Golden Light & Ocean Greens: A High‑Style Guide to Caribbean Golf

Photo: Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo

Words: Alexandra O’Laughlin

There are many different kinds of golf trips you can take, but there is nothing quite like a holiday in the sun. The Caribbean has a way of instantly putting you into a slower rhythm, where days consist of turquoise water, white sandy beaches and world-class golf.

Over the past few decades, the region has established itself as one of the most compelling golf escapes in the world. Some of the game’s most influential architects, including Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and Greg Norman, have left their mark here, designing courses that take full advantage of the coastlines and tropical landscapes.

When you think of going on a golf getaway, it’s typically the standard resort hotel with a golf course attached. This is my list of unique, luxury golf experiences to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Casa de Campo | Location: La Romana, Dominican Republic 

Photo: Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo

Located on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas is widely regarded as the epicenter of Caribbean golf. The experience revolves around Pete Dye’s legendary Teeth of the Dog, consistently ranked the number one course in the Caribbean and famous for its “Heaven 7” stretch of holes that play directly along the sea. Guests stay within the expansive resort property in private villas or luxe hotel accommodations centered around the marina and beach club. Accessibility is straightforward with direct flights into La Romana or nearby Punta Cana, followed by a short transfer to the resort. With three Pete Dye courses, including Dye Fore and The Links, in addition to Teeth of the Dog, Casa de Campo offers one of my favorite golf experiences in the Caribbean. This is a great option for golfers who want multiple courses at their fingertips and want their itinerary to revolve around golf.

Sandy Lane | Location: Saint James, Barbados

Photos: (Left) The Green Monkey Course at Sandy Lane, (Right) the beach at Sandy Lane

On Barbados’ Platinum Coast sits Sandy Lane, one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive golf resorts. The Tom Fazio designed Green Monkey Course is a dramatic layout carved from an old limestone quarry, offering a private playing experience reserved primarily for resort guests and members.

The accommodations are a defining part of the Sandy Lane experience. Guests can stay in beautifully appointed beachfront rooms and suites within the main hotel, or choose the seclusion of private villas and residences set throughout the estate, many with dedicated staff. This is one of the more unique destinations and is great for both intimate and larger groups seeking privacy without sacrificing service or sophistication. Barbados is easily accessed via direct international flights into Grantley Adams International Airport, located roughly thirty minutes from the resort.

Aurora Anguilla | Location: Anguilla

Photo: Aurora International Golf Club

Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club has quickly become one of the Caribbean’s more compelling modern golf escapes. The Greg Norman designed Aurora International Golf Club stretches across expansive, open terrain with wide fairways, ocean views and holes that run alongside the bright blue water. Guests stay within the recently redeveloped resort where contemporary suites and private villas are tucked along the island’s quiet eastern shoreline.

Getting there is part of the experience. Travel typically involves flying into the nearby Princess Juliana International Airport, followed by a short ferry transfer to Anguilla. Aurora is an ideal destination for couples seeking a calm atmosphere, privacy, and a luxury golf experience fit for golfers of all skill levels.

Eden Roc Cap Cana | Location: Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

Photos: (Left) Punta Espada Golf Course, (Right) Enjoy meals at one of the six restaurants at Eden Roc under Executive Chef & Culinary Director, Adriano Venturini.

Eden Roc Cap Cana is one of the most polished resort stays in the region, with access to the nearby Punta Espada Golf Club as a key reason many golfers choose this destination. The Jack Nicklaus Signature course is minutes away and consistently ranked among the top layouts in the Caribbean, making it an easy decision for travelers who want a luxury resort setting paired with a standout golf experience.

Accommodations range from suite options to larger standalone villas, many with private pools and outdoor living space. This makes the resort well-suited for couples, families, or small groups traveling together. Like most of the spots in the Caribbean, the resort has a strong focus on privacy. Offerings include a full beach club experience, multiple dining venues and the elevated service standards the Eden Roc name is known for. There are direct international flights into Punta Cana International Airport, followed by a twenty-minute drive into the Cap Cana community.

The Tryall Club | Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica

Photo: The Tryall Club Golf Course

Located just west of Montego Bay, The Tryall Club is one of the Caribbean’s most established private golf communities. The course, originally built in 1958 on a former sugar plantation, offers a traditional island layout that begins near the coastline before moving into the hillside terrain with views back toward the sea.

Accommodations at Tryall are centered almost entirely around fully staffed private villas rather than a conventional hotel setup. Many homes include chefs, housekeepers and private pools. This property is great for larger groups, multi-generational family trips, or friends traveling together. The pace is relaxed and social, with days easily split between golf, lounging at the villa and access to the club’s beach and amenities. The property is located twenty minutes from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

Royal Blue at Baha Mar | Location: Nassau, Bahamas

Photos: (Left) Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, (Right) Royal Blue at Baha Mar

Just outside Nassau, the Greg Norman designed Royal Blue Golf Club anchors the golf experience at the large-scale Baha Mar resort complex.

There is an accommodation option for any kind of trip. You have the choice of three separate resort hotels. Rosewood Baha Mar delivers a quiet, luxury feel, while SLS Baha Mar and Grand Hyatt Baha Mar offer a livelier atmosphere with a larger selection of restaurants, nightlife and shared resort amenities. This setup allows travelers to tailor the trip depending on whether they are looking for a more social resort environment or a more low-key stay with access to the same golf course and facilities. The Rosewood is suited for couples and honeymooners. The SLS and Hyatt Baha Mar are fun options for girls' getaways, groups of friends, or social couples. All properties have access to lots of dining options, entertainment, beach clubs and casino access all in one destination. Nassau has frequent direct international flights into Lynden Pindling International Airport, just ten minutes from Baha Mar.

TPC Dorado Beach East Course | Location: Dorado, Puerto Rico

Photos: (Left) The East Course at TPC Dorado Beach, (Right) The Ritz-Carlton Reserve property.

Puerto Rico is one of my favorite places. The people, culture, food and setting make it a well-rounded experience. The East Course at TPC Dorado Beach is located within the private Dorado Beach community, about thirty to forty minutes west of San Juan. The course sits inside Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, a resort originally envisioned by Laurance Rockefeller in the 1950s as a discreet Caribbean retreat.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the TPC Dorado Beach layout follows the shoreline with holes lined by palms, lagoons and exposed coastline. The routing feels natural to the setting with a consistent coastal breeze. Accommodation is exclusively within the Ritz-Carlton Reserve property, with options of the typical, luxurious suites, along with private villas that are designed to blend into the landscape. This is great for groups of any size who want to relax. Travel is simple with direct flights into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, followed by a car ride to Dorado.

 Photo: Pink Flamingos are the national bird of the Bahamas and an iconic symbol of the Caribbean.