Barbados Golf Who claims that Barbados is a golfers paradise, and it is not far from the truth. Starting from 2003, Barbados became a golf destination, receiving $300 million in investments on infrastructure to develop the golf tourism area. Barbados hosted at that time over 30 members of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) Steering Committee, meeting on the island for a week to hold what it was considered the golf tourism industry’s most important annual executive meeting. In fact, the whole Caribbean is a golf destination with more than 20 years in the making. In Barbados, golf courses are situated on hills overlooking the impressive ocean. Breathtaking views and warm weather have mixed the perfect combination to make Barbados quickly grow as the top golf getaway in the Caribbean. However, this is not a result of plans made in a rush. The first open golf course was only 21 miles long. It was built by architect Col. J. Harris in 1974. The Barbados Golf Club pretended unsuccessfully to fulfill an ambitious real estate and golf project. The former Barbados Golf Club ran into financial problems in the middle of the 1980s. It was lost into a wild overgrown green field between deteriorated houses. 2000, was the year that witnessed the rebirth of the club, redesigned, reconstructed and reopened as the first public golf course in Barbados. In October 2004, the worldwide famous golfer, Tiger Woods, chose Barbados as the venue setting for his wedding, and the ceremony took place at Sandy Lane Golf Course. When it comes to Barbados and according to Fodor's, one of the most reputed travel guides online, “Golfers can choose from among some of the best championship courses in the Caribbean" Today, Barbados has been chosen to host the 2006 World Golf Championships World Cup. Tournaments will run from December 7 to December 10, a 4-day challenge that will write a new page in the local golf history and to the Sandy Lane Resort, located on the west coast of the island, when the tournament will be played. Golfing is a common practice the same as the prestigious Barbadian courses that include being part of hotel and resorts facilities. Some of the most fashionable are the following: BARBADOS GOLF CLUB 18 Holes - Public Club This 6,805-yard par 72 Championship golf course with advanced individual tee times, practice chipping and putting green, tournaments, outings, duty free shop electric trolley and pull cart, shoe rentals, club Rentals, Callaway and cobras, practice Chipping and Putting Green. Club Tournaments 2 Saturdays a month, but handicap cards are required for Tournaments. Rates per person, special crew rates, discounts to partner Hotels. ROCKLEY GOLF COURSE 9 Holes (18 with alternative tees) - Public Club Par 70, 5610 yard Located on the south coast of the island. The oldest Golf Club in Barbados, featuring an enchanting Parkland Course, especially designed for all ages and abilities of golfers. Tight fairways, out of bounds on all holes and long Par 3’s strategically placed trees around greens and fairways. Rockley Golf Course offers a clubhouse, bar and restaurant, pro shop, electric drive cart and pull trolley club, among other facilities. SANDY LANE GOLF CLUB 18 Holes - Resort Club The focal point of attention at this club is the impressive Club House overlooking the Country Club Course and The Green Monkey, in addition to the distinction of being chosen as the venue for the 2006 World Golf Championships World Cup. This facility suites the requirements that any golfer or visitor would require, including also a restaurant, bar, pro shop, lounge areas, locker facilities and private rooms equipped with plasma TV screens . There are 3 courses within the resort area: - The Green Monkey, a dramatic golf course designed by Tom Fazio, carved out of the quarry formerly located there. - The Country Club, a challenging golf course in 7060 yards, Par 74.7, featuring 5 lakes, lush greens, and great open fairways with angled slopes - The Old Nine, the oldest and intimate golf course, built in 1961. In addition, the Driving Range is a 450-yard driving range located at The Country Club with two-sided North and South tees providing the challenge of hitting against the trade winds. Other remarkable courses in Barbados are: - ROYAL WESTMORELAND, 18 Holes - Private Club - ALMOND BEACH VILLAGE, 9 Holes, Par 3 - Public Club - BELAIR GOLF CLUB, 9 Holes, Par 3 - Currently Closed Some hotels offering Golf facilities include: - Alpha Services (Rockley Golf Resort) http://rockleyapartments.com - An Idyllic Villa http://www.anidyllicvilla.com - Blue Orchids Beach Hotel http://blueorchidsbarbados.com - Coral Mist Beach Hotel http://coralmistbarbados.com - Hilton Barbados http://hiltoncaribbean.com/barbados - Kings Beach Village http://www.kingsbeachvillage.com - Rockley Apartments (Rockley Golf Course) http://www.rockleyapartmentsbarbados.com - Settlers Beach Villa Hotel http://settlersbeachhotel.com Further information on the upcoming World Golf Championships can be found at this website: http://www.worldgolfchampionships.com | 
