Many people believe Sandy Lane Golf Resort is the jewel in Caribbean golf and with good reason. It has three golf courses in pristine condition overlooking the west coast of Barbados, and has been the iconic haven of the rich and famous for many years. Sandy Lane Hotel has often been quoted as the most prestigious destination in the world for its outstanding quality, customer service, and cuisine.
Quite simply, it is the best! Of course, it comes at a price, both at the hotel and the golf.
Former tycoon British politician Ronnie Tree opened the hotel in 1961 with a mandate to provide luxury facilities in a hideaway Caribbean island. For many years it was a Who’s Who for distinguished celebrities from all over the world, but it reached another level when five Irish businessmen bought the hotel and 18- hole golf course in 1996. Their mandate was to retain its iconic ambience, and to rebuild both the hotel and golf course. The hotel was demolished in 1998 and rebuilt three years later and opened on 17th March St. Patrick’s Day. Renowned US golf luminary Tom Fazio was commissioned to restructure the golf design which was completed several years later with two magnificent new courses and a retained nine holes from the original 18-hole design by Robertson Ward. Sandy Lane Resort now boasts three outstanding designs-The Country Club, The Green Monkey and The Old Nine, adjacent to the hotel barely 150 yards from the Reception Desk.
The much-loved Old Nine has retained the ambience from some of the original course and the clubhouse where so many golfers enjoyed camaraderie and friendships. It may have lost its lofty image to the bigger courses, but the tradition remains. Many returning guests love the Old Nine with its tall mahogany trees, lush fairways, stunning views alongside some of the most prestigious properties in Barbados, well-guarded greens in magnificently manicured condition. The nine-hole par 36 over 3,345 yards is a testing challenge for most amateurs, and although the Signature par- three on the seventh green may be a short tee shot, everyone loves the opportunity to birdie or perhaps better with its stunning elevated tee box.
The Country Club and Green Monkey share the clubhouse barely a mile from the hotel. The facilities are excellent, with its spectacular setting overlooking the west coast. They include refreshments, restaurant, lockers, caddies, carts and superb golf merchandise from the Pro- shop. A driving range is also available.
Tom Fazio’s design on The Country Club is user-friendly, with wide fairways although it can be set just as difficult from the challenging back tee boxes. The course is beautiful with rolling slopes, lush fairways stunning views from elevated tee boxes, five lakes and colourful shrubbery and trees. The biggest problem could be the wind, as can will be challenging when it blows. However, it didn’t present too many problems for the winning German duo Bernhard Langer and Marcel Siem when Sandy Lane hosted the World Golf Championship World Cup in 2006.
Perhaps the highlight of Tom Fazio’s achievement was his Green Monkey Club design. Carved in an old limestone quarry with some spectacular rock faces it is impressive. The 72-par 7,343 yards course has numerous features including lush fairways, dramatic elevated tee positions, and several lakes. The par-three 16th green was a masterpiece, with the elevated, rock faces and lake behind to capture if the tee shot proves to be too aggressive. To complete the masterpiece, Fazio’s has set the bunker with a grassy bed shaped like a monkey. A genius at his work!
Yes, the Sandy Lane Resort is very special.
To play all three courses, perhaps ‘Utopia!’
