Bermuda Golf Courses
A Complete Guide
It's hard to find such championship courses with lush scenic fairways and elevated Tees offering breathtaking ocean views anywhere in the world. Although Bermuda is only a 21-square mile island, it has more square-feet of golf courses per mile than any other country.
View from 9th Green (Port Royal)
Photo: Port Royal Golf Course, Bermuda
And most golf courses in Bermuda are designed by world renowned architects such as Robert Trent Jones, Charles Banks, Charles Blair McDonald, to name a few. And there are number of celebrities, Presidents and even Royalty who have played more than a round of golf here. Some of those names include President George Bush, John Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Winston Churchill, etc.
While golf in Bermuda is played round the year and the ocean breeze will keep you comfortable, the demand for golfing surges during the high season (April through October). This is the summer time when most tourists arrive at the island. So finding Tee time may not be all that easy. But during winter,
weather in Bermuda is excellent for golfing, and finding tee time is also relatively easier.
There are 9 golf courses that are presently operating in Bermuda... six 18-hole championship courses, one 9-hole course, one 18-hole mini course, and one that has a driving range with a practice green.
Map location of Bermuda Golf Courses
There is only one golf course in Sandys Parish - Bermuda Fun Golf which is an 18-hole mini course located at Royal Naval Dockyard cruise port area. Southampton Parish has three golf courses... Port Royal Golf Course and Hotel Fairmont Southampton managed Turtle Hill Golf Club, both 18-hole championship courses, and Bermuda Golf Academy with a driving range and a practice green.
Warwick Parish has one 18-hole course - Belmont Hills Golf Club which is managed by Newstead Belmont Hills Resort and Spa. The 9-hole Ocean View Golf Course is located in Devonshire Parish, while there are three 18-hole courses in St. George - Tucker's Point Golf Club, Mid Ocean Golf Club and St. Regis Resort managed Five Forts Golf Club.
(Southampton Parish, 18 holes, 6842 yards, par 71)
This Bermuda Government owned public golf course is known for its spectacular ocean views, lush greenery and ocean side cliffs. This has been a venue for the PGA Grand Slam Golf several times in the past. The 16th par-3 hole is the highlight of the course... from an ocean side tee one has to drive over a section of the ocean to land the ball into the green which is located on a peninsula and jutting into the sea. Port Royal has a practice driving range, chipping area, practice bunker, on-site bar and restaurant, and a pro shop. Members' guests and public (including tourists) are welcome to play.
Port Royal Golf Course (Back 9th Hole)
Photo: Port Royal Golf Course, Bermuda
(St. George's parish, 18 holes, 6530 yards, par 71)
Mid Ocean is a privately run golf club located at the wealthy men's Tucker's Town. Although green fees here is naturally one of the highest in the island, the course is ranked by the experts as one of the best in the world. Other than fantastic views of the ocean, this course is accompanied by guest rooms, full-service clubhouse, dining venues (including a beachside pavilion with indoor and outdoor dining and bar and a swimming pool), couple of tennis courts and private south shore beach.
Mid Ocean Golf Course with clubhouse in view
Source: Mid Ocean Golf Club, Bermuda
Other than members and their accompanying guests, visitors too can play on this course on the week days. The highlight is the elevated 5th ('Cape') tee perched on a hill with its stunning view of the dogleg par 4 on one side and the ocean on the left.
(Southampton Parish, 18 holes, 2684 yards, par 54)
This golf course, run by the hotel Fairmont Southampton, offers excellent marine and landscape views. With all par-3 holes, this is a fairly challenging course with water hazards, bunkers, trees and strong breeze. The terrain is undulating and quite hilly at places, in fact the first two holes drop off to 200ft and the next two rise back to almost the same elevation where you started.
Turtle Hill Golf Course (Hole-2)
Source: Turtle Hill Golf Club, Bermuda
View of the ocean from several holes and other landmarks like the lighthouse is awesome. Other than hotel guests, visitors too are welcome. There are facilities such as bar and restaurant, snack shop at the 10th hole, Pro Shop, chipping green, lessons to beginners etc.
(St. George's parish, 18 holes, 6491 yards, par 70)
Part of the resort Rosewood Bermuda and located in Tucker's Town (in Hamilton Parish), the course was originally designed by Charles Banks in 1930 but was completely re-architected in 2002 and revamped. The course has re-contoured fairways and bunkers and offers dramatic views of the ocean, Castle harbor, Tucker's Town and even western part of the island from several greens.
The course now has new practice facility, a driving range, practice putting green and short game area. All greens have been rebuilt with Tiff-Eagle (a type of hybrid Bermuda grass) to make putting faster.
