Bermuda Golf Guide

Bermuda is known the world over as the welcoming home to outstanding golf, breathtaking island scenery, a vibrant culture and sophisticated hospitality. The British Overseas Territory is also expanding its reputation as an international host of golf and other sporting events that can engage groups of all kinds in new and vital ways.

The 21-square mile island nation's annual PGA TOUR Bermuda Championship(10/26-11/1) at Port Royal Golf Course will be followed by a new event, the historic Bermuda Black Golf Summit & Championship(11/2-11/7). The Bermuda Tourism Authority(BTA) will work with PGA Magazine and Ellison Consulting to bring together 24-four-player teams to compete and network in this first-ever event. In addition to creating a new golf event that will allow visitors to experience the history, beauty, culture, and food of Bermuda, the Summit & Championship will establish new pathways for local children to learn the game of golf and explore careers in the sport. In addition to the back-to-back championships, the BTA is also hosting a new American Junior Golf Association(AJGA) event this year.

"We are so excited to have this opportunity to introduce the island to golf leaders who are passionate about the sport and inclusion," says Hazel Clark, Director of Sports Business Development for the BTA. "It's another example underscoring that Bermuda has become the perfect place to host events that go beyond playing golf."

Bermuda has more golf courses per square mile than any other country in the world. The seven courses range from world-class architectural gems to fun par 3 layouts that are ideal for visiting golfers of all ages. One of the best known is the legendary Port Royal Golf Course originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
providing a stiff challenge at 6,842 yards and the most picturesque venues you will ever play. You will definitely want to take a moment when you step on the tee at the famed 16th hole, a par 3 that you have to carry the ocean to find the green.

The territory is home to another bucket list layout, the prestigious Mid Ocean Club golf course, designed 100 years ago by C. B. McDonald and reworked most recently by Tom Doak. Your name can join those of Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, George H. W. Bush and Babe Ruth in the club's guest book. Mid Ocean is home to one of golf's most famous architectural gems, the par 4 fifth hole known as the Cape Hole. This often-imitated design tempts players to hit a heroic shot over Mangrove Lake as a classic risk-reward challenge. The layout concludes with the unforgettable 18th hole. which climbs the coastline toward the clubhouse, using the Atlantic Ocean as the world's largest water hazard along the right side.

Newly added to Bermuda's golf roster is Five Forts Golf Course, part of the latest hotel offering, the St. Regis Bermuda Resort, which is located in St. George and opened last July. The course's 18 hole layout is just over 4,000 yards with sweeping ocean vistas and state-of-the-art amenities. The first hole starts at Fort Victoria and has views of the island's other famous historical forts finishing near Fort Catherine.

As for off-course activities, Bermuda is the ideal location for trips of any kind due to the ease of travel and its cosmopolitan vibe. Non-stop flights from anywhere on the east coast of the USA reach Bermuda in roughly two hours. It makes the island nation an alluring destination that feels like a whole world away but close enough to have breakfast at home and be playing golf or relaxing next to the ocean in the afternoon.

In the town of St. George, you can stroll the historic streets, see thriving art districts and enjoy the mellow vibes at The Beach House, East End Mini-Yacht Club or Wahoo's Bistro & Patio. Locals swear by the sunsets and bonfires at Tobacco Bay to end the day.

The territory capital, Hamilton, is adorned with a bounty of shopping and dining choices to suit any pocketbook. Front Street is home to boutiques featuring unique finds from around the world as well as local artisans.

The abundance of coastline and beachfront in Bermuda also makes it a favorite destination for beachgoing, swimming, and snorkeling. The pink sand beaches at Horseshoe Bay and Elbow beaches are among the best in the world. Water sports like jetskiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, riding in pontoon boats are available. You can even rent a yacht or speed boat complete with captain and crew.