The ocean breeze. Year-round sunshine. Picturesque views.
There's just something different about hitting the links on a golf course in the Caribbean, and if you're looking for a memorable round of golf, there's no island offering such varied options as the Turks and Caicos islands. A round of golf makes for a great afternoon in between hitting the beach, snorkeling, and getting in some much-needed R&R.
Turks and Caicos is home to three unique golf experiences that range from luxury resort-style to par three to putt-putt.
Here's a look at where to book your tee time for your next Turks and Caicos golf excursion:
Turks and Caicos Golf Courses
Provo Golf Club: An Exceptional Caribbean Golf Experience
Provo Golf Club is an award-winning golf resort in Turks and Caicos that has been the host of great Caribbean golf rounds since it opened its doors in 1992. Nestled on Providenciales, this championship course offers four tee sets to cater to golfers of every skill level.
It is regularly ranked among the best courses in the Caribbean by several credible outlets. The only 18-hole course on Turks and Caicos, it's meticulously cared for and open to both residents and non-residents.
While residents have the opportunity to play Provo Golf Club year-round, non-residents often make this course a go-to stop on their vacation.
Enjoy the finest fairways and greens that the Caribbean has to offer in a picturesque setting that includes ocean views, palm trees, lakes, and lots of natural species - including seasonal migrating flamingos.
Phone number: Reservations +1 (877-218-9124); Pro Shop +1 (649-946-5991)
Nuts and Bolts
Architect: Karl Litten
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: Black tees (6,719 yards); Blue tees (6,334 yards); White tees (5,863 yards); Red tees (5,331 yards)
Slope: Black tees (136); Blue tees (133); White tees (128); Red tees (125)
Lesson availability: Private and group lessons, and junior programs are offered.
Operating hours: Pro Shop is open from 6:15-6:30 a.m. to dusk. The first tee time is at 6:45 a.m. and 7 a.m. in the summer.
Dress code: Smart-casual (i.e., tailored shorts, pants, skorts, and collared shirts are recommended)
Facilities
Aside from hosting a great Turks and Caicos golf experience, Provo offers a short-range warmup area, practice green, and practice chipping areas. A first-class Clubhouse and expansive Pro Shop are also located on-site. Golfers can bring their own clubs or golf club rentals are available in the Pro Shop. Finally, grab a bite to eat at the turn or after your round at the Fairways Bar and Grill.
Best for...
Golfers of all ages and all skill levels. With four tees to play from, golfers can select the one that suits their skill level the best. Everyone is welcome.
Waterloo Golf Club: Get in a Quick 9 at this Par 3 Course
Want to get in some Caribbean golf but not to commit to a four-hour, 18-hole round? The nine-hole, par 3 course, Waterloo Golf Club could be just what you're looking for.
Open to the public in 1998 in Grand Turk, this course is open year-round and only costs $25 to play every day - and you can play it as many times as you want in a day. It annually hosts a tournament for its members, The Governor's Open, in honor of Governor John Kelly, who designed and built the course on his property in the mid-90s.
While it might not be as picturesque or well maintained as some of the other golf courses in the Caribbean, it's a great way to get in some golf on your next trip to the islands. In fact, due to a lack of maintenance and damage from storms and hurricanes over the years, much of the terrain is sand or grass, making for some challenging lies.
Plus, all you'll need are your irons and a putter (or you can rent these supplies for $10). Just note that due to the nature of the course, only 36 players can play on it at a time. It's intended for walking only.
Location and Contact Info
Address: Waterloo Road, Grand Turks, TKCA 1ZZ, Turks and Caicos Islands
Website: N/A
Phone number: +1 649-946-2308
Nuts and Bolts
Architect: His Excellency, Governor John Kelly
Holes: 9 (Note: Due to the location of various tee boxes, you can also play the course as an 18-hole, par-55.)
Par: 27
Length: 2,578 yards
Slope: N/A
Lesson availability: N/A
Operating hours: Open year-round
Dress code: N/A
Facilities
There are no associated facilities with Waterloo Golf Club. A clubhouse used to exist on the grounds, but it was damaged in a small fire and then again in Hurricane Ike. The club hopes to restore the clubhouse one day with support from its members. A limited number of clubs are available for rental.
Best for...
Anyone who wants to get in a quick 9 holes. Good for kids and beginners.
Combina Golf Course: A Truly Unique Putt-Putt Experience
Want to skip the links and play a fun round of putt-putt with the family? The Combina Golf Course, located on North Caicos island, could be the right fit for you.
Local musician Lovey Forbes, built the course in 2013, and it is set in a field of vast casuarina trees and played on raked sand. The course even has a nice Caribbean flair, as the holes are marked with conch shells.
It's putt-putt golf, but with a Caribbean twist. Rather than water hazards and sand traps, you're putting on raked sand and through trees. Unlike the normal putt-putt, which often features windmills and other obstacles, you're navigating inspirational signs and island trees.
Holes are as short as 8 feet in length and as long as 75 feet. What's more, it's free to play - if you can find the course and know how to get there. For that, you'll have to contact Lovey Forbes directly, who will provide you with directions and meet you at your "tee time" with a putter, some balls and instructions on how to play his unique course.
Location and Contact Info
Address: You need to contact the owner/designer, Lovey Forbes, for directions
Website: N/A
Phone number: +1 649-242-8802
Nuts and Bolts
Architect: Lovey Forbes
Holes: 18
Par: NA
Length: N/A
Slope: N/A
Lesson availability: Lovey Forbes will meet you at the course with a club and balls and explain how to play this course.
Operating hours: N/A
Dress code: N/A
Facilities
None on the course.
Best for...
Putt-putt enthusiasts who want to experience a truly unique course in the Caribbean. The course is free to play, though owner/designer Lovey Forbes accepts donations to help maintain the course for future players.
