Golf in the Bahamas isn’t all about bunkers, birdies and bogeys, it’s also about the dazzling views, turquoise waters and fine white sands beaches. Just ask the LPGA Pure Silk Bahamas Tournament who are playing at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island and Tiger Woods who has moved his “Woods World Challenge Tournament” for the next three years to Albany on New Providence. One of the benefits of taking a golf-break in the Bahamas is that as an established tourist destination, you can also fill your time relaxing on the beach, shopping, dining, and enjoying various outdoor activities or a combination of all of the above. These ratings are unbiased and strictly based on the average rankings given by the reputable websites Golfweek.com, Golfdigest.com, topp100golfcourse.co.uk and telegraph.co.uk.

1) Winding Bay, Great Abaco

Abaco - Winding Bay Golf Course

Photo Courtesy of Abaco Club Homes

Architect: Donald Steel & Tom MacKenzie
Number of Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 7,120

The magnificent Winding Bay golf course is part of the exclusive Abaco Club located on a peninsula alongside an exceptional beach in Great Abaco, which is part of a 120-mile long chain of islands and cays, with several protected harbors, marinas and resorts. The scottish-style tropical links golf course is in a tropical paradise, with non-stop flights into Nassau and Florida, it is fairly easy to reach. The surprisingly tough golf course is situated with views of Atlantic Ocean with hard and fast-running tee and green surfaces, encompassed by a fantastic beach. The Abaco Club is a private club, but non-members are able to play the course, and you can become a member or rent/purchase one of the extraordinary Bahamian Village Cottages to experience this outstanding course.

2) Ocean Club Estates, Paradise Island

Ocean Club Golf Course

Architect: Tom Weiskopf
Number of Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 7,100

The setting for the challenging Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course is one not to be ignored, with the well manicured greens, white-sand bunkers, and the amazing view and the refreshing winds coming from the Atlantic Ocean, this course will challenge any seasoned golfer. Ocean Club Golf Course has had the pleasure to host events such as the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational, as well as of Golf Channel’s Big Break. Combine that with access to the all the amenities of The One & Only Ocean Club and the architectural design of the exceptional homes, this course is worth a round or two.

3) Lyford Cay, New Providence

Photo Courtesy of Rees Jones Inc.

Architect: Rees Jones, Bryce Swanson & Dick Wilson
Number of Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 7,007

The lavish Lyford Cay championship standard course was first commissioned to American Architect Dick Wilson in the 1950’s. In 2006 Bryce Swanson of Rees Jones Design updated the course, adding length to  the magnificent design, and updating the course to keep up with today’s golf technology. The course is bordered by spectacular residential sites and a variety of exotic foliage, reminding you that you’re in a tropical paradise.

4) Bakers Bay, Guana Cay

Bakers Bay Golf Course

Architect: Tom Fazio & Logan Fazio
Number of Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 7,390

This 18-hole golfer friendly course developed by Discovery Land Company and designed by Tom Fazio is located in the private resort community of Bakers Bay, located on Great Guana Cay. The lush wide fairways and the minimal amount of rough, help you enjoy the tranquil views of the beach and the wide spectrum of blues amid the ocean and the sky. This exclusive community boasts a marina, Marina Village resort area, and a private club that includes a beach club and spa.

5) Albany, New Providence

Albany Golf Course

Photo Courtesy of Albany

Architect: Ernie Els
Number of Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 7,400

Albany is a luxury community with a world-famous golf course designed by professional golfer Ernie Els. This course was made to be playable for golfers of all standards, but challenging enough that you want to play more. The combination of the winds coming off the ocean, the strategically placed dunes, and the backdrop of the natural foliage creates a unique and beautiful environment in which to play golf. This oceanfront community includes a luxury boutique hotel, a mega-yacht marina, a variety of restaurants, pool and lounge area, full-service Spa, fitness center and a future equestrian center.

Honorable Mention:

Emerald Bay, Great Exuma (Visit our Exclusive Grand Isle Villas Listing)
Architect: Greg Norman
Number of holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 7,001

What do you think of our rankings? If you feel we missed your favourite location please share it with us or share your own list of favourite properties and islands. To list or purchase your property call us at 1-242-328-7777 or e-mail sales@bahamaswaterfront.com.