5 of the best golf courses in the Caribbean

The Caribbean has become a golfing hotspot, with both pros and amateurs travelling from all over the world in order to test their skills on some of the finest and most challenging golf courses available. Here are five of the best courses the Caribbean has to offer, along with a little information on what makes them each stand out from the rest. Half Moon, Rose Hall, Jamaica This award winning, internationally famous, challenging golf course is designed and set around beautiful vistas, emphasising the natural lustre of Montego Bay. The Half Moon course, named ‘The Best Caribbean Golf Resort’ by Caribbean magazine and 2009’s ‘Golf Resort of the Year (Rest of the World)’ by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, boasts many unique and improved features, a large clubhouse with two meeting rooms, The 19th Hole Bar, a golf shop and a regular shuttle bus service for the short ride to the hotel, pro shops and royal villas. Known for its luxury and splendid location, Half Moon is highly regarded as the finest Golf course in all of the Caribbean. Sandy Lane, Barbados Serious golfers should look no further than the Sandy Lane resort in Barbados. The luxury resort features three unique courses, including the world-famous Green Monkey, which was designed by Tom Fazio and carved out of a limestone quarry. This exclusive 72-par course hits 7,343 yards and offers a unique, luxury golfing experience. The Old Nine course opened in 1961 and offers a challenging, tight par 36 over its 3,345 yards. The final course, The Country Club, features a 45-yard driving range for some vital practice before hitting the 18 holes. After a rewarding day on the greens, there is no better way to relax than enjoying dinner and cocktails in the Country Club Restaurant, while the Clubhouse offers stunning views of the ocean Green Monkey and Country Club courses. Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic An extremely elegant and impressive resort with a stunning golf course possessing many holes sitting right on the Caribbean Sea. This course is internationally famous and is widely suggested to be a must stop for any serious golfer. This resort has been awarded many recent accolades, ranging from the leading golf resort, and leading hotel and resort for the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. Besides its incredible oceanfront villas, a luxurious hotel and spa, its own private beach (Minitas) and a marina with a shopping mall, yacht club and sailing school, Casa de Campo also holds tennis courts, three polo playing fields and a 245 acre shooting facility for a change of sporting scenery. Tierra del Sol, Aruba This 18 hole championship golf course is the only one located on the Island. Surrounded by panoramic ocean views and amazing desert scenery often described as ‘very distracting during game-play’, Tierra del Sol is conveniently located 5 -10 minutes from all major resorts, and is accessible to all guests staying at any of these. The course boasts a majestic clubhouse, golf shop, restaurant, swimming pool and real estate community with villas, estates and custom homes. An intriguing yet inviting stop for any golfer of any skill. Cedar Valley Golf Club, Antigua Opened in 1977, Cedar Valley is Antigua’s only 18 hole championship golf course. It is yet another breath-taking and stunning course lying among mature tropical trees, with aesthetically-pleasing vista views of the Caribbean Sea to enjoy while you take in a challenging round. The golf club itself welcomes players of all skills. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy your time at Cedar Valley. Situated only minutes away from major resorts and hotels, it is also only three miles from the capital of St. John’s and the cruise ship port, making it easily accessible for all visitors. Tony Carty is Managing Director at Travelbag. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.