I am looking at the possiblity of vacationing in Tobago in February and am an avid golfer. Since there are two courses there, I have a few questions that maybe someone can answer.
I normally would prefer to walk a golf course, as I carry my golf clubs. Is this going to be a problem at the Mt. Irvine course?
Do they restrict walkers to certain times of the day? Apparently this speeds up play if you can race your cart between green and tee.
Is it necessary to take a caddie? I have no problem supporting the local economy, and would like one for the first day, to show me the layout of the course, however after that, my objective is to spend some quiet, quality time with my husband, and so would prefer to spend the time golfing alone. On some Caribbean islands, caddies must accompany you for every round. Is this the case at Mt. Irvine.
Is it better to book my rounds of golf over the internet prior to my arrival, or wait until I get there?
Is there a difficulty in getting t-times if I book a weekly golf package?
Anyone who has golfed this course? Comments?
I will be staying at the Ocean Point hotel, so will need transportation to the course, any recommendations on a vehicle rental? Since we have carry clubs, they are not as bulky as regular bags, but still require a certain amount of space.
Looking forward to any suggestions
Lynn
By the way, this is the most extensive and informative site I have ever seen. I am extremely happy that I found it
Want to golf in Tobago in February
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Steve Wooler
- myTobago Editor & Chief Anorak
- Posts: 4856
- Joined: Sun Apr 21, 2002 11:00 pm
- Location: Suffolk, England
- Contact:
Hello Lynn
Welcome aboard!
Never having played either tobago course, I can't answer most of your questions, but hopefully somebody else can. However, I would suggest emailing the golf course who can obviously answer most of these questions better.
I only have two observations. Firstly, carrying clubs in the heat of Tobago is not something that anyone would normally undertake. Even when using a cart, you need to carry a lot of drinking water to cover needs on a full 18 holes. My second question is why stay at the Ocean Point if you only want to play the Mt.Irvine. Although only a 15-minute journey by car, it is going to involve you in a lot of extra expense and hanging around waiting for your car. You could actually walk (10-15 minutes) to the Tobago Plantations Club House from the Ocean Point and of the two courses, the TP course is the cooler, as it benefits from the Atlantic breezes, so the more suitable for walking (if they allow it).
Hope these comments help.
Welcome aboard!
Never having played either tobago course, I can't answer most of your questions, but hopefully somebody else can. However, I would suggest emailing the golf course who can obviously answer most of these questions better.
I only have two observations. Firstly, carrying clubs in the heat of Tobago is not something that anyone would normally undertake. Even when using a cart, you need to carry a lot of drinking water to cover needs on a full 18 holes. My second question is why stay at the Ocean Point if you only want to play the Mt.Irvine. Although only a 15-minute journey by car, it is going to involve you in a lot of extra expense and hanging around waiting for your car. You could actually walk (10-15 minutes) to the Tobago Plantations Club House from the Ocean Point and of the two courses, the TP course is the cooler, as it benefits from the Atlantic breezes, so the more suitable for walking (if they allow it).
Hope these comments help.
Steve Wooler
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
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Lynn Lockman
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the prompt reply.
I have not booked this trip yet. I live in Ottawa, and unfortunately, getting flights to most Caribbean destinations is almost impossible. Most trips are for 7 days or 14 days and leave on a Monday. This is just all bad for a lot of reasons.
I have considered flight and hotel seperately, however this will almost triple the cost of my vacation.
The trip I am considering, uses Go Travel Direct and is for 9 days. Unusual, but effective. I only have a choice of 4 hotels, and there is a significant difference in price and accommodation style. I was hoping to stay in a smaller hotel, not all-inclusive so that we got to experience some of the local cuisine and culture. The Ocean Point is my only option in that category that I can see.
As for the golf, I sent an email to the club and it keeps coming back as postmaster failure.
I chose the Mt Irvine course as it seemed like the best value for the $.
As for walking, I play better when I walk, and we play all summer walking. I guess it is just a matter of choice. My understanding for most courses is that the cart is usually optional in Canada, but not in the Caribbean.
Anyways, I am eager for any helpful suggestions or opinions.
Thanks for the prompt reply.
I have not booked this trip yet. I live in Ottawa, and unfortunately, getting flights to most Caribbean destinations is almost impossible. Most trips are for 7 days or 14 days and leave on a Monday. This is just all bad for a lot of reasons.
I have considered flight and hotel seperately, however this will almost triple the cost of my vacation.
The trip I am considering, uses Go Travel Direct and is for 9 days. Unusual, but effective. I only have a choice of 4 hotels, and there is a significant difference in price and accommodation style. I was hoping to stay in a smaller hotel, not all-inclusive so that we got to experience some of the local cuisine and culture. The Ocean Point is my only option in that category that I can see.
As for the golf, I sent an email to the club and it keeps coming back as postmaster failure.
I chose the Mt Irvine course as it seemed like the best value for the $.
As for walking, I play better when I walk, and we play all summer walking. I guess it is just a matter of choice. My understanding for most courses is that the cart is usually optional in Canada, but not in the Caribbean.
