Caribbean islands are a haven for the golf enthusiasts. Near perfect climate through out the year and dramatically beautiful settings of the golf courses are magnets for the visitors whose vacation cannot be considered complete without atleast one round of golf.
Play against a backdrop of sea or mountains while inhaling the fragrance of the lush green vegetation. The tricky sea breezes can add to the challenge of the game while you play the difficult waterfront holes and fairways that meander through the hills.
Golfing opportunities are widely available on all islands of the Caribbean, more so on the bigger ones. Most courses are open to casual golfers with equipment and instructions readily available but in winters some golf courses are closed to non-guests. The budget travellers should, however, plan in advance. If you are travelling to the Caribbean on a golf package, remember to research well as fees such as caddy service and carts may not be included in it. Also, green fees change regularly, varying from season to season and the package arrangement.
Dominican Republic has four distinct golf courses at the Casa de Campo Resort. (http://www.casadecampo.com.do/ ) The most well-known is the "Teeth of the Dog", 18-hole course designed by Pete Dye. The golf course has been ranked the number one course in the Caribbean and 34th in the top 100 courses in the world by Golf Magazine. The Links golf course is considered to be one of the best for the ladies.
Jamaica is another favoured destination for the golfers. Playing against the tricky ocean breezes adds to the pleasure of the game. The most sought out golf course here is the Tryall Club Jamaica (www.tryallclub.com/ ) in Montego Bay. This par 71 course covers 6,920 yards. The golf course hosts the Johnny Walker World Championship tournament and the Jamaica Classic Annual. Tryall is closed to non-guests in the winter.
Wyndham Rose Hall Golf and Country Club, (http://www.rosehallresort.com/ ) also in Jamaica, has the Three Palms Ocean Course, which is considered to be one of the top five golf courses in the world. Amenities include a pro shop, pro staff, and clubhouse. Fees usually include the cost of cart and caddy. The Jamaica Open, and other invitational tournaments are held at various times throughout the year.
Puerto Rico is another much sought out golfing destination, with at least 18 championship-quality courses at various locations on the island.
Other excellent courses worth a mention include the Mahogany Run golf course (www.mahoganyrungolf.com/ ) on St. Thomas and the Carambola on St. Croix, in the US Virgin Islands.