Barbados on a budget
Golf doesn't have to be 5-star prices
Posted: 23 December 2008
by Mark Baldwin (The Times)
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Barbados Golf Club is home to local golfers
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While the Caribbean has long been established as one of the prime holiday destinations in the world, combining golf with the sea, sand, sun and partying most associated with the West Indian islands, is only really just taking off as an affordable and viable package.
Leif Brandel, the owner and chairman of the second largest hotel group in Barbados, the
Palm Beach Hotel Group, is at the forefront of making golfing holidays in his part of the Caribbean a more attractive proposition.
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Closing holes at Barbados Golf Club
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He also part owns the
Barbados Golf Club, a challenging 18-hole course south of Bridgetown where he can arrange tee off times as well as at the elite courses at the
Sandy Lane Country Club and
Royal Westmoreland. Indeed, the Palm Beach Group feature the only hotels on Barbados which can offer a package to play at all three of the island’s major golf courses.
The Barbados Golf Club, re-designed and re-opened in 2001, is the local's members club with a friendly and spacious terrace restaurant and bar area which is always convivial and frequently used by non-golfers.
Mr Brandel, a Swede who has run the Palm Beach Group for 20 years, is a keen golfer and particularly proud of the way his course has made golf far more accessible for Bajans and visitors for the past seven years.
The Palm Beach Group consists of the 150-room
Amaryllis Beach Resort, a beautifully-situated apartment-style resort with a magnificent beach front, the 130-room
Sandy Bay Beach Club, an all-inclusive beachside hotel near to the St Lawrence Gap, and the 50-room
Allamanda Beach Hotel.
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Water is a key feature
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Golf packages range from a 4-day summer season price of US$1,200 for two people sharing an ocean-view room, to US$1,900 for a 7-day high winter season break. A 4-day rate in winter will cost US$1,500 for two, and a 7-day summer golf package is also US$1,500. All packages include breakfast and dinner and airport transfers, and are available when you book to stay at any of the three Palm Beach Group resorts.
If you visit Barbados in early December, too, you could find yourself like me, entered into the annual Palm Beach Hotel Group golf tournament, played as a two-team better-ball stableford over 18 holes at the Barbados GC.
Included in the day’s celebrations are a complimentary continental breakfast, refreshments on the course, a goodie bag, golf cart, and a lavish buffet dinner and prize-giving drinks party in an open-sided marquee on the sand later that evening at the Amaryllis Beach Resort.
Players of all abilities will find the different tee-off areas equally rewarding, and both water hazards and the prevailing wind are used cleverly to increase the levels of difficulty. The par-3 16th, which can vary with club selection from 9-iron to 5-iron over a lake, depending on the strength of the breeze into your face, is a particular favourite.
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View from the first tee
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The first and last holes, meanwhile, both par-5s, sum up the ‘give-and-take’ character of this interesting course. The opening hole, downwind and less than 500 yards, is a clear birdie opportunity even for the mid-handicapper , but the 18th is usually back into the wind and would need two mighty hits to get home in two – especially with water lurking to the front right of a green framed behind by the clubhouse.
Green fees are currently US$115 for 18 holes on the par 72 course re-designed by notable architect Ron Kirby and re-opened in 2000.
With more courses currently being planned in Barbados, including the spectacular members-only Apes Hill and reportedly a second course at Royal Westmoreland, it seems certain that golf will prove to be more of an added attraction to holidaymakers.
Whereas a decade or so ago you would struggle to find a decent golf course on the island, apart from the nine-hole Rockley Resort course and Sandy Lane’s original ‘Old Nine’ holes, now it is possible to organise dedicated golfing holidays of great variety both in Barbados and in the region generally.
The new Millennium Lakes golf course near the airport at Port-of-Spain, for example, could be included in an itinerary in cheaper Trinidad and Tobago, which would also take in the historic and spectacular St Andrew’s Golf Club in the northern hilly suburbs of Port-of-Spain and the small holiday island of Tobago’s own championship course.
Big city lights in Trinidad’s capital, the idyllic beaches of Tobago, and great golf in both places: if you wanted to plan a very affordable golfing holiday in the Caribbean it would be difficult to beat.
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Royal Westmoreland pro Matt Gill with Ban Kee Moon, General Secretary of United Nations
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TAKE A TIP FROM THE PRO
Matthew Gill, the head golf prof at the prestigious Royal Westmoreland golf complex in the St James parish of Barbados, offers some key golf tips for adapting to Caribbean conditions:
Bring a 60-degree lob wedge,
“The Bermuda grass which is used around the greens is very different to the grasses players will be used to in Britain and mainland Europe. It's spongy and can get very clingy, so it's important that you have the right club for the challenge of playing those little chip shots and the lobber is the perfect tool."
