St Kitts, or St Christopher, was once a notorious pirates’ lair. It is soon to become a haven for golfers with four new courses scheduled for completion.
Even now, with just the existing course at the Royal St Kitts Golf Club, it is already a big league player and an essential destination for golf-lovers in the Caribbean.
The Royal St Kitts Golf Club, renovated in 2005, has been raised to the level of the greatest courses and is one of the pearls of the Caribbean region as well as a formidable challenge.
Like a suite of symphonic variations, the course is alternately peaceful, stimulating, heroic or majestic, drawing the player toward a breathtaking finale.
TECHNICAL DATA Royal St Kitts Golf ClubName 1976, renovated in 2004-2005Year built Thomas McBroomArchitect P.O. Box 858 Basseterre, St Kitts, West IndiesAddress 1-869-466-2700Telephone 1-869-466-2701Fax www.royalstkittsgolfclub.comWeb site info@royalstkittsgolfclub.comE-mail Open year roundAnnual closing From 6.00am to 6.00pmOperating hours 1-866-STK-GOLFBooking
THE COURSE
Par 71
More than 80 bunkers
9 holes with water hazards
Hcp compulsory : no
Level recommended : Hcp 27
EQUIPMENT
All you need for practice: driving range (US$ 5 per basket), chipping green, putting green, all in perfect condition.
Golf cart rental: included with greens fee.
FACILITIES
The club also includes a fine clubhouse with a restaurant, changing rooms with lockers, if needed. The pro-shop offers a remarkable variety of articles for sale.
Throughout the course, you will find restrooms, drinking fountains and a beverage cart.
TERRAIN
Although the greens are often raised, the course is fairly flat. Only 11, 14 and 15 present a significant slope.
THE GREENS
Vast and manicured like the rest of the course, the greens at Royal St Kitts are renowned in the Caribbean. Very fast with subtle undulation, they demand careful attention to lines. The greens represent a real challenge at every hole.
THE SHOT TO MASTER
Putting. Every element of the game is important if you want to score well at Royal St Kitts, especially driving and wind control. However, here more than anywhere else, good putting, even after an intelligently prepared approach, is absolutely essential.
THE DIFFICULTIES OF THE COURSE
The difficulties are numerous but always honest and never discouraging. However, in St Kitts, the wind remains a determining factor that can make a 4 club difference at the same hole.
THE MOST DIFFICULT HOLES
The 18th par 4, the 12th par 3 and the 11th par 5, where a bogey is a very good result.
OPPORTUNITIES TO BIRDIE
Not to be missed at holes 13, 1, 3 and 8.