There is no prettier place on earth to practice your swing than the Caribbean islands. Here, gorgeous courses are designed with that ‘wow’ factor in mind. Go under par while looking at the soothing blue sea or a palm-lined beach. The views are guaranteed to improve your state-of-mind, if not your score.
Nevis, in the West Indies, boasts a Robert Trent Jones II course which is spectacular. The Four Seasons Resort course is bordered with ocean, mountains and sugarcane mills. Some of the holes are oceanside. Enjoy the Caribbean sea as you watch Green Vervet monkeys play. Nevis peak, in the background, provides an amazing backdrop to your shots.
Punta Espada Golf Course, located in the Dominican Republic, was designed by pro-golfer Jack Nicklaus. Here, golfers can try to get the 13th hole on a par3, a 200ft shot over the ocean! This course is debatably one of the most gorgeous courses in the world. Eight of the holes are beside the crystal blue Caribbean. Coconut trees line the course. Sky meets ocean and sand and the sunset is breathtaking.
Sandy Lane, Barbados is home to green monkeys and the Green Monkey Golf Course. This course has stunning views of the limestone from which it was carved. With lush greenery against limestone, monkeys playing in the streets and a well-tended course, what more could a golfer want? How about a top pro shop and great food? It’s all there, just waiting for you!
More mining was done in Curacao, where marble was mined before the quarry became a golf course. Designed by Pete Dye, The Old Quarry Golf Course has luscious ocean views, slopes of Tafelberg mountain and paspalum grass which can be watered with brackish water. This course is very challenging due to the island winds that blow constantly. The rock formations, bay views and ocean holes make this course as beautiful as it is challenging.
When you want to feel like golfing royalty, come to Royal Isabela Golf Resort in Puerto Rico. Here, private Casitas are yours to enjoy. Rose petal baths and cobble stones paths along with 5-star food are just as much of a draw as the course itself. Of course, being in Puerto Rico, the views of the ocean and the lush vegetation may hinder your concentration on your game. Be sure to pack a few extra balls since the course is not an easy one.
Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is home to Corales Golf Course. This 18-hole course was designed by Tom Fazio. Here, the Devil’s Elbow challenges golfers to hit over cliff-lined Bay of Corales. Named after the Coralina which was once quarried here, the course has views of the bays, cliffs, coves and inland lakes. Holes along the water allow you to enjoy the surf crashing against the shore. Take time to enjoy the scenery as you play.
Whatever level of golfer you are, or where you choose to tee-off, don’t miss these once-in-a-lifetime courses. You may find that once just isn’t enough!
Top photo: Nevis: Four Seasons Resort – Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course.
