Wives are certainly good for lots of things and some people even consider them an important part of a well balanced life. However, they often serve as roadblocks to excessive amounts of non stop golf with your golf buddies. But what if I told you that there is a magical land where all wives will remain happy and the golf will flow freely. I am talking about a place where the golf and the non-golf activities are in perfect balance with one another. Imagine a destination where the golf senses are tickled and not a peep of discontent is heard from the significant other. I am talking about St Lucia and the Sandals Grand Resort.
The volcanic island of St Lucia is only 27 miles long by 14 miles wide.
This sunset greeted me as I arrived into St Lucia.
Located on the isthmus connecting Pigeon Island to St Lucia is Sandals Grand Resort.
The key to finding this magical balance is having options for a varied number of different activities. As a golf obsessed maniac, the only agenda item on 99% of my trips is golf. Give me 36 holes a day and a pizza at the end of it and I am a happy man. However, I am aware that this is not going to go over well with everyone. That is where Sandals comes in. With an all inclusive vibe and an overwhelming amount of activites at the resort, your wife might not even notice that you went golfing.
12 Unique restaurants
5 Pools and 4 whirlpools
Snorkeling and diving
Boat rides, jet skis, and general beach shenanigans
Pizza Beach - see photo below
6 Full-service bars including British pub
Spectacular Over-The-Water Bungalows
Red Lane Spa
Each day of the week even has themed entertainment. For example, Mondays are Caribbean Carnival Beach BBQ night.
You can eat pizza on Pizza Beach. Established in 2021 by Patrick Koenig.
Easy Pool & Ocean access at Sandals
Mid day dance party at the resort
Nobody ever gets crabby at Sandals.
Currently there are 2 golf courses on the island of St Lucia. More importantly these two golf courses provide options and variety. There is the 9 hole option at Sandals Regency La Toc and the freshly renovated Sandals Golf Club at Cap Estate. The 9 hole course is just a walk away from the resort at Sandals Regency La Toc and is well worth every step that it takes to get there.
The 5th green is surrounded by a jungle moat.
Situated in a lush tropical valley, the executive layout checks in at a par of 33 and measures 3,141 yards. With dramatic elevation changes on a number of jungle laden golf holes, accuracy and distance control is at a premium. The golf course is also a perfect place to bring your significant other. I like to call it a “hot date” course. The seasoned golfer will enjoy the unique experience and the beginner will appreciate the hit and giggle atmosphere. All players will have plenty of opportunities to hit some really fun golf shots.
From behind the 4th green.
The 5th green from the 2nd tee.
After my round, I paid the golf course the ultimate compliment by immediately going back out for another 9 holes. The course scores very high in the fun, picturesque, and experience categories and I couldn’t wait to try different strategies on some of the holes.
The 8th green from the 1st hole.
With a little warmup under my belt it was time to take on the main course and championship course at Cap Estate. The course has been recently renovated by Greg Norman and the grass is nearly all grown in. It is ready to be golfed and I was excited to be one of the first to get a golf ball and a camera lens on this beauty.
The 18th hole is a great challenge and a first class finishing hole.
Despite the relatively few amount of bunkers, the golf course still provides a fair amount of challenge. If you are going left and right, the course at Cap Estate will make sure that you pay for your sins. I didn’t mind donating a ball or two as the island views eased my pain.
Sunrise over the 2nd green
The lengthy 8th hole often plays into the breeze.
The view above the front nine at Sandals Cap Estate.
From behind the 18th green.
Everyone who visits Cap Estate will undoubtedly have the good fortune to meet the unofficial course rangers, Skip, Chip and Kip. I first met the crew as I finished the second hole. Afterwards, the gang kindly escorted me to the third tee box and waited for me to hit my iron shot into the short par 3. The rangers followed me doggedly for the next five holes.
I was unable to confirm that these doggos are actually named Skip, Chip, and Kip. They didn’t seam to mind the assumption.
6 things about Skip, Chip and Kip
Hate flying drone planes. Will bark at.
Will escort first time golfers to the appropriate tee boxes.
Pets will earn 3 golf karma points each.
Chip is an expert on the local breezes, listen to his club recommendations.
Kip has a nose for Pro V1’s and will locate your wayward tee shots.
Skip is the shyest of the crew. He loves to swim and chase birds.
Skip, Chip, and Kip will not tolerate slow play.
The view from the 6th fairway looking back on the 3rd hole.
The 8th hole at sunset. This hole is a beast.
The tight 9th hole rewards a well placed tee shot with a birdie chance on the approach.
Having visited the resort during COVID-19 pandemic, there were plenty of safety precautions put in place. I was required to take a PCR test before coming to the resort and I had to register with the St Lucia Travel Authority. They checked my results and verified my registration at the airport and I was free to enjoy all of the amenities at the resort. Since it requires a negative test result to re enter the USA, the resort actually provided a complimentary test to make travel simple.
For those looking to attain the wildly elusive balance of golf, romance, and beach activities, The Sandals Resort at St Lucia may be your only hope. Your search for golf harmony starts here.