Golf Tobago

[Ian Mackie]

It is some time since there has been a post on the golf courses in Tobago. Having visited for our 4th time this month thought it correct to up date.
Mt Irvine Last played in 2005 when course really was in dreadful condition, fairways, greens and bunkers all almost unplayable. What a very pleasant surprise on this visit. The course was in great condition, fairways neat, precisely cut, bunkers all reshaped with new sand and no weed at all, rough trimmed back and greens, while a little slow, true and in excellent condition. This was maintained throughout the 2 weeks of our visit. Cost for 2 audults and 1 buggy approx £75 so exceptional value. The clubhouse is very welcoming, a small bar area, small shop and office with excellent veranda overlooking Grange Bay and acceptable changing rooms. Really no need to book but never the less wise to phone them before hand. There are no eating facilities the old restaurant part of the clubhouse closed down some time ago. There are plenty of buggies and caddy cars and if you wish caddies, the latter a great way to understand the course. They are exceptionally friendly many having been there for years. Course has 2 water barrels, both cooled ,at 2nd and 14th holes.
The course itself is really very strong, mid tees 6500 yards, medal 6793, Ist 9th 10th 11th 15th are all fantastic holes and you will be delighted with the challenge this course presents. It is however a great course for any handicap level, my wifw of 25 enjoying it just as much, if not more than myself ,of 2.Best of all is the beer at the clubhouse overlooking the wonderful Grange Beach.
Plantations Course at Hilton Hotel.
Seen this being built but had not played it. First of all the course is located on what is by far the most windy part of the Island, I doubt if you will ever play this course on a quiet day. certainly throughout our 2 weeks the wind was probabaly never less than about 20mph. Clubhouse is about 1/2 mile from Hilton and this really cant be described as a walking course. For instance 1st green to 2nd tee is over1/3 mile, 6th to 7th about 1/2 mile. Ist 9 can best be descibed as wandering through the mangrove areas where they have built a number of high value properties. It is gorgeous, two holes backing on to the Atlantic and a fantastic test of golf with superb views. The houses do not impact at all on the course. 2nd nine are behind the clubhouse across the road to the Hotel and are much more open but with a lot of water in play. Much different than the first nine but providing also an excellent challenge.Length 6517 the mid blue tees and 7009 of the back tees but you have a further two sets of tees to consider which will reduce yardage. The fairways, rough, bunkers and tees were in super condition but I found the greens to be poorer than Mt Irvine slow and patchy, certainly needing some verti draining and overseeding but pertfectly playable. Cost for two of us plus buggy approx £90 but that was as a guest at the Hilton. There is a very good driving range and pratcice pitching area at the clubhouse but the range balls are really very poor and expensive. The clubhouse is large with good changing facilities but the bar area is not open so no beer at end of play. Shop/office has some small stock and cold drinks in dispensers but the lack of atmosphere is almost tangible. While we were there the course was deserted almost every day and when we turned up to play, without booking, one afternoon , discovered why. They have only 11 buggies so when they are used up really you are not able to play, unless you are prepared to walk, which in the heat, and with carriies between tees is not something to be done lightly. So strongly suggest you do phone to book, whether staying at the hotel or not.