June 2025 - Island Tee Times

These four Caribbean destinations will help you chill out on your next tropical golf getaway
This article appeared in the June 2025 edition of Chicago District Golfer.
To read more Chicago District Golfer stories, head to our article archive.

The iconic Teeth of the Dog layout at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic is undergoing a major renovation and will reopen later this year.

Island time. It’s an easy way for locals to describe the laid-back pace for visitors to the beautiful islands of the Caribbean. Anyone who’s ever visited one of these tropical destinations knows the feeling of stepping off a plane to feel warm, humid breezes and the relaxed hospitality shown by the local hosts.

Adding golf to your island time is a natural way to enjoy this tropical vibe. It’s tough to get too upset about a three-putt when you’re looking past the green to a postcard view of turquoise waters, especially knowing you’ll have sand between your toes and an umbrella drink in your hand at the end of the round.

Like at stateside golf destinations, the recent surge in the game’s popularity is leading to new developments and improvement projects at some of the Caribbean’s top golf destinations. Given the demand for accommodations and tee times, it’s never too early to start planning a getaway for this fall or winter. Here’s a fantastic foursome of places to consider before grabbing your sunglasses and flip-flops for a tropical trip south:

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Dominican Republic
The property that put the Caribbean on the golf map is celebrating its 50th anniversary by preparing for the future. The resort’s iconic Teeth of the Dog course, designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1971, is currently closed for a full restoration. When “Teeth” reopens this December, golfers will notice improvements from tee to green, including a complete re-grassing of the course with saltwater-friendly Dynasty Paspalum for improved playing conditions. What isn’t changing is the vaunted layout, which Dye carved out of coastal rock to include seven holes that play directly along the water.

If your plans bring you to Casa de Campo before Teeth of the Dog reopens, you still have plenty of options for great Dye-designed golf on the sprawling property. The Dye Fore course has 27 holes that provide breathtaking views from the cliffs along the Chavon River, and return visitors know this is one of the most underrated layouts in Caribbean golf due to the amount of attention Teeth of the Dog receives. An even deeper cut is The Links layout, an inland course that plays through lagoons and rolling hills. There’s also a high-tech golf learning center with Trackman units if you want to work on your game while you’re on property.

But really, you probably want to hit the links, then hit the beach, and Casa de Campo is an ideal place to do both. The resort’s private Minitas Beach is one of the DR’s best places to enjoy island time, and the pina coladas are served in fresh pineapples grown locally. The resort also boasts a world-class spa, the unique Altos de Chavon cultural center – a replica of a Mediterranean village with shops, restaurants and an amphitheater – and accommodations that range from standard hotel rooms to luxury homes. Check out the new Premier Club & Suites to enjoy a resort-within-the-resort experience that includes a private reception area with premium food and beverage for laid-back lounging.

 Apes Hill in Barbados offers gofl with stunning views and sleek, modern accommodations in newly-built villas.

Apes Hill, Barbados
The former British colony of Barbados has become a hot destination for foodies, with a surprising number of internationally renowned restaurants on the culture-rich island situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Golf is also on the menu thanks to Apes Hill, a 475-acre property atop one of the Caribbean’s highest points – complete with dazzling views and cooling breezes.

In addition to the 18-hole championship layout, there’s a par-3 course called Little Apes and an island green 19th hole for settling bets at the end of a round. The property hosts a popular Legends Tour event spearheaded by Apes Hill ambassador Ian Woosnam, who has called Barbados home for years. The island offers international shopping, gorgeous beaches, the chance to swim with sea turtles and experiences like rum tastings at St. Nicholas Abbey.

Apes Hill recently opened its Hilltop Villas, a group of luxury four-bedroom homes with indoor-outdoor designs and large private pools. Overlooking the Little Apes course with westerly views of the Caribbean Sea, the Hilltop Villas offer striking sunset views and fresh breezes.

Half Moon Resort, Jamaica
Jamaica’s Montego Bay is a legendary area for a chill vacation, and Half Moon Resort has long set the standard for golf luxury along the coast. Robert Trent Jones Sr. built Half Moon Golf Course in 1962, and Robert Rulewich later updated the course, which winds through a retired sugarcane estate. It’s an old-school course that’s pleasant to walk and features experienced caddies to enhance the experience. Just minutes away are courses like the White Witch and Cinnamon Hill to provide a full golf itinerary for visitors.

Half Moon is in the process of renovating its 19 villas to better host golf groups in the five- to seven-bedroom units. Each villa has a private pool and dedicated staff, including a personal chef, housekeeper and butler. That means you and your group can enjoy three custom meals a day to your dietary requests, from family breakfasts to poolside barbeques featuring local delicacies like jerk chicken, along with daily cleanings and assistance with activities and reservations. The resort also has 210 rooms and suites, and guests can opt for an inclusive plan that includes three meals a day and premium beverages at multiple restaurants and bars throughout the property.

The Abaco Club boasts links-like golf in the Bahamas.

The Abaco Club, Bahamas
This private club is barely a 30-minute flight from Florida’s east coast, but it feels a world away from the fast pace of the mainland. The property is open to members of the club and the Southworth network of clubs, but visits are available to guests interested in becoming members – and the property is releasing new real estate offerings.

Golf is at the center of the Abaco Club experience, with an 18-hole course that is accurately described as a tropical links layout – the wind influences play, and you can keep the ball low to score. It’s a bit like playing in Scotland or Ireland, except the breezes are warm and the temperatures are comfortable year-round. There’s also a fantastic practice facility for working on your game, and members have access to a full calendar of fun tournaments and events. The Abaco Club has a full roster of activities for the entire family, from racquet sports and fishing to island hopping from the yacht club and an on-site spa and wellness center. Abaco member Darren Clarke recently designed an 18-hole putting course, and the adjacent Birdie Bar is a great place to have a refreshment and recount the day’s events.