Bahamas
The Abaco Club
When you first glimpse the The Abaco Club’s golf course, nestled in a Garden of Eden setting called Winding Bay on Great Abaco Island (the biggest of a chain of Bahamian islands known as the Abacos), it provides an unforgettable sight with lush emerald green fairways skirting pristine beaches and the deep-blue backdrop of ocean. Billed as the world’s first “tropical links”, the course draws on characteristics of the great links of Scotland and Ireland, although the sunny skies and swaying palms leave you in no doubt as to where you are. 
This spectacular layout is the centrepiece of a US$250 million resort built by British tycoon Peter de Savary (and now managed by the Ritz-Carlton), who hired noted designers Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie to bring a slice of Scotland to the tropics. Swales, humps and hollows, small pot bunkers and undulating greens are ever present. Add these with the unpredictable nature of coastal winds and Abaco is certainly a demanding test.
The pristine waters of Winding Bay are in view on the first 14 holes, while the final four traverse a coral cliff above the Atlantic. On the 18th tee, you are greeted by the sound of waves crashing against the rocky cliffs and a rolling carpet of lush landscape that stretches from tee to green. Quite frankly, for the golf connoisseur it does not get much better than this.
After your round, recount every moment over a frosty beverage or two on the veranda of the club’s main restaurant, which overlooks the bay and golf course, relax in the world-class spa nearby or retreat to one of the 75 tastefully furnished Bahamian cottages.
Contact: www.ritzcarlton.com/abaco
