Golfing in St Johns Antiguas Expat Paradise
Golfing in St. John's, the picturesque capital city of Antigua and Barbuda, offers expats a unique blend of relaxation, community, and personal growth. With the sun-soaked Caribbean Sea as your backdrop and lush greenery shaping your courses, you'll find yourself immersed in an unforgettable vacation, retirement, or relocation experience. In this in-depth article, we'll explore the top golf clubs in and around St. John's, revealing the amenities, challenges, and benefits that await you.
Course Overview: Antigua's Stunning Greens
Antigua has a total of six golf courses: four on Antigua and two on Barbuda. Here, we'll focus on the three clubs closest to St. John's: Cedar Valley Golf Club, Jolly Harbour Golf Course, and Royal Antigua Golf Club & Beach Resort.
Cedar Valley Golf Club
Set amidst 72 acres of scenic terrain, Cedar Valley introduces golfers to the pleasures of play against a picturesque backdrop. The Par-71 course boasts 18 holes and provides a challenging but rewarding experience for golfers of all levels. Cedar Valley's unique layout includes six par-3s, ten par-4s, and two par-5s, tested by water hazards and strategically placed sand traps. Intriguing features like the narrow, uphill third fairway, the heavily guarded tricky 12th green, and the long-par-3 14th hole make this a must-visit for golfers of all abilities.
Jolly Harbour Golf Course
This Par-71 championship course is situated nestled alongside a beautiful marina and boasts breathtaking views of the ocean. With 18 holes and six par-3s, three par-5s, and nine par-4s, each hole offers its own unique challenge, from the tightly angled fifth fairway to the deceptively simple 18th. Jolly Harbour includes a practice area with putting greens, a chipping green, and a driving range to help hone your skills before stepping onto the course.
Royal Antigua Golf Club & Beach Resort
As a five-star vacation destination, Royal Antigua offers a seamless integration of premier golfing opportunities with luxury accommodations. Designed by legendary golf architect, Nicklaus Design, this Par-72 course demands attention with its elevated tees, undulating fairways, and strategically placed bunkers. The 18 holes include five par-3s, ten par-4s, and three par-5s that challenge and intrigue players. After a day on the green, relax and unwind at the luxurious resort, complete with amenities like a spa, fitness center, five stellar restaurants, and, of course, the stunning beach.
Practice and Perfect Your Swing
Each club includes top-notch practice facilities to help improve your game. Cedar Valley Golf Club has a practice driving range, putting green, chipping green, and a sand trap. Meanwhile, Royal Antigua Golf Club & Beach Resort provides their guests with a three-tiered driving range designed to accommodate all levels, as well as a putting green, chipping area, and full-length pitching/bunker complex. Jolly Harbour's golf academy, run by award-winning coaches and PGA professionals, ensures golfers can learn and grow, tailoring instruction to their individual needs.
Dining: Refuel Before or After Your Round
After a satisfying game of golf, replenish yourself with these clubs' diverse dining options. Cedar Valley Golf Club serves authentic Caribbean cuisine and offers in-house catering for private events. Jolly Harbour's restaurant, The Trythall, provides a full Mediterranean menu where golfers can enjoy the beautiful ambiance of their marina while dining. With multiple options at Royal Antigua Golf Club & Beach Resort, guests can indulge in premium dining experiences, including the Sunset Grille, The Beach Bar & Grill, The Marble Bar, and more.
Community Engagement and Membership
Throughout Antigua, the golf clubs foster a strong sense of community, bringing together members and visitors for friendly competitions, expert instruction, and social events. Membership has its perks, including discounted green fees, exclusive access to members-only tournaments, and limited rounds for accompanying guests. Cedar Valley Golf Club and Jolly Harbour Golf Course offer annual memberships, ranging from $8,500 to $12,500 for single members, while Royal Antigua Golf Club boasts prestigious membership packages starting at $32,000. Each provides valuable opportunities for networking and connection within the expat community.
Conclusion: Tee Off Like a Beloved Local
By discovering the charm and excitement St. John's and Antigua have to offer, expats are ensured an enriching golfing experience. From the unforgettable panoramas that come with each course to the inclusive and engaging communities, these clubs provide the perfect opportunity for expats to tee off like a beloved local. Embrace the allure of this exotic paradise, and let your journey in St. John's begin on the fairways of the world-class golf clubs.