Experienced golfers know that traveling to play the best courses around the States and even around the world can be a very rewarding as well as challenging task. Some of the best courses are also some of the most exclusive (and heavily booked), so listed below are a few tricks to help you be able to play where and when you want during your next golf vacation.

It is best to choose the course you dream of playing before choosing your accommodations. Many resort courses give preference, and sometimes even exclusive access, to resort guests. Many resorts and hotels across the world offer special access to courses that the public is not granted. So a little research on the hotels at your planned destination can go a long way in getting a tee time at the course you want. Sometimes these hotels are well kept secrets, like the fact that the mid-price Indian Wells Resort Hotel in Palm Springs Valley gives guests access to the Indian Wells Country Club.

Find out how much time before your arrival you may book tee times. Courses have specific rules on booking tee times, some even specify the specific tee times you must book. It is smart to book as far in advance as possible, especially for very popular courses.

All hope is not lost for procrastinating golfers out there. No matter how high the demand for a course you visit, or how booked the tee sheet is, there is almost always a cancellation or late golfer whose tee time you may be able to snatch up. Plus if you are already at the course, the staff will most likely do everything it can to get you on the course.

Singles' tee times are usually easier to acquire than those for more players.

It is often more difficult to acquire tee times after 1 p.m. during the winter month's shorter days. Courses want to ensure players have plenty of daylight to finish the round before dark, so that usually means fewer available tee times for golfers to choose from.