Reading the grain on the greens
Another area of their game which golfers from Europe will immediately notice is adapting to the grain you find on our greens out here. It can even make certain putts break uphill! The break of the grain tends to throw the ball towards the sea – no one knows why, but that’s what happens – and the amount the ball is affected by the grain can also change quite a bit during the day as the grass grows. In general, the grain does more to the roll of the ball than even a brisk wind.”
Caribbean winds can be very testing
“All the islands in the West Indies have ever-present breezes and sometimes the wind can be very strong. Even on a lovely day, of which there are plenty, of course, the breeze will be a factor on a lot of holes Conditions can change quite significantly during a round so club selection from day to day on certain courses can be radically different.”
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FACT FILE
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Amaryllis Beach Resort (Tel:+1 246 438 8000); Sandy Bay Beach Club (+1 246 435 8000); Allamanda Beach Hotel (+1 246 438 1000); Brochure and more information: (0208 679 2508); Golf package information: email: vacation@amaryllisbeachresort.com.
Trinidad Tourism: Tel +1 868 669 5196 or +1 868 675 7034; British Airways (UK callers) 0844 493 0787.
Have you played golf in Barbados or any of the Caribbean islands? What destinations and courses do you recommend? Can we afford it in these stringent times? Are you staying closer to home for your golf in 2009? Tell us on the forum.
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Discuss this story
Carribbean? tooooooo rich for me Bob. With the £ in freefall even the Eurozone countries are starting to look expensive.Maybe its time to play some courses upp north
Posted: 24/12/2008 09:13
Bob, Is a Ferrari 430 "affordable" just because it's cheaper than a 599 or a 612? Read some of your members' tales about losing their jobs (or being worried for them) and then say £1200+ (with flights) for a 4-day jaunt is affordable!
Posted: 27/12/2008 08:07
I've just got back from Barbados this morning, I played 2 rounds of golf, One at the Barbados Golf & country club which was fantastic! stunning course in fabulous condition. We payed $300 (Bajan) at current exchange rates ~ £96 For 18 holes of golf with Lunch, Club and Buggie hire also $20 (Bajan) for some Golf balls from the Caddie Master Shame the Weather was Terrible, A tropical rainstorm lasting for 20 hours, but it didn't do anything to dampen the Golf, Well apart from soaking us through to the bones, but at least the temperature was still 30 Degrees Superb value on a cracking course! Then we played Rockley Golf course just outside Bridgetown, which is a brilliantly designed 9 holer, this cost $200 (Bajan) ~ £65 for 18 holes inc club and Buggie! Once again Tremendous value on a cracking Undulating track! Would recomend both courses to anybody going, But do take some Golf shoes as they don't hire them out, Golf balls are Ridiculously expensive ~ £15 for a sleeve of three NXT's or £20 For a Sleeve of last years Prov 1's  So take your own unless you want to buy lake balls or pick ups off the Caddie master at $20 Bajan for 6. I did this and never lost a sodding ball so ended up with half dozen balls that I just left there in the cart at the end of the second round! 
Posted: 28/12/2008 00:29
Off to Barbados on June 22nd for a week, Wifes 50th. Taking our clubs (free on Virgin) and just read your post 1 over (very helpful) so without club hire and hopefully no buggy (sooner walk) would i be looking at about £60 to £70 a round ?  Staying at Coconut Court Hotel, Hastings and wondered which course is the closest ? Free clubs carriage on Virgin half way around the world and £40 per set from Newquay to Gatwick on Airsouthwest, crazy eh, going to drive there now.
Posted: 19/01/2009 15:52
I played at the Barbados Golf course and it has to be done! When I went to book the round I asked the price and it was £100-00 in English money. I asked if I could get a discount and the gent said "It depended who I knew?" I said "I know you!" He laughed and said "O.K. that will be £50-00 !" I found all Babadians like this. Tremendously friendly, especially when you approached them in the right way. Amazingly I met up with a friend called Tony Clark from our neighbouring Golf Club (Falmouth, Cornwall) while I was there and we played together.Following a most enjoable round we had a couple of beers and asked about the Westmorland course as it appeared very private to us. The gent who booked me in originally then arranged for us to play with him at Westmorland for FREE. Annoyingly I was flying home the next day and I was unable to play but my mate Tony did. What an experience! I personally think Barbados is easily the best place I`ve ever been and the locals are brilliant. I was going to play Golf whatever the cost but I realised a lot of Hotels etc. do have very good deals with the Golf clubs and it certainly pays to ask! The choice of clubs to hire were Titliest or Callaway and you can`t get much better than that. Keith Rashleigh
Posted: 10/02/2009 18:33
I should very much like to give a full account on here of my nine months staying in the West Indies on business and travelling to various islands, playing golf with Gary Sobers at Sandy Lane, Barbados and at Caymanas GC in Jamaica and learning much about life from him. That was 33 years years ago and I cant imagine in the present hostile climate on the board from certain quarters that a descriptive post from me would be of interest?!
