Howe Island Golf Course is a favourite, not because of the condition of the course but the amazing views of the ocean and Mt Gower. I am often more interested in the views, vegetation and birds on a golf course than my golf.
Cape Wickham Golf Club looks amazing and is certainly one I would like to play some time.
I enjoy meeting the diverse group of people that golf brings together. Of course, I also enjoy playing all the wonderful courses that Golf & Tours organise for our clients.
Travelling near or far gives us a chance to see life from a different perspective and get a little taste of different cultures. That’s not to mention the taste of the local wines and food!
As the main priority of a good host is to make sure everyone has a great time, I think quiet, no fuss problem solving is a must. A good sense of fun and humour is also a very important attribute.
Apart from playing golf once or twice a week, I still enjoy my part time job as a passionate oncology nurse and spending time with my family and friends. Eating out and listening to live music is also a favourite pastime.
I am a relatively late comer to golf but have made more friends from all walks of life than at any other time through the game. I have been fortunate to travel quite a lot over the years and in recent years, adding golf to the itinerary has made for many wonderful experiences. I am always ready to chat to people and interested to hear about their lives and experiences.
… Maxine & Mary are two very lovely ladies. They were very informative at all times. We were never left wondering what was happening next. Would love to do another golf tour with them. Christine, Kennington, VIC
… They were sensational. They were inclusive, friendly, happy, always smiling, super prepared and really proud of their hosting roles. Would go on a trip with Mary & Maxine again in a heartbeat. Sam, North Lambton, NSW
… Thank you Golf & Tours. Our Mornington Golf Escape was excellent. Have not laughed so much for quite awhile. Mary and Maxine were excellent hosts. “I’ll be back” Sue, Coleraine, VIC
Heather Alsop
Tour Host
Adelaide, SA Australia
The Grange Golf Club
14
Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin Thailand and Bonville NSW
Kapalua on Maui
Meeting like minded people who have a love for golf and travel and to try and ensure they have the best possible experience on their holiday and knowing that they will look forward to travelling with Golf & Tours again.
Experiencing new cultures and lifestyles and also the excitement leading up to the holiday!
Being open, patient, organised, reliable and above all else, really enjoying meeting new people and wanting them to get as much out of their golf trip as possible.
Apart from playing as much golf as I can, I also run a home beauty salon called Noosa Home Beauty which predominantly focuses on eyelash extensions, and enjoying living in one of the most beautiful places in the world Noosa Heads!
I am an outgoing, friendly person who loves to be active. I spent 19 years of my working career as a Flight Attendant, which is where my love of travel began. Working as a Flight Attendant taught me to be understanding of people’s needs, and to be able to multi task, be organised and punctual. Using my customer service skills is second nature to me.
I have a passion for all things golf and prior to COVID-19 would snow ski as much as I could with my husband. I also love to eat out and discover new shopping destinations.
… Heather is the perfect host, how fortunate you are to have such an organized charming caring person to work for you. Josie, Brighton East, VIC
… Many thanks to Heather. A great way to met other woman golfers, in a smaller group. It was a really good experience. A well organised week with a great host and fellow golfers. Carol, Tannum Sands, QLD
… Excellent well organised tour, and courses were excellent, you had time with day off to explore the district and meeting like minded ladies, and our host Heather was excellent. Julie, Glen Innes, NSW
Caroline Ludwell
Marketing Manager & Tour Host
Sydney, NSW Australia
Hurstville Golf Club
21
There’s so many, but recently, I’d have to say Mauna Lani Golf Club, on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Unfortunately the list is endless….Leopard Creek (South Africa), Mid-Ocean Club Bermuda Island, Cape Kidnappers, The Old Course, St Andrews, Scotland and the beautiful golf courses on the France Golf & Tours adventure in September 2024
I just love making people happy, and nothing will make me happier than if I help make all guests have a memorable and fun golf tour, so much so that they’ll want to join me again on another tour!
The excitement leading up to the travel destination. Arriving at the airport and checking in. From that first glass of champagne, to the plane taking off, and knowing I’m on my way. Once at my destination, exploring all that’s on offer, and enjoying local produce.
I work in marketing for a few different businesses. When not working, you might find me on a golf course, swimming, running and skiing. I also love entertaining family and friends with a culinary delight.
… I want to let you know that taking this trip had been one of the best decision I have made. It has been well organised from the beginning and Caroline has worked very hard to make sure we are all happy. Caroline has juggled all our different personalities and egos like a professional with her humour and great wit keeping us all laughing and mixing. I joined the group with long term friends but will be leaving with a few new ones. Vicki, Bittern VIC
… What a fantastic golf week in Hobart the whole trip was very well organized our host Caroline was excellent and made our adventure a lot of fun. Would definitely recommend Golf & Tours. Thank you for a great experience. Jacqui, Tyabb VIC
… This was my first golf tour. It did take me a while to decide to try this new experience. I am so glad I decided to go. I went with three close friends and I can honestly say we had the best time. I was still a bit wary when we arrived in Hobart, but Caroline was the perfect person to make us feel welcome. I have to say my golf was very ordinary, but the experience was fantastic thanks to Caroline. She is the perfect host. I would recommend a trip like this to anyone. Jan, Cribb Point VIC
Ben Saunders
Managing Director
Southern Highlands, NSW Australia
Moss Vale Golf Club
24
My favourite course has to be North Berwick Golf Course outside of Edinburgh in Scotland. A classic old-school links course.
I have a very long bucket list, but high up there would be Pebble Beach, King Island and Loften Links.
