Golf International de Saint-François: Caribbean heritage with a unique character

If you want to swing a club in Guadeloupe, there’s one place you simply can’t miss: the Golf International de Saint-François is the island’s only 18-hole course and a true landmark of golf course architecture. The course was designed in 1978 by none other than design legend Robert Trent Jones Sr. Located on the southeastern tip of the island, nestled between a lively marina and a regional airport, the course offers a fascinating blend of Caribbean idyll and athletic challenge.

With a length ranging from 4,835 to 5,938 meters, the par-71 course is not just for long hitters; rather, strategic finesse takes center stage here. True to the master’s philosophy, the principle applies: risk is rewarded, overconfidence is punished. The 71 Bunkers are positioned to lie in wait exactly where the wind—the so-called Alizés (trade winds)—blows the balls off course. They require excellent ball flight control and often influence club selection by up to two Irons.

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A Sense of New Beginnings and the Front Nine

In mid-2026, the course is in a noticeable transitional phase. Following the bankruptcy of the affiliated hotel, maintenance has recently suffered, but the town of Saint-François is now maintaining the facility as a public course. The on-site team is working hard on the restoration; even though the Bunkers and some greens aren’t in top condition yet, this hardly detracts from the enjoyment of the game.

The front nine (par 35) begins with a straight, palm-lined par 5. Hole 4 is particularly striking: this par 4 runs steeply uphill alongside the airport and thus plays significantly longer than the 326 meters would suggest. The par-3 fifth hole, which runs steeply downhill, offers a great contrast immediately afterward. To conclude the front nine, the ninth hole demands smart course management, as the Fairway curves gently to the right around a pond.

Back Nine: Water hazards and a double dogleg

On the back nine, the course becomes noticeably more challenging, as water hazards are present on many holes. A visual highlight is the Par-3 11th hole, where a large pond must be carried.

However, the absolute masterpiece in terms of strategy awaits at the finale on the 18th hole (Par 4). After a precise tee shot, the fairway bends sharply to the left in a double dogleg. The challenging Approach to the slightly offset green leaves no room for error: a Bunker looms on the left, while the terrain on the right drops straight into a pond—pure thrills within sight of the clubhouse.

French-Caribbean Lifestyle

What makes the Golf International de Saint-François so special, aside from its layout, is the typical French-Caribbean way of life. A pleasant, relaxed atmosphere prevails here. Given the tropical temperatures and high humidity, Bermuda shorts are the norm on the Fairway. Fans of the TV series “Death in Paradise” will also recognize the course: This is where the Commissioner once teed off alongside the Inspector—the corresponding filming locations around the Honoré Police Station and Catherine’s Bar can be wonderfully explored in the west of the island, in Deshaies.