August is National Golf Month, a perfect time to celebrate the sport and look at golf in Barbados and the stunning courses available. The island’s tropical beauty, challenging layouts, and world-class amenities make it a golfer’s dream destination, with five 18-hole courses to choose from. Let’s explore some of the island’s premier golf courses.
Royal Westmoreland
Royal Westmoreland is renowned for its luxurious lifestyle and boasts an exceptional championship golf course. Designed by the famous Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course is a golfer’s paradise featuring undulating fairways, challenging water hazards, and breathtaking Caribbean vistas. Its 7,045-yard layout, par 72, is a masterful blend of challenge and beauty.
The course is strategically placed to offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea from nearly every hole. Perfectly manicured fairways, challenging bunkers, and undulating greens demand precision and strategy – the highlight being the collection of signature par 3s. Yet, the course is designed to be enjoyable for golfers of all abilities.
The golf experience is enhanced by a driving range, halfway house, short game academy, golf lessons, and practice greens.
Beyond the golf course, Royal Westmoreland offers an exclusive lifestyle. As a resident of Royal Westmoreland, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to the course, along with a range of other amenities, including a clubhouse, spa, and fitness centre. Some tee times are also available to island visitors and locals. These can be booked online or via the clubhouse.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual golfer looking to improve your game, Royal Westmoreland promises an unforgettable golfing experience.
Just a small selection of properties available at Royal Westmoreland:
Apes Hill Barbados Golf Resort
Apes Hill Barbados has redefined the golfing experience in the Caribbean. This stunning par-71 18-hole 7,041-yard championship course, perched at 1,000 feet above sea level, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island.
Recently redesigned by Ron Kirby and relaunched, it has garnered international acclaim, including the World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility and the Caribbean’s Best Golf Course at the World Golf Awards.
The course is Audubon Certified, a third-party verification of Apes Hill’s sustainability efforts. It uses environmentally friendly, weed-resistant grass to reduce water consumption, and the water used is from the community’s rainwater catchment.
The course is a golfer’s dream, combining challenging layouts with Barbados’s natural beauty. With its dramatic elevation changes, gullies, lush fairways, and strategically placed bunkers, Apes Hill Barbados demands precision and accuracy while delivering unparalleled satisfaction.
There is also a 9-hole par-3 Little Apes short course and a unique island green 19th hole close to the clubhouse – perfect for settling a tied game!
Beyond the exceptional golf, Apes Hill Barbados offers a luxurious lifestyle with world-class amenities, including a performance and teaching centre, practice facilities, a clubhouse, a halfway house, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, and dining options. It’s more than just a golf course; it’s a complete experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a passionate amateur, Apes Hill promises an unforgettable golfing adventure.
Owning a property at Apes Hill Barbados grants residents exclusive access to the course and the club’s luxurious amenities. Visitors can also enjoy a round.
A quick note on the Performance Centre: This is the first golf performance centre in the Caribbean, boasting the latest swing analysis technology, high-speed camera systems, and putt view for golf coaching or club fitting. This scientific approach not only helps beginner golfers set off on the proper foot technique, but it can also help refine experienced golfers’ techniques to help prevent injury so they can enjoy the game for longer.
Just a small selection of properties available at Apes Hill Barbados:
Sandy Lane
Synonymous with luxury, Sandy Lane offers two championship golf courses designed by Tom Fazio and a shorter 9-hole course: the Green Monkey, the Country Club Course, and Old Nine. Each course presents unique challenges and rewards, making it a golfer’s dream to play all three. While access to Sandy Lane’s courses is typically reserved for hotel guests and members, visitors may be able to play, subject to availability and green fees.
The Green Monkey: Often hailed as one of the world’s most iconic and most exclusive courses, the Green Monkey is a must-play for any serious golfer. Carved from an old limestone quarry, this challenging layout demands precision and accuracy. Its dramatic elevation changes, stunning ocean views, and immaculate conditions make it an unforgettable experience. The design takes in the fairway, and greens are surrounded by sheer cliff faces that create a dramatic atmosphere throughout the day. The course’s signature hole encloses a grassy area surrounding a vast bunker shaped into the form of a Bajan Green Monkey, from which the course name derives.
