Sun, sea and super golf with global stars
Graham Otway previews the holiday of a lifetime playing golf in Barbados with rugby legends
Having collectively played in more than 230 rugby internationals for their countries Rory Underwood, Gavin Hastings, Peter Winterbottom and Jonathan Davies have created many wonderful sporting memories.
Now these four ‘greats’ of the sport have joined a fifth, Rugby Paper columnist, Jeremy Guscott in signing up for the 2017 Rugby Legends Golf Classic by Caribtours which is to be played in Barbados next May.
When they arrive in the Caribbean there will not only be new happy memories created for them by the two wonderful golf courses they will play and stylish hotels in which they will stay, but also for the 54 rugby fans who sign up for the six-day holiday both as their playing partners and to join in the fun off the course.
Certainly playing the Ape’s Hill Club which will host rounds one and three of the 54-hole Legends Classic is an experience that could never be forgotten. It has been built 1,000 feet above sea level on hillside in the northern central district of Barbados. The resort was originally planned as a holiday destination for polo enthusiasts but has now been expanded to include a 7,150 yard par 72 layout and it is a true golfing challenge.
It is tough at times to concentrate on the shot to be played because of the wonderful views that grab the attention, looking out over both the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west.
With many fairways lined by palm trees, shots demand accurate placement and, at the Apes Hill signature hole, you need a mind full of courage as well.
The 16th is a 200-yard par three that has been built on the site of one of the old coral rock quarries that provided employment in the area for the islanders. Behind the green is a small cliff area of bare rock, which includes an old cave, but in front of it is a large lake which has to be carried. Walking to the next tee with a par and some golf balls left in the bag is an achievement to boast about later over a beer.
The focus, however, will switch when the second round of the Legends Classic is played at the ultra luxury Sandy Lane Resort which, 12 years ago, Tiger Woods, then the world’s undisputed number one golfer, chose as the venue for his marriage to the Swede Elin Nordegren.
Owned by famous horseracing figures JP McManus and Dermot Desmond it has two notable 18-hole courses. The Green Monkey is reputed to be the most expensive course built anywhere while the Country Club, over which the Legends’ second round will be played, hosted the 2006 Golf World Cup which was won by the German pair of Bernhard Langer and Marcel Siem.
After their first round Langer, a two-time winner of the US Masters, commented how the 7,060 yard par 72 course situated near the coast at sea level can test the best golfers in the world when the wind starts to blow in off the nearby Caribbean Sea.
However, away from the challenges offered by the two wonderful golf courses the packages put together by Hotels Group, on the first night will Caribtours on their website give guests a chance to chat to the for the rugby legends.
rugby fans wanting to holiday and mix And after each day’s golf there with their sporting heroes offer the could be nothing more relaxing than choice of three luxury hotels on Barbados’ a rum punch or two on the glorious renowned Platinum coastline. white sand beaches near The House The quality of the six-day long trip and Tamarind Hotels which also feature starts with the use of lounge facilities in the holiday itinerary. while waiting for the British When all three rounds have been Airways flight at Gatwick and, on played the awarding of a prize of a arrival at Barbados, a fast track week’s holiday for two at Tamarind through immigration. by Elegant Hotels to the winning A welcoming drinks party at the golfer will be one of the highlights of Colony Club Hotel, part of the Elegant the Gala Dinner, as will a question and answer session with the rugby stars and a surf and turf menu which includes lobster tail, crab and tiger shrimp cake and tenderloin steak.
To get a true taste of what Caribbean Sea has to offer, Caribtours have also organised a catamaran cruise along the West Coast of Barbados which will include snorkelling with turtles, a BBQ lunch and house drinks. All in all, an unforgettable trip sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.