Grand Cayman Island, located just south Cuba and about a 90-minute flight from Miami, is the largest of the Cayman Islands. While the island is best known for its sparkling Seven Mile Beach, its delicious turtle soup recipes and its excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities, Grand Cayman is also home to a number of challenging and scenic golf courses. If you’re headed to the Cayman Islands this season, make sure to allow a little time to test your golf skills on one of these island courses.
Best places to play golf on Grand Cayman Island
There are three primary golf resorts on Grand Cayman Island, each with its own unique style and challenges.
- Britannia Golf Club. Located along Seven Mile Beach at the Grand Cayman Beach Suites (formerly the Hyatt Beach Suites), the courses at the Britannia Golf Club were designed by Jack Nicklaus and include a nine-hold championship course and an 18-hole, par 57 executive course. The setting here is lovely and the courses feature a number of natural water hazards including the spectacular 5th hole on the championship course, where your tee shot must carry over a portion of the Caribbean Sea. Amenities at the Britannia Golf Club include a bar and grill and a pro shop.
- North Sound Golf Course. The only 18-hole championship golf course on Grand Cayman Island, the par 71, 6,605-yard North Sound Golf Course features water views, coconut palms, iguanas and those challenging Tradewinds that always keep play interesting. Amenities at the North Sound Golf Club include a full service practice facility, an open-air bar and a pro shop.
- Blue Tips Golf Course. Located at the Ritz Carlton resort, this nine-hole, Greg Norman-designed course hugs the Caribbean coast. This course is reserved exclusively for Ritz Carlton guests and residents, but it might be worth staying at this Seven Mile Beach resort in order to play the challenging course. Amenities and services here include a golf shop, a caddie concierge program and a 19th hole bar and grill. This course also offers a program to encourage young golfers. Those age 15 and younger can play for free during non-peak times in the afternoon when they are accompanied by a (paying) adult. Children can also get free golf instruction at the course pro shop.
To make the most of your Grand Cayman golf experience, it’s a good idea to book your round during the week, when the courses are less crowded. Many courses also offer discounts to resort guests and all provide rental equipment, so you don’t have to lug your clubs with you on vacation. It’s also important to reserve your tee times as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment. This is especially true during the peak season between December 15 and April 15.