Royal St. Kitts Golf Club: Caribbean Golfing Pleasure by the Sea

St. Kitts is known for its lush nature, colonial history, and relaxed island vibe. For golfers, however, there's another reason to visit the small Caribbean island: the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club. This course, part of the Marriott Resort, is a prime example of Caribbean golf, offering an experience that dramatically builds over 18 holes – culminating in one of the region's most spectacular finishes.

The course was designed by Thomas McBroom, an architect primarily known for his outstanding work in Canada. On St. Kitts, he proves that his eye for landscape and strategy works perfectly even among palm trees. The par-71 course offers pleasant flexibility with four tee boxes: From the front tees, it measures a moderate 5,049 yards, while from the back tees, at 6,851 yards, it challenges even seasoned players. Since the course is largely flat but the tropical climate is demanding, most golfers comfortably get around by buggy here.

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Strategic Opening and Thrilling Back Nine

The round begins somewhat cautiously. The first hole, a par-5 measuring up to 536 yards, demands strategy rather than brute force. Those who cleverly place their lay-up on the left side neutralize the angle to the right-offset green, which is treacherously guarded by water and sand.

From the fifth hole, the round noticeably picks up pace, but the true highlight of the course awaits on the back nine. Holes 14 to 17 form a thrilling sequence that elevates the course to an international top level. Here, the wind, which usually blows in from the ocean, plays the main role. On holes 15 and 16, the links-style feel is palpable: Since there are no greenside bunkers here, you can and often must roll the ball low onto the green in strong winds – a wonderful contrast to the "aerial golf" that typically characterizes resort play.

Thrills Until the Last Putt

The 18th hole eventually leads players back to the clubhouse as a challenging par-4 dogleg to the right. Here, plenty of water lurks on the right side. Those who bail too far left out of fear of the watery grave quickly find themselves in an expansive bunker complex.

The approach shot also allows no mistakes: Those who come up short land in a hollow in front of the green; those who aim too far left or behind the green must prove their skill in the sand – with a bunker shot that leads directly towards the water.

Premium Resort Golf with a Links-Style Feel

The Royal St. Kitts Golf Club is a course that truly unfolds its full splendor in its final third. The combination of technical challenge and the indescribable ocean views makes every round unforgettable. After the final putt, a visit to the terrace above the 18th green is highly recommended: With a local rum in hand, you can wonderfully celebrate your score in the golden light of the Caribbean sun.