For me, the most incredible thing about hosting tours is seeing the joy we can bring to people through care and attention to those little details that make each individual’s experience of the tour go to that next level. Playing some of the best courses in the most amazing places in the world doesn’t hurt either.
Travelling is a whole mind and body experience. Liking someone else’s selfie on Santorini in your social media is nice but it doesn’t tell you what the sun feels like when you are actually there when it’s coupled with the smell of the place, the sound of the wind and birds or the taste of the food. Travel is about experiencing and feeling the world.
A tour host needs to have their eyes and ears open all the time to be able to anticipate and react to any situation whilst on tour. And the confidence to react professionally to any challenge they might face.
I am a Managing Director at Golf & Tours. If I’m not hosting a tour, you’ll find me supporting our other amazing hosts from the office, or playing a round at Moss Vale Golf Course.
Gathering with intention is one of my passions. Bringing people together with the intention to undertake a specific activity that forms a fundamental link to all the people involved, gives us a springboard to explore each other’s stories and journeys and in doing so build and nurture connections, community and belonging.
… Ainslie and Ben are two fabulous people who are extremely committed to ensure every person on their golfing tour has the best experience possible. The tee times and accommodation were perfect and their flexibility post golf was perfect. We sincerely wish Ainslie and Ben all the very best for a promising future in bringing people together to play golf on the best courses in the world. The golf trip was flawless and extremely well organized, we wouldn’t travel with another tour operator, as I doubt they could be as efficient as G&T Tours, we had an amazing golfing holiday, thanks to Ainslie and Ben. Paul, Adelaide, SA
… A trip of a lifetime…exceptional courses, accommodation, and cultural activities hosted by Ben and Ainslie that made our Scottish tour one to remember. Karen, Brisbane, QLD
… This was the first Golf Tour I experienced and was a little apprehensive especially being a person not really keen on tours of any kind, but from the very minute I met Ainslie and Ben I knew this was going to be fun. And what fun it was. The organisation was excellent, the choice of venues top class and 5 star in every way. I could not fault the tour in anyway whatsoever, Ainslie and Ben went out of their way to ensure a Golf Trip of a lifetime for everyone. Well done loved every minute. Mike, Noosa, QLD
… What a trip!! No words can truly express how wonderful this week in Pebble Beach & Half Moon Bay has been. Thank you for embracing David and I. I feel like we have known each other for such a long time, and consider you dear friends. The experiences we shared will continue to warm my heart. I sincerely hope our paths will cross in the future. Ben and Ainslie you are an inspiration. I wish you both continued success and happiness. Thank you for welcoming us into your family. Robin – Pennsylvania, USA
Ainslie Saunders
Founder & Managing Director
Southern Highlands, NSW Australia
Moss Vale Golf Club
34 – I’m in the office more than I’m out on the course!
It’s so hard to choose! I’m been fortunate enough to play on so many amazing courses…. Finca Cortesin in Spain was amazing, especially when the drinks cart came around to our group to give everyone cups of chilled Gazpacho. Mauna Lani Golf Club’s South Course on the Big Island in Hawaii is spectacular too.
Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand
Meeting all the new people who come on our tours, getting to know each person and seeing the friendships that develop between everyone. I love hearing about those friendships growing outside of the tours too. We have lots of repeat guests, and when they book on another of our tours, with a friend that they made on a previous G&T trip, that really is just so special.
I love experiencing different cultures. I travel to see how different life is in other places, but what I’ve learnt is how similar we all are.
A Tour Hosts’ role is to create an extraordinary travel experience. They need to be well organised, calm, fun, engaging and inclusive.
I am the Founder and Managing Director of Golf & Tours. If I’m not hosting a tour, you’re likely to find me in the office. I love gardening, and spend as much time as I can in our garden.
I am a mother, wife, aunty, sister, daughter and a seasoned traveller. I love my family and was very lucky to have been raised in a family who valued the education that travelling can bring. I have tried to pass that on to my daughter too, and have taken her to many places around the globe. I love travelling like a local, and always prefer to have authentic experiences. I’m always asking locals that I meet to tell me where they go to eat and drink.
… Ainslie – you are a brilliant host and communicator and I can honestly say you make G&T the success it is because of all your hard work in the preparation beforehand and the email communication leading up to. It was a very easy tour for the clients – and a holiday. Thank You. Robyn, Melbourne, VIC
…The 2022 Hawaii Golf Tour was beyond compare. Even as a relatively new golfer (and high handicapper) I had a great time golfing on some really challenging courses. I’ve never had so many laughs trying to get my ball out of a bunker or saying goodbye to my ball as it bounced off volcanic rock or sailed into the beautiful pacific ocean. Ainslie and her team provided exceptional service and clearly love Hawaii as much as I now do. Michelle, Dubbo, NSW
…Ainslie is an exceptional host. The courses we played on were challenging with water, sand and trees but still totally enjoyed them. The accommodation was 5 star, villas beautiful and clean, great dining and staff very helpful and obliging. Could not be happier with Golf & Tours and highly recommend that you go on a journey with Ainslie. Looking forward to further tours. Donna, Moree, NSW
…The Spain & Portugal golf tour was my first solo golf tour and also my first time to Europe, so to say I was nervous is a understatement, upon meeting Ainslie and Tiff, any trepidation that I felt was immediately vanished. They both are such warm, funny and intelligent women who empower other women to be the best that they can be. There is nothing that Ainslie & Tiff wouldn’t do to ensure that we had the most wonderful experience. Asides from the golf the other activities that were included in the tour were outstanding. Debbie, Lota, QLD
