Your Ultimate Guide to Golfing in Barbados

Barbados may only be 166 square miles in size, but it’s a slice of paradise in the Eastern Caribbean that feels tailor-made for golf. The island is blessed with year-round tropical warmth, usually between 75–85°F, tempered by gentle trade winds that make being outdoors a pleasure every single day. Add to that pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and luxury resorts, and it’s no wonder golf in Barbados has become such a sought-after experience.

What makes this island stand out is the combination of championship golf courses, stunning natural beauty, and resort hospitality that’s every bit as refined as Jamaica or the Dominican Republic. Whether you’re planning to stay at one of the premier Barbados golf resorts or want to mix beach relaxation with a few unforgettable rounds, this island has something for every type of golfer.

The Best Barbados Golf Courses

I’ve had the privilege of teeing it up across Barbados, and what struck me most was how different each course feels. For a small island, the variety is incredible. If you’re wondering how many golf resorts in Barbados exist, the answer is four major facilities with championship-level golf, plus a few smaller and historic courses. Each one delivers a unique challenge and atmosphere, which makes it hard to crown just one as the best Barbados golf course.

It’s the blend of world-class architecture and Caribbean setting that sets Barbados apart. This isn’t just another island getaway with a golf course; this is a destination where golf is central to the experience. If you’re chasing a Barbados famous golf course, you’ll find more than one here.

Apes Hill

My round at Apes Hill was one of the most memorable I’ve had anywhere in the Caribbean. Perched high above the coast, Tom Fazio’s championship design makes full use of elevation changes, forcing you to hit a mix of creative shots. I’ll never forget standing on a cliffside par three, the Atlantic stretching endlessly behind the green. It was as breathtaking as it was intimidating.

The course also feels alive. If you’re playing for the first time, I recommend keeping an extra club handy for uphill approaches and paying attention to the trade winds. Booking is straightforward through the resort, though demand can be high in peak season. My favorite stretch? The back nine, where the routing builds to a dramatic finish overlooking the island.

Sandy Lane

Sandy Lane is synonymous with luxury, and its three courses live up to the reputation. The Green Monkey, carved dramatically into an old limestone quarry by Tom Fazio, is a once-in-a-lifetime round; massive rock walls and elevated greens make it unforgettable. The Country Club course, which I found more forgiving, offers sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. And then there’s the Old Nine, full of character and history.

What I enjoyed most at Sandy Lane was how seamlessly the golf experience ties into the resort. After a round, you’re just steps away from five-star dining, a world-class spa, or even a chance to rub shoulders with celebrity guests. This is the epitome of Barbados golf resorts, where the golf is as indulgent as the accommodations.

Royal Westmoreland

Royal Westmoreland has a special place in my heart, not just for its Robert Trent Jones Jr. pedigree, but for its lush, tropical vibe. The fairways weave through palm-lined corridors, and it’s not unusual to see monkeys watching you take a swing. The course blends challenge with beauty, and while it demands precision off the tee, the real fun is on its tricky greens.

The clubhouse here is as luxurious as they come, with first-class dining and a true country club feel. Access is primarily for members and villa guests, but day play is sometimes possible. If you’re looking for a balance of championship-caliber golf and resort living, Royal Westmoreland is as good as it gets.

Barbados Golf Club

For a more laid-back round, I always recommend Barbados Golf Club. Designed by Ron Kirby, it’s the most accessible course on the island, both in location and in cost. It’s popular with locals, which gives it a friendly, welcoming vibe that you don’t always find at luxury resorts.

I’ve teed it up here with both serious golfers and casual vacation players, and everyone leaves smiling. While it doesn’t have the cliffside drama of Apes Hill or the exclusivity of Sandy Lane, it’s an honest, well-maintained course that delivers value. My tip: Play in the morning before the trade winds pick up, and stick around afterward for a drink with the locals in the clubhouse.

Famous Moments in Barbados Golf History

One of the biggest turning points for golf in Barbados came in 2006, when Sandy Lane’s Country Club hosted the World Golf Championships World Cup. I wasn’t there in person, but I followed it closely. It was the first time an event of that magnitude landed in the Caribbean. With stars like Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh competing, the island suddenly found itself on the global golf map. The buzz it created was enormous, and the legacy lives on in the prestige of Barbados as a golf destination.

Over the years, Barbados has also become known for its celebrity golf culture. I’ve spotted famous players and entertainers enjoying rounds at Sandy Lane, and charity tournaments often bring big names to the island. That blend of championship golf and star power is part of what makes the golf scene here so unique.

The Tropical Golf Experience Unlike Anywhere Else

There’s something magical about playing golf in Barbados that goes beyond scorecards. The ocean breeze keeps you cool as you line up a shot. On some holes, you hear waves crashing in the distance. Tropical vegetation frames the fairways, and wildlife adds unexpected moments.

The trade winds mean you’re constantly adjusting your club selection, which makes every round a learning experience. Morning rounds are calmer, while afternoons tend to be windier and warmer. I also recommend keeping your camera handy; the par threes at Apes Hill and the quarry holes at Sandy Lane are some of the most photogenic I’ve seen anywhere in the Caribbean.

Weather and Best Season for Golf in Barbados

Barbados is truly a year-round golf destination, but some months are better than others. From December to April, the dry season delivers the best playing conditions: lower humidity, less rain, and more predictable trade winds. That’s also peak season, so courses and resorts are busiest.

The rainy season runs from June through November, overlapping with hurricane season, though Barbados rarely takes a direct hit. Showers are usually brief, and courses drain quickly. If you’re budget-conscious, green fees and resort rates are lower during these months.

In terms of tee times, I’ve found early mornings ideal to beat the midday heat and UV index. Sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and plenty of water are non-negotiable.

Transportation and Accommodation

Flying into Bridgetown’s Grantley Adams International Airport is straightforward, with direct flights from major U.S., Canadian, and U.K. cities. From the airport, it’s typically a 30–45 minute drive to the main golf resorts on the west coast. Clubs and baggage handling are seamless. I’ve never had an issue traveling with my sticks.

For transportation, taxis are plentiful, but I prefer renting a car for the freedom to explore multiple courses. Just note: driving is on the left, and some local roads can be narrow and winding.

When it comes to lodging, staying at a golf resort like Sandy Lane or Apes Hill offers convenience and luxury. But if you want more flexibility, there are plenty of hotels and villas near Bridgetown and Holetown that keep you within 20 minutes of most courses.

Beyond the Greens: Activities and Cultural Experiences in Barbados

One of the best parts of golf in Barbados is what you can do off the course. After a morning round, I’ve headed straight to Mullins Beach for a swim or booked a catamaran cruise to snorkel with sea turtles. The water is impossibly clear, and the sunsets are unforgettable.

Dining is another highlight. I still think about the flying fish sandwiches I had at a seaside shack, balanced out by fine dining at The Cliff. The mix of casual local food and high-end restaurants makes every night different.

Culturally, Bridgetown is worth exploring for its history and UNESCO World Heritage charm. At night, live music and rum-fueled energy take over the island’s bars. I’ve also enjoyed visiting historic plantations and museums to better understand the island’s heritage.

Ready to Experience Golf in Barbados Paradise?

Barbados is more than just a tropical escape—it’s one of the Caribbean’s premier golf destinations. With championship courses, luxury resorts, and a year-round climate, it offers something for every golfer, from the bucket-list traveler chasing a Barbados famous golf course to the budget-conscious player looking for an authentic island round.

If you’re dreaming of combining world-class golf with Caribbean paradise, Barbados delivers in every way. And with Premier Golf’s curated Barbados trips, planning the perfect experience is easier than ever.