Let’s start with the most important question: Is there a golf course on St. Barts? Unfortunately, the answer is no.
While you can’t golf on St. Barts, you’re within easy reach of neighboring islands boasting top-notch greens. In other words, a St. Barts golf vacation is very much a possibility. It just requires a little (delightful) island-hopping.
You’ve got a golf course just a 15-minute flight away on Anguilla. Additional golfing options are yours to explore on the twin islands of St. Kitts and Nevis, about a 25 minute flight via private charter plane.
In this guide, we’ll profile these nearby Caribbean golf courses. We’ll also explain just how easy it is to take advantage of them on your St. Barts vacation, especially with WIMCO’s concierge team on your side.
Anguilla Golf Course: Fly To From St. Barts
Anguilla lies just a short distance northwest of St. Barts, up at the northern end of the Leeward Islands. This British Overseas Territory boasts a stellar golf course, designed by Greg Norman: the Aurora International Golf Club.
Aurora International Golf Club: Top-Ranked Greg Norman Course on Anguilla
Course Overview: This 18-hole, par-72 Greg Norman Signature Design International Course, originally constructed in 2006, enjoyed a lavish 2021 renovation. Running 7,165 yards with a slope rating of 134, Aurora International Golf Club was rated the third-best Caribbean golf course in the 2023 USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards.
The scenery along the course is spectacular, not least at the starting hole, serving up views over the ocean and overlooking St. Martin. Other holes edge ravishing Rendezvous Bay and the Anguilla Channel.
The 18th hole ranks among the toughest finishing holes in the Caribbean region. Rolling terrain, water hazards (ponds and lagoons), bunkers, dunes, and trade wind breezes lend challenge to the course.
How Far is it From St. Barts? Anguilla is only about a 15-minute flight from St. Barts via private charter plane.
Course Facilities: Aurora International Golf Club offers caddies, golf carts, and rental clubs. It hosts a well-regarded restaurant, D Richard’s, as well.
Location & Contact Information: Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla A1-2640, British West Indies. Phone: 1-800-210-6444. Web: www.auroraanguilla.com/golf Email: golf@auroraanguilla.com
Nuts & Bolts:
Architect: Greg Norman
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 7,165 yards
Slope: 134
Lessons Available? Yes
Operating Hours: Tue-Sun
Dress Code: Collared shirt, slacks or shorts of appropriate length
St. Kitts & Nevis Golf Courses To Fly To From St. Barts
The sovereign Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis offers 3 excellent golf courses on both of its constituent islands, separated by “The Narrows.”
The Golf Course at Four Seasons Resort: A Top Caribbean Course With Great Scenery (and Monkeys!)
Course Overview: Situated on Nevis, this 18-hole, par-71, 6,766-yard course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II and opened in 1991. In 2015, Caribbean Journal called the course, which has a slope rating of 132, the best in the Eastern Caribbean .
Sightlines from these verdant fairways stretch from Nevis Peak to the Caribbean Sea.
During your play, you might even spot vervet/green monkeys, which is not something every golf course can offer. (These African primates were released in St. Kitts and Nevis long ago.)
Another unique opportunity at the Four Seasons Resort golf course on Nevis? Playing “foot golf,” which employs a soccer ball rather than a golf ball.
How Far is it From St. Barts? St. Kitts & Nevis lies about 36 miles (58 km) from St. Barts, reached by a roughly 25 minute flight via private charter plane.
Course Facilities: The Golf Course at Four Seasons Resort Nevis offers a driving range, putting green, private instructors, weekly golf clinics, and a pro shop. Golf carts, pull-carts, and clubs are available, but not caddies.
Location & Contact Information: Pinney’s Beach, Charlestown, St. Kitts & Nevis. Phone: 1-869-469-1111. Web: www.fourseasons.com/nevis/golf
Nuts & Bolts:
Architect: Robert Trent Jones II
Holes: 18
Par: 71
Length: 6,766 yards
Slope: 132
Lessons Available? Yes
Operating Hours: Open daily
Dress Code: –
Royal St. Kitts Golf Course: Gorgeous Oceanfront 18-Hole Course
Course Overview: This 18-hole, par-72 golf course occupies more than 100 seaside acres on the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. Originally opened in 1976, it was redesigned by Thomas McBroom in 2004. It has a length of 6,851 yards and a slope rating of 130.
The Royal St. Kitts Golf Course includes 10 water hazards and 80-plus bunkers. The views stretching out to the Caribbean skyline are magnificent.
How Far is it From St. Barts? About 36 miles (58 km); 25 minute flight via private charter plane.
Course Facilities: The course includes a driving range, putting green, a clubhouse, and the Royal Golf Academy. You can rent golf carts, pull-carts, and clubs here. There are no caddies available.
Course Overview: This charming little public golf course lies amid the gardenscape of Cat Ghaut in the New Castle area of northern Nevis. It’s a 12-hole, par-3, pitch-and-putt course installed in the mid-1980s by Cat Ghaut owners Roger and Peggy Staiger.
The views up the mountainside and out to the sea are stunning, and the walking trails are worth a stroll.
How Far is it From St. Barts? About 36 miles (58 km); 25 minute flight via private charter plane.
Course Facilities: This pitch-and-putt golf course includes a practice hole and putting green. You can rent golf clubs here.
It might be worth mentioning that Saint Martin, only about 15 miles (24 km) northwest of St. Barts, also has a golf course. This is the 18-hole Mullet Bay Golf Course on the Dutch side of the island (St. Maarten).
Unfortunately, though, this Joseph Lee-designed course hasn’t been maintained well and is in rough shape. Therefore, we can’t recommend Mullet Bay to St. Barts travelers keen on golfing — but if you visit St. Martin, you might want to check it out.
Why There Are No Golf Courses On St Barts?
Stringent regulations keep St. Barts free of the heavy commercialization and over-development found on many Caribbean islands. Those laws — coupled with the rugged mountainous terrain and the small size of the island — explain why there isn’t a course here.
Let WIMCO Make The Arrangements For Your Golf Trip From St. Barts
Although it is technically not possible to golf in St. Barts, you can definitely drip in on some greens during your getaway here. Hopping over to one of the neighboring Caribbean islands for this purpose makes for a fun (and scenic) day trip!
From booking your flight to setting up tee times on one of the Anguilla, St. Kitts, or Nevis golf courses, let WIMCO’s concierge team handle all of the logistics for all their guests! Simply get in touch with one of our friendly specialists.
