29 August 2014
TEE OFF IN THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS
Spectacular views and challenging greens in the US Virgin Islands. By Debra Janin
If you’re looking for something different for a golf vacation, you’ll find some of the most dramatic backdrops in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sun, sand and emerald seas surround several very special golf courses.Combining natural beauty with a cosmopolitan feel, St. Thomas offers stunning panoramas. The harbour at Charlotte Amalie is one of the most visited in the Caribbean. Known for elegant dining, hopping nightlife and world-class duty-free shopping, St. Thomas is also known for yachting and sport fishing.
The championship 18-hole Mahogany Run Golf Course opened for play in 1980. Designed by George & Tom Fazio, this 6,022-yard par-70 course overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and neighboring British Virgin Islands. Nestled between scenic hills and gorgeous shoreline, Mahogany Run is known for the world famous Devil’s Triangle - a challenging three hole stretch – including the par-3 14th hole, which is perched 200 feet above a rocky inlet and offering breathtaking views.
An island known for its laid back picturesque beauty, St. Croix offers a trio of courses to choose from – two 18-hole courses and one nine-hole course. Carambola Golf & Country Club was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and built by Laurence Rockefeller as the centerpiece of a luxury resort complex. Opened in 1966, the designer himself considered it one of his finest courses. This challenging par-72 course winds through a lush tropical valley on the northwest side of the island, and is considered a must-play for golf lovers.
The Buccaneer Golf Course is the ideal resort course - minutes from guest rooms, less than four hour rounds, and playable by golfers of all levels. This par-70 5,668 yard course was designed by Bob Joyce in 1973, and offers spectacular vistas from many of the 18 holes. Considered by many to be the most scenic layout on St. Croix, a trio of holes is played along one of three pristine beaches at the resort.
The Reef Golf Course is 9-hole course on the northeastern par of St. Croix. Set in the valley on Teague Bay, this course offers 3,000 yards of fairways and groomed greens, and water hazards that will challenge all players.
If you’re visiting St. John don’t despair – a 20-minute ferry ride to Red Hook on St. Thomas and a taxi ride will have you on Mahogany Run 15 minutes later.
For more information: www.visitusvi.com
