Top Barbados Golf Courses: Comprehensive Guide

Royal Westmoreland Golf Club and Residences in Barbados

Barbados isn't just sun, sea, and sand; it's a golfer's paradise too. I've had the pleasure of teeing off on some of the most stunning courses the Caribbean offers, where the fairways are as inviting as the beaches.

From the lush, rolling greens of the Green Monkey at Sandy Lane to the challenging contours of Royal Westmoreland, each course offers a unique golfing experience. And with new developments like Apes Hill gaining accolades, the island's golf scene is more vibrant than ever.

Whether you're looking to improve your short game or simply soak up the tropical vibes on the fairway, Barbados' golf courses are a must-visit. I'll take you through the best of the best, so grab your clubs, and let's get swinging.

Overview of Barbados Golf Courses

History and Origins

Golf Legends in Barbados - Sir Garry Sobers

Barbados golf courses boast a rich heritage that reflects the evolution of the sport on the island. The Barbados Golf Club, for example, standing proudly as one of the most seasoned courses, was established in 1994 by Commander John Harris and Ron Kirby. This duo carved out an 18-hole masterpiece from the island's tropical terrain that has since been praised for its playability across all skill levels.

From speaking with people in Barbados and spending time on the islands, I’ve learned that Barbados is passionate about golf and there is a rich history. It's evident how they've maintained and improved the courses over the years, always respecting the land's natural beauty. Apes Hill Club shines as another beacon of Barbados golf, having recently undergone a massive transformation, emphasizing that golf here is not static but evolving to enhance player experience.

Spectacular Views

Barbados golf courses offer more than just a game – they present an immersive visual feast with spectacular views that are hard to beat. Nearly every course on the island shares a common breathtaking feature: vistas of the Caribbean Sea. Standing on the elevated grounds of Apes Hill, I've witnessed panoramic views spanning the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, a unique trait that makes playing golf here a remarkable experience.

The vistas at the Barbados Golf Club, with its challenging holes and seaside scenes, are legendary. It's not just about hitting par; it's about soaking in the serenity of the Caribbean blues that stretch into the horizon. Each swing is accompanied by a backdrop of waving palms and the distant murmur of the ocean – a reminder that you're playing in a tropical paradise. The beauty is so captivating it's easy to get distracted from your next shot. The strategic placement of fairways and greens, maximizing the views, testifies to the thoughtful design intertwined with the island's natural allure.

The Top Golf Courses in Barbados

As a seasoned golfer, I've had the pleasure of teeing off on some truly breathtaking courses, and the ones in Barbados are no exception. With their championship layouts and stunning vistas, these courses are a must-visit for any golf enthusiast.

Sandy Lane Golf Course

Sandy Lane Golf Club and Residences in Barbados

Playing at the Sandy Lane Golf Course is an experience you will never forget. It's home to the stunning Green Monkey course, a masterpiece carved from an old quarry. Tom Fazio’s design here is exquisite and challenging, a true test for golfers of all levels. The 7060-yard, 18-hole championship course offers lush, immaculately cut fairways and inviting greens. The course became famous after hosting the World Golf Championship in 2006, solidifying its place in international golf lore. I particularly enjoyed integrating five lakes, adding an element of strategy to the round.

Apes Hill Club

Apes Hill Golf Club and Residences in Barbados

Next, Apes Hill Club takes Barbados Golf to new heights—literally. Set on one of the island's highest spots, the views of both the Atlantic and Caribbean are unmatched. The course itself is a marvel of golf course architecture, with recent renovations transforming it into a spellbinding combination of playability and difficulty. In 2025, Apes Hill is set to further cement its status with the opening of a beach resort and club, another jewel in its crown. For now, the golf course remains the centrepiece, a beacon attracting serious golfers from across the globe.

Royal Westmoreland Golf Course

Lastly, I had a chance to visit the Royal Westmoreland Golf Course in 2022, and it didn’t disappoint. Its impeccable fairways and strategic course layout warrant its reputation as a premiere golfing destination. The par-72 course winds through a lush, natural setting and is peppered with challenging bunkers and fast, undulating greens that keep every golfer on their toes. This course is more than just a game; it's an adventure in one of the most sophisticated golfing environments in Barbados.

