Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, is a popular destination for golfers looking to enjoy some amazing Caribbean sunshine and stunning views on the greens. With its beautiful tropical climate and lush landscapes, Nassau is home to a variety of high quality championship courses that are sure to please both beginners and experienced players alike. Here we’ve compiled a list of our picks for the 10 best golf courses in Nassau, The Bahamas.
Royal Blue Golf Club
The Royal Blue Golf Club located on New Providence Island in The Bahamas is a must-play for all golfing enthusiasts. The stunning course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, offers a unique experience that is unparalleled. Golfers can enjoy the picturesque fairways, lots of bunkers, and rolling sand dunes that challenge even the most experienced players.
The front nine of the course boasts dramatic views with undulating fairways and rolling white sand dunes, while the back-nine takes players to limestone “moonscapes” and elevated changes. Keep in mind that the course, with a par of 72 and a length of 7153 yards, is kept in pristine condition, and green fees are cut in half after noon. Be sure to take in the tropical fauna and standout rock formations that serve as an idyllic backdrop for a rousing game of golf.
Address: 3J73+Q3 Nassau Nassau N.P, Bahamas
Albany Golf Course
New Providence Island in The Bahamas is a paradise for golfers, and the Albany Golf course is a standout among its many courses. Designed by Ernie Els, this challenging Par 72, 7,400-yard course boasts stunning water features and desert dunes that test even the most skilled golfers. With a 400-yard driving range and other top-notch practice facilities, players can hone their skills before taking on the 18-hole championship course.
Every year, the Hero World Challenge brings the world’s best professional golfers to Albany for a fierce competition. The course’s feature holes, including the par three 2nd and the short par four 14th, offer unique challenges that even Els himself enjoys. The par three 17th will take your breath away with a lake wrapping around the green and challenging even the most confident tee shots. If you’re looking for a premier golf experience, Albany Golf course on New Providence Island is the perfect destination.
Address: 2F8V+2P9, Ernie’s Way, Nassau, The Bahamas
Paradise Island Golf Club
Set on the stunning Paradise Island, just a short drive from Nassau, the Paradise Island Golf Club offers an unforgettable 18-hole, 7,100-yard golf course experience. Designed by the legendary Tom Weiskopf, this par 72 championship course boasts not only challenging wetlands and lagoons but also breathtaking views of the ocean. With exclusive access to holes that run along the shore, Paradise Island Golf Club is the perfect destination for golfers of all experience levels seeking an exciting and unique round of golf. Furthermore, thanks to its excellent upkeep, the course remains a favorite among tourists, making it a popular destination.
Address: 3MJW+54V, Nassau, The Bahamas
The Abaco Club On Winding Bay
If you’re looking for great golfing in The Bahamas, then the Great Abaco Island is definitely one of the best places to go. And if you’re up for a bit of a journey, The Abaco Club on Winding Bay is a course that is definitely worth the trip. While it takes nearly two hours to get from Nassau to Abaco, golfers are rewarded with stunning views and a beautiful golf course.
Designed by Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie, this Par 72, 7183-yard course sits adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean and offers a true links-style golf experience with nods to Scottish-style design. The lush fauna adds tropical elements to the course, and golfers can also expect a practice area for short games and the availability of private lessons. While The Abaco Club is generally a private club, the opportunity for one-time sessions makes it accessible to non-members.
Address: Cherokee, Great Abaco, Bahamas
Grand Lucayan Reef Course
Grand Bahama is a popular destination for travelers seeking a tropical paradise not too far from Nassau. Among its alluring features, the Freeport suburb of Lucaya stands out as a must-see attraction.
The Grand Lucayan Golf Resort is an expansive property that spans over 382 acres, boasting two 18-hole courses that have hosted numerous Caribbean championships over the years. The Dick Wilson-designed Lucayan course, originally established in 1962, is currently closed after showcasing its heavily wooded landscape to golf enthusiasts for decades.
Meanwhile, the Robert Trent Jones Jnr layout of The Reef extends along the Yacht Club, featuring wide and forgiving fairways alongside only 57 bunkers in total. The course showcases meticulously maintained water hazards, influencing 13 of its holes significantly. At the 4th, 14th, and 17th holes, golfers will negotiate challenging short holes that require careful navigation around the water’s edge. Similarly, the 2nd, 13th, and 18th hole’s long par fives are also flanked by water, adding an extra layer of complexity to the game. If you find yourself in Grand Bahama, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Lucaya and its world-class golf courses.
