According to Endless Caribbean, the best golf courses and best golf resorts in the world are in the Caribbean. Golf aficionados will concur that there are many top-rated Caribbean golf resorts and it’s often very difficult to choose the top ten. However, there are a few courses in specific islands that stand head and shoulders above the rest. These courses have been featured in the top golfing publications and are consistent bucket list favourites for a golfing getaway.
The architecture of the golf course is an important factor that determines the future success of the course and the resort. Many top golfers and golf course architects design the top courses with various elements. Elements such as playability, the ability to develop a game strategy, and routing of the golf holes, are critical to the course’s design. Architects must also consider the placement of buildings, the topography of the land, landscape design and natural features of the space to create a cohesive design that flows seamlessly.
The top golf resorts in the Caribbean have been touched by the worlds’ best golfers, who have a clear understanding of golf, golfing and golf courses. They have studied the game from many angles – both on and off the course – and are well equipped to create golf course masterpieces. The exemplary results are evident in the many golf courses in the Caribbean. By extension, Caribbean golf resorts benefit from this genius creativity and attract the best golfers who want a memorable golf experience.
Top Rated Caribbean Golf Resorts
When you step foot on a golf course in the Caribbean, you should feel as though you have arrived. There is something very exciting and therapeutic about the colour of the grass; the little hills and valleys that create intrigue and dimension; the placement and choice of flora; the shape and location of water features; and the amazing views from wherever you stand on the course.
There are quite a few resorts that promise and deliver on all these points and more. They have been featured in the world’s top publications, on travel shows and on websites. Here is a list of the best Caribbean golf resorts:
- Sandy Lane, Barbados
- Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, Anguilla
- Dorado Beach (Ritz Carlton Reserve), Puerto Rico
- Four Seasons Resort, Nevis
- Canouan Estate Resort & Villas, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Half Moon Resort, Jamaica
- Sandals Emerald Bay, Bahamas
- Rosewood Bermuda/ Tucker’s Point, Bermuda
- Puntacana Resort & Club, Dominican Republic
- The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Cayman Islands
1. Sandy Lane, Barbados
Sandy Lane is a luxury golf resort in Barbados with three beautiful golf courses. They are The Old Nine, The Country Club and the Tom Fazio creation – Green Monkey. In addition to views of the stunning Barbados west coast, there are views of majestic limestone rock and lush greens. Features of the resort include a 450-yard driving range; a modern clubhouse with lockers and rental facilities; and golf carts and caddie services.
Address: Sandy Lane St. James, Barbados BB24024
Phone: +1 (246) 444-2000 | +1 (866) 444 4080 (US/ Canada) | (0808) 234 5132 (UK)
Website: Visit Sandy Lane!
2. Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, Anguilla
Formerly known as the Cusinart Resort Golf Club, this Greg Norman masterpiece was the first 18-hole championship golf course in Anguilla. Although it has been rebranded as the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, the resort is still one of the top-rated Caribbean golf resorts. The resort has views of nearby islands and the Caribbean Sea, and water features and elevation changes that bring drama to the game.
Address: P.O. Box 2000, Rendezvous Bay Anguilla, AI-2640, British West Indies
Phone: +1 (800) 210-6444
Website: Visit Aurora!
3. Dorado Beach (Ritz Carlton Reserve), Puerto Rico
Dorado Beach is an award-winning golf resort in Puerto Rico. It’s a Ritz Carlton Reserve, which means that it’s one of the brand’s most luxurious properties. Named the #1 golf course in Puerto Rico by Golf Digest in 2016, the resort features two golf courses – the East Course and the Sugarcane Course. The East is an elevated 7,200-yard seaside course, whilst the Sugarcane is a tactical masterpiece with deep bunkers, rivers and large greens.
Address: 500 Plantation Drive, Suite #1, Dorado, PR 00646
Phone: +1 (787) 626-1010
Website: Visit Dorado Beach!
