Golf in Antigua

Antigua is not a famous golf island, but it offers two enjoyable courses that are easy to fit around a beach holiday. Both are open to visitors, rent clubs and carts, and play under the same steady trade winds that define the island's sailing, so reading the breeze is part of the challenge.

The Jolly Harbour Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-71 layout woven through the marina village and resort on the west coast, beside Jolly Harbour itself. It is relatively flat and forgiving, with water hazards, mangrove edges and sea glimpses, making it the more relaxed of the two and a natural choice if you are already staying on the west coast.

The Cedar Valley Golf Club, just inland from the capital, St. John's, is the island's older 18-hole course. Its rolling, hillier terrain rewards accurate iron play and opens up views across the north of the island and out to sea from the higher holes. It also hosts the long-running Antigua Open.

Book tee times ahead in the December-to-April high season, play earlier in the day to dodge afternoon heat and wind, and pack plenty of sunscreen, water and a few spare balls. Off the fairways, the west coast's beaches and a catamaran day cruise are minutes away.