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Golfing renaissance in Grand Bahama
WELCOME BAHAMAS - GRAND BAHAMA - 2007
Golfing renaissance in Grand Bahama
Island slated to become a golfer's Mecca
With postcard-perfect greens, superb subtropical weather and direct flights from major North American cities every day, Grand Bahama Island is a golfer?s paradise. And in five years, new courses will transform the island into a true golfing Mecca.
The most talked about courses are championship layouts at the multi-billion-dollar Ginn sur Mer project, now under construction in West End.
The Florida-based Ginn Development Company will reportedly invest $75 million in two courses to be designed by PGA stars from yesteryear, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Oceanfront holes and fine dining at the clubhouse will add a special allure to Grand Bahama?s evolving golf scene.
Plans are also under way to reopen the Shannon Golf Course in the east. This course is now a popular site for birdwatchers. Once restored, it will add another option for players.
The additions indicate golf is on the upswing in Grand Bahama. The Ruby and Emerald courses at the Royal Oasis Resort closed after extensive hurricane damage in 2005. When and whether these courses will reopen will be up to one of several parties negotiating with government to buy the property.
For now, three courses are up and running?The Lucayan and Reef courses at the Westin & Sheraton at Our Lucaya and the course at Fortune Hills Golf and Country Club. Each offers a unique playing experience.
The nine-hole championship course at Fortune Hills, designed by Dick Wilson and Joe Lee in 1967, is a favourite among retired snowbirds.
?Our groups come from England, Ireland and Canada. The course is in perfect golfing condition between mid-December to early May,? says owner Walter Kitchen.
The 6,824-yard Lucayan course was also designed by Dick Wilson in 1962. It?s the island?s oldest course and it offers a challenging game.
?The courses are in ideal condition for playing,? says Michelean Poitier, golf coordinator for both the Lucayan and the 6,900-yard Reef. ?Both are in excellent shape.?
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