Fodor's Bermuda by Fodor's

Author:Fodor's
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fodor's Travel Publications
Published: 2014-03-03T16:00:00+00:00

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Hamilton and Central Parishes | St. George’s and Eastern Parishes | Dockyard and Western Parishes

Golf is an important facet of sporting life in Bermuda, where golf courses make up nearly 17% of the island’s 21.6 square miles. The scenery on the courses is quite often spectacular, with trees and shrubs decked out in multicolor blossoms against a backdrop of brilliant blue sea and sky. The layouts may be shorter than what you’re accustomed to, but they’re remarkably challenging, thanks to capricious ocean breezes, daunting natural terrain, and the clever work of world-class golf architects.

Of the seven 18-hole courses and one 9-hole layout on Bermuda, five are championship venues: Belmont Hills, the Mid Ocean Club, Port Royal, Riddell’s Bay, and Tucker’s Point. All are well maintained, but you should not expect the springy bent grass fairways and fast greens typical of U.S. golf courses. The rough is coarse Bermuda grass that will turn your club in your hands. Most clubs have TifEagle or Tifdwarf greens—finer-bladed grasses that are drought-resistant and putt faster and truer than Bermuda grass. Because the island’s freshwater supply is limited, watering is usually devoted to the greens and tees, which means the fairways are likely to be firm and give you lots of roll. Expect plenty of sand hazards and wind—especially wind.

Many courses overseed with rye grass sometime between late September and early November to maintain color and texture through the cooler winter months. Some courses use temporary greens, whereas others keep their regular greens in play during the reseeding process. This makes for inaccurate putting situations; so if you’re visiting in fall, call ahead to find out the condition of the greens. Though all courses now have carts, there’s often a “cart path only” rule in force to protect the fairways, so expect to do some walking.

Many Bermudian tracks have holes on the ocean or atop seaside cliffs. They’re wonderfully scenic, but the wind and that big natural water hazard can play havoc with your game.

All courses in Bermuda have dress codes: long pants or Bermuda (knee-length) shorts and collared shirts for both men and women. Denim is not allowed. TIP Bermudian men always wear color-coordinated knee-high socks with their shorts on other occasions, but it’s okay to go bare-legged on the golf course.

Courses in Bermuda are rated by the United States Golf Association (USGA), just as they are in the States, so you can tell at a glance how difficult a course is. For example, a par-72 course with a rating of 68 means that a scratch golfer (one who usually shoots par) should be four under par for the round. High handicappers should score better than usual, too.

Reserve tee times before you leave home or ask your hotel concierge to do so as soon as you arrive. This is especially necessary to access the private courses.

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