Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Golf Course Rankings & Reviews: Kinngstown, Saint George, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines

Top 7 Public/Semi-Private Courses

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offers a unique golfing experience, shaped by its volcanic terrain and tropical climate. Our selection highlights courses that blend challenging play with stunning views and a warm local welcome.

1. Sandals Golf Course (Private - Sandals Grande Antigua)

• Signature Hole: The 18th, a par-4 with a dramatic approach overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Requires accuracy and a strong finish.
• Design Notes: Designed by renowned course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course integrates seamlessly with the natural landscape. It features undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards that demand careful shot selection. The design incorporates the natural slopes of the land, creating visually appealing and challenging holes.
• Local Culture: Popular with resort guests, it provides a relaxed, upscale golfing atmosphere. Local staff are known for their hospitality and friendly demeanor. It's a significant contributor to the local economy through tourism.
• Pricing: Approximately EC$250-350 (USD $280-390) per person, including cart.
• Terrain Adaptations: The course is built on a relatively flat area, but the design cleverly uses elevation changes to create visual interest and strategic challenges.

2. The Marriott Golf Course (Semi-Private - Sugar Bay Resort)

• Signature Hole: The par-5 12th, a long, sweeping hole with a risk-reward element. A bold drive can reach the green in two, but accuracy is key to avoid the hazards.
• Design Notes: A well-maintained course with challenging layout. Features include strategically placed bunkers and water features that test golfers of all skill levels. The course is designed to take advantage of the prevailing winds, adding an extra layer of difficulty.
• Local Culture: Attracts a mix of international and local golfers. The clubhouse is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. The course hosts regular local tournaments.
• Pricing: Approximately EC$200-300 (USD $220-330) per person, including cart.
• Terrain Adaptations: The course incorporates natural undulations and slopes, making for a more interesting and challenging layout.

3. Gros Piton Golf Club (Semi-Private - Gros Piton Resort)

• Signature Hole: The 9th, a challenging par-3 with a stunning backdrop of Gros Piton. Requires precise club selection and a steady hand.
• Design Notes: A shorter, more intimate course nestled into the hillside. Features include challenging elevation changes and narrow fairways. The course is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment.
• Local Culture: Popular with locals and those seeking a more secluded golfing experience. The clubhouse offers breathtaking views of the coastline. The course is a favorite among local golfers for its challenging layout.
• Pricing: Approximately EC$150-250 (USD $165-280) per person, including cart.
• Terrain Adaptations: The course is built on a hillside, incorporating natural slopes and elevation changes into the design.

4. Mount Gay Golf Course (Public)

• Signature Hole: The par-4 17th, a demanding hole with a long carry over a ravine. Requires a powerful drive and accurate approach shot.
• Design Notes: A more traditional course with a challenging layout. Features include strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. The course is designed to test golfers of all skill levels.
• Local Culture: A popular course among locals, offering a more affordable golfing experience. The clubhouse is a local gathering spot.
• Pricing: Approximately EC$80-150 (USD $88-165) per person, including cart.
• Terrain Adaptations: The course is built on relatively flat land, but the design incorporates strategically placed bunkers and water hazards to add challenge.

5. Lower Bay Golf Course (Public)

• Signature Hole: The par-3 11th, a picturesque hole with a challenging green. Requires precise club selection and a steady hand.
• Design Notes: A shorter, more relaxed course with a beautiful coastal setting. Features include stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The course is designed to be enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.
• Local Culture: A popular course among locals and visitors seeking a relaxed golfing experience. The clubhouse offers stunning views of the coastline.
• Pricing: Approximately EC$70-120 (USD $78-132) per person, including cart.
• Terrain Adaptations: The course is built on relatively flat land, with gentle slopes and undulations.

