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Golf in the Caribbean

Caribbean golf courses offer multitudes of fantastic fairways

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If you feel that no vacation is complete without at least one round of golf, the Caribbean is the place for you. The climate is nearly perfect year-round, and the dramatic, dazzling settings are draws in themselves.

You can take the sting out of missing that "gimme" putt by looking up to see the sea or the mountains, while inhaling the scents from the lush tropical foliage all around you. As an added bonus, you'll be challenged by often-tricky sea breezes along with that slice you haven't conquered yet. There are difficult waterfront holes and fairways that wind up and down hills. The terrain is blissfully suited for par-three courses, of which there are many.

Golf is widely available throughout the Caribbean, especially on the larger islands. Casual golfers will find that most courses are open to play by visitors, with instruction and equipment rental offered. But, the budget-conscious traveler should plan well in advance.

Greens fees run the gamut from reasonable to really expensive, and some of the top-notch courses will be closed to non-guests during the peak winter season. Dedicated golfers should research the golf packages offered by the various resorts. Greens fees, caddy service, and carts may or may not be included in the package, or they may be available at reduced prices.

It is worth noting that you should consider any specific quoting of greens fees as guidelines only. In the Caribbean, they change regularly and can vary according to season or to package arrangements.

In the last 20 years or so, golf has been experiencing boom times and significant growth throughout the Dominican Republic. It's a good vacation choice for golf, with numerous courses to explore all around the island.

Some of the best golf in the Dominican Republic can be found at the Casa de Campo Resort. There are four courses here, the most well-known being the legendary Teeth of the Dog. This is an 18-hole course designed by Pete Dye. There are seven holes adjacent to the sea, and the other eleven are a diabolical masterpiece of twists and turns. Golf writer Dale Leatherman calls The Links one of the best courses off the forward tees for the ladies, but he doesn't claim it's easy. "The course has lots of inland water and more doglegs than a packed kennel." Opened in 1977, this one isn't as well-known as Teeth of the Dog, but it is considered just as challenging by many who have played both courses. The third course at Casa de Campo is La Romana Country Club, which is most frequently played by local residents rather than guests. The fourth course is the Dye Fore, the brainchild of designer Pete Dye. It's perched on the cliffs above the Chavon River. Casa de Campo greens fees generally range from $100 to $150(USD), caddies and carts extra. For those wanting to get in a lot of golf and not break the bank, check out the multi-day passes that are available.

Jamaica is another excellent Caribbean choice for golfers, from beginners to experts. The island is known (though some would say "cursed") for its deviously tricky ocean breezes. Here you'll find Tryall Club Jamaica in Montego Bay, which some call the finest golf on the island. It is laid down over the grounds of an old sugar cane plantation and is credited to Ralph Plummer. The par 71 course covers 6,221 yards. The Johnny Walker World Championship tournament was played here in the early 90s, as well as the Jamaica Classic Annual. Tryall is closed to non-guests in the winter, and charges guests a greens fee of $80(USD). The rest of the year guests will pay $40(USD) and visitors $150(USD).

Hilton Rose Hall Golf and Country Club (Rose Hall, Jamaica) is home to three separate golf courses, totaling 52 holes for visitors to experience. The Cinnamon Hill Golf Course is a par 71 championship course, White Witch is another par 71, and located on the Rose Hall Plantation grounds, and Half Moon is a par 72 member of the Jack Nicklaus' "Great Golf Resorts of the World." Extensive amenities include a pro shop, pro staff, and clubhouse. Fees range from $100(USD) and up, and they usually include the cost of cart and caddy. Invitational tournaments, including the Jamaica Open, are held at various times throughout the year.

With at least 18 championship-quality courses at various locations on the island, Puerto Rico is another superior Caribbean destination for the golf enthusiast. Some of the best course architects, like Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Gary Player, and Greg Norman have credits here. Other excellent choices include Mahogany Run on St. Thomas and Carambola on St. Croix, both in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Cricket is the most popular sport on Barbados, but golf runs a close second.

Doing a little advance research is your best bet if you yearn to golf in a tropical setting. Because so many other wonderful golfing opportunities are to be found in the Caribbean, you'll have plenty of locations to choose from. Miniature golf is also available, if you are so inclined.

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