Anyways, I am eager for any helpful suggestions or opinions.
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Brian Taylor
- Tobago Business
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2003 10:43 am
- Location: Castara, Tobago
- Contact:
not a golfer myself, heard from people, that the Mt. Irvine Course is "a waste of time". all golfers we met, prefered tobago plantations...
where are all the golfers to answer here?
by the way steve: isn't this more an activity topic?
where are all the golfers to answer here?
by the way steve: isn't this more an activity topic?
Stephanie & Brian "Alibaba" Taylor
Alibaba-Tours - http://www.Alibaba-Tours.com
Alibaba-Tours - http://www.Alibaba-Tours.com
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Lynn Lockman
You are correct, this is an activity based discussion. I completely missed where I was inputting my question as I was much too eager to find someone who might be able to answer them.
I have now had an opportunity to review more results on this forum, and have found that a lot of my questions are answered.
I think the only one left is "Can I walk?"
Steve, if it is possible to move this string to the appropriate place that would be perfect.
My apologies, I'll pay more attention next time
Lynn
I have now had an opportunity to review more results on this forum, and have found that a lot of my questions are answered.
I think the only one left is "Can I walk?"
Steve, if it is possible to move this string to the appropriate place that would be perfect.
My apologies, I'll pay more attention next time
Lynn
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Brian Taylor
- Tobago Business
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2003 10:43 am
- Location: Castara, Tobago
- Contact:
meant no offence. steve is usually moving posts to the propper place, thats why I mentioned it.
believe he is too busy with the new version of this page....we should give him a break, shouldn't we
believe he is too busy with the new version of this page....we should give him a break, shouldn't we
Stephanie & Brian "Alibaba" Taylor
Alibaba-Tours - http://www.Alibaba-Tours.com
Alibaba-Tours - http://www.Alibaba-Tours.com
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Steve Wooler
- myTobago Editor & Chief Anorak
- Posts: 4856
- Joined: Sun Apr 21, 2002 11:00 pm
- Location: Suffolk, England
- Contact:
Hi Guys. Please always mention it if a post would be better in another forum. I get an email copy of every post and don't always spot that a post is not always in the best forum, in the same way that I don't always spot that somebody else has replied.
Yes, Steph, I am busy with the new site (must get it finished before the end of the year) - but worse still, I've just had a new cabin/office built and it's been a total nightmare the last three weeks dealing with the carpenters, electricians, decorators and heating/air-conditioning guys. I moved in this weekend and managed to get back to work this morning. Yippee!
Yes, Steph, I am busy with the new site (must get it finished before the end of the year) - but worse still, I've just had a new cabin/office built and it's been a total nightmare the last three weeks dealing with the carpenters, electricians, decorators and heating/air-conditioning guys. I moved in this weekend and managed to get back to work this morning. Yippee!
Steve Wooler
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
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David Old
Hi Lynn
Being an avid golfer and reasonably fit I played Mount Irvine on my first visit in January of this year.
The course is reasonably flat, but as other people have indicated the heat will take its toll and lots of water is required. I would suggest a cart just to carry the water!!!
I found the facilities mediocre. It was undergoing some work and we were lucky enough to get a discount on the green fees. The clubs provided were not the best in the world. I suggest you take your own balls and tees.
The local caddies are very very friendly and helpful. (My wayward shots would suddenly appear in the middle of the fairway) and their course knowledge invaluable.
I am returning in January and intend to play the Tobago plantations. I believe this to be better value for money and you can get discounted rates if booking several tee times for the week.
Hope this helps.
Being an avid golfer and reasonably fit I played Mount Irvine on my first visit in January of this year.
The course is reasonably flat, but as other people have indicated the heat will take its toll and lots of water is required. I would suggest a cart just to carry the water!!!
I found the facilities mediocre. It was undergoing some work and we were lucky enough to get a discount on the green fees. The clubs provided were not the best in the world. I suggest you take your own balls and tees.
The local caddies are very very friendly and helpful. (My wayward shots would suddenly appear in the middle of the fairway) and their course knowledge invaluable.
I am returning in January and intend to play the Tobago plantations. I believe this to be better value for money and you can get discounted rates if booking several tee times for the week.
Hope this helps.
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Colin Clarke
Golf in Tobago
Hi Lynne,
I've been visiting Tobago twice a year for the past twelve years and never leave home with my set of golf clubs.
There are a number of things that make playing golf in the Caribbean really special for me. The main one being the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that you find at most clubs. This is particularly the case with Mt. Irvine.
If you are a golf purist, then perhaps the state of the greens and bunkers will be an issue for you. Having said that, the stunning beauty of the course easily makes up for any shortcomings in the maintenance programme. The ninth hole has to have one of the most spectacular views in world golf.
From my experience, there should little or no problems in walking the course. When I played in September, my group was the only one out that day, so no time pressures.
I would suggest an early tee off time, as midday temperatures can make things quite uncomfortable. Oh, and remember to take your brolley, you can always expect the odd short, sharp shower.
