The Caribbean is a dream destination for all kinds of people, golfers included! There are world-class courses with the added bonus of unbelievably blue, clear water and all the beach activities you could possibly want.
Some courses and resorts are always going to be “bucket list” ones. But if you only ever play the famous courses, you’re missing out on some of the best golf experiences in the region. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find these gems hidden away in the shadows of the bigger, more well-known courses.
Best Times to Golf in the Caribbean
The best time to hit the golf courses in the Caribbean is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During these months, the weather is cooler, and there’s less chance of rain, so you won’t end up being showered on.
The early morning and late afternoon are good choices for your tee time because the midday heat can be a bit exhausting. June to November is the “off-season,” and it does have fewer crowds and lower rates. But ... there’s a higher risk of hurricanes, so unless you like living on the edge and being rained on when you’re putting, we suggest sticking to the dry season.
Top Hidden Gem Golf Courses in the Caribbean
Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic
Casa de Campo features three exquisite courses fashioned out of the seaside landscape. The Teeth of the Dog course is a famous one and definitely one for your Caribbean bucket list. But it’s not the only one you can enjoy here. You should definitely play the others as well — they’re gems hidden in plain sight.
The Links is a tricky, undulating course with especially tough greens, so don’t get lulled into complacency by the wide fairways. You’ll be impressed by this artistic course design.
Dye Fore is a cliffside beauty with 27 exciting holes, expansive views of the Dominican Republic mountains and some of the most challenging par-3s in the world.
Royal St. Kitts Golf Club, St. Kitts & Nevis
This St. Kitts course has been around since 1976 but was renovated in 2003 to be a more exciting play. What makes it a real challenge is twofold — one, the varied range of shots you’ll get to play, and two, the ocean wind that’s always there.
The greens are speedy and sloped, and many of them have beautiful views over either the Caribbean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean. Ten of the 18 holes have water challenges, and you'll need to train up your sand trap game before playing here because there are no less than 80 bunkers across the course.
Tryall Club, Jamaica
The Tryall Club is the perfect place to relax. A mile and a half of private shoreline gives you plenty of space to soak in the Jamaican sun, and if you don’t feel like being on the beach, there’s a spectacular infinity pool.
It may not be known as a bucket list golf course, but you’ll enjoy every moment of this 18-hole course if you’re looking for a tropical feeling and relaxed play. Palm trees grace most holes, giving it a real vacation golf feeling.
The water hazards begin on hole #2, where you have to carry over a lake. Hole #3 has a similar feel, and the 4th hole is a narrow one right next to the ocean. Easy to lose a golf ball here. The narrowness of the fairways will keep you on your toes, so bring your most accurate game to this hidden gem.
Provo Golf Club, Turks & Caicos
This “hidden gem” is no longer so hidden — it’s becoming more and more popular. The course is fairly rugged, so if you want a smooth, easy round, this might not be it. It will, however, be a round to remember.
Palm trees wait around the edges of each hole, ready to knock stray balls even more off course. Interestingly, the course has only about 30 bunkers, so sand won’t be your worst enemy here. About one-third of the holes feature water, which will be a hazard to beat if you want a good score.
Four Seasons Nevis, Nevis
This course was the first in the Caribbean created by famed architect Robert Trent Jones, and it’s routed around the foot of a dormant volcano — one of the things that makes this course a real gem.
It’s not the trickiest of courses, so come along even if you’re new to the game — it’s a great play for inexperienced and advanced players. The tropical environment and sneaky but adorable green vervet monkeys make you feel like you’re really playing the game in an out-there place.
Tips for Planning a Golf Trip to the Caribbean
Heading to the Caribbean to swing your clubs? Planning smartly is the first step to making sure your vacation is an unforgettable one (in all the right ways).
Booking Tee Times and Accommodations
Book your tee times and accommodations well in advance, especially if you’re going during peak season. A lot of resorts offer golf packages, which include accommodation, tee times and access to other facilities aside from golf.
If you’re staying at a resort with an on-site golf course, it might be a good idea to book directly through them because you get a better package deal. Planning on landing there during the busy winter months? We recommend booking at least three to six months ahead so you don’t end up disappointed.
Navigating Island Transportation
Island transportation can vary depending on the destination. In most Caribbean locations, renting a car is the most convenient way to reach golf courses, especially if you want to hop from course to course or island to island.
Some resorts provide shuttle services to nearby courses, which is an easy (and more affordable) option if you’re staying on-site. Taxis are available, but they may be more expensive if you’re heading out and back every day. Researching local public transportation ahead of time is a good idea if you’re budget-conscious.
Balancing Golf with Leisure Activities
Golf may be the highlight of your trip, but don’t be so narrowly focused that you miss the other great stuff nearby. Plan some downtime between rounds to chill on the beach, taste the local cuisine or go snorkeling or scuba diving.
Many resorts have spas, pools and water sports, so it doesn’t even matter if you want something relaxed or something a bit more adventurous. There’s something for every mood.
Health and Safety Considerations
You can’t play a great round of golf if you’re not safe and healthy. Most importantly, stay hydrated, even if you’re not golfing in the hottest part of the day. Don’t skimp on the sunscreen, either.
It’s a good idea to pack insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes, which can carry diseases your body is not immune to. Check beforehand if your destination needs any vaccinations or if there are any health advisories. Travel insurance is always recommended.
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