Apes Hill Barbados a ‘Caribbean Masterpiece’

Enjoy a new ‘Caribbean Masterpiece’ at APES HILL BARBADOS

If you were to choose one location on this earth to play golf, where would it be?

Perhaps you would head to the sacred golfing land of Scotland with a visit to the Home of Golf and St Andrews. Maybe your preference is Portugal and the many great courses on the Algarve. Or what about the famous Melbourne Sandbelt with its plethora of distinguished layouts.

But... would you ever consider Barbados?

When you think of Barbados and the Caribbean as a holiday destination, your thoughts may not immediately turn to golf. But with over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and a steady breeze ensuring the island is not unbearably hot all the time, it is a great venue for golf whatever the season.

Leading the way on the island, one resort which is starting a new chapter while looking to become not only the best golfing venue in Barbados, but also the Caribbean, is the newly redesigned Apes Hill Barbados.

The 18-hole championship setting, hailed as a ‘Caribbean Masterpiece’, has been turning heads since renowned designer Ron Kirby, whose impressive portfolio of work includes one of Ireland’s most spectacular courses at Old Head Golf Links, first started work in 2019 following heavy investment from Canadian owner Glenn J. Chamandy.

Towering 1,000ft above sea level with awe-inspiring views over the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, the par-72 layout is set amongst breathtaking topography and plays over 7,000 yards off the back tees. However, four teeing options make it playable for all standards with the shortest tees at just 5033 yards.

Apes Hill has received rave reviews from those fortunate enough to have played it in the short time since it reopened to members and their guests. The course weaves across deep indigenous gullies – some of which are available as walking trails and are abundant in tropical flora and fauna,

with coral cave formations accentuating the uniqueness of the area.

The design has integrated the surrounding gully system in such a creative way as to dramatically enhance the golfing experience, using the undulating terrain to add beauty and an element of complexity to the fairways.

After a gentle opening designed to ease players into their rounds, Apes Hill begins to bare its teeth with some high-drama tee shots adding to the challenge and a stunning run of holes on the inward nine with jaw-dropping views. Notably, the run from 12 to 15 – arguably the most impressive stretch of holes on the course – tees up an enticing finish as you reach the layout’s signature ‘Cave Hole’ at 16.

A par three spanning over 200 yards from the championship tee box, the Atlantic Ocean is visible behind you while the Caribbean Sea lies in front. With palm trees, coral rocks and water to counter as you navigate a safe path to the green, the hole feels truly Barbadian.

Kirby’s renovation has also been beautifully conceptualised around nature preservation and sustainability. Great care has been taken to incorporate environmentally friendly and responsible grasses, systems and equipment.

Fairways have been re-laid with drought-tolerant turf Zorro Zoysia and the greens with Bermuda grass, TifEagle. The construction of a reservoir that can hold up to 58 million gallons of rainwater will help fully irrigate the resort, while hundreds of trees, fruits and vegetables have been planted around the property, facilitating a specially crafted ‘farm to fork’ initiative.

The venue is also in the process of adding a number of facilities that will enhance the visitor experience. A par-three layout – with holes ranging from 95 to 150 yards – will be perfect for both those looking to sharpen up their short games and families who do not want to take on the full 18 holes. An island-style 19th hole will bring another element of fun, while a state-of-the-art Performance Centre is being hailed as one of the best in the world, with a modern and contemporary clubhouse set to complement the rugged beauty of its natural surroundings.

Nature reigns supreme across 475 acres made up of undulating gullies and tropical vegetation in a community for golf lovers and those seeking an exceptional lifestyle in an inspiring setting. Recreational facilities include nature hiking trails, fishing, fitness courts and a health club.

The resort is an ultra-experiential community where a thriving development project is underway with a phased re-opening throughout 2023/2024. A range of luxury realestate options will be available with pricing to be announced in the new year. Additionally, golf vacation properties allowing guests to stay and play are in development, with pricing to be announced in early 2023.

E: info@apeshill.com T: +1 246 538-0590 Apes Hill, Saint James, Barbados

Burnham Beeches is a well-wooded traditional parkland course located in the Thames Valley, providing one of the best tests of golf within easy reach of central London. Bar and catering facilities are available for everyone, whether you’re on a society corporate day or just a friendly fourball with friends. The club has a well stocked professional shop with buggies, electric and pull trollies plus club hire. All in all, you won’t be disappointed! You’ll really enjoy the WOW factor of BBGC and we look forward to hosting you.

Burnham Beeches Golf Club, Green Lane, Burnham, Bucks SL1 8EG Tel. 01628 661 448 Web: www.bbgc.co.uk

1993-2023

Lanhydrock Hotel & Golf club

Celebrating 30 years of golf! We’re excited to welcome new and returning guests to our golf club in the heart of the beautiful Cornish countryside. Give us a call and book direct to secure your relaxing golf getaway for 2023!

golf@lanhydrockhotel.com 01208 262570 www.lanhydrockhotel.com Lanhydrock Hotel & Golf Club, Lostwithiel Road, Bodmin, Cornwall PL30 5AQ

GOLF SERVICES ASSISTANT

QUEENWOOD GOLF CLUB REQUIRE A NEW TEAM MEMBER TO ASSIST OUR GOLF SERVICES DEPARTMENT. The position will ideally suit a passionate golfer who enjoys customer service. You will be responsible for all aspects of the daily golf operation, including management of the golf services team and caddie programme. Experience using Word, Excel and Jonas Club software would be beneficial but not essential as full training will be given. The role will be 30-40 hours per week including some weekend work and is available from mid-January 2023.

Please apply to: Steven Done at bernie@queenwood.co.uk or in writing to: Steven Done, Queenwood GC, Stonehill Road, Ottershaw, Surrey KT16 0AQ Applicants must hold a clean driving licence.