This past December, I found myself on a short Caribbean cruise headed to Key West and Nassau. I love cruising almost as much as I love golf so it’s pretty normal for me take anywhere from 2-5 cruises a year. I know it’s a tough life but someone has to do it! I had been to Nassau several times before but never played golf, I typically take to the Atlantic for snorkeling or a relaxing day on the beach. However, this time was different. I was anxious to play golf in Nassau after hearing so many great things about Royal Blue Golf Club at Baha Mar. Several friends had gone earlier in the year and had nothing but great things to say about the experience.
The key word is “experience”. I actually had to correct myself, I first typed course then quickly replaced it with experience because that’s what a trip to Royal Blue Golf Club is, a fantastic experience. The experience started when we arrived at the Port of Nassau, we had a prearranged pickup time at the port and a driver was waiting outside the gates with a sign and quickly guided us to our Royal Blue Mercedes GLS450 SUV. Baha Mar only contracts with one company on the island for private guest transportation and every guest is transported in style using one of the Royal Blue Mercedes which is the only type of vehicle in the fleet.
The ride from the cruise port to Baha Mar was about 15 minutes, it was a scenic drive and the driver was able to fill us in on the history of Nassau and Royal Blue. We arrived at the footsteps of the Royal Blue Clubhouse and there waiting for us was JR; the club pro and unofficial head of the Royal Blue welcome committee. JR instantly made us feel at home and after directing us to the pro shop to check-in, he put us on a golf cart and we headed down to the range. At this point, I didn’t have any golf clubs, heck who wants to deal with the hassle of traveling to Nassau with golf clubs. Don’t worry Mon, Royal Blue has got you covered! When we made our way down to the range, the fabulous Georgette was waiting to fit me for one of Royal Blue’s rental sets.
Here’s where the experience starts to get even better. Royal Blue’s rental program is unlike any other, it’s so good they call it their “Better than your own” program. Wait just a minute, I’m a golf writer and I play 200+ rounds a year, I’m currently using a set of PXG 0311P Gen2 irons, what is a resort going to have that’s better than mine? Well not only do they offer the full line of PXG clubs but they go a step beyond PXG. I ended up using a full set of Itobori golf clubs, handmade and forged in Japan. Fit for a King (or Golf Aficionado), Itobori golf clubs are some the most expensive, well crafted, and unique golf clubs in the world, it was truly an honor to play a round with them and check it off my bucket list.
After hitting a few balls on the range and getting used to the feel of the Itobori irons, I hopped back into the golf cart and headed over to the putting green near the 1st tee box. Waiting to great every guest at the putting green is the Director of Golf, Sean Cracraft. He quickly congratulated me on my choice of clubs and gave me a quick rundown on the golf operations and course setup.
Two key things to point out about the golf at Royal Blue, the first is the type of grass they use. Number one, they have installed grass on the greens that not only love the salt air but salt water as well. Being an island in the middle of the Atlantic, it’s important the course is capable of using salt water, as fresh water is always at a premium. What this means is you’re going to have healthy greens which run a hair slower than the Bermuda or Bentgrass greens used in the states. To be honest, I thought the speed of the greens was perfect, more importantly, the greens were incredibly true. Put that putt online and it’s going in.
The second thing to point out, the tee boxes are quite relaxed. Royal Blue is unique in the fact that they don’t really have established tee boxes. Each day the tees are set up with several factors in mind, mainly the wind. You might play a hole one day that’s a 310-yard par-4, you might come back tomorrow and it’s a 390 yard par-4. The roaming tee box philosophy allows Royal Blue the opportunity to present the golf course in several different fashions which helps accommodate
Onto the golf course itself, the front nine and back nine are very different from each other. The front nine features dramatic views of undulating fairways, rolling white sand dunes, and the turquoise waters of the Atlantic. As you make the turn, JR will be waiting for you with a Royal Blue canister filled with their signature drink, Cherry Goose Lemonade (Cherry Grey Goose, Lemonade, and a splash of Cranberry) after taking a few sips it will feel like you’ve been transported to another part of the island as you experience the back nine’s limestone moonscape, elevation changes, and dense jungle environment. Regardless of how well the front nine went, Royal Blue’s signature cocktail will have you feeling ALRIGHT!
Course Highlights
The round at Royal Blue starts off with a gentle par-4 that requires you to keep the ball left off the tee, a good drive here will start your day off right. The green is protected in front by a few bunkers, if you can avoid those, you’ll be in good shape to start the day off with your first birdie chance. Remember the roaming tee boxes, don’t get too caught up in how long a hole is on the scorecard because remember it could be playing longer or shorter, just make sure to hit your landing spots and you’ll be in great shape all day.
As you make a hard right to the 2nd tee, you’ll be playing the first of the par-5s on this par-72 course. It’s the longest hole on the course listed at 626, but typically playing downwind, it’s easier than it might appear. Listen to your caddie, he or she will guide you in the right direction!
Onto the 3rd which is your first look at a par-3, I always love a course that starts off by giving you a taste of everything. The front nine is really all about showcasing the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. As you make your way through the front nine, you’ll no doubt enjoy the experience and if you’ve played in the Caribbean before, the front nine will probably have a familiar feel.
When making your way to the 10th tee, everything changes. The
The signature hole at Royal Blue is no doubt the par-3 16th. When you step to the tee, you instantly go running back to the golf cart for your camera. No kidding, it’s that beautiful! Pictures don’t really do it justice, but I tried my best. The intimidating tee shot, really isn’t that bad, so just relax. If you are a left to right guy like me, there is room on the right side of the green so all is not lost if the ball fades a bit too much.
The 16th and 17th both offer a good chance a birdie, if you make it to the 16th tee and haven’t put a circle on the scorecard these holes will be your best chance. A birdie on the 18th is going to be asking a lot, a long par-4 that’s difficult to reach in 2 will probably leave you with a chance to chip in for birdie.
Final Thoughts
Royal Blue Golf Club at Baha Mar is a special place, as I raced back to the cruise port my only regret was that I didn’t have more time to spend at the resort. The golf was fabulous and overshadowed by the friendliness of the staff. I’ve traveled all over the world covering golf courses and I can tell you without a doubt nobody comes close to providing the level of hospitality at Royal Blue Golf Club. Leave your clubs at home, book a caddie (I highly recommend Angelo), and prepare for the Ultimate Bahamian Golf Experience.
If you’re ready to take on the Jack Nicklaus designed Royal Blue Golf Club at Baha Mar, please visit https://bahamar.com/ to make it a dream come true!