Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fairmont Southampton Golf Club
On the grounds of one of the most luxuri-
ous hotels on Bermuda, this course occupies not only the loftiest but also one of the
most scenic settings on the island. Elevated tees, strategically placed bunkers, and
plenty of water hazards make it a challenge, and golfers have been known to use every
club in their bag when the wind blows in from the Atlantic. Against the backdrop of
the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, the 16th hole sits in a cup ringed by flowering bushes.
The vertical drop on the 1st and 2nd holes is almost 60m (200 ft.). Even experienced
golfers like to “break in” on this course before taking on some of Bermuda's more
challenging ones. This well-irrigated course is often green when some other courses
suffer a summer brownout.
There are also “Sunset Rates” if you begin playing in the afternoon. You will need
to contact the course to get the “Sunset Rates” times (usually 2:30 or 3:30pm). Adults
can walk the course for $59 or add a cart for an additional $27. There are no caddies,
and club rental is $25.
101 South Rd., Southampton Parish.
&
441/238-3225.
www.fairmont.com/southampton. Daily 7am-
sunset. Holes: 18. Par: 54. Length: 2,454m (2,684 yd.). Bus: 7 or 8.
Ocean View Golf Course
In the 1950s, this was a club for black Bermudians.
Later, as other clubs started to admit black players, the course was neglected and fell
into disrepair. Ocean View's reputation for spotty maintenance lives on despite a
$2-million renovation that vastly improved the course. However, the course is nicer
than many people expect. In the center of Bermuda, in Devonshire Parish, it offers
panoramic views of the ocean from many of its elevated tees. Many golfers consider
the terrain unpredictable; that, combined with rambling hills and winds from the
Great Sound, makes the course more challenging than it appears. A few holes have
as many as six tees. The green on the 162m (177-yd.), par-3 5th hole has been cut
into the coral hillside. Because the hole is draped with semitropical vines, golfers
sometimes have the eerie feeling that they're hitting the ball into a cave.
On weekdays, this course tends to be the least crowded on Bermuda. Greens fees
are $89 for 18 holes and $74 for 9 holes. Golf shoes (soft spikes) or tennis shoes will
work.
2 Barkers Hill Rd., Devonshire Parish.
&
441/295-9092.
www.oceanview.bm. Daily 7:30am-6:30pm.
Holes: 9 (18 tee positions). Par: 35. Length: 2,688m (2,940 yd.). Bus: 2, 10, or 11.
Port Royal Golf Course
Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., in
1970, this stellar golf course was restored and reopened in June 2009 after a multi-
million-dollar overhaul. Golfers cite its 7th and 8th holes as being particularly diffi-
cult, subject as they are to steep dogleg turns and occasional high winds, and the 15th
and 16th holes as “gorgeous but treacherous,” thanks to their location on windy cliff-
tops ringing the periphery of Whale Bay. Greens fees are $148, or else $180 with golf
cart included.
5 Middle Rd., Southampton Parish.
&
441/234-0974.
www.portroyalgolf.bm. Daily 7:30am-6pm.
Holes: 18. Par: 71. Length: 5,999m (6,561 yd.). Bus: 7 or 8.
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OTHER OUTDOOR PURSUITS
Biking
With a year-round average temperature of 70°F (21°C), Bermuda offers ideal weather
for bicycling. Plus, biking is a great way to have fun and stay in shape, and it allows