Tucker's Point Golf Course
Source: Rosewood Bermuda
(Warwick Parish, 18 holes, 6017 yards, par 70)
This golf course has undergone an extensive renovation in 2002. The course has now become much faster with use of Tiff-Eagle greens and also more attractive with lakes separated by a waterfall. The excellent ocean and harbor views and tropical landscaping also add to the new course's appeal.
Photo: Newstead Belmont Hills Resort & Spa
While the course is relatively short, but it requires precision shots or else you might end up wasting a lot of time finding the balls lost in the trees that fringe the narrow fairways. There is a pro shop, bar and grille and a seafood/steak restaurant in the course.
(Devonshire Parish, 9 holes, 2940 yards, par 35)
There are greens (mainly the first two holes) where you get a spectacular view of the north shore ocean. Although this is a 9 hole course, the hilly terrain with changing elevations, blind shots, bunkers, water hazards including a lake and trees make it a challenging course. Although the course is short, golfers are required to focus on accuracy unless they want to make it a long game.
Photo: Ocean View Golf Course
There are 18 tee positions and you can easily play a second round of golf from the back tees where the challenges become different. The golf course is located about 7-8 minute drive from Hamilton city.
(St. George's parish, 18 holes, 4043 yards, par 62)
Formerly St George's Golf course, it's located on a picturesque setting and overlooking the St Catherine fort and the ocean. It's a 18 hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones. The golf course now belongs to and is managed by St. Regis Bermuda Resort that was opened in May 2021.
Five Forts Golf Club
Photo: St. Regis Bermuda Resort
(Royal Naval Dockyard, 18 holes, par 65, fun mini course)
This is an excellent 18-hole par 65 mini course located at the Dockyard (the main cruise port area). With wonderful landscaping, manicured mini fairways, lush greens and all 18 holes modeled after signature holes from some of the best golf courses in the world, Fun Golf is often claimed as the best mini golf course in the world. It has been designed by the same architect who designed a mini course in Denmark which was once voted as the best.
Photo: Fun Golf, Bermuda
Although long drives will land the ball into the ocean, the main skills required here is putting and some approach shots. The bar and grill at the course offers cocktails, beer and nice Bermudian snacks. You are allowed to carry your drinks as you play. It's a fun round of golf yet challenging because there are water hazards, bunkers, narrow fairways and changing elevations to negotiate.
(Southampton)
This is not a golf course, but has 40 practice bays with 320 yards driving range, and also a practice green. The place is great if you like to practice or take a learning session. It has both day and nighttime playing provisions on all seven days a week.
(Warwick Parish, 18 holes, 5800 yards, par 70) X Permanently closed down in Apr 2016
Some of the holes of this golf course are so close to the ocean that it imposes great challenges. In fact, they say that the first hole is the toughest in the whole of Bermuda. There is a pro shop and a dining option here as well.
Playing a round of golf has always been expensive in Bermuda. Although the fees have been revised since economic challenges started to come in, nevertheless, the golfing fees in Bermuda are still relatively more expensive compared to the US and some parts of Europe. The green fees are highest for visitors, while a guest who accompanies a member enjoys a lower rate.
The most expensive out of all courses in the island is the Mid Ocean Golf Club in Tucker's Town which is a privately run club and ranked no. #1 in the island because of its superb course contours, fairways, challenges and breathtaking views. The green fees for a round of golf (18-hole) for a visitor costs $275, additional charges includes caddie fee and rentals (including cart). They also expect you to complete a four-ball round within 4 hours and 10 minutes.
The government owned Port Royal Golf Club in Southampton charges a green fee of $180 (18 holes) including a cart plus any additional rental fees. They offer a special golfing package ($150) to the cruise ship passengers and that includes all rentals including cart, balls, golf shoes and clubs.
If you like to play a shorter game of 9 holes, then Ocean View Golf Course in Devonshire is a good option. The rates here are reasonable... green fee is $50 including a cart. Turtle Hill Golf Course (18-hole) which is run by Hotel Fairmont Southampton charges a green fee of $99 with half cart.
Several courses including Port Royal and Turtle Hill offer lower rates for tee time in the second half of the day (usually after 12pm) when the demands are lower.
Rental rates also vary between the clubs. Just to give you an indication, Turtle Hill Golf Club charges $45 for club rental (make: Taylor Made or Adams) and $7.50 for Pull Carts. In few of the golf courses such as Tucker's Point Golf, the cart is included in the green fees.
Depending on availability, you can book tee time for some of the above golf courses through
Golfnow Hot Deals and get attractive green fees.
Golfing in Bermuda requires proper golf attire. That means you need to wear collared shirts (to be tucked in), shorts in most cases need to be of Bermuda length, that is up to your knee. Jeans and cutoffs are not allowed. You are also required to wear golf shoes. Ladies can wear skirts, slacks, mid-length shorts, blouse, and golf shoes.
