There are any number of reasons to visit the Turks and Caicos—the dining is a sublime mix of cuisines, the snorkeling and diving is unsurpassed and the deep-sea fishing is world-renowned. There are two casinos in case you feel lucky and various golf courses. Here are our reviews of a few of the best golf courses in the Turks and Caicos.
Let’s start with some history. While there is an argument to make that Ponce de León was the first European explorer to discover the islands, a better bet would be Christopher Columbus.
As was the case in so many islands in this region, by 1766 the Turks and Caicos had been ruled at various times by the English, French and Spanish. Eventually, the British merged the islands with one of their prized colonies, the Bahamas. The islands were of particular commercial value to the British because of the unusually fine and abundant salt that could be exported, as well as a profitable cotton trade. The Turks and Caicos islands were also havens for pirates, who wreaked havoc on the trade routes as well as the homes of wealthy merchants.
The British and French fought over the islands for most of the 1700s, with both countries trading control. In 1874, Jamaica annexed the islands until Jamaica gained independence from Great Britain in 1962, when the Turks and Caicos became a British Crown Colony. Today, it remains a British overseas territory with residents having British citizenship.
Provo Golf & Country Club
The 18-hole Provo Golf & Country Club is located in the Grace Bay area of Providenciales, or “Provo.” Rated as one of the best golf courses in the Caribbean, ranked with the top 10 courses by Barron’s and Travel and Leisure magazine, the course, which opened in 1992, is a study in “Target golf” popularised by golf course architect Pete Dye at the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.
It features smallish greens and landing areas protected by bunkers and waste areas. Marshes and lakes come into play on 10 holes and limestone outcroppings add to the beauty of the course, which plays to 6,705 yards from the back markers with a Slope rating of 136. There is abundant wildlife on the course including pink flamingos, the island’s official bird. This is all adding to the deserved title of being one of the best golf courses in the Caribbean.
The club offers a fully stocked pro shop and club rentals are available. Lessons are offered and after your round, stop by Fairways Bar and Grill. The clubhouse is considered to be one of the finest in the Caribbean and Atlantic. There are also lighted tennis courts with tennis equipment available to rent.
Waterloo Golf Club
Next up is the Waterloo Golf Club, which opened in 1998 on the island of Grand Turk in the Caribbean. The 2,758-yard, par-3 championship golf course hosts a variety of competitions. The golf club is considered a non-profit company and maintains the grounds with money donated by local residents, greens or membership fees that are very reasonable.
Finally, there is the Turks and Caicos Miniature Golf Club, which is also located on Provo and is very popular. The 18-hole features water hazards, bunkers, a waterfall and a pond. The course has a number of special offers and events like children’s parties, special prices for women on Fridays and annual tournaments. Fees are $15 for adults and $10 for children.
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