Teeing up to a challenge: The Caribbean’s toughest golf offerings

Barbados

The par-72 Barbados Golf Club, designed by golf architect Ron Kirby, has 18 holes offering an experience that is both tough and visually striking. Roddy Carr, director at the Barbados Golf Club, says the course is particularly challenging as the terrain is hard and undulating.

He says: “The strategy is pure links, making it just as difficult to hit a green downwind with a wedge as it is to hit a five iron into the breeze – the ball will keep rolling either way. The 15th hole is defended by a huge bearded fig tree that towers up from the coral waste bunker in front of the green and the 16th hole is a beautiful par-three over a lake to a narrow green with no margin for error.”

Green fees for a full game start from $105 with a $15 deposit required, while a twilight game costs $55 with an $8 deposit. Inform clients they must bring a bag with at least six clubs to be admitted.

Book it: Gold Medal has seven nights at Sandy Lane from £4,675pp with flights based on travel between July 15 and 22, 2018.

goldmedal.co.uk

Bahamas
Set on the white sand shoreline of Great Exuma’s Emerald Bay, Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course that will test your clients’ skills no matter how many times they visit, asserts Jeremy Mutton, general manager at Sandals Emerald Bay.

“Ever-changing sea views and prevailing trade winds promise new challenges with each game. The course features numerous bunkers that are strategically situated around the greens and the dramatic fairways that snake through seaside dunes,” he says.

Designed by golfer Greg Norman, the course’s first nine holes (the “front nine”) offer players the challenge of marshes, lakes and rock outcrops, while the later holes (“back nine”) run along Emerald Bay’s craggy peninsula.

Green fees for Sandals guests start from $175 per round and $125 for a twilight game. Clients staying in butler service suites have the unlimited golf package included in their stay.

Book it: Sandals has seven nights’ all-inclusive at Sandals Emerald Bay from £2,254pp with British Airways flights and transfers included. Package is based on departures between September 25 and October 1, 2017.

sandals.co.uk

Nevis
The 15th hole will throw up testing challenges for golfers on this par-71 Four Seasons Robert Trent II course. The tricky signature hole involves a deep ravine that players must clear to reach the fairway.

Mac Kee France, director of guest experiences at Four Seasons Nevis, says: “Playing this course from the back tees [there are four tee locations at each hole] makes it particularly challenging. There are a lot of elevation changes which, when combined with distracting ocean and mountain views, make for a much more challenging shot. There are also the vervet monkeys in the afternoon to make things even more interesting.”

The resort also offers complimentary golf clinics twice a week for guests who want to improve their skills in chipping, bunker strategies and putting.

The full 18 holes costs $230 and for juniors aged 7-15, a round is half price. The course is also open to non-hotel guests.

Book it: Caribtours offers seven nights at the Four Seasons Nevis from £2,045pp, with flights, transfers and Gatwick lounge access included.

caribtours.co.uk

Jamaica
With its second phase of renovations due for completion at the end of October 2017, The Tryall Club in Jamaica’s Montego Bay will see the front nine greens rebuilt to modernstandards and fitted with sustainable surfaces, while its bunkers will receive a facelift.

The back nine holes will remain open and clients can enjoy the full 18-hole experience by playing them twice. Designed by Ralph Plummer in 1961, the par-71 course has more than earned its credentials as a challenging golf offering, explains David Barber, director of sales, marketing and communications at The Tryall Club. He highlights the testing fourth hole, set where the Flint river joins the Caribbean Sea.

“It is a 175-yard par-three shot, which must clear the mouth of the Flint river and avoid the sea to the left.”

Throughout its history The Tryall Club has hosted several high-profile tournaments too, including the LGPA Jamaica Classic and the Johnnie Walker World Championship from 1991-95. Tee fees are priced from $115 for non-residents.

Book it: Kuoni offers a seven-night all-inclusive stay at Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay in a Junior Suite Garden View room with Virgin Atlantic Gatwick flights from £1,558pp. Travel is based on a September 19, 2017 departure.

kuoni.co.uk

Mexico
Ailyn Fernandez, sales manager at Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, says it’s not just the ease of access and picturesque surroundings of this course that makes for a perfect game.

“The daily trade winds demand pinpoint accuracy and will test even the most proficient golfers,” she says. “Furthermore, the mangroves and wetlands offer challenging surroundings as well as the course’s many water hazards.”

A round on the par-72, 18-hole course is priced from $199pp and includes a shared golf cart, unlimited use of practice facilities on day of play and bottled water. For non guests, a twilight game costs from $149 and includes access to the bar and Lagoon Grill.

Book it: Funway offers a week’s stay at Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort from £1,710pp including United Airlines flights and transfers. Package is based on a November 11, 2017 departure.

funway4agents.co.uk