The Country Club Course: Designed by Tom Fazio, this Course measures 7,060 yards from the back tees and offers a more traditional layout with generous fairways and strategically placed bunkers. While not as demanding as the Green Monkey, it still provides a challenging and enjoyable round of golf with immaculate-cut fairways and lush, inviting greens. Making life a little more interesting is the inclusion of five lakes spread across the golf course to give the quality expected of a real championship golf course.
The Old Nine: This shorter course is perfect for a relaxed afternoon or for honing your short game. Despite its length, it offers a delightful test of golf with small, undulating greens and strategic bunkering.
Sandy Lane is more than just golf courses; it’s a complete luxury experience. From world-class accommodations and dining to impeccable service, this resort offers everything you need for an unforgettable vacation.
Sandy Lane is the perfect destination if you want to elevate your golf game and indulge in the ultimate luxury.
Barbados Golf Club
For a more traditional golfing experience, the Barbados Golf Club offers a charming and accessible option. Located in Durants, Christ Church, this established course is popular among locals and visitors.
Redesigned by renowned architect Ron Kirby, the 18-hole, 6,805-yard course boasts a links-style layout with wide-open fairways, plenty of bunkers and challenging yet forgiving greens. The two “Returning Nines” finish into an expansive, unique triple green that wraps seamlessly around a lake.
While it may not offer the same level of luxury as some of the island’s other options, it provides excellent value for money and a friendly atmosphere. O2 Beach Club & Spa offers discounts for its property owners.
Barbados Golf Club is ideal for golfers of all levels, offering a relaxing and enjoyable round.
Just a small selection of properties available at nearby O2 Beach Club & Spa:
Two-Bed Bay View Condominiums
If space is your priority, then the two-bedroom Bay View condos at O2 Beach Club & Spa are for you. The condos overlook the bay rather than the oceanfront.
Two-Bed Oceanfront Condominiums
The two-bedroom, two-bathroom oceanfront condos have a spacious interior and magnificent sea views across the white sands of Dover Beach on the south coast of Barbados.
Rockley Golf Course
For those looking for a more casual and affordable option, Rockley Golf Course offers a charming 9-hole experience. Don’t be fooled by its size: Rockley packs a strategic punch! This flat parkland course offers an 18-hole challenge with alternative tees, perfect for honing your skills or enjoying a quick round with friends.
One of Rockley’s defining features is “Out of Bounds” on every hole. This encourages strategic thinking and course management, rewarding precise shot placement. Long Par 3s and strategically placed trees add another layer of challenge, keeping the game engaging for golfers of all abilities.
Rockley is an excellent option for families, beginners, or those seeking a relaxed golfing experience. While it may not have the grandeur of some of the championship courses, it offers excellent value and a unique challenge. Its central location on the famous South Coast makes it convenient for a quick round before or after exploring the island’s many attractions.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, Barbados offers a golf course to suit every taste and budget. From the world-class challenges of Royal Westmoreland and Sandy Lane to the laid-back charm of Rockley and Barbados Golf Club, the island is a golfer’s paradise.
Golf and Real Estate
Barbados offers a unique opportunity to combine a passion for golf with a luxurious lifestyle. Many of these world-class golf courses are located within exclusive residential communities, providing homeowners unparalleled access to championship golf and various amenities.
Residence Barbados specializes in luxury properties in these prestigious communities. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront villa, a spacious townhouse, or a luxurious apartment, we can help you find the perfect property to complement your golfing lifestyle.
From the stunning ocean views at Royal Westmoreland and Apes Hill Barbados to the historic charm of Barbados Golf Club and the latest development at Rockley Golf Course, the island offers diverse golfing experiences. Contact Residence Barbados today to learn more about these exceptional properties and start planning your dream golf vacation or retirement in paradise.
Contact us today to start your Barbados golf and real estate journey.
Disclaimer: Course details, fees, and membership requirements may change. For the most up-to-date information, please contact the respective golf clubs. Property availability and prices are correct at the time of publication.
