Why Apes Hill’s ‘Caribbean Masterpiece’ Is Becoming One Of The Most Talked-about Golf Courses In The World

Positioned 1,000 feet above sea level, Apes Hill Barbados – designed by Ron Kirby – has quickly built a reputation as a bucket-list venue for all golfers.

We say ‘all’, because with four teeing options ranging from a little over 5,000 yards to 7,000, the layout aims to welcome an eclectic mix of golfers: from passionate beginners to seasoned veterans.

Laid out on an enviable and enriching stretch of land – much like another Kirby classic some 4,000 miles across the Atlantic at Ireland’s Old Head – the layout is surrounded by ancient coral rock formations, streams and gullies along with some dramatic changes in elevation.

“When I saw Apes Hill for the first time, I saw there were vistas that were just superb,” Kirby says.

“The fun at Old Head and the fun at Apes Hill are the vistas, and you just feel like you want to get out here and enjoy it on a course that has such world-class views as the backdrop.”

It was 2019 when Kirby first started work on reimagining Apes Hill into the wonder he has created today. After being commissioned by owner and Canadian investor Glenn Chamandy - whose own aim is to redefine Apes Hill as a luxury retreat with a number of key developments over the following 12 months – Kirby identified a number of key changes to the original design that first opened in 2006, with playability at the forefront of his strategy.

The thinking was simple: why build a golf course for only the best players to enjoy when everyone should be able to sample the delights of his ‘Caribbean Masterpiece?’

“We put four tee boxes in so that we could cover all types of players,” Kirby said. “From those who can strike it pure to the average golfer and then beginners.

“To everyone who plays at Apes Hill, I want them to walk away and say this was a fun golf course.”

Some more subtle changes would follow, crafting the layout with respect for the area’s natural surroundings with sustainability at its heart. The course uses an environmentally friendly grass that cuts back on water waste. What water is needed for the turf is natural rainwater housed in a 58-million-gallon reservoir. The new-look layout reopened to members and their guests last November, with Apes Hill transformed into a wow-a-minute feast for all.

After a gentle opening designed to ease players into their rounds with a thrilling risk-reward, drivable par four at the second hole, the layout serves up a stunning run of vistas with views out and over the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

While there is plenty to get excited about on the course’s outward nine – with the fourth hole and its tee box positioned on one of the highest points of the course - the inward half delivers great excitement. Notably, the run from 12 to 15 that sets up a grandstand finish as players reach the course’s signature hole at 16.

Named the ‘Cave’ with a coral rock hugging the hole behind the green and water lining the right, Kirby has left an indelible mark on Caribbean golf with a par three that possesses many characteristics for which Barbados is genetically famous for.

Off the course, a new state-of-the-art Performance Centre opened in January under the watchful eye of Tim Cutshall – a man who has built a reputation as the best in the business for designing hi- specification teaching facilities.

Meanwhile, a short par-three course will be ready for play later this year, along with an island-style 19th hole – ideal for settling scores left over from your round on the championship layout – while a modern and contemporary clubhouse is close to completion.

Stay-and-play villa rentals will be available from late 2