Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Golf Course Rankings & Reviews

Top 7 Public/Semi-Private Courses

• Signature holes, design notes, local terrain adaptations
• What makes each course special to the local culture

1. Caledonia Golf & Country Club (Trinidad)

• Signature Hole: The 18th, a challenging par-4 that features a dramatic approach over a ravine, demanding accuracy and strategic club selection. The undulating terrain and strategically placed bunkers are classic examples of Caribbean course design.
• Design Notes: Designed by Alton Ellis, Caledonia seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape of the north-east coast. It’s known for its lush vegetation, which adds to the visual appeal and presents a unique playing challenge. The course utilizes the natural slopes and elevations of the land, creating varied lies and interesting shot shapes.
• Local Culture Connection: Caledonia is a favourite among local golfers, known for its fair layout and challenging but rewarding play. It’s a popular venue for club competitions and social gatherings, fostering a strong sense of community. The clubhouse often hosts local events and celebrations.
• Green Fee: Approximately TT$250-TT$350 (USD $35-USD $49) per person.
• Terrain Adaptation: The course is built on gently rolling hills, making for a relatively easy walk. However, the elevation changes add a strategic element to the game.

2. Petra Golf Club (Trinidad)

• Signature Hole: The 10th, a par-3 with a tee shot over a water hazard, offering a thrilling visual and strategic challenge.
• Design Notes: Petra is a classic example of a championship-quality course, with challenging pin positions and well-defined fairways. The course incorporates natural features like mature trees and water features to enhance its beauty and difficulty.
• Local Culture Connection: Petra has a long history and is deeply ingrained in Trinidadian golfing tradition. It’s a prestigious club that hosts many national and international tournaments. Playing here is a rite of passage for many local golfers.
• Green Fee: Approximately TT$300-TT$400 (USD $42-USD $57) per person.
• Terrain Adaptation: The course is situated on relatively flat land, but the strategic placement of bunkers and water hazards creates a challenging playing experience.

3. Riverbend Golf Club (Trinidad)

• Signature Hole: The 14th, a par-5 that requires a bold drive and a well-executed approach shot. The hole is flanked by lush vegetation and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
• Design Notes: Riverbend is known for its lush, tropical setting and its challenging layout. The course features several water hazards and strategically placed bunkers, demanding accuracy and strategic thinking.
• Local Culture Connection: Riverbend is a popular choice for both local and international golfers, offering a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a great place to socialize and enjoy a round of golf with friends.
• Green Fee: Approximately TT$200-TT$300 (USD $28-USD $42) per person.
• Terrain Adaptation: The course is built on gently undulating terrain, making for a pleasant walking experience.

4. Normandie Golf Club (Trinidad)

• Signature Hole: The 9th, a short par-4 with a challenging approach shot over a water hazard. The hole is known for its strategic bunkering and demanding green.
• Design Notes: Normandie is one of the oldest golf clubs in Trinidad and Tobago, with a rich history and a classic layout. The course features mature trees and well-maintained fairways, creating a traditional golfing experience.
• Local Culture Connection: Normandie is a historic club with a strong sense of tradition. It’s a popular venue for club competitions and social gatherings, and it’s known for its friendly atmosphere.
• Green Fee: Approximately TT$250-TT$350 (USD $35-USD $49) per person.
• Terrain Adaptation: The course is built on relatively flat land, but the strategic placement of bunkers and water hazards creates a challenging playing experience.

5. Caparo Golf Club (Trinidad)

• Signature Hole: The 18th, a par-4 that offers a challenging finish to the round. The hole features a dogleg left and a well-guarded green.
• Design Notes: Caparo is a well-maintained course with a challenging layout. The course features several water hazards and strategically placed bunkers, demanding accuracy and strategic thinking.
• Local Culture Connection: Caparo is a popular choice for local golfers, offering a challenging but rewarding play. It’s a great place to socialize and enjoy a round of golf with friends.
• Green Fee: Approximately TT$200-TT$300 (USD $28-USD $42) per person.
• Terrain Adaptation: The course is built on gently undulating terrain, making for a pleasant walking experience.

6. Brooklyn Golf Club (Trinidad)

• Signature Hole: The 12th, a par-3 with a tee shot over a water hazard. The hole is known for its scenic views and challenging pin positions.
• Design Notes: Brooklyn is a well-maintained course with a challenging layout. The course features several water hazards and strategically placed bunkers, demanding accuracy and strategic thinking.
• Local Culture Connection: Brooklyn is a popular choice for local golfers, offering a challenging but rewarding play. It’s a great place to socialize and enjoy a round of golf with friends.
• Green Fee: Approximately TT$180-TT$280 (USD $25-USD $39) per person.
• Terrain Adaptation: The course is built on gently undulating terrain, making for a pleasant walking experience.