If you are really keen on trying out different courses, I'd highly reccommend jumping on an early plane and heading across to Trinidad. The St Andrews club in Moka is well worth a visit. Beautifully manicured and a real test. There is also a challenging 18 hole course at Point a Pierre. Again a nicely maintained course, and exceptional value at around 100TT.
I'm sure you'll have a fantastic experience whichever course or courses you choose to play.
Colin
I've been visiting Tobago twice a year for the past twelve years and never leave home with my set of golf clubs.
There are a number of things that make playing golf in the Caribbean really special for me. The main one being the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that you find at most clubs. This is particularly the case with Mt. Irvine.
If you are a golf purist, then perhaps the state of the greens and bunkers will be an issue for you. Having said that, the stunning beauty of the course easily makes up for any shortcomings in the maintenance programme. The ninth hole has to have one of the most spectacular views in world golf.
From my experience, there should little or no problems in walking the course. When I played in September, my group was the only one out that day, so no time pressures.
I would suggest an early tee off time, as midday temperatures can make things quite uncomfortable. Oh, and remember to take your brolley, you can always expect the odd short, sharp shower.
If you are really keen on trying out different courses, I'd highly reccommend jumping on an early plane and heading across to Trinidad. The St Andrews club in Moka is well worth a visit. Beautifully manicured and a real test. There is also a challenging 18 hole course at Point a Pierre. Again a nicely maintained course, and exceptional value at around 100TT.
I'm sure you'll have a fantastic experience whichever course or courses you choose to play.
Colin
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Ernesto Blokosso
I played at the Tobago Plantations course while there last week and found the course very well maintained and stunning. I imagine if you play alone and play early in the morning (I played first), they may let you walk, but the distances are very long between holes.
I recommend riding because they have strict cart path only rules, so you do end up walking quite a bit from cart to your ball. It was a truly beautiful course, and challenging. I enjoyed it a lot. Keep in mind, a bit pricey... $85 US a round.
I did not play at Mt. Irvine, so no comment there, but did pass by there and it looked a little unkept... lots of long grass on the fairways, etc... but I cannot comment more than that.
I recommend riding because they have strict cart path only rules, so you do end up walking quite a bit from cart to your ball. It was a truly beautiful course, and challenging. I enjoyed it a lot. Keep in mind, a bit pricey... $85 US a round.
I did not play at Mt. Irvine, so no comment there, but did pass by there and it looked a little unkept... lots of long grass on the fairways, etc... but I cannot comment more than that.
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Lynn Lockman
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Geoff Seabrook
- Getting Hooked
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Tue Jan 04, 2005 10:16 pm
- Location: Surrey
Just returned from Tobago and played twice on Tobago Plantations. Greens were not great and course a bit wet as the rainy season has over run. Having said that they are putting in the effort as there will be a European Seniors Tour event there at the beginning of March. The course itself is really pretty good and at 7,000 yards from the back a serious challenge. They have a GPS system in lieu of caddies which is cute but doesn't stop you doing stupid things 
We rate this course pretty highly and worth the trip. On thing to watch for if yu rent equipment is that the Callaway woods all have closed faces to help vacation golfers to get it straighter. I lost two balls on the first with severe hooks before I realised the problem.
I've always played Mount Irvine in the past, but did not go this time as my son (and playing partner) really wanted to go back to the Plantations. MI was in pretty poor condition last time we played there but there seemed to be activity on the maintenance side when we drove past it this year (we always stay up on that side of the Island). You absolutely can walk on MI. In fact I only saw walkers on it this year. The couse always reminds me the kind of course you see when watching Shell's wide world of golf from the 1960's with Billy Casper playing Sam Snead (I off course only ever see the reruns on the golf channel).
The staff at Tobago Plantations are excellent. I'm a left hander and they only have one set of LH rental clubs. The 2nd time we played the clubs were out and late coming back. The Pro is also left handed and lent me his set of clubs. That's the kind of place it is.
Enjoy
Geoff
We rate this course pretty highly and worth the trip. On thing to watch for if yu rent equipment is that the Callaway woods all have closed faces to help vacation golfers to get it straighter. I lost two balls on the first with severe hooks before I realised the problem.I've always played Mount Irvine in the past, but did not go this time as my son (and playing partner) really wanted to go back to the Plantations. MI was in pretty poor condition last time we played there but there seemed to be activity on the maintenance side when we drove past it this year (we always stay up on that side of the Island). You absolutely can walk on MI. In fact I only saw walkers on it this year. The couse always reminds me the kind of course you see when watching Shell's wide world of golf from the 1960's with Billy Casper playing Sam Snead (I off course only ever see the reruns on the golf channel).
The staff at Tobago Plantations are excellent. I'm a left hander and they only have one set of LH rental clubs. The 2nd time we played the clubs were out and late coming back. The Pro is also left handed and lent me his set of clubs. That's the kind of place it is.
Enjoy
Geoff
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Angela Ward