Golf: Introduction
A detailed guide to playing golf on Tobago
Despite the small size of the island, golfers will be delighted with the courses available on Tobago. Two championship 18-hole courses are currently in play, and a third 9-hole course planned.
The Mount Irvine Bay Hotel & Golf Club course is Tobago's original and most established course and the more forgiving of the two, particularly to the less than expert golfer or "duffers" like me. One couldn't ask for more beautiful surroundings. There are stunning views of the Caribbean Sea from every hole. On the downside, the course is set within gently rolling countryside and can be a total sun trap. It is vital to use a buggy and carry lots of drinking water.
There are several highly memorable holes. Reports suggest that standards have slipped over recent years and that the course would benefit from increased investment and a more rigorous maintenance schedule if it is to stay competitive. The good news is that management changes seems to have brought a new focus on the clubs future and there is evidence of considerably increased course maintenance.
The newer 18-hole Tobago Plantations Golf & Country Club course has all the bells and whistles and will definitely suit the more experienced golfer. A new 9-hole course more suited to the novice golfer is planned. It was due to open by the end of 2003, but as of mid-2008, work has not even started. That's Tobago for you. Although not as established as the Mt. Irvine Bay, the Tobago Plantations course is in superb condition and has made best use of existing trees, foliage and mangroves. Being located on the Atlantic coast, the constant cooling trade winds means that this course can be played at any time of day, but once again players are advised to use a buggy and carry lots of drinking water.
A hidden treasure at the Tobago Plantations course is the wildlife. One knowledgeable resident recently described it to me as "mind-blowing" and reckoned that the Lowlands development could become world renown for its wildlife.
Both courses have hotels on their doorstep (Mt.Irvine Bay Hotel and the VHL 'Hilton' Tobago respectively) and are located only a short driving distance from the capital, Scarborough, and all the major hotel and holiday rental villa areas.
The location of both courses is indicated on the above location map. Full details of both courses, including green fee prices, contact information and links to the Club’s own websites, are available through the tabs at the top and bottom of these pages, or through the following index links. Further information may be available through the Trinidad & Tobago Golf Association website:
- Mount Irvine Bay Golf Course – Tobago's original golf course
- Tobago Plantations Golf & Country Club – Tobago's newest golf course
- A Personal Review – a visitor's opinion of Tobago's golf courses