Barbados Golf Club:

Although not as highly rated as the previous courses mentioned, The Barbados Golf Club, situated in the southern parish of Christ Church, is a key location for golf in Barbados. This course, known for hosting prestigious events like the PGA Seniors Tournament and the Barbados Open, offers a scenic and challenging experience. It was redesigned by Ron Kirby to meet environmentally-sensitive specifications, making it enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. The club also offers an all-inclusive golf package, which includes transportation, equipment, and a round of golf, providing convenience and quality for a comprehensive golfing experience.

These top-tier courses encapsulate the essence of Barbados golf, combining the sport with stunning scenery and top-notch amenities. Whether you're a casual player or an aspiring pro, Barbados offers an unforgettable golfing experience.

Golfing Experiences in Barbados

Professional Golf Tournaments

In Barbados, golf isn't just a leisure activity; it’s a scene of action and competition that attracts golf aficionados globally. Barbados Golf Club has been honoured to host prestigious tournaments, including a PGA Seniors Tournament and the regular Barbados Open. Professional golfers and spectators congregate to observe skillful play amidst the island's lush landscapes. This southern parish of Christ Church course has become a beacon for the sport, witnessing high-calibre professional play that's garnered international attention.

But the glory of golf in Barbados isn't confined to one location. The celebrated Royal Westmoreland challenged elite players like Nick Faldo and Tom Lehman during the 1997 Shell Wonderful World of Golf matchplay event. Its course is a testament to strategic design, each hole a different puzzle to solve. With Royal Westmoreland’s practice area, one can refine their short game on purpose-built hills and bunkers, proving that serious play extends past the tournaments.

Golf Lessons and Training

The Golf Performance Center stands out as a prime example of Barbados’s dedication to grooming the next generation of players. With state-of-the-art equipment, including Catalyst swing analysis and PuttView, the center provides an unparalleled learning environment. Both beginners and seasoned golfers can take advantage of lessons, analysis, and club-fitting - tools to elevate their game to new heights.

Resorts such as Apes Hill provide holistic training environments where one can access a comprehensive suite of facilities – from tennis to fitness to even polo and cricket, ensuring a well-rounded approach to physical conditioning complementary to golf training.

Golf Equipment and Gear

Unlike many smaller islands in the Caribbean, Barbados golf courses and shops offer numerous opportunities to acquire top-notch gear. Upscale pro shops, like the ones at Royal Westmoreland, provide the latest in golf apparel and technology. Whether it's a set of bespoke clubs tailored to your swing or the latest advancements in golf balls and tees, these shops cater to every need. Moreover, integrating modern tech in training bays and performance centers across Barbados ensures that players are not just purchasing equipment but also stepping into an ecosystem that helps them understand and utilize that gear for optimized play on the course.

I’ve seen first-hand how the availability and access to professional-grade equipment enhance the golfing experience whether it's a golfer seeking a performance edge or a visitor aiming to remember the sublime courses of Barbados, the local golf gear outlets offer something to meet and exceed expectations.

Planning Your Golf Trip to Barbados

Accommodation Options

Royal Westmoreland Barbados - Luxury Residences for Sale

When planning a golf trip to Barbados, one of the first things I would consider is where I'll stay. Thankfully, Barbados golf resorts cater to every need and preference. For travellers seeking ultimate comfort and easy access to the links, the villa accommodation is exceptional. I've heard that staying along the 18th fairway provides stunning views and a quick transition from bed to tee. These upscale villas have plush amenities such as plunge pools, spacious living areas, and full daily housekeeping. Opting for a Fairway Villa means indulging in comfort and, with full kitchens and laundry facilities, the convenience at your fingertips is second to none.

As for large groups or families, the Fairway Villas are an economical choice without compromising on luxury. Spanning 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, each villa can accommodate several guests, and the availability of a golf cart for local transportation ensures that everything you need is just a short drive away. Additionally, the allure of the new Hilltop Villas opening in 2024 has me eager to return.

