Golfing in Barbados
Barbados is not high up on the list of golf destinations in the Caribbean although it does offer about 6 (possibly 7) golf courses which are entertaining for your average golfer.
Royal Westmoreland
This is the top course in Barbados being a 18-hole (6,870 yards, par 72, difficulty 4/5) course located on the west coast and It's about 29mins drive away from St. Lawrence Gap. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr, there are views of the Caribbean Sea from every green. There are multiple bunkers and a ravine challenge. Here access is also somewhat limited to villa owners and renters, but they do offer tee time bookings between 10am and 11am (which get booked up fast) daily which is USD $300 inclusive of a golf cart. Their website is https://www.royalwestmoreland.com/estate/golf/golf-course-guide/
Barbados Golf Club
The closest golf course to Shoreshire villa, perhaps the most affordable, and most accessible to all is the Barbados Golf Club located at Durants in Christ Church on the south coast about 10mins drive away from St. Lawrence Gap. It's an 18-hole public championship golf course (6,805 yards, par 72, difficulty 3/5) redesigned in 2000 by Ron Kirby, one of the leaning golf course architects in the world. It has been officially sanctioned by the PGA European Tour and was an official destination of the tour in 2003. Wind here can present a challenge sometimes as it can be quite gusty and, for a lot of the year, it can be too dry. It's well maintained with two lakes, trees and rolling hills. It's currently about USD $100 for all 18 holes and USD $63 for 9 holes. There are also 3, 5 and 7 day passes available. Their website is https://barbadosgolfclub.com/
Sandy Lane
These are 3 resort type golf courses located at the extremely exclusive luxury Sandy Lane resort on the west coast. It's about 26mins drive away from St. Lawrence Gap. You can find information about these courses on website https://www.sandylane.com/barbados-golf.
The Old Nine
This is a 9-hole (3,345 yards, par 36, difficulty 4/5) course and it's about 26mins drive away from St. Lawrence Gap. The Old Nine is both beautiful and somewhat "intimate yet challenging" because of it's small greens and tight fairways. Also, monkeys will occasionally try to steal your ball on hole 2 so watch out! The spectacular course winds its way through the old estate. Rates range from USD $93 in high season to USD $77 in the low season and a 7-day pass is also available.
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- Par 3 Old Nine
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- Mens Tee Old 9
The Country Club
This is a 18-hole (7,060 yards, par 72, difficulty 3/5) course that was designed by Tom Fazio. It features lush greens and five lakes surrounded by gorgeous extremely well-maintained fairways. With breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, this course was also home to the 2006 World Cup of Golf. Rates range from USD $246 in high season to USD $200 in the low season and 7 and 14-day passes are also available. A caddy is mandatory and costs USD $50/caddy + tip.
The Green Monkey
This is a 18-hole (7,343 yards, par 72, difficulty 3/5) course was also designed by Tom Fazio. This course is the most exclusive course in Barbados, but mostly you actually have to stay at Sandy Lane resort to play it. Carved out of an old limestone quarry, it features spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, significant elevation changes, and with the fairway and greens lined by sheer cliff faces. The course is named after the Barbados green monkeys which live on the island and there is even a grass island feature sculpted in the shape of a Green Monkey. If and only if you are a guest or member of the luxurious and expensive Sandy Lane resort, it will cost you USD$ 400 for a round of golf but, theoretically, it's a "once in a lifetime" golfing experience. I am told that one tee time per day is available for non-residents. The cost is USD $4200 (from 1-4 persons). A shared buggy is included but the caddy fee is extra (USD 50) per caddy + tip.
Apes Hill
This is a 18-hole (7,045 yards, par 72) course is also located on the west coast and It's about 28mins drive away from St. Lawrence Gap.
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- 4th Hole
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- 16th Hole
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- The Cave
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- The Waterfall
It's the newest course in Barbados and it's situated on a former sugar plantation at 1000ft above sea level. As such it can be quite windy. You can see both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean on this course. Originally, Sir Charles Williams, a local businessman, built this course with the help of in-house architects Jeff Potts and Chris Cole but more recently, after a sale, it has gone through a redesign under the direction of golf architect Ron Kirby. It aims to become the best golfing experience in the Caribbean. You will have to call them to see if they are yet open since, on inquiry, I was told that they are still under renovation until November 2022 and I was unable to find any prices online. Their website is https://apeshill.com/.
Rockley Golf Course
This is a flat parkland 9-hole (5,610 yards, par 70, difficulty 2/5) course with alternative tees for 18 and it's located on the south cost, only 6mins drive away from St. Lawrence Gap. It's certainly not the biggest nor most scenic but it can be challenging. It's currently the cheapest on the island only costing about USD $65 for all 18 holes and USD $50 for 9 holes. There are many other package deals available. Their website is https://rockleygolfclub.com/.
I grew up in Barbados and now reside in Boston primarily working as a software developer. I'm also a licensed real estate professional so I know what it takes to be a trusted responsive short term rental host. Hopefully i've hired the best on premise staff who have thought of everything, but I myself am always only a phone call away. Being a local (we go back frequently) I know all the things to do, when to do them and I can get you in contact with the right people to facilitate it. My wife, who is russian, and I love nice restaurants and drinks as well so we can point you to our favorite places to go. You can expect a reasonable and timely response from me should you need any assistance. Enjoy your vacation!