When winter grips the U.S., Caribbean islands beckon with warm weather, stunning scenery, and some of the best golf courses in the world. Whether you’re an avid golfer or simply looking to enjoy some sun and luxury, these three destinations—Puerto Rico, Barbados, and the Bahamas—offer unforgettable golf getaways.
Puerto Rico
With no passport required to travel for U.S. citizens, Puerto Rico boasts a diverse range of golf courses – 18 total with two more soon to open. They combine challenging layouts with stunning natural settings including layouts framed by El Yunque Rainforest and its lush mountain ranges on one side, the Caribbean Sea or Atlantic Ocean on the other. Some of the island’s must-play courses include at Dorado Beach, Bahia Beach, Grand Reserve, Royal Isabela, Rio Mar, Palmas, El Legado, Costa Caribe, and El Conquistador.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and redesigned by his son, RTJ Jr., TPC Dorado Beach’s two courses are part of the exclusive TPC Network and are renowned for meticulously manicured fairways and oceanfront holes. It offers two 18-hole courses—East and Sugarcane—with the East Course being the standout. The West Course is scheduled to debut soon. To play at Dorado Beach, located on the North Coast of the Island, one must stay at one of the property’s resort lodging options.
Grand Reserve Golf Club is located near the capital, San Juan, in Rio Grande on the northeastern coast. The longtime host venue of the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open, its Championship Course has seen golf stars Bryson Dechambeau, Viktor Hovland, Jason Day, Jordan Speith and Tony Finau excel here. Designed by World Golf Hall of Fame member, Tom Kite, his layout features wide fairways, faces stout winds, and serves up tricky green complexes with water hazards and sand bunkers adding to the challenge.
El Conquistador (Farjado), Palmas (Humaco), Costa Caribe (Ponce), and Royal Isabela (Isabela) are golf resorts in the Northeast, East, South, and West, respectively. While the greater San Juan area is home to the largest collection of golf courses and resorts, other destinations have their own charm and regional attributes, truly offering something for everyone’s tastes. And it’s not just resort courses that “wow” on the Island; municipal and community courses are lesser known but provide great value and options. These include Punta Borinquen, Rio Bayamon, and Deportivo del Oeste, to name a few.
Beyond golf, Puerto Rico offers a wealth of diverse experiences – from biodiversity (rare bioluminescent bays and El Yunque Rainforest), nightlife, and inclusivity to cultural activities like cigar making, rum distillery tours, and exploring Old San Juan, where Castillo San Felipe del Morro (“El Morro”) sits perched overlooking the sea, a fortification built in the 16th century when Puerto Rico was under Spanish rule.
The island’s culinary scene is also a highlight – from award-winning chefs to street food vendors. Fresh seafood and traditional Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo are popular choices, while Mojitos, Piña Coladas and rum tastings help wash down the tasty dishes.
Barbados
Barbados is a world-class golf destination and a premier place for sun-kissed vacations. With the island’s compelling offerings, Apes Hill serves as the perfect vacation headquarters. Certified by Audubon International for its enviro and sustainability practices, its newly redesigned course that debuted in 2022 has been ranked No. 72 in the world out of more than 25,000 others (source: Golfweek Top 100 International Courses 2024). It is a must-visit for discerning golfers looking for both challenge and beauty on course, luxurious lodging and first-class service off it. Just minutes away, Sandy Lane and Royal Westmoreland are renowned golf resorts with a combined four courses that complement Apes Hill and its two courses (Little Apes is the resort’s 9-hole short course).
Apes Hill is a boutique resort residential community set amidst the island’s heaving landscape, featuring dramatic elevation changes, lush valleys, palm tree lined fairways, and ocean views from several holes. The Ron Kirby designed course emphasizes a harmonious integration with nature, incorporating native vegetation and water conservation methods. Golfers will appreciate the well-protected greens, strategic bunkering, and the interplay between wind and the undulating terrain. The back nine provides particularly stunning vistas, including a signature par-3 12th hole that plays downhill toward the Caribbean Sea.
In addition to golf, Apes Hill offers luxurious accommodation in villas and an array of wellness activities including the Performance Centre. The on-site farm-to-table dining program sources fresh, organic ingredients, making for a complete luxury retreat. Visitors can also explore Barbados’ pristine beaches, historic rum distilleries, and lively local culture.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is home to some of the Caribbean’s most picturesque and exclusive golf courses, including the Abaco Club, Ocean Club, and Albany Golf Course.
The Abaco Club is located on Winding Bay, Great Abaco Island. This private, Scottish-style links course is a hidden gem in the Bahamas. Designed by Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie, the Abaco Club is known for its challenging layout that features wide, undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens. The coastal wind plays a significant role, particularly on the exposed holes along Winding Bay. The course’s signature hole, the par-3 12th, offers a dramatic shot across a gorge with ocean views in the background, making it a favorite among those who love scenic, windswept links-style play. For travelers seeking seclusion, the Abaco Club is an ideal spot, offering private beach cottages, a world-class spa, and water activities such as snorkeling and paddleboarding.
Situated on Paradise Island, the Tom Weiskopf-designed Ocean Club Golf Course is part of the iconic Atlantis Resort. With stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Atlantic, this 18-hole, par-72 layout is known for its wide fairways and strategically placed bunkers that tighten landing areas and demands precision off the tee. The Ocean Club has hosted LPGA events, making it a prestigious stop for professional-level play while still being accessible to amateurs.
The Albany Golf Course, designed by Ernie Els, is an exclusive course located on New Providence Island and part of the Albany Resort. This destination is frequented by celebrities and golf enthusiasts alike. Albany’s 18-hole, links-style course is defined by its rolling dunes, well-placed water hazards, and a mix of short par 4s and long par 5s, making it both strategic and visually impressive.
The Bahamas offers much more than just golf, with opportunities for snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, sailing, or simply relaxing at five-star beachfront resorts. Dining in the Bahamas is also exceptional, with a mix of fresh seafood, Caribbean flavors, and international culinary experiences.
Plan Your Winter Escape
With winter just around the corner, these Caribbean golf getaways offer the ideal combination of luxury, relaxation, and world-class golf. Whether it’s Puerto Rico’s diverse golf landscapes, the eco-conscious luxury of Apes Hill in Barbados, or the secluded elegance of the Bahamas’ Abaco Club, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable escape to the Caribbean this winter. Pack your clubs and get ready to tee off in paradise.