A Beginner’s Guide To Golf - Everything You Need To Know 

Your golfing experience in the Caribbean will vary from island to island, as each one offers its own landscape, scenery and people to play with. And added to that is the individuality of each golf course on each island, every one offering a unique experience. The Caribbean is home to some of the most beautiful and beginner-friendly golf courses in the world, renowned not just for their playability but also their stunning settings amidst tropical landscapes. Here are a few things to consider when selecting what golf course to start playing on.

From parkland courses with lush, tree-lined fairways to links courses that hug rugged coastlines, golf course designs in the Caribbean offer quite a spectacular experience. Playing golf in the Caribbean offers an opportunity to enjoy and admire the natural landscape of each island, whether that’s when you’re on or off the course. Visit St Lucia and be in and around a host of natural and geological wonders, such as the Pitons and the Sulphur Springs; or if you’re in the Dominican Republic, you can enjoy stunning bodies of water such as Gri Gri Lagoon, La Boca de Yasica and Hoyo Azul. As you play, take the time to appreciate the surroundings; the beauty of the course can be as rewarding as the game itself. Scenic courses provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering an opportunity to unwind, relax, and take things at a slower pace. Have a read of these spectacular views you can enjoy when at Apes Hill.

Whether you're looking to tee off amidst the backdrop of a parkland course, where the tranquillity of the landscape makes your game serene and enjoyable, or you prefer the challenge and breathtaking views of a links course, where ocean breezes and rolling dunes test your skill and strategy, the Caribbean islands provide the perfect setting to learn to play and indulge in the sport amid some of the most stunning scenery in the world.

As a beginner, it's essential to select a course that strikes the right balance between challenge and enjoyment. Look for courses that aren’t too daunting; ones that allow you to practise your skills while still experiencing the satisfaction of a well-played round. Courses with shorter holes or those specifically designed for novices, like our Par 3 courses, offer an excellent starting point where you can perfect the core skills.

And once you’ve nailed the basics, you can progress onto courses with more diverse terrains and elevation changes to provide a richer and more engaging golfing experience. Playing on a course with hills, valleys, and a mix of flat and rolling landscapes demands different strategies and club selections, making each hole a fresh challenge and teaching you to adapt your play to different conditions. Read our guide to golfing in the Caribbean here. 

After you’ve chosen the golf course you want to begin on, the next step is to explore various ways to learn and improve your game. There are different options available, each tailored to different learning styles and goals. Here’s our low-down list to choose from:

What is it: One-on-one coaching with a professional instructor, focused on personalised improvement and skill development.

Considerations: Ideal for those seeking individualised attention and custom-tailored instruction. Evaluate the instructor’s credentials and ensure their teaching style aligns with your learning preferences and golfing ambitions. This option is best for golfers who thrive on direct feedback and targeted guidance.

What is it: Instruction provided in a group setting, covering a range of topics from swing fundamentals to course etiquette.

Considerations: Group clinics offer a social and supportive environment, making them less intimidating for beginners. Look at the group size to ensure you get enough individual attention, and check if the clinic’s focus matches your learning goals. This cost-effective option also allows you to meet fellow golfers and learn in a community setting. 

What is it: Comprehensive programs offering immersive learning experiences, often spread over several days, covering all aspects of the game.

Considerations: When choosing a golf school or academy, consider the depth of the curriculum and the expertise of the instructors. Seek programs that use technology like video analysis for a more detailed learning experience. Also, be sure you check the student-to-instructor ratio and how much on-course instruction is included versus practice time.

What is it: Advanced facilities that use technology such as simulators and swing analysis software to enhance specific aspects of your game.

Considerations: Perfect for those who appreciate a data-driven approach to improvement. Ensure the centre offers thorough diagnostics and personalised feedback. Look for centres that also address physical fitness and mental game strategies. Take a look at our Performance and Teaching Centre at Apes Hill for more of an insight into what to expect! 

Apes Hill also has a progressive, state-of-the-art Performance and Teaching Centre with exceptional staff. You can have your biomechanics analysed to create personalized golf specific fitness plans. You may also be fitted for clubs from driver to putter, or choose to get a coaching plan with one-on-one coached sessions to improve your game.

[Jody Addison, our Director of Golf and Golf Operations at Apes Hill shares his 5 top tips and tricks to improve your golf game here.] 

Head of Sales at Apes Hill, Kim Goddard, notes that the golf Performance Centre is one of the best we’ve seen in the Caribbean thanks to its state of the art equipment. Which, by the way, also happens to be fun stuff. 

She describes the equipment, “If you want to work on your putting, they brought a system that is almost like beer pong, where you have to hit your ball to it and you get points. And so it’s making things that are tedious, fun, to help your game.”

When starting your golf journey as a beginner in the Caribbean, there are several other practical aspects to consider to ensure an enjoyable experience. 

Firstly, determine whether the cost of equipment rental is included in your lesson or course fees. Many clubs offer rental packages, but these can vary widely in price. These can also vary in what’s included - some facilities may include everything from clubs to balls, while others might require you to bring or rent certain items. Another cost consideration that’s important to understand is the green fees associated with the course you plan to play. These fees can vary significantly depending on the course's location, and time of year. Make sure to inquire whether your lesson package includes green fees or if they are an additional cost. 

Next, the popularity of golf in the Caribbean means that tee times and lessons can book up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Ensure you book your lessons and practice sessions well in advance to secure your preferred times and instructors. 

Finally, remember that the golf course itself isn’t the be-all and end-all of the game, and it’s important to consider what else is on offer when selecting the course and club that’s right for you. Look for features including clubhouses with amenities like restaurants and lounges to meet fellow golfers and unwind after your game and club activities to partake in. The social nature of golf is what attracts many to play, so make the most of it!

If you’re new to the game and looking for a place to pick up your first club, why not come and stay with us at Apes Hill? Our Performance and Teaching Centre, Par 3 golf course and expert coaches means that our community is the perfect place to learn to golf. And if you’re with other more experienced players, they can take to our Championship golf course, or hone their skills on the driving range. If you want to get your golf journey started today, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today.