If you live in the land of ice and snow from November through March, you’ve earned a winter golf getaway. Nothing worse, though, than getting away to rainy-cool to rainy-cold weather. If you’re buying into the respite from the chill, go hard and all the way. We’ve assembled a list of popular, fun, warm & sunny places that are guaranteed to melt the freeze in your limbs, joints, and heart, and get you through to spring. our first three stops were Florida, Arizona, and California. Destination four takes us offshore, to the Caribbean islands.
The most-anticipated new build (scheduled 2021 opening) is Cabot St. Lucia, courtesy of the team that brought us Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs (Cape Breton Island, Canada.) For the time being, there’s plenty of spectacular, warm-weather golf in the sea between two continents.
(image from http://apeshillclub.com/front-nine)
Barbados
The West African and English traditions of Barbados take center stage on tours of the population centers, but the golf is found at Apes Hill and Sandy Lane. Calypso your way around the island, from Holetown to Bridgetown to Speightstown.
Music Toss: Something Greater
Dominican Republic
The undisputed ruler of Caribbean golf, the DR offers a stunning amount of seaside golf. The merengue beats of Juan Luis Guerra and others infuse the golf with a rhythmic exhilaration, guaranteed to simultaneously mellow and inspire.
North Coast: Amanera Playa Grande & Playa Dorada
West Coast: Puntacana & Punta Espada
South Coast: Casa de Campo & La Estancia
Music Toss: Ojala que llueva cafe
(image from https://www.casadecampo.com.do/golf/)
Jamaica
If the DR is the golf ruler of the seas, then Jamaica wears the title for its contributions to music. If you’re not hearing the strands of Tosh, Cliff and Marley as you walk and ride the fairways of Half Moon, Cinnamon Hill, and others, listen harder!
Music Toss: No woman, no cry
Puerto Rico
The gateway to the south Caribbean, Puerto Rico’s status as a United States protectorate makes it very accessible for travelers from North America. The most interesting new build is Royal Isabela, modeled on the Scottish style of architecture. Traditional golf layouts at Rio Mar and Coco Beach offer alternatives.
Music Toss: Bomba in Loiza
Turks & Caicos
You’ll need to do some island hopping to get from Provo on Providenciales to Waterloo on Grand Turk. The strands of Bumpa sound will get you there, in the proper mood. Provo offers a stern challenge, while Waterloo’s ragtag course (which may or may not be open these days) is the essence of community-supported golf. One thing is certain: you can count on Provo.
Music Toss: Bumpa Music
