Dubbed the jewel in the Caribbean, the Sandy Lane Hotel has been the haunt for many of the rich and famous for years. The golf course has always been an integral part of the hotel, but when the hotel was demolished and then splendidly rebuilt, the golf course also was transformed to become The Sandy Lane Country Club. But not just another 18-hole course, it was to become one of the most prestigious golf resorts in the Caribbean. The original 18-hole design was divided to enable The Sandy Lane Old Nine that was much-loved by returning hotel guests, to continue as a 9 hole course. In addition, two superb 18-hole courses designed by renowned golf designer Tom Fazio, and a magnificent clubhouse added to the 9-hole design.
The Country Club is alongside the Green Monkey course and close to the Old Nine which is a short distance from the hotel. The clubhouse has stunning views overlooking the West coast and has been enhanced with a restaurant, Pro Shop, locker rooms, befitting to the most famous hotel in the Caribbean.
As for golf, it offers the complete golf experience with three top quality courses, golf tuition, practice range, hired clubs and hospitality.
The Old Nine course was constructed in 1961 and hasn’t changed much. It meanders alongside some of the most spectacular property in Barbados. Monkeys amble by regularly, and sometimes appear threatening, but they are amicable with golfers on the fairways and won’t attack. However, best not to lift or feed them. Use carts rather than walk. The signature hole and most photographed is # seven, a wedge or 9-iron at most as the elevated tee box sits 100 feet above. The last # nine is a terrific hole with high risk and high reward.
The Country Club at the main clubhouse hosted the 2006 World Championship of golf won by Bernard Langer and Marcel Siem, and perhaps infamously when Tiger and Elen Woods exchanged their nuptials two years later on an ill-fated marriage. The Country Club course is beautifully landscaped with attractive shrubbery, trees and five little lakes. The old 18-hole design forms part of the current nine to produce an excellent challenge for both professionals and low handicappers to the less ambitious amateurs. The 7,060 yards course is par 72.
All of the greens and many of the fairways are protected by bunkers. Wind also plays an important role. Most of the wind is down towards the West coast, but it can be tough uphill. It is possible to reach the green at # 3 downward at 353 yards, but uphill # 6 is a slog. Thankfully it is a par five, but beware the bunkers and the narrow approach to the green.
The Green Monkey is very special and spectacular. Fazio has produced a masterpiece of golf design maximising the assets that nature has provided. The design has been sculptured in an old limestone quarry with towering rock faces, lush fairways, rolling hills and beautiful shrubbery. Many golfers believe it is a chance in a lifetime to experience what is a unique environment. Without doubt, the signature hole at the 16th is magnificent. Grass carved in the shape of a monkey within the bunkers is awesome, but the green is surrounded by soaring rock faces and a beautiful lake that will swallow the errant shot of an aggressive golfer. The 16th is 226 yards at its longest, although downhill, but it demands pinpoint accuracy to escape with a par 3.
The 7,343 yards par 72 course features the quarry design in most places and when the wind blows it is a tough test of golf.
With three courses and its grandeur Sandy Lane Golf Club is exceptional. Yes, it comes at a cost, although it is discounted when you stay at the hotel.