Address: 1 Sea Horse Lane, Freeport, The Bahamas
Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course
Sandals Emerald Bay is home to one of the most beautiful and scenic ocean-side golf courses in the Caribbean. This award-winning course has been designed by Greg Norman and recognized for its preservation of the surrounding landscape’s natural beauty and barriers.
As the longest course in the Caribbean, golfers are treated to a spectacular 18-hole, par 72 championship course that boasts six signature holes that hug the shoreline. With prevailing trade winds and exceptional views of the ocean, this golf course promises a new and exciting experience with each game. Mangroves, dunes, and rock outcroppings further add to the course’s charm and make it one of the best in the Caribbean, as recognized by Travel + Leisure Golf.
Address: Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club, Queen’s Highway, Great Exuma, The Bahamas
Treasure Cay Golf Course
The Treasure Cay Beach, Marina & Golf Resort is a top-ranked golf course designed by Dick Wilson, boasting the honor of being voted ‘the number one golf course in The Bahamas’ by Golf Digest in the past. The par 72 course spans over an impressive 6985 yards and is located less than 200 miles east of Florida on Abaco island. With its tight fairways and tricky terrain, this course requires precision and skill from its players, especially on the challenging back nine.
Despite its difficulty, the course is renowned for its relaxing and tranquil atmosphere, featuring scenic tropical vegetation and breath-taking views. Golfers will face a formidable challenge from the strategically-placed bunkers along the course. With the tropical environment and the award-winning, 3-plus-mile beach and Seaside Coco Bar at Treasure Cay just a short walk from the 18th hole, golfers are in for a treat.
Address: Bootle Highway Treasure Cay, Bahamas
Baker’s Bay Golf Club
The Baker’s Bay Golf Club is the pinnacle of golfing in the Caribbean. Located on the stunning Great Guana Cay, this Par 72 championship course stands out as one of Tom Fazio’s finest works. With over 200 courses under his belt, Fazio certainly crafted something special with this one. From the back tees, the course measures an imposing 7,327 yards and offers panoramic views of the ocean from over half of its holes.
The Baker’s Bay golfing experience caters to varying skill levels, providing golfers with a challenging yet rewarding experience. The private resort community hosts this highly acclaimed course, meaning members and their guests can revel in its unparalleled beauty. With a music-infused practice facility, two on-course bars, and comfort stations dotted around the course, there is no better place to golf in the Caribbean.
Address: Unnamed Rd, Bahamas
Lyford Cay Golf Club
Lyford Cay in New Providence Island is home to a one-of-a-kind golfing experience that captures the essence of paradise. The private golf club, designed by Dick Wilson, offers breathtaking ocean views and picturesque tropical fauna, including royal palm trees. With its exclusive gated community, the experience of playing golf on this course is beyond compare.
The course, which plays to about 7,007 yards, underwent updates in 2006 by Bryce Swanson and Rees Jones. The restoration of Wilson’s design returned guarded hole locations, while Jones added distance to counter the strengths of modern technology. Members and their guests can enjoy this golfing oasis in privacy, making Lyford Cay an unparalleled destination for those who appreciate a luxurious golf experience.
Address: 2FH7+383, Lyford Cay Dr, Nassau, Bahamas
Fortune Hills Golf & Country Club
Nestled in the Northeast of Freeport, the Fortune Hills Golf & Country Club is a picturesque golf course designed by Joe Lee and Dick Wilson. Although originally intended to be an 18-hole course, it now operates as a 9-hole course. Despite its size, the diverse tee settings allow players to play to championship levels when played twice.
The course offers not only stunning greenery and welcoming greens but also poses stern challenges on the No. 3 hole, where water will be your nemesis. This course is challenging and fair, with a 125 slope rating and a total yardage 3,458. The management prides itself on the quality of its greens and fairways, constantly working to keep them in top condition. Whether you are a beginner or a novice player, the Fortune Hills Golf & Country Club offers something for every player looking for an enjoyable golf experience.
Address: H93F+47H, Freeport, Bahamas
Conclusion
The Bahamas is a golfer’s paradise with an array of golf courses for players to enjoy. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy going course, or a professional looking for something challenging, there is something for all levels in this beautiful Caribbean destination. With stunning views and exclusive access to some of the best holes on the island, these magnificent courses promise an unforgettable golfing experience. From the Royal Blue golf course and the Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course to the Fortune Hills Golf & Country Club, you’re sure to have a great time on any of these courses. So come take part in this luxury sport and explore some of the best golf courses in The Bahamas!