Golf's most apex event, the
PGA Grand Slam where the winners of the year's four major golf championships compete to become the 'Champion of Champions', has been held in Bermuda several times in the past. Venues included Mid Ocean Golf Course and Port Royal Golf Course.
Also check out
Bermuda Golf Tournaments to know all about the different tournaments that are played in Bermuda round the year, the club venues where they are held, the available packages, and many other details.
|
 By Raj Bhattacharya
Raj, a seasoned travel writer and Bermuda destination expert, has extensive global travel experience. This website reflects his profound insights, garnered over nearly two decades of dedicated findings and research on the island. Raj has assisted countless Bermuda-bound visitors by providing direct, personalized responses to their queries and imparting his wealth of knowledge through this platform. This site serves as an indispensable guide for those seeking informed and reliable insights into Bermuda's treasures.
|
Related Articles
|
Visitors' Reviews and Comments
Renee Jacobs (June 2022)
We will be cruising on Oceania July 19-26 and would like to play golf 2 days, July 22 and 23. I wrote to Port Royal for Saturdays cruise special. Haven't heard from them yet. Where would you recommend playing on Friday! Also, I have no idea where the ship docks, so I don't know distance for any courses.
Raj (Bermuda-Attractions.Com) June 2022
Hello, Oceania Cruises Insignia will be docking at St. George on 22nd July 2022 (Friday) and arriving at Hamilton port on 23rd (Saturday) at 8 am (as per Oceania's published schedule). Port Royal Golf Course is in Southampton and is about 8.5 miles away from Hamilton Cruise Terminal... will take about 25 minutes by taxi.
When docked in St. George on the 22nd, you can play at Five Forts Golf Club which is part of The St. Regis Bermuda Resort (St. George) and quite picturesque. You can book a tee time through the resort or online through their website (current fee: $165 per visitor). This will be the nearest course to the St. George's cruise dock (Penno's Wharf)... about 1.2 miles away.
Elizabeth Scott (October 2021)
My husband and I are staying in Bermuda for the whole of February and looking to play regular golf. Can you join any course for a short period?
Raj (Bermuda-Attractions.Com) October 2021
Some golf clubs such as the Port Royal and Mid Ocean offer temporary memberships to visitors, for example, Port Royal has a 1-year membership plan for visitors from abroad ($2,100). For only one month membership, suggest you call up the golf shop at Port Royal and check if they can accommodate such request... phone: (441) 234-0974
Michael Trampe (October 2021)
Playing Belmont November 4th, coming in to the Royal Navy Dockyard by cruise ship and was thinking of taking the ferry to Hamilton and then getting a taxi to Belmont, would that work?
Raj (Bermuda-Attractions.Com) October 2021
Yes, you can do that and save around 7 miles of additional taxi ride from the dockyard to Belmont.
Joe Lafornara (February 2018)
I will be in Bermuda on celebrity cruise in may. My son and wife are joining my wife and I who will be celebrating our 50 anniversary. The men want of golf 2 of the 3 days. We wanted to go to port royal golf, but the travel agent says it is 90 minutes away by cab. It doesn't look like its that far. What are the closest courses to the cruise pier (Kings Wharf) and what are the approximate cab fares. We want to have tee times in advance. We are also interested in Turtle Hill. We will need to rent clubs and cart. Thank you for your assistance.
Raj (Bermuda-Attractions.Com) February 2018
Hello, Port Royal Golf Course is only 20 minutes drive (8 miles) by taxi from Royal Naval Dockyard, and Turtle Hill Golf Club is further 10 minutes away along the same route. Both are in Southampton.
Marianne Paoletti from Canada (June 2015)
Hi Raj, I have been reading many of the forums but have not been able to get all of my questions answered based on what information I have read. My husband and I are arriving via NCL on July 12th and are hoping to golf Monday (July 13th) and possibly Tuesday, the day we leave. I have already contacted the courses for fees and tee times; however, we are finding everything very expensive and are trying to find the most economical and time efficient way to travel to the courses, both Port Royal ( which I see is near King's Wharf) and Tucker's Point, which is much further away. My questions are: #1- how long would it take and what would it cost to go to Tuckers Point golf course from King's Wharf (Monday, July 13th p.m.) and by which method of transportation? #2 - how long would it take and what would it cost to go to Port Royal golf course from King's Wharf (Tuesday, July 14th a.m.) #3- is there a pass (bus/ferry) that would work for both trips on these 2 separate days. #4 - are scooters affordable (cost $) and can they be combined in our excursion(s) to the golf courses, seeing that we are renting our clubs? We would appreciate any help you can give us as our trip is fast approaching and we would like to confirm our Tee time(s)
Raj (Bermuda-Attractions.Com) June 2015
Hi, You haven't mentioned your tee time. You can take the morning ferry to St. George (35 minutes) and then bus #1 or #3 for Tucker's Point Golf Course (6 miles, about 20 minutes). From the bus stop you will need to walk for about half a mile to reach the course. Port Royal is about 6 miles from dockyard and will take around 20 minutes by bus (#7 or 8). From the bus stop, you need to walk for about 600 yards. You can buy 2-day transport passes which will give you unlimited access to both public buses and ferries for two days. Since you will be renting clubs, you can also rent a scooter from dockyard (Oleander Cycles has an outlet there). You can have lots of flexibility with a scooter and easily adjust your time. Indicative scooter rental rate is $55-60 per day for a double seater, while a 2-day bus/ferry pass will cost $31.50 per person.
