Thoughts on Rental Cars

[iacas]

As @mvmac and I begin really planning the details here, we have some random questions that will come up. One of them pertains to the cars we'll need during the Newport Cup.

There are two schools of thought on rental cars right now.

Option #1: Mike and I Rent Vans

In this option, @mvmac and I would rent a van each. A blue and red team van. We'd roll the cost (divided evenly among the team members) into the one fee you'll pay for lodging + golf.

Option #2: Y'all Rent Individually

With this option, say, three players who are arriving at about the same time would join together and split the cost of the car. Your fee paid to @mvmac and I would cover your golf+lodging, and you could pick a fancier car if you wanted, etc.

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There are pros and cons to each. You're all smart enough to figure out what they are, or discuss them here. I can think of a few, but what I see as a con might be a good thing.

One thing I will say about vans: they may be a bit less expensive overall, but the airport is 35 miles away, and if flights come in at different times, it may be difficult to fit too many people + luggage + golf clubs in the cars for transportation back to the house, not to mention I'm not sure how well 7 people + 6 golf bags will fit just going to/from the course each day.

[mchepp]

We do vans for our guys trip and it works out fine. Guys wait at the airport for a couple of hours or if someone is totally cockeyed then they take a taxi. But once a few people buy their flights everyone tries to get close.

[Golfingdad]

I voted vans.  Obviously assuming that we'll all fit in a van, I think that it might be a little more fun and team-oriented to all ride together.  But if everybody is arriving at different times, I can see the cons as well.

[iacas]

I don't want to dissuade anyone of vans, but fitting 7 people plus luggage seems like a stretch, doesn't it?

Edit: This could work, though. Rental companies at the PHX airport have obnoxious tax rates, and only 8-passenger or 7-passenger vans.

[jamo]

I voted for "individual" rentals. I was already going to try to split one with someone. That seems to be the most flexible option.

[oregongolfguy]

Assuming that the very back seat of the van is removable.  Getting a 12 passenger and pulling rear seats should provide plenty of room for clubs and luggage.  And would no doubt be the cheaper option.  I don't have any experience flying with clubs.  But I would think that you would need to rent at least a mid sized 4 door car to fit clubs and luggage for 2 people correct?  But I do see the point of possibly hanging around the airport for half a day waiting on everyone to arrive, and possibly even longer to get everyone to the airport to return home.  I am voting van, because although I don't know what the budget is going to look like yet, I am the kinda guy that would rather spend the money on a course hat, or a couple of drinks after the round, or a better dinner or whatever within a set budget and live with the inconvenience that the van's create.  But, I am a pretty laid back guy, so its not the end of the world either way to me.

[saevel25]

I don't think renting a small SUV for 3-4 people would be that much more expensive then renting that big van. Logistically I like the multiple car route better. It does offer flexibility if something comes up. Probably helps flying out as well. Those with similar departures.

I'm going with the individual cars.

[mvmac]

I voted for self rental, just think it'll provide more flexibility and easier for people with picking up and going back to the airport. Only reason to do a van IMO is if we save a good chunk of money.

[fr0sty]

Is it realistic to think you can put four guys, their luggage, their clubs, and their travel bags into a mid-size SUV? When I go on a trip to Florida with some guys we are lucky to get four guys and their luggage into a minivan or a full-size suburban.

It gets even worse if people want to bring their sarcophagus cases instead of a soft-sided travel bag...

[iacas]

At this point it's a tie, so I'm thinking that @mvmac and I will get to be the deciding votes. But only if it's a tie or off-by-one or something.

I imagine the price difference(s) will be close.

[SavvySwede]

If they are both around the same cost the flexibility of more vehicles makes sense. You never know when something might not go according to plan, especially on trips.

[tristanhilton85]

I'm leaning towards self rentals.

[kpaulhus]

I say self rentals mainly because if someone has to run to the store for something u don't have to track down Mike or Erik for the van keys. 3-4 guys split the costs for an SUV should be relatively cheap.