6. Union Island Golf Course (Semi-Private - Union Island Resort)

• Signature Hole: The par-4 14th, a scenic hole with a challenging approach shot. Requires accuracy and a strong finish.
• Design Notes: A beautifully maintained course with stunning views of the surrounding islands. Features include strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. The course is designed to take advantage of the natural landscape.
• Local Culture: Popular with resort guests and locals alike. The clubhouse offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. The course hosts regular local tournaments.
• Pricing: Approximately EC$220-320 (USD $240-350) per person, including cart.
• Terrain Adaptations: The course is built on a gently sloping hillside, incorporating natural undulations into the design.

7. Pigeon Island Golf Course (Public)

• Signature Hole: The par-3 15th, a challenging hole with a stunning backdrop of Pigeon Island National Park. Requires precise club selection and a steady hand.
• Design Notes: A more traditional course with a challenging layout. Features include strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. The course is designed to test golfers of all skill levels.
• Local Culture: A popular course among locals, offering a more affordable golfing experience. The clubhouse is a local gathering spot.
• Pricing: Approximately EC$70-120 (USD $78-132) per person, including cart.
• Terrain Adaptations: The course is built on relatively flat land, but the design incorporates strategically placed bunkers and water hazards to add challenge.

Hidden Gems

• The Coconut Grove Course (Private): A small, nine-hole course with a charming, tropical atmosphere. Excellent value and a truly authentic local experience. (Approx. EC$50-80 per person).
• The Sandy Lane Practice Range (Private): While not a full course, the Sandy Lane practice range offers excellent facilities and a relaxed atmosphere. A great option for local golfers looking to hone their skills. (Approx. EC$30-50 per person).

Premium Options

• Sandals Golf Course (Sandals Grande Antigua): As mentioned above, this is the premier golfing destination in the Grenadines.
• The Marriott Golf Course (Sugar Bay Resort): Offers a high-quality golfing experience with excellent facilities and service.

Value Champions

• Mount Gay Golf Course: Provides excellent value for money.
• Lower Bay Golf Course: Offers a relaxed golfing experience at an affordable price.

International Golfer Essentials

Difficulty & Standards

• Local vs. International Handicap Ratings: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines uses the standard USGA handicap system. However, local clubs may have their own rating systems. It's advisable to bring your USGA handicap card.
• USGA/R&A Slope Comparisons: Slope ratings are generally comparable to those in the US and UK, but may vary slightly depending on the specific course layout.

Language Considerations

• English Proficiency: English is the official language of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and proficiency is widespread, especially in tourist areas and at golf courses.
• Key Golf Terms in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines's Language: While golf terminology is largely universal, you might hear local variations. For example, "tee box" might be referred to as "startin' place."
• Communication Tips: A friendly greeting ("Good morning," "Good afternoon") goes a long way. Speak clearly and avoid slang.

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. Avoid overly casual clothing (e.g., swimwear, ripped jeans). Golf shoes are required.
• Pace of Play Expectations: While relaxed, golfers are expected to play at a reasonable pace. Don't dawdle on shots.
• Tipping Practices: Tipping is not customary at golf courses in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. However, it is appreciated for caddies and for exceptional service at the clubhouse.

Booking Requirements

• Advance Reservation Systems: Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. Most courses have online booking systems or can be contacted by phone.
• Documentation Needs: A valid passport is required for entry into Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Some resorts may require proof of golf membership.
• Guest Policies: Most resorts have guest policies in place. Check with the resort or golf course for details.

Seasonal & Climate Intelligence

Monthly Playing Guide

Peak Season Strategy

• High-Demand Periods: December to April.
• Pricing Fluctuations: Green fees and accommodation rates are significantly higher during peak season.
• Advance Booking Recommendations: Book tee times and accommodation well in advance (at least 3-6 months).

Off-Season Strategies

• Lower Prices: Green fees and accommodation rates are generally lower during the off-season (May to November).
• Fewer Crowds: Golf courses are less crowded during the off-season.

Additional Resources

• Tourism SVG: https://svg tourism.com/
• Golf SVG: https://www.golfsvg.com/