You might think that the Bahamas is all about swimming and scuba diving, and these are wonderful attractions, but if you’re a golfer, there are challenging courses for you to pursue, too. The winter temperatures only dip “down” to 70F, and the grass is green year-round.

On Grand Bahama Island, you can play two championship courses, including the Lucayan course, which was designed by Dick Wilson, and the Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-designed Reef Course.

The Reef Course has been rated as one of the top three in the entire Caribbean. It has rolling fairways and manicured greens, with large lakes and treacherous bunkers to challenge you. The ocean wind is unpredictable, and will make this course even harder.

The Lucayan Course has fast greens and intense foliage, with cavernous bunkers and sharp, challenging doglegs. There isn’t a tight schedule on this course, so you don’t have to feel rushed – that’s a nice change.

The Ocean Club Resort on Paradise Island Nassau is also home to a pristine golf course. Tom Weiskopf’s 18-hole golf course is not only challenging for many, but the views are phenomenal.

The Radisson Cable Beach Resort features a practice green and a driving range, and a newly-renovated course. With extra attention to the hazards, greens and fairways, you’ll find this course challenging and enjoyable.

The Paradise Island Golf Club features a clubhouse, with a pro shop and a snack bar and restaurant, in case you work up an appetite on their 72-par, 18-hole course.

The Fortune Hills Golf Club on Grand Bahama Island is a semi-private course with 9 holes. You can go without a cart if you’d prefer, on this 36-par course.

The Princess Ruby Golf Course has trade winds blowing through your hair on every hole. The design is challenging, with reshaped bunkers, fairways and greens. The soft white bunkers create a pleasant contrast against the fairways, which are emerald-green.

Photo 1: Flickr.com
Photo 2: Flickr.com