The signature lighthouse of Tierra Del Sol
Our recent visit to Aruba left us with more of a taste of Scotland in our mouth than the Caribbean. Tierra Del Sol is the premier golf destination in Aruba well known for a desert style layout with an ocean view. Along with the beautiful panoramic views, the ocean provides a stiff wind that seems to hit you from every direction. Designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones II, Tierra Del Sol plays just over 6800 yards from the tips. Since opening in 1995, Tierra Del Sol has proudly been providing visitors with a taste of Scotland, Scottsdale and the Caribbean golf all on the same 18 holes. Tierra Del Sol is conveniently located in northwest Aruba only 20 minutes away from the cruise port via taxi.
Upon arrival at Tierra Del Sol we easily located the bag drop and were promptly welcomed by a member of the staff. Only a few steps away from the bag drop we found the swanky Tierra Del Sol pro shop. It was stocked with a great selection of high quality golf apparel and the typical souvenirs. After checking in for our round we promptly headed to the range to prepare for the round. This is where we were introduced to the wind at Tierra Del Sol. The wind was stiff and relentless, the driving range had us hitting directly into the wind so it was nice to get a taste of what we would be dealing with. After warming up on the range we headed over to the practice green to get a feel for the pace of the greens.
The Driving Range at Tierra Del Sol will be your first introduction to the course wind
Before heading to the first tee we stopped at the snack bar and loaded up for the front nine. Once the cooler was full we made our way to the first tee; a long par 5 downwind so an average drive is going to go longer than average distance. The front 9 is definitely the ocean side of the course the wind is always present and so is the coast including the signature lighthouse. There are several points on the front where you will need to add not one club but two in order to account for the wind. None more so than the short Par 3 number 7. At only a 157 yards and rated the easiest hole on the course, don’t let this one fool you. The winds coming off the California Dunes can make your normal 160 club about 30 yards short.
A beautiful look back on the front 9 at Tierra Del Sol
As we made the turn we made another stop at the snack bar for reinforcements and headed to tee on number 10. The back nine starts off much like the front nine a hole designed to play downwind and get you started off on the right foot. As you make your way through the back nine you’ll get a taste of the desert. The wind is still howling not as bad as the front nine but defiantly more than the average golfer will be used to. Number 12 will give you a taste of that wind, a short par 5 playing at only 428 yards but it’s all into wind and you’ll struggle to hit the green in regulation. Number 14 is rated the hardest hole on the course and it’s a doozy, a Par 5 playing 461 yards. It’s a dogleg left and it all comes down to your second shot; you’ll find it hard to avoid all of the bunkers protecting the green. Depending on how the wind is blowing the difficulty level can vary from off the charts to not so bad. 18 finishes with a difficult par 4 playing 428 and it’s all uphill as you make your way back to the snack bar. The good news as you finish the wind is at your back the sun is more than likely shinning on your face.
Look closely at the flag and you’ll see all 3 elements; wind, sea, and desert
As we finished our round the first thing I asked the staff was “Is it always this windy”? They promptly replied yes. After the round, I was more wind burned than sun burned. The Tierra Del Sol tag line of “Where else can you play Scotland, Scottsdale and the Caribbean all at the same time!” couldn’t have been truer. The course has a great layout, stunning views, a lighthouse, and a devilish wind. If you’re a not so serious golfer in Aruba looking to have a fun time golfing you’ll most likely be punished by the wind and walk away not so happy. However, if you’re a serious golfer looking a challenge than this is the course for you. Aruba starts with an “A” and when you go to play Tierra Del Sol you better bring your A game!
Tierra Del Sol Course Rating (Overall Rating 4 ¼ stars out of 5)
Any course rating over 4 stars is very good in our opinion and well worth playing. The courses close proximity to the cruise port makes it an ideal stop for golfers coming in on the many cruise ships that visit Aruba. Most of the major cruise lines actually offer an official cruise excursion to Tierra Del Sol. The course has a splendid variety from drivable par 4s to monster par 5s and memorable par 3s. Make sure to bring your windbreaker and keep track of the wind and make sure to adjust your club selection as needed.