If you have come to Barbados to enjoy all that the island has to offer and are also looking for a game of golf then you’re in luck because this country has some of the best golf courses in the Caribbean. There are currently four eighteen hole and two nine hole courses open; Sandy Lane Country Club, The Green Monkey at Sandy Lane, The Sand Lane Old Nine, Royal Westmoreland Golf & Country Club, The Barbados Golf Club and Rockley Golf Club.
The Sandy Lane Country Club
The Green Monkey golf course is the most prestigious on the island and is very very exclusive! A tee time here will cost you $4000usd, yes that’s right, for four players if you are not a Sandy Lane hotel guest. However this Tom Fazio design is a gem, carved out of limestone and with views of the west coast of the island, this is truly a unique experience. The Sandy Lane Country Club is also an exquisite golf course and kept in pristine condition year round. Designed by world renowned architect Tom Fazio as well, the 18 hole par 72 course is challenging but fair. It hosted the 2006 PGA Tour’s World Golf Championships World Cup, which I played in I must add, and boasts of exceptionally fast greens. It is mandated that caddies are hired who help players with their course managements and decipher the speedy green complexes. A world class club house and restaurant cater to all luxury needs of the traveling golfer. Cost here varies from around $246usd in season with an additional caddie fee.
Royal Westmoreland
Royal Westmoreland is another amazing golf course and is my favorite on the island. Large fairways and greens with rolling hills and undulations is the style that Robert Trent Jones implemented here, and his unique shaping of bunkers is clearly visible on most holes. Fantastic west coast views and limestone landscapes compliments the beautiful green cut grass. A fantastic club house, restaurant, pool sanctuary and gym areavailable for all guests. Cost here varies from around $275usd in season.
Barbados Golf Club
The most social golf club on the island in my opinion is the Barbados Golf Club. I may be slightly bias as I am on the board of directors of this course and where I play most of my golf. Another good little course that is not in the same league of Sandy Lane and Royal Westmoreland but where most of the regular local golfers play. And a place that you can easily role up and join in with players as a single. A nice clubhouse and restaurant comforts guests from morning until night with good food and a well-stocked bar. Prices here vary from around $115usd in season.
Rockley Golf Course
The Rockley Golf Course is only 9 holes but very enjoyable. Centrally located in the parish of Christ Church this club also has a vibrant membership and clubhouse. Another very social club where locals play and somewhere I would recommend that a visitor can enjoy some golf and have a cold beer after their game. Prices here are around $55usd for 9 holes or $70usd for 18 in season.
Sandy Lane Old Nine
Sandy Lane Old Nine is also a great course and where I grew up playing. Beautiful old mahogany trees and quick, sloping greens make this the perfect afternoon golf walk.
