Message: My husband and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary. We are taking a cruise to the Caribbean. I realize that the cruise line offers shore excursions and activities, but - I would rather experience the little splendor's that you experienced Caribbean traveler's know about. Here are the islands we will be visiting: Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas. We would probably like to play golf on one of the islands... which is best? Or, is it worth it... Or, would we miss out on other adventures? Thanks for all your input...

Nancy,<BR><BR>In my experience, few of the Caribbean golf courses are maintained at the level one gets used to in the states. Often, there are severe restrictions on watering because of the limited supply of fresh water. That makes many of the courses appear dry and dusty.<BR><BR>I'd suggest saving your golfing passion for the US and enjoy the things that make the Caribbean unique, which you can't find in the states. Good luck!<BR><BR>-- Peter

Nancy,<BR>Of the islands you will visit, only Barbados has good golfing. Barbados Golf Club has ben completely restored and is in excellent shape. Not too far from where the ship docks, either. Royal Westmorland is just a few minutes further away, is more expensive, and is drop dead gorgeous. A real test. Check websites for both courses. Also, Sandy Lane's course is either about to reopen or just reopened. Also expensive, but reports I've seen say it is going to be great.<BR>There is (or used to be, anyway -- not sure of current status)a course on St. Kitts, down near Frigate Bay/Jack Tar village. Don't have any word on condition, cost, or value. Doubt you would have time in St. Kitts to cross over to Nevis to play at 4 Seasons. Great course, great shape, not cheap.<BR>The course on St. Martin is a goat pasture, skip it. Unfortunately, Mahogany Run on St. Thomas is reported to be in such bad shape that one of the cruise lines which offered golf cruises has taken MR off its offered course list.<BR>Think there is a 9 hole course on St. Lucia, but feedback on this board indicates it isn't wonderful.<BR>If you are leaving from San Juan and have any time there, check wither of the courses at Westin Rio Mar. Again, not cheap, but the Fazio course has always been a favorite of mine. Played it every weekend when I was a member and living in San Juan. Of course, that's back before the Westin took it over. Was a private course back in '90- '91. Haven't played the Norman course.<BR>Hope this helps.

Don't bother with the ship excursions they offer you. I can only speak of St. Kitts. When you get off the ship, there will be taxi's all over the place. Pick a nice clean one, tell him what you want, dicker the price which is already set by the government and your on the way. 98% of them are nice honest guys. As far as the golf course, it is at Jack Tar Village but has been taken over by the new 900 room Marriott which is under construction. The course is under reconstruction also and is open to 9 holes which you can play twice. It will reopen as a beautiful 27 hole course. $65.00 for 9 holes and $80.00 for twice around plus the golf cart.

Sorry, just wondering if this goes back to the top.

If you're going to St. Kitts before November/December of this year, I don't highly recommend the golf because of the construction ... it's 9 holes, and one of the few golf courses in the world where your ball can be 2 yards off of the fairway, and yet remain unfound. That said, the island is very picturesque, with beautiful views (worth a nice taxi ride and a lunch) and also beautiful beaches along the southern end. If you are desperate for great golf, the Four Seasons on Nevis is a 30 minute boat ride (or a few minute plane ride) across, and it has an incredible Robert Trent Jones golf course.<BR><BR>I also agree that the Barbados Golf Club is in very good condition and a nice course.