Hogan

Bermuda Trip Report

Just spent July 4th Weekend in Bermuda. First off, a magnificent island. Just beautiful in every way. Not the cheapest, but unlike most islands the food is very good as is the service and array of hotels. Great snorkeling and fishing.
Now for golf:

Port Royal Golf Course: located in the Southern end of Bermuda along the sea. Designed by Robert Trent Jones (the senior) and considered the most picturesque course in Bermuda. I can see why. Mid-Ocean might be the best course in Bermuda but has nothing on Port Royal scenic wise. The course plays 6561 from the tips and holds a 72.6/131 course rating. Track is in top notch condition. Many holes right on the water. Like all Jones courses in the Caribbean, it was designed with the wind in mind. That is you can be looking at 2 and three club differences. Use your head and not your ego on this track. The par 3 16th is breath taking. 176 yards over a ravine with the most fantastic turquoise blue ocean on the left. All carry with bunkers on the sides and back. If the tees are on the top, step down to the lower tees and play from the back (the view and challenge is much better). The round cost $140 with cart. Not bad for in-season resort golf on an island like this. Afterwards, grab a drink and sit outside the bar to look at the course. If you are thinking about Bermuda, definitely book this track.

Stayed at the Fairmont Princess, the largest and only really full service hotel on the island. The Fairmont has an executive par 3 course that is rated one of the top 5 execs in the world. I can see why. The views of the ocean and bay are unbelievable. Pebble Beach doesn’t have views like this. Very hilly with some holes having up to 200 ft. elevation drops. Wind will play havoc with your game. The course was designed by Theodore G. Robinson. The track runs 2,630 yards and plays like 4,000 with the wind. The wind changes in velocity and direction all the time. It’s like playing a different course every day. The longest hole is 215 yards with wind in your face. Some kind of par 3. This is the perfect course to play with your wife. It takes 2.5 hours to move through it with gorgeous views in every direction. From 4PM when it gets cooler it runs $59 per person with cart. Daytime rates are $79. I don’t usually play exec courses, but must admit this one is fun and challenging.