Taking a golf trip is a highlight on the annual calendar, offering a chance to get away with friends and enjoy a few responsibility free days on the course. As enjoyable as that is under any circumstances, there are things group leaders can do to maximize the fun. After years of booking, planning and organizing golf trips, here are five tips that will make your next pilgrimage to Myrtle Beach even better.

— Begin planning as soon as possible. For starters, the anticipation of a trip and the banter among friends adds to the experience. On a more practical level, it gives you a chance to compare schedules and pick a date that works best for everyone, ensuring every spot on your trip is filled by people you really want to go.

— Book early. Even with early planning, some groups like to delay booking tee times, thinking a better deal awaits late in the process. Don’t fall into that trap, especially if you are playing during the peak spring and fall seasons. Tee sheets will fill and golf package prices, which already deliver incredible value, won’t drop at the last minute. To secure the tee times of your choice on the courses you want to play, book early. It’s a decision to you won’t regret.

— Know what kind of trip you want to take. It sounds simple but it’s important. The itinerary for 12 golfers with a single digit handicap often looks different than that of a group of mid 90s shooters who are as interested in having as good a time off the course as they are on it. From the difficulty of the courses you play to budget and tee times, knowing what you want out of a trip – before you start planning – is essential.

— Identify a bucket list layout and book it. Playing “The Gambler” at King’s North, the stunning par 3, 13th hole at Pawleys Plantation, or No. 18 at TPC Myrtle Beach, among many other unforgettable challenges, will contribute immensely to the experience.

— Last, but certainly not least, create a trophy of some sort to compete for. Most people don’t want their trip to be deathly serious, but a little competition adds to the fun before, during and after your Myrtle Beach golf vacation. Among the possible trophies? How about a faux green jacket or even a championship belt? Use your imagination and enjoy the trophy presentation, which should be a celebration of your trip.