There is nowhere on earth quite like the Bahamas! If you have never been here before, prepare for a rare experience, perhaps the best in your life.
The Bahamas offers consistent sunlight and beautiful breezes, not forgetting the most refreshing tropical drinks. The breathtaking resorts and booming real estate markets also attract investors from all over the world.
World-class golf tournaments such as the prestigious Tiger Woods' Bahamas Golf Tournament are held year-round. On average, golf islands such as Nassau have 7 hours of sun, and even in the rainy season, the rain barely lasts a few minutes. The grass is always green, making this destination suitable for tee time 365 days a year.
Best Islands for Golf
The Bahamas is made up of a chain of 700 islands, all breathtaking. Many of them are adored by tourists for their beautiful landmarks, beaches, and cultural history. Of these, only a few are sizeable enough to support golf courses which makes them particularly popular among golf vacationers. That narrows it down to the four best islands for golfers on vacation.
These four are: Grand Bahama Island, Great Exuma, Treasure Cay in Abacos, and New Providence Island, also known as Nassau. On these islands, there are several high-end and mid-range resorts, and they provide excellent luxurious accommodations for tourists who are always flocking to these locations. From here, intermediate and avid players can easily access some of the best mid-range and top-end golf courses.
Now, not everyone is a golfer and likely you're travelling with someone a bit less fond of golf than you are. No problem! Stunning beaches and resorts are the perfect place to relax with a book or enjoy some Grande Vegas casino bonuses to play a few games of roulette on your phone while enjoying a tall cool Bahama Mama.
But we're here to discuss golf today, so...if it's your first time visiting New Providence and you have no idea where to put your golfing skills to the test, here are five courses worth a try.
1. The Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course
This golf course offers players a championship course that provides you with scenic ocean vistas as well as plenty of challenges. Designed by Greg Norman and Tad Burnett in 2003, it features many bunkers, each strategically situated around the dramatic fairways and the course greens.
The course has six holes located at the edge of the spectacular Emerald Bay peninsula. The first nine provide golfers with a variety, featuring rock outcroppings, marshes, and lakes, while the course's back nine offers more scenic views. As this course is located on the oceanfront, the wind is a permanent factor here.
The length is 7001 yards with a slope of 140, and the golfing season runs all year round. The course offers clubs, and you can rent a cart for $35 - $50. If you want some lessons, there are professionals just for that. The green fees range from $175 for 18 holes, $110 for nine holes, to $125 for twilight. You can take a short flight, walk, or drive to the Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course, depending on where you're staying.
2. Paradise Island Golf Club
The masterfully-conceived Ocean Club Golf Course offers you all the elements you need for a perfect round. It is an 18-hole par 72 championship course stretching over 7,100 yards on the peninsula. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, this stunning golf course has crosswinds that give even the most experienced golfers a run for their money.
The course offers two membership categories. The membership categories offered are the full membership category as well as the corporate membership category. The green fees for 18 holes start from $300. Members enjoy benefits such as no-cost green fees.
3. Royal Blue Golf Course
Set in New Providence, this Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course features a spectacular view of rolling white dunes and undulating fairways for its front nine.
As for the back nine, you will be transported to elevation changes, making this one of the most stunning golf courses on this island nation. The tee locations are placed at the grounds at Royal Blue every morning, depending on the weather and playing changes. The golf shop operates from 7 am to 6 pm. They also offer golf pro lessons if you are interested in sharpening your skills.
4. Albany Golf Course Club House
This is an 18-hole championship course that offers the best of link and desert features. Designed by Ernie Els, the course has several scenic but strategically challenging water features and dunes. It is a par-72, 7,400-yard golf course and has first-class practice facilities. Weekday green rates range from $450 - $1600.
5. Cable Beach Golf Course
This recently designed golf course has 18 holes and is a resort-style golf course. Cable Beach Golf Course has an expanse of 6,453 yards, featuring a beautiful network of lakes and spacious fairways. It runs regularly and is a good spot for intermediate players. If you have no equipment, have no worries. Their shop is fully stocked, selling and renting out gear. Green fees start at $50.
Take away
If you are considering touring the Bahamas on a golfing vacation, consider setting roots on golfing islands such as Nassau Island, you can easily access some of the best golf courses in this Island Nation.
A look at any of these five courses will show you that the Bahamas is not only perfect for relaxing along the sun-drenched beaches. It is also the best place for enjoying golf.