Linda (May 2015)
Hello, Just ordered your ebooks! We are planning a golf excursion while we are in Bermuda. Do you have any suggestions on which courses and how do we get there from the dockyard? Thanks so much,
Raj (Bermuda-Attractions.Com) May 2015
Hi, if you are taking a cruise, then Port Royal in Southampton and Riddell's bay at Warwick would be convenient. If you are not carrying golf kits, then take bus #7 or 8 from dockyard, otherwise take a taxi.
Dave Coffey (April 2015)
I would like to play 2 rounds while in bermuda next month. I am playing Port Royal and looking for a suggestion of another course. Although Mid Ocean is top notch, it's a bit too expensive. Can you recommend 1 or 2 courses ?
Raj (Bermuda-Attractions.Com) April 2015
Hi, you can consider Riddell's Bay Golf Course in Warwick.
Dave C (April 2015)
Will I be allowed to carry my golf clubs on the bus to get from Hamilton to Port Royal or Riddells Bay Golf courses?
Raj (Bermuda-Attractions.Com) April 2015
Bus drivers usually won't allow golf kit. You should plan on a taxi instead.
Katie (March 2015)
Hello, I will be coming in Sept via cruise ship. I would like to send my boyfriend to the golf outing at the Fairmont. what would be the best way to get him to and from the Fairmont from the dockyard in your opinion. From what I see is it true a taxi would be 40-50 bucks each way????? thank you
Raj (Bermuda-Attractions.Com) March 2015
Hi, taxi is the only way as you can't carry golf clubs etc on a public bus. Yes, taxi fare would be around $40 each way. If he plans to rent the golf clubs, then he can take a bus from the dockyard.
Celeste Harlacher (July 2013)
Thank you for this incredibly detailed website. I have been pouring over getting even more excited about our upcoming cruise to your island paradise docking at the Navy Shipyard. We will be exploring July 23-25th. We have two golfers with us who are anxious to try your one of your courses. We know there are private and public ones. Any suggestions as to which one(s) to contact, since we know the prices are steep, especially if they book it through the cruise line? Can they bring their clubs on a ferry/bus to get to a course? Should they book a tee time before we go to ensure availability? Thanks so much for your assistance.
Raj (Bermuda-Attractions.Com) July 2013
Hi, I suggest that you book the tee time in advance. There are two local companies that offer online booking of tee time. You will get the rates for all the courses in their websites and then decide on the one that fits your budget. Here are the websites:
www.tee.bm; www.premiergolf.bm
Frank A Ruggiero
My family and I are celebrating my wife's and our 40th wedding anniversary my son-in-law and my other daughter's boy friend and my self would like to play golf. We need a tee time for 3 in July will it become difficult to get one and when should we notify you .we will be coming in by cruise ship the summit to St. George's. any help or suggestions will be mostly appreciated.
Raj (Bermuda-Attractions.Com)
Frank, July falls in high tourist season of Bermuda. So the golf courses are likely to busy that time. However the good news is that St. George's Golf Course has been reopened. It was earlier closed due to construction work. I would suggest you book the tee time well in advance. There is now a facility to book the tee time online. Visit www.tee.bm or alternatively call up 441/234 4653 which is a central number for reservation.
David Taylor
We will be in your country for 3 days in November. We will play golf on Wednesday Nov. 9th, 2011 and would like to consider playing at your course. Please send us the fees that you would charge for that day. Please include greens fees, cart rental, club rentals and any other fees or taxes. Thank you
Raj/Bermuda-Attractions.Com
Please contact the Golf Club directly for the rates and other information. Since I do not know which course you are planning to play at, please choose the course in this page. You will find the contact numbers there. Unfortunately most of them do not have email address. So you will need to call them up over phone. For reservation at any of the Bermuda government owned courses, there is a central phone number: 441/234-4653. You can also visit the website www.tee.bm for reserving tee time.
|
