Would you believe that Bermuda has more golf courses than it does fast food restaurants? That’s what they claim. And, to tell the truth, it’s something I had never really thought about but, you know, I think it might well be true. There are almost no fast food restaurants on Bermuda that I can think of, and that includes the City of Hamilton. If it is true, then that fact alone makes Bermuda a very extraordinary destination – golf or not. What is true is that Bermuda, with 9 golf courses, has the highest concentration of golfing opportunities per square mile in the world.
Bermuda’s golf courses seem to have distinct personalities all their own. Many of them are in remote locations where an unpredictable wind blows constantly in off the Atlantic ocean making even the seemingly simplest club selection nothing less than an adventure.
The Courses:
Tiny, elevated greens are often guarded by sand traps placed with glee by architects such as Robert Trent Jones to punish even the slightest wayward shot. Greens and tees provide spectacular views of the ocean, rocky shorelines, cliff tops and pristine pink, sandy beaches. Irrigation on these often spectacular courses is limited, which means that the greens and fairways are always firmer and faster than those found elsewhere around the world. Finally, as well you may imagine, water (the ocean) plays a huge part in the layout of almost all of Bermuda’s golf courses. Windswept cliff tops, steep ocean drop-offs, and breathtaking views are the highlights of play everywhere.
Getting Around Bermuda
Knowing where to go to play golf in Bermuda is one thing, knowing how to get there is another. Unfortunately, renting a car is not an option, but there are other ways to travel the highways and byways of Bermuda. Here are a couple of options:
Where to Play Golf in Bermuda:
My own preferences will plainly be seen as you read my reviews. Of all the courses on the Island of Bermuda, I think my favorite is the tiny, par 62 St. George’s Golf Course, an absolute work of genius by Robert Trent Jones Senior. Port Royal is a close second choice for me, but the other public courses on the island leave little to be desired and my advice is to play all five, if you can; an invitation to one of the three private clubs would a real bonus.
- Port Royal Golf Course
- St George’s Golf Course
- Ocean View Golf Course
- Belmont Hills Golf Club
- Fairmont Southampton Golf Club
Dress Code:
Strict dress codes are enforced at all clubs. Shirts must have collars and sleeveless varieties are prohibited. Shorts must be Bermuda length (to the knee) and jeans and cut-offs are absolutely not allowed.
Reservations:
Reservations at the 3 government-run courses - Ocean View, Port Royal and St George’s - can be made by calling the central reservation system at 441-234 4653. Tee times at the other courses can be made through hotels or by contacting the course directly.
Three of the courses are private clubs - Mid Ocean, Riddell’s Bay and Tucker’s Point – so you’ll need either an introduction by a member or a stay at one of the many hotels that have corporate memberships and are able to introduce a limited number of their guests. Many of the cruise ships visiting Bermuda offer a round of golf as part of their shore excursion program.
Best Time to Play:
November to March is the best time for a golf vacation in Bermuda. Not only are hotel rates considerably cheaper, but tee times are easier to obtain and the weather is cooler. I’m not sure if they still do, but there once was a time when Bermuda guaranteed temperatures of no less than 65 degrees during those months.
Where to Stay in Bermuda:
There’s absolutely no problem finding a great place to stay in Bermuda. If anything, the opposite is true: you’ll be spoiled for choice. Listed below are a few of the hotels I can personally recommend.
- Elbow Beach Hotel & Resort
- Grotto Bay Resort
- Fairmont Hamilton Princess
- Fairmont Southampton Princess
- The Pompano Beach Club
- Cambridge Beaches Resort
Where to Dine in Bermuda:
Dining in Bermuda can be as formal or as fancy-free as you like and you can choose a different dining style every day of the week. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Ristorante Premavera
- The Harbourfront
- The Newport Room Restaurant
- The Waterlot Inn Restaurant
- Rosa's Cantina
- The Hog Penny Pub
- The Freeport Seafood Restauant
Things to do in Bermuda:
- Fun With Dolphins
- Fishing
- Diving & Snorkeling
- Horseback Riding
- Hiking
