Golfing in the Caribbean

The Caribbean golf experience has changed enormously over the last decade. Where the sun and seas surrounding the islands once made the maintenance of high-class courses difficult, new techniques including the introduction of a new breed of salt-resistant turf, means that a new boom in top quality courses has developed, attracting the best course designers from around the globe.

The Caribbean offers up a unique golfing experience, with breathtaking views from the islands, the constant sunshine and warm and gentle breezes giving a real laid back feel to the game. So if you’re looking to swap the cold winds and rain of the some of the world’s more historical golf courses for the chance to play among the palm trees, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best golf courses and resorts that the Caribbean has to offer.

Antigua & Barbuda

Those looking to play with the Pros should take a trip to the Cedar Valley Golf Club. Just a stones throw from a clutch of major resorts, this 18-hole, par-70 course offers stunning views, while giving golfing professionals a run for their money. Designed by Ralph Aldridge, Cedar Valley has been home to both the British ProAm and the Eastern Caribbean Golf Championships, and golfers of all abilities will be welcomed here. There’s a clubhouse, pro shop and driving range, and lessons are available all year round for those looking to improve their game.

Anguilla

Home to some of the latest golf resorts of the Caribbean, this secluded little island offers fine dining and privacy for a truly relaxing break. Anguilla now has one world class course on its shores, with another on the way. Temenos is its 18-hole Greg Norman signature course, which incorporates tiered greens, lagoons, and elevated greens which offer spectacular views across the Caribbean Sea to the island of St. Martin.

Look out too for the opening of the much-anticipated Fairmont Jack Nicklaus Resort, due to open in 2010. There are currently only 25 courses in the world to have benefited from the design expertise of world class golf pro Nicklaus, and his Anguilla course is set to be the latest. Those looking for luxury on their Caribbean golfing break will find it here at the Fairmont’s oceanfront hotel resort and if previous Nicklaus courses are anything to go by, it should make for some challenging and exhilarating golf too.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is home to several golf courses, and any golfer worth their salt will have heard of the renowned Teeth of The Dog course at Casa de Campo the best. Rightly revered as one of the world’s best courses, with many of its 18 holes played along the very edge of the Caribbean Sea, don’t let the breathtaking views fool you – while it may look like paradise, the course is as challenging as they come, making it a must for any serious golfer.

Aruba

If you’re new to golf, or looking to improve upon your existing golf skills, a visit to The Links at Divi Aruba will have you playing like a Pro in no time. The Links is a state of the art golf learning facility, complete with its own learning centre. You can hone your skills at the driving range, chipping and bunker practice areas, and have your swing technique examined and improved at the video swing analysis section. Professional tutors are on hand throughout the day, and accommodation and lesson packages are available too.

Getting to the Caribbean Islands is now easier than ever before, with new flight routes being added regularly. The best way to research and book your trip is to use the internet as your research tool. Sites like Monarch offer some of the cheapest Caribbean holidays, whilst checking out some of the Caribbean golfing sites will give you the lowdown on the latest courses, their fees and facilities.