Transportation

Getting around Barbados is pretty easy, especially if you have experience driving on the right side of the road. If you are on a resort-like Apes Hill or Royal Westmoreland, these golf resorts in Barbados usually include a golf cart with the villa, perfect for local excursions and ensuring you never miss your tee time. For exploration beyond the greens or perhaps a taste of Bajan culture, car rentals are readily available and give you the liberty to navigate the island at your leisure. I've often found taxis reliable, with friendly drivers who are happy to share insights into the local hotspots and history—a great way to learn more about the island whilst commuting.

Golf Packages and Deals

Barbados is a golf haven, and it's no surprise that many resorts offer enticing golf packages to attract enthusiasts like myself. I always look out for deals that bundle accommodation, green fees, and sometimes even lessons at a reduced rate. It's worth noting that early booking can secure some significant discounts, especially during the prime spring and fall seasons. Keep an eye out for packages that include access to practice greens, a driving range and additional facilities like a Pro Shop or Short Game Academy, which greatly enhance my experience. Golf packages in Barbados are designed to ensure every guest can enjoy the luxury of golf without the hassle of piecing together the details independently.

Real Estate Developments on Barbados Golf Courses

Investing in golf real estate in Barbados has become an attractive option for many, particularly with the recent surge in North American buyers. Apes Hill, now primarily a second-home real estate community, is a prime example of this burgeoning market. I've found that North American investors are particularly drawn to it, given the easy access via nonstop US flights, including new services from United, American, and JetBlue.

The unique appeal of Apes Hill lies in its comprehensive offerings. Unlike other communities in Barbados, it provides the opportunity to own property with access to all the top golf courses on the island. In comparison, even the Sandy Lane community, traditionally a top choice for vacation homebuyers, does not offer a traditional private golf club membership.

The upcoming completion of a 30-room beach resort, spa, and beach club in 2025 in Hole Town, renowned for its vibrant dining, shopping, and nightlife, is set to enhance Apes Hill's attraction further. The convenience of having a shuttle service that connects the beach with the golf resort means that as a homeowner or a guest, I can enjoy unparalleled access to various facilities.

For those considering purchasing property in Barbaods, I've noted that the options include staying in villas at the golf resort or beachside, where one can still enjoy all the facilities both locations offer. The real estate options aren't restricted to a single experience - they're varied and rich, ensuring every leisure need is met, whether taking a swing on the greens or soaking in the sun at the beach.

Moreover, owning golf real estate in Barbados isn't just about the luxury lifestyle; it's also about the quality of the on-site amenities. Royal Westmoreland, for instance, offers impeccably maintained fairways and greens. Plus, the golf course is designed to be as enjoyable as it is challenging, flanked by lush tropical landscape and with a collection of signature Par 3s that are a true test of skill.

Conclusion

The 12th Hole at Apes Hill Golf Club and Residences in Barbados

Barbados stands out as an exceptional destination for golf enthusiasts looking to combine their passion with a luxurious lifestyle. Apes Hill is at the forefront, offering a blend of top-tier golfing and upscale living. With the new beach resort on the horizon, the allure of this golfing paradise is only set to magnify. Whether you're after a villa by the fairway or a beachside retreat, the choices are as diverse as they are enticing. The promise of high-end amenities completes the dream golf real estate investment picture. For those drawn to the greens and the serene beauty of Barbados, investing here might just be the hole-in-one you're looking for.

**Bio**

International Real Estate Investor and Entrepreneur. Founder **@Offshore Freedom** | Host of the **@CaribbeanRealEstatePodcast**
We help successful investors and entrepreneurs live and invest tax-free in the Caribbean and buy real estate internationally.

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Writer in Tax Reduction, International Tax Planning, Travel, Citizenship by Investment, Second Residence, Real Estate Investing, Barbados Golf Courses, Apes Hill Barbados, Sandy Lane Barbados, Technology, Asset Management, Lifestyle Planning, Company Formation, Offshore Banking, Asset Protection, Technology, Entrepreneurship

Top Barbados Golf Courses: 2024 Comprehensive Guide