The Bahamas is an ideal vacation spot for travelers with many different interests, including golf. Boasting consistent sunshine and warm temperatures year-round, booking a Bahamian golf vacation is a no-brainer. With picturesque views, blue skies and no winter to speak of, the Bahamas is an ideal spot for the novice and expert alike.
While the islands often host world-class tournaments, you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy the healthy green courses. The Bahamas averages over seven hours of sunny skies, and if it rains, it rarely sticks around for long. What it adds up to is a superior golf experience.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN GOLFING IN THE BAHAMAS
The Bahamas is home to some of the most picturesque golf courses around. Before deciding where to go for your Bahamian golf vacation, there are a few things to keep in mind:
During the summer, which is the country’s off-season, you can expect lower green fees. At the same time, be prepared for the possibility of rain.
Some hotels are directly affiliated with golf courses. For example, Atlantis and the One&Only Ocean Club are linked to the Ocean Club Golf Course. Staying at the right hotel can help you get preferred tee-off times and even better prices.
The Bahamas is notorious for strong winds, especially right on the water.
Golfers with a handicap above 15 should bring extra golf balls than they normally would. You can also buy more at the course’s pro shop.
WHERE TO GOLF IN THE BAHAMAS
Regardless of where you choose to golf, you will undoubtedly develop a love or hate relationship with the courses. Their greatest asset is often proximity to the beach and sea. While it is very pleasing to the senses, it also makes for a challenging round.
– The Abaco Club—Winding Bay, Abaco. Golfweek and Golf Digest ranked this 18-hole course best in the Bahamas back in 2012. The Scottish-style course features many holes right along the ocean, but also includes steep cliffs and deep quarries.
– The Ocean Club at Paradise Island. Located on the premises of the luxury resort, The Ocean Club is a championship Tom Weiskopf-designed course offering 18 holes and seaside greens across 7,100 acres of coastline. It has been the site of many professional tournaments.
– Emerald Bay Golf Course—Great Exuma. Designed by Greg Norman, this 18-hole course winds its way through interior mangroves for the front nine, and finishes in spectacular fashion along the ocean for the back nine. It is located just a stone’s throw from Sandals and the luxurious Grand Isle Resort & Spa.
– Jack Nicholas Signature Golf Course – Nassau. Baha Mar, the new mega resort in the nation’s capital, is due to open in late 2014 and early 2015. Nicholas, the legendary golfer, has lent his name and expertise to this brand new creation.
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