by Robin Trimingham
Looking for a way to get a little fresh air, exercise and boost your vitamin D intake this winter? Look no further than Bermuda’s many golf venues where sun, sand-traps, and social distancing are the new normal.
All of Bermuda’s golf venues are open and adhering to the Ministry of Health’s guidelines to ensure health and safety of staff and patrons alike and offer a range of activities to suit enthusiasts of all ages, stages of life and skill levels.
Starting at the East End you can enjoy a nine- or eighteen-hole round of golf at Tucker’s Point golf course whose undulating fairways feature elevated tees, dramatic water views and quick putting surfaces. In addition to regular rounds of gold they feature a year-round “9 Hole Sundown Series” and also offer a Senior’s Discount. Unsure your game is up to scratch? Not to worry, they also offer a myriad of private and group lessons to help you brush up everything from your short game to bunker shots.
Heading over to Devonshire, Ocean View Golf Course on Barkers Hill has a 4-Star Golf Digest rating and offers a nine-hole course with a tricky Par 70 in tranquil surroundings just a short seven-minute drive from the City of Hamilton. Their budget friendly “Play All Day” fee and $5 driving range make golf an affordable option for just about everyone.
As you start to drive westward, don’t forget to check out Belmont Hills Golf Course whose narrow fairways and multi-tiered greens offer a challenge for any handicap and also has dining options available at both Divots and Blu Bar & Grill.
Despite the fact that the hotel is closed for renovations, the Turtle Hill Golf Club on the grounds of the Fairmont Southampton Princess is open all winter and features a par three course with manicured fairways and water vistas making it no wonder that it was Winner of Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play Golf”. Check out the back nine for a leisurely round of “Sunset Golf” and be sure to take advantage of their Walking rate for a budget friendly option.
They have also pioneered Foot Golf, a fun activity for the young and young at heart and the newest sport to come to Bermuda, which is played by kicking a soccer ball into extra-large “golf” cups on the golf course. To make your reservations, contact the golf shop at Turtle Hill.
Looking for a PGA level challenge to go with your whale watching? Check out Port Royal on Middle Road, home of the Bermuda Championship and the island’s longest golf course which offers sunset golf, a special rate for island residents, as well as an added discount for seniors.
If a fun family outing is more to your liking why not try the Bermuda Golf Academy on Industrial Park Road, Southampton? Bermuda Fun Golf at the Dockyard, with holes inspired by famous golf courses, offers a driving range as well as mini golf and is currently operating Thursday to Sunday from noon to 10:00 pm.
For more information, or to book a tee time, visit your favourite golf venue website.
