Anguilla Golf

Sometimes, when exploring, you come across true surprises.

My Dad, a former golf fanatic, was definitely delighted upon discovering an unknown Anguilla golf course!

Long before the likes of the St. Regis started developing on Anguilla, there was only one Anguilla golf course. I use the term "golf course" loosely. Today, it is closed, but I have never seen such a simple and rustic one ever before...

Anguilla golf.

Ten years ago, we likely would not have made a trip to Anguilla.

Why?

Because those two words, "Anguilla golf," didn't exist together.

My dad used to be an avid golfer. He even gave lessons to a tour professional in Canada. Everything used to be...

"Golf, golf, golf."

Funny thing about Anguilla. Although it caters to what they call the "upscale market," there used to be no such thing as "Anguilla golf."

And then, along came Anguilla's first golf course, sort of...

Pitch & Putt.

Ever heard of that? Short holes, just for hitting short shots, chipping, and putting. Well...

It's Anguilla's first golf course.

Here's how we stumbled upon it...

Our family was enjoying an excellent breakfast at the Roadwell Cafe (near Sandy Ground), when my Dad spotted a little flag.

"What's that?" he asked. "Is that a putting green and flag? Is there a golf course across the street?"

"Can't be!"

Oh yes it could.

We washed down breakfast with some ice-cold, fresh lemonade. And, of course, even though he is no longer a golf addict, he couldn't not investigate.

It was a "rustic" (a real estate euphemism!) nine-hole course.

Rough-mown fairways and putting greens.

Nevertheless...

"Hey, it is a golf course."

The Anguilla Golf Association founded it in 2001. It remains Anguilla's best kept secret... golf has been on the island for almost the entire millennium!

(We later found out that one of my Dad's friends (Malcolm Hope-Ross) is the chairman of the association. Dad never knew!)

Back to "Anguilla golf." My Dad started looking around for something.

"What are you looking for?" I asked him.

"A wedge."

Too bad. Sad. No wedges to be found. He has yet to hit a golf ball in Anguilla.

My guess is he will soon though.

However, the first Anguilla golf course has some competition...

Say Bye-Bye to the Sonesta

The Sonesta used to be a fancy North-African-style resort. It has been torn down to make room for a super-deluxe five star Caribbean golf complex.

Flag Luxury Properties LLC. is building an 18-hole, professional Anguilla golf course, complete with luxury hotel and estates. The course has been designed by world-famous golfer Greg Norman.

Anguilla golf of this caliber will give the island quite a boost. It should attract thousands of new high-end tourists. But I don't think you'll see my Dad in that neck of the woods (OK, there are no woods in Anguilla!) too often.

His ideal golf course? The under-developed Highlands Golf Course in Cape Cod (before it, too, was purchased by a big company). My Dad and I played two mystical rounds there years ago.

Sparse grass, played over dunes, roaring ocean, and a lighthouse always in view. Just bring a few clubs and a couple of balls at sunrise.

"That's real golf, Nori."

So, when he's in the mood to play some Anguilla golf, expect to see him across the street from the Roadwell Cafe.