Golfing

[Tomasulo]

Good day all,

I haven't seen to many posts lately on golf so, I've decided to write a little on my experiences in the past.

It's been quite a while since the last time I visited the website (and Tobago). Some of you might remember me from previous posts . Just to recap, I'm a golf professional in Canada and traveled to Tobago in the winter of 04 and 05. I volunteered for the European Senior Tour event at the Plantations for those two years. What an experience!!!! Since returning, I have convinced my parents to visit the magnificent island. They will be heading down next week once again for another month!!!

Now to the golf..... I've been in touch with a few people lately and it seems that the once, "one of the top courses in the world" Mt. Irvine is on its way back up....... They have hired a new green superintendent from England that has gotten it up to fair conditions. The Plantations have gone through quite a bit of change with their management team leaving last year. They've also unfortunately lost the European Tour Classic Tournament, which is a shame. Hopefully we see it back there in the near future.

I've must have played over 50 rounds at the Plantations and I can honestly say that the course is challenging from the tips. Like every other course, it depends on the tees you play. The wind is definitely a challenge, especially the 3rd hole which played directly to the Atlantic Ocean. I still have vivid memories the first time I arrive to the green. SPECTACULAR!!!! Just a little caution for those who like to keep their gear in pristine conditions....if clubs are left on the grass near the ocean holes, the salt water will eat away or at least least stain your clubs. Make sure to wipe down your sticks after your round. Golf carts are included and definitely recommended as the walk from some of the holes are ridiculously long (starting from the first to the second hole). One of fondest memories of mine is making a pit stop after the 6th hole to the Hilton (in the golf cart) to have a few cold drinks before heading to the 7th. Ah, the good times....

As far as Mt. Irvine goes.... I was able to play a few rounds there. I must say that the layout is one of the best that I've ever played. I can see why the Shell Wonderful World of Golf chose to be there. I believe that the course is more difficult in respect to the elevation changes and raw course layout compared to the Plantations. What out for the huge coconut leaves lying on the ground. The views on some of the holes of the Caribbean Ocean are just breathtaking. It is recommend that you ride in a cart if you're not used to walking. If you do walk, make sure you have lots of water with you. I recommend freezing some water bottles the night before and putting them in the side pouch of your golf bag wrapped in plastic. Trust me...they'll melt in no time when you take them out!!!!

I will be returning for a visit in Feb. I'll make sure to give you report on current course condition of both facilities.

I would love to hear some other thoughts of the courses down there....

I want to wish everyone good health and prosperity in the new year.

This website is an amazing achievement!!!!!!

[Steve Wooler]

Hello Tomasulo

Welcome back! Thanks for that excellent report which I am sure will be appreciated by our golfing readers.

[Tony Ennis]

Hi

We stayed recently at villas on the green which as the name suggests is situated on mt irvine golf club. Took my shoes gloves balls etc but not my clubs after checking that they hire sets. Early on my first day I walked across the course down to the beach and boy was I glad I hadnt brought my clubs on holiday. Admittedly there had been a fair amount of rain previously but my impression was the course needed alot of tlc to bring it up to scratch. The greens were very shaggy and the bunkers needed a good weeding session. My impression of the layout was uninspiring, passed the pro shop and the staff were all very friendly and there was a lot of activity from the groundstaff on the walk back but all in all it was dissapointing to see a course in such poor repair.