Port Royal Golf Course Review

Course Review and Comments

I originally posted a review following the reopening after $14.5M renovations. I'm pleased report that the golf course has matured nicely and is in spectacular condition with all areas open for play, including practice green, driving range, practice bunkers, etc.

With nearly two years of growth, the green surfaces and fairways are lush and recover well from the abuses of play. Ball marks on greens are no longer a concern and fairways have filled in for a tight, firm playing surface. In keeping with modern standards, the course plays firm and fast with greens holding well struck shots hit from the fairways and rejecting poorly struck irons and shots from the rough.

The course has a few holes that are very difficult if played from the wrong set of tees for the golfer's ability, but when played from an appropriate set of tees, the course presents an enjoyable and scenic challenge. From the back tees, the course is a monster. There is very little water in play, but there are a number of bunkers, many of which come into play and have collection areas much larger than the bunkers themselves. The greens have fair contours with only the 9th and 18th holes having some peculiar contours. Several greens have false fronts (7, 9, 10, 12, 18), all of which are relatively obvious and quite fair. The false front on the 18th is particularly deceptive and penal and the green has severe countours beyond the false front.

The clubhouse is beautiful and the food and beverage operations are steadily improving. The quality of food and variety of menu offerings is exceptional. Service is prompt, courteous, and professional, although occassionally erratic. Food is always excellent.

For a public course, the service is excellent, but the service falls short of resort course standards. Bag drop, post-round club cleaning, shoe shine, and other resort-type services are occassional and seem to be seasonal or weather-dependent.

Overall, Port Royal presents the best golfing experience on the island, certainly ahead of the tired courses of Mid Ocean and Tucker's Point, which are usually touted as the top courses but prove to be over-rated.