4. Four Seasons Resort, Nevis
The Four Seasons Resort is a Caribbean golf retreat on the island of Nevis. It is the first Caribbean golf course that Rebert Trent Jones Jr. designed. The course is located on the west side of Nevis and offers views of sister island St. Kitts. Visitors to the golf resort can register for weekly clinics and conditioning programmes; schedule private instruction classes; and participate in the weekly guest/ manager scramble.
Address: P.O. Box 565, Pinney’s Beach, Charlestown, Nevis
Phone: +1 (869) 469-1111
Website: Visit Four Seasons Nevis!
5. Canouan Estate Resort & Villas, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
It’s been described as one of top 10 golf resorts in the Caribbean because of its challenging yet exciting course. The 18-hole championship golf course at the Canouan Estate Resort & Villas was designed by Jim Fazio. The course spans 150 acres and features stunning views of the Grenadines; sloping hills with healthy vegetation; and sensational games of golf. The course’s hole 16 is one of the longest par-3’s in the world.
Address: Canouan Estate, Canouan Island, St Vincent & The Grenadines
Phone: +1 (784) 458-8000
Website: Visit Canouan Estate!
6. Half Moon Resort, Jamaica
Half Moon is a luxury golf resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The course, which was opened in 1962, is one of the top-rated golf courses in the Caribbean. It was originally designed by Robert Trent Jones, but was given a modern upgrade by Robert Rulewich. Located on the grounds of an old sugar cane estate, the course is often described as a beautiful masterpiece. It can be challenging for both amateurs and professionals alike.
Address: Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Phone: +1 (800) 626-0592
Website: Visit Half Moon Golf Course!
7. Sandals Emerald Bay, Bahamas
Sandals Emerald Bay in the Bahamas is one of the best golf resorts in the Caribbean. It’s a luxury all-inclusive resort that has a reputation for its challenging fairways. The golf course, which was designed by Sandals Global Golf Ambassador Greg Norman, is the longest golf course in the Caribbean. It features eighteen holes (six of which take in the scenic coast), game changing trade winds, seaside dunes and natural barriers.
Address: Queens Highway, Great Exuma, Bahamas
Phone: +1 (888) 726-3257
Website: Visit Sandals Emerald Bay!
8. Rosewood Bermuda/ Tucker’s Point, Bermuda
One of Bermuda’s best golf experiences is located at Tucker’s Point, a premier destination resort community. The golf course is an 18-hole, par-70 golf experience that also features a club house, restaurant and bar, a golf pro shop, full-service lockers, and a practice facility. The course was designed by Charles H. Banks in 1932, but it was remodelled Robert Rulewich in 2002. The course has dramatic water features, memorable views, and tropical landscaping.
Address: Tucker’s Point Golf, Beach and Tennis Club, Hamilton, Bermuda
Phone: +1 (441) 298-6970
Website: Visit Tucker’s Point!
9. Puntacana Resort & Club, Dominican Republic
With several golf courses for guests to choose from, the Puntacana Resort & Club is easily one of the best golf resorts in the Caribbean. The resort has hosted the PGA Tour in the past and features views of the ocean. Some of the highlights are the Tom Fazio’s Corales course, which incorporates the landscape into the course design; the award winning La Cana Golf Course; and the Golf and Beach Club which was designed by Oscar de la Renta.
Address: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Phone: +1 (809) 959-4653
Website: Visit Puntacana!
10. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Cayman Islands
Formerly known as the Blue Tip Golf Course, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in the Cayman Islands is a nine-hole course that was designed by Greg Norman and Tad Burnett. The golf course snakes along a natural saltwater water feature and provides views of the North Sound. Each hole on the golf course has specific characteristics that require golfers to plan smartly as they make their way to the finish line.
Address: Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Phone: +1 (345) 623-7489
Website: Visit the Ritz Carlton Golf Club!
Additional Reading
Luxury Travel Magazine: Caribbean Golf Resorts
Trip Savvy: The Caribbean’s Best Golf Courses and Golf Resorts
Golf: Course Rater Confidential: The Best Courses (and Buddies Trip Destinations) in the Caribbean
Golf Digest: Best Golf Resorts In The Caribbean And Bermuda
Image Credit: The Bermuda Tourism Authority