Posted: 11/02/2009 10:10
Dermot, Hastings is on the south coast of the island, and both clubs are a 10-15min cab ride either side of St lawrences gap where I stayed. Rockley G/C is toward Bridgetown and Barbados Country Club is back toward the Airport, We got a taxi from outside the Hotel (we stayed at the Escape) and it was only $40 Bajan for the return trip (About £12) The driver gave his Mobile number to the receptionist and she called him while we were having a well deserved Bank's Beer on the terrace after the game! If you have your own clubs and wish to walk (I wouldn't walk if you play Rockley) then you should get the Greenfees for around £50-60! You will love Barbados! (if you haven't already been) Its Probably the friendliest Carribean Island I have been to!
Posted: 11/02/2009 10:34
Oggeey.... Oggeeeey.....Oggeeeeeeeey, !! Oi Oi Oi..!!! Sorry to the rest of you, we had to finish it!
Posted: 11/02/2009 13:37
Cheers for that 1 Over, 1st choice will be Barbados CC as that sounds the best then if i can wangle it with the Missus (her 50th) play Rockley Went to Barbados in 1989 but didnt play Golf back then (only playing 3 years) so really looking forward to playing there on this visit. Thanks again 1 Over. ;0) 
Posted: 12/02/2009 16:54
No Problem! (you'll hear that loads in Bados!) Enjoy! See if you can Emulate My closing hole on the Par 5, 18th at the Barbados C/C! Nice Drive down the right, Followed by a layup (read mishit) land right of the Fairway in the deep cabbage, leaving 150 yds to go, and the Bloody great tree (you'll see!) blotting out your whole view of the Green! 7 Iron out of the Bermuda grass rough over the tree and land 2 feet to the left of the Pin!  Feel like a Golfing GOD on the Drive up to the Green after playing partner Completly messes the hole up! Miss tap in Birdie putt  and Lose the Match on the last hole! Buy all the Drinks for the rest of the day!....... Well a bets a bet!
Posted: 12/02/2009 17:05
Like the sound of a 7 Iron 150 yards from the rough to within 2 feet of the pin, shame about the putt  Looking forward to a few bottles of Bank`s while we are there, June seems ages away.
Posted: 12/02/2009 17:33
Bank's is good, But I prefer Carib! June will Soon Come!
Posted: 12/02/2009 17:42
While you are in Barbados catch the local bus (that`s fun, they know your a tourist and they pull you on board and push you off. No need to ask where you are getting off, they know!) to OISTINS on a Friday (only) evening. That is when the locals come out to Party!Bob Marley stuff etc. all night long also country music at one end. Fabulous open air fish restaurants (o.k. tables) to choose an amazing selection of fish dishes. We had Dolphin (not Beaky!) at very good prices. Great atmosphere and Banks beer everywhere so no problem getting a drink. OISTINS is a fishing port on the South coast. Lots to savour including the open air market. everyone very, very friendly. You`ll be back! Also St. Lawrence gap is the in-place for night life. Lots of bars and hotels with free entertainment if you look for it. Look out for the "happy hours" they run concurrently 2 for1. start at the Mexican (brilliant) opposite the big church which doubles up as a "storm " centre. Then see how far you can get on those fabulous Rum punches!!!!
Posted: 13/02/2009 11:00
Dermot, Try the Reggae lounge in the Gap, it gets going about midnight! The Ship Inn is the place to meet in St Lawrences gap! Loads of good bars. One place called the RASTA-RAUNT its a little out of the way and not in a Tourist area, its in St Philips north of the airport, But sells great local food not a single Burger or Chips dish on the menu! Coo Coo (Like Pease Pudding) and Fry fish, pepperpot (Stew), Oxtail rice an peas and Stuffin' its unbelieveably cheap! We spent most of the afternoon and all evening in there, We got there a bit after 1PM ate lunch, Drank Punch, ate Dinner, then spent the rest of the night drinking Beer and Rum, listening to music and talking to the Locals til 3AM. Total cost for 4 of us! ~ The owner was so Drunk, She was asleep on a table and the Barman had lost count of how much Beer, Rum and Food we had consumed that he just said Hell Man Just make it $150 (Bajan) about £50 for a 14 hour session! As Keith says Oistins is the place to go. Its fish lovers paradise! Friday is 'Lime' Night (Local Chill out night) and one of the Biggest party nights of the Week. June is a great time to go as the Flying fish are back in the Carribean waters and subsequently back on the Menu in Fresh (rather than frozen) form! Delicious! Go steady on the Rum punch mate some bars use 151* overproof Rum to make it! I fell foul of this one night and boyo did my head hurt the next day! 
Posted: 13/02/2009 11:24
Cheers Guys, might not have time for any Golf, (joking) with all these places to visit. Barbados weather in Newquay today, actually got a bit of sunburn on my face on the course earlier, and the ball bounced a ran on loads, marvellous. Thanks again Guys. ;0)
Posted: 13/02/2009 16:42
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