If you’re looking for an island golfing experience, head off to the Caribbean. There is a wealth of courses available, allowing you to enjoy a range of environments, from jungles to oceans and mountains. Many new courses have been developed; thanks mainly to a new kind of turf that has been developed that can withstand the sun and sea-spray and makes for beautiful fairways. Here are our tips for five destinations that you really should consider when booking your luxury or all-inclusive Caribbean holiday:
1. Port Royal, Bermuda
Fore! by tassonik, on Flickr
This par 71 course was opened to rival the local members-only Mid Ocean Club and is in the same league as that exclusive course. It has new greens, bunkers and lakes with stunning views from most holes. It is suitable for golfers of all abilities, from enthusiastic amateurs keen to play on such a beautiful course to professionals training to take part in the annual Grand Slam of Golf for the chance to win £375,000. Green fees are roughly £100.
2. Punta Espada, Dominican Republic
Punta Espada by diocely, on Flickr
This par 72, award-winning course, situated on Cap Cana was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is the first of three Niklaus Signature Courses to be built there. It has beautiful views of the Island, with plenty of dusty white sand on either side of the fairways. It’s a challenging course, not really one for beginners, with tricky tees and several demanding holes featuring water hazards. Most all-inclusive packages to local hotels are inclusive of green fees.
3. Teeth of the Dog, Dominican Republic
Photo by dfran07, on Flickr
Another par 72 course, this slightly older course (forty years and counting) is still one of the most popular courses among amateurs and professionals alike. Designed by Pete Dye it was one of the Republic’s premier golf courses when it was created, and is now the focal point for a stay at a five-star resort nearby, the Caso de Campo. It’s named for the jagged coral reefs that line the holes on the waterfront, especially the fifth to the eighth, where the wind adds to the difficulty of the shots. A stay at the Caso de Campo includes four rounds of golf over seven days.
4. Green Monkey, Barbados
Green Monkey by pneedham, on Flickr
A par 72 course that was designed by aficionado Tom Fazio, this is initially a bit of a let-down — it seems like any other course until around the ninth hole, when the dramatic man-made quarry that is a par five hole really lets you know why this course deserves a place in our top five. The remaining holes are situated along dramatic scenic fairways set against limestone rock. Green fees are a pricey £300 but we think they’re worth it.
5. Trump International, The Grenadines
A par 72 courses that we think pips all other courses in the Caribbean for sheer beauty. Expect a fair climb, as the course stretches from sea level up to the top of a dormant volcano some 840 feet up. The course is a tricky one, not really suited to amateurs.
About the author
This post was written my Sarah, a travel addict who loves golfing and has just returned from an all-inclusive holiday in the Dominican Republic. She loves to blog and share all of the tips and tricks she has leant on her travels.
By Olivia GrilHey Folks! I'm Olivia from California, United States. I'm a blogger, travel lover, I can travel anywhere, whether it's a new place or already visited. I love meeting new people, clicking photos of every movement, and documenting my adventure. I also, write about travel, travel movies, the best places to visit, etc. Read my stories.