7. Piarco Golf Club (Trinidad)

• Signature Hole: The 16th, a par-4 that offers a challenging finish to the round. The hole features a dogleg right and a well-guarded green.
• Design Notes: Piarco is a well-maintained course with a challenging layout. The course features several water hazards and strategically placed bunkers, demanding accuracy and strategic thinking.
• Local Culture Connection: Piarco is a popular choice for local golfers, offering a challenging but rewarding play. It’s a great place to socialize and enjoy a round of golf with friends.
• Green Fee: Approximately TT$150-TT$250 (USD $21-USD $35) per person.
• Terrain Adaptation: The course is built on relatively flat land, but the strategic placement of bunkers and water hazards creates a challenging playing experience.

Hidden Gems

1. Santa Rosa Golf Course (Cochrane, Tobago): A nine-hole course offering stunning views of the coastline. It's a more relaxed and affordable option, popular with locals and tourists seeking a scenic round. Green fees are typically around TT$100-TT$150 (USD $14-USD $21).

2. Manzanilla Golf Course (Manzanilla, Tobago): Another nine-hole course on Tobago, known for its lush vegetation and challenging layout. It’s a great option for golfers looking for a more secluded and authentic experience. Green fees are approximately TT$120-TT$180 (USD $17-USD $25).

Premium Options

1. The Royal Heritage Golf Course (Trinidad): A championship 18-hole course located within the Royal Heritage Resort. It boasts stunning ocean views and a challenging layout. Expect green fees to be in the range of TT$600-TT$800 (USD $85-USD $105) per person.

2. Private Golf Clubs (Various Locations): Several exclusive private clubs offer premium golfing experiences. Access is typically by invitation or membership. Green fees and membership costs are significantly higher, reflecting the high level of service and facilities.

Value Champions

1. Brooklyn Golf Club (Trinidad): Offers excellent value for money, with green fees typically ranging from TT$180-TT$280 (USD $25-USD $39) per person.

2. Piarco Golf Club (Trinidad): Another affordable option, with green fees ranging from TT$150-TT$250 (USD $21-USD $35) per person.

International Golfer Essentials

Difficulty & Standards

• Local vs. International Handicap Ratings: Trinidad and Tobago uses the World Handicap System (WHS), which is becoming increasingly adopted internationally. Local handicaps are typically based on a combination of past scores and current playing ability. It's advisable to bring your handicap certificate.
• USGA/R&A Slope Comparisons: Slope ratings are calculated using the WHS and are generally comparable to those used in the US and UK. However, course conditions and terrain can influence the actual difficulty.

Language Considerations

• English Proficiency: English is the official language of Trinidad and Tobago and is widely spoken. You will have no problem communicating with course staff and fellow golfers.
• Key Golf Terms:
• Tee Time: Tee Time
• Fairway: Fairway
• Rough: Rough
• Green: Green
• Pin: Pin
• Birdie: Birdie
• Eagle: Eagle
• Bogey: Bogey
• Communication Tips: A friendly greeting like "Good morning" or "Good afternoon" is always appreciated. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you don't understand something.

Cultural Golf Etiquette

• Local Customs: Pace of play is generally relaxed. It's considered polite to keep up with the group in front of you.
• Dress Codes: Smart casual attire is generally acceptable. Collared shirts and golf shorts or trousers are appropriate. Avoid overly casual clothing like t-shirts and ripped jeans.
• Pace of Play Expectations: While pace of play is relaxed, it's still important to be mindful of other players. Avoid unnecessary delays.
• Tipping Practices: Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for caddies and clubhouse staff. A tip of 10-15% is customary.

Booking Requirements

• Advance Reservations: It's highly recommended to book tee times in advance, especially during peak season.
• Documentation Needs: Passport and visa (if required) are essential.
• Guest Policies: Most courses allow guests, but it's important to check the specific policy with the club.

Seasonal & Climate Intelligence

Monthly Playing Guide

Additional Notes:

• Best Time to Visit: The dry season (January to March and October to December) offers the best playing conditions.
• Hurricane Season: The hurricane season runs from June to November.

This information should provide a comprehensive overview of golfing in Trinidad and Tobago. Enjoy your round!