St George's Golf Course is close to the town from which it takes its name, and if ever I could have been given the opportunity to pick my ideal spot for a golf course, the north eastern tip of Bermuda would have been the one I’d have picked. And I think the venerable Robert Trent Jones Senior must have agreed with me for, even though there’s really not room enough for a full-blown layout, he went ahead and managed to do the impossible. The result? Well, St George's Golf Course is one of the most scenic and enjoyable 18 holes of links-style golf I’ve ever come across. Mr. Jones was, without doubt, THE genius of golf course design.
A Quick Tour of the Course
St. George’s Golf Course, windswept and hauntingly beautiful, unlike its sister, Port Royal Golf Course, is located at one of the most remote spots on the island. The wind blows steadily in off the ocean almost all the time, making club choice more of a lottery than a science – on two of the par 3s it could be anything from a 9-iron to a driver – I am not kidding. It’s also one of the shortest courses on the island, playing just 4,043 yards – a mere par-62, but a full 18 holes none-the-less.
The signature hole is the 326 yard, par-4 14th, a radical dog leg that hooks around Coot Pond (not really a pond at all, but a scenic little harbor dotted with private boats and providing a view over the ocean beyond that the word stunning only barely describes). When the prevailing wind is from the north, you may be tempted to launch your ball out over the waters of the Coot and go directly for the green, thus foregoing the fairway and its 90-degree dog leg. If you do, and if you make it, you’ll effectively cut the hole down to a par 3. If you don’t make it, well… And, talking of the greens, they are all small, very small. This course defines the term: target golf.
Fort St. George dominates number 4, a somewhat deceivingly short par 4 of just 305 yards off the back tee that dog-legs to the right. The ominous Fort St. Catherine, which was built to protect Bermuda from the Spaniards in the 17th century, guards the 16th, another breathtakingly scenic hole that, to my mind is just as pleasurable to view as it is to play.
By now you’ll have figured it out that I love this little, wind-swept course at the edge of the world, and you would be right, I do. If you’re going to play golf in Bermuda, you must put St. George’s at the top of your play list. Oh, and don’t forget to take your camera.
St. George’s is a government-run course operated by the Ministry of Tourism and, as its name implies, situated near the historic town of St George which in itself is well worth a visit: don’t forget to check out Sir George Sommers’ pioneering ship The Deliverance, and the town square where you’ll find all sorts of neat things to see and do.
The Costs
18 holes cost $60 with reduced rates after 3 p.m. in summer and 1 p.m. in the winter. Golf carts are mandatory on weekends and public holidays, otherwise pull carts can be rented for $8. Need a tune-up? You can get a quickie, half-hour lesson from St. George’s resident pro’ for just $50.
The Clubhouse
The Clubhouse has a fully stocked Pro Shop and Locker Room. The Restaurant and Lounge offers ocean views over the North Atlantic Shore and the 18th green. Proper golf attire is required at all time, both on the course and in the clubhouse, and soft-spiked golf shoes are mandatory.
Reservations & Tee Times
As with the other government-run courses, Ocean View and Port Royal, reservations can be made through an automated reservation system by calling 441-234 4653.
How to get There:
The closest airport is Bermuda International Airport. The airport is served by most major US airlines, including United, Delta, US Air, American, and Northwest, and by Air Canada and major airlines from Europe and the United Kingdom.
Look for the best airline and car rental deals with these two aggregators, which provide travelers with an up-to-date search tool to compare prices on airfares and car rentals of all ratings:
Making Contact
St George’s Golf Course
1 Park Road
St. George's GE 03
North of and near the Town of St. George. The course is not on bus route, but it is well-served by the local taxi drivers – the fare $15 to $25 depending upon where you’re staying.
Phones: Office 441-297-8067 (fax 441-297-2273); Pro Shop 441-297-8353; Golf Pro 441-297-3660; Tee Times 441-234-4653; Maintenance 441-297-8370; Restaurant/Bar 441-297-1836.
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