9 amazing golf courses in the Caribbean
By Lara Grant From Oyster
From Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic to Ocho Rios in Jamaica, the Caribbean is full of amazing travel destinations. The warm weather, white-sand beaches, and luxurious resorts may be what the islands are best known for, but they also have some of most renowned golf courses in the world — many of which are found on hotels’ properties! A round of golf amidst palm trees, overlooking gorgeous blue waters is the perfect activity while on a vacation, right?! Even if you end up spending a lot of the time in the sand trap… Of course every golfer knows about the stunning (and stunningly expensive) courses at Sandy Lane (where Tiger likes to play) and Casa de Campo, so we decided to find nine amazing Caribbean golf courses that are slightly more under-the-radar. Take a look — and then take a swing!
CuisinArt Golf Club at CuisinArt Resort & Spa, Anguilla
Photo Courtesy o
The CuisinArt, one of the best-known resorts in Anguilla, is a sprawling beachfront property dotted by white, Grecian-like buildings. It’s home to an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course, which is the only course on the island. Along the water, golfers have stunning views as they tee off. After a round, guests can use the expansive spa facilities — including healing pools, a wet room, and treatments rooms — or dine at one of several on-site restaurants that offer gourmet meals with a focus on fresh ingredients from the resort’s hydroponic farm.
Ocean Club Golf Course at One&Only, Bahamas
The resort is called One&Only for good reason — there’s nothing quite like it on Paradise Island, or anywhere in the Bahamas for that matter. Golfers do not have to travel far to get to the adjacent 18-hole championship golf course, set on a peninsula with great views of the ocean. The Ocean Club Golf Course was designed by championship-winning golfer Tom Weiskopf, and there’s a pro shop on-site. The resort is also home to a Balinese-style spa, gourmet restaurants, chic suites, and two outdoor pools.
The Eden Roc, opened in 2012, is one of the most high-tech properties in the Dominican Republic, and is located in the gated Cap Cana community — which has a gorgeous golf course, marina, and beach club. The beautiful Jack Nicklaus-designed course is open to hotel guests. Nestled between natural grottos and the ocean, the 18-hole course includes challenging holes such as over-the-water shots and tricky greens. The photo opps alone make for a worthwhile experience.
Tucker’s Point Golf Course, Bermuda
No other property on the island has quite the sparkle and shine of this stunning 200-acre resort with immaculate grounds, four pools, four restaurants, a championship golf course, a private beach, a tranquil spa, and spacious rooms featuring million-dollar views. Tucker’s Point is a true golfer’s haven, with a Roger Rulewich-designed 18-hole championship golf course, putting green, driving range, and pro shop, as well as access to the adjacent (and extremely exclusive) Mid Ocean Golf Club.
Newstead Belmont Golf Course, Bermuda
Photo Courtesy of Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa
The breezy, laid-back Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort & Spa is one of Bermuda’s only properties built within the last decade, and modern rooms, gourmet dining, a serene spa, and a spectacular infinity-edge pool prove it has raised the luxury bar for Bermuda’s more seasoned resorts. A nice perk is the free round of golf at the Newstead Belmont Golf Course that’s included in the room rate. The course was designed in 2002 by renowned golf course architect Algie M. Pulley Jr., and enjoys gorgeous views of the water.
Built in the early 1970s, the iconic “Big Pink Lady on the Hill” is easily the most recognizable hotel in Bermuda — and, following a 21st-century renovation, it’s still one of the nicest. On-site at the Fairmont Southampton, guests will find a highly acclaimed 18-hole, par-three golf course. Additional highlights include a full-service pro shop with equipment rental and storage, membership benefits at the nearby Riddell Bay Golf and Country Club, and even golf-inspired spa treatments at the Willow Stream Spa.
Quiet and classy, the colonial-style, 74-room, adults-only (18+) Sandals Royal Plantation snatched a prime patch of beach when it was built in the 1950s. Once the Upton Golf Club — opened in 1951 as a nine-hole number designed by P. K. Saunders — the Sandals Country Club (quickly grew to a championship-grade course. It’s free to play for guests, though there are fees for the cart ($40) and caddie ($17 per bag). The 18-hole course rises 700 feet above sea level and also has a practice range, putting and chipping greens, a pro shop, a restaurant, and a snack shack.
The 1,600-room Palace Deluxe is the main resort at the Barcelo Bavaro complex, and features tons of on-site features including an attractive spa, a 24-hour casino, four pools, and 11 restaurants. The 18-hole Pete Dye course at the resort is a major draw for golfers and features well-kept greens and challenging holes. Though most would argue that it can’t compare to the Jack Nicklaus course at Eden Roc in Cap Cana or Dye’s Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo in La Romana, its one of the best courses in Punta Cana. There’s also an 18-hole mini-golf course.
This Four Seasons sits on a large, attractive beach on the small island of Nevis. It has an 18-hole golf course that was designed by noted golf architect Robert Trent Jones II and opened in 1991. It has stunning views of the island and water. There’s also a putting green, driving range, and pro shop on-site. There’s not much of a discount for Four Seasons guests, but the beautiful setting and outlooks make it worthwhile for any golf fan.
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