Golfer's forays through the Lesser Antilles
Whether by plane, sailing boat or ship - a Caribbean island hopping trip with mercilessly beautiful golf experiences could be the best gift you could give yourself for a busy year. Especially as there are a few green golf courses on almost every island, no matter how small. Here is a small but fine selection for you to choose from.
Oh, islands in the sun...
Of course, the Lesser Antilles are first and foremost an excellent spot for sailors and cruisers. But why not swing a club there too? Especially as the islands between Guadeloupe and the Dominican Republic are also home to the most beautiful golf courses - and not just for a clientele that doesn't want to splash out on money. Some shrewd golf managers are now taking this into account and in some cases already offer a pick-up service. But tee times are a tricky thing: the "designer courses" are very well booked, especially during the high season, and cruisers are often unlucky at the weekend, when the courses are full. This happened to us in Guadeloupe, where we were turned down without emotion. But we were lucky on Martinique, where top designer Robert Trent Jones designed the 18-hole course "Les Trois Ilets, Martinique" - with a par 3 and island green by the sea and a par 5 with a tee shot over the sea. In strong winds, this can sometimes go wrong. There are also island greens on the St. Lucia Cap Estate Golf Course in the northern part of the island of the same name. For example on hole 8, where golf icon Jack Nicklaus fulfilled his Caribbean dream with a 173-metre par 3. Trade winds and long holes also make this 18-hole course worth remembering.
From the most expensive to the cheapest green fee
Barbados plays in a league of its own. The easternmost Antilles island boasts five of the best 18-hole courses in the entire Caribbean. But first things first - it's not a cheap pleasure. With a green fee of 4,000 dollars, the "Green Monkey Course" is one of the most expensive 18-hole courses in the world. Designed by Tom Fazio, the ultra-exclusive par 72 course is carved out of an old limestone quarry, with the typical limestone rocks forming a breathtaking contrast to the lush, undulating fairways with spectacular 'elevator greens'. Its namesake, the Bajan Green Monkey, has a grass island in the shape of a monkey dedicated to it in a bunker. Like the other two courses, it is part of the Sandy Lane Resort. Incidentally, Barbados is all about epicurean experiences in 2018, with everything from sophisticated upscale restaurants to beach shacks serving delicious fresh dishes. Fittingly, the home of rum will be celebrating "Barbados Sugar and Rum Season" from January to March to draw guests' attention to its rich sugar and rum heritage. In contrast, the Grenada Golf & Country Club is a real bargain at USD 40. It only offers 9 holes, but what the heck. Known as the best spice island, Grenada offers a third of all nutmegs, ginger, cinnamon and cloves in its evergreen tropical thicket - and the smell is just as fragrant. Our tip after the game: a visit to the cobalt-blue crater lake Grand Etang, 600 meters above sea level, to the 80-meter-high Annandale waterfall, which is particularly popular with cliff jumpers, and then to Grand Asne, probably the most beautiful beach on the island. Green, dotted with palm trees, turquoise sea and far more affordable golf - Tobago has it all. We liked the Plantations Golf Club because
the flat terrain of just over 7,000 yards has been modified with native plants to provide habitat for wildlife. But there are also characteristic pot bunkers here, and a par 4 that juts out onto the peninsula and offers a panoramic view of Scarborough, the capital of Tobago, and the adjacent Atlantic Ocean. In contrast, you also play among palm trees, mangroves and artificial lakes.
Reggae, rum & golf
Pigeon Point is the place in the south of the island that you shouldn't miss out on. The beach, water, cocktail stalls and turquoise-blue views are breathtaking here, even if the happenings of yesteryear with rum, reggae and pretty girls only take place in top secret. Last but not least Antigua! Well known to all sailors for its annual Sailing Week in April. Very close by, at the Jolly Harbour Beach Resort, Karl Litton from Florida has built the 18-hole, par 71 championship golf course of the same name. The short course guarantees a relaxed game at moderate prices (from USD 40) and afterwards the ultimate beach experience on one of the 365 beaches, delicious rum and lobster in Half Moon Bay or the ultimate beautiful view of Shirley Hights. The former fortress overlooks the hundreds of sailing boats in English Habour and the famous Nelson Dockyard. Hot tip: On Sundays, the locals meet here for a barbecue and live music with hot reggae rhythms from local bands. Pure Caribbean flair and an unforgettable experience. We wish you lots of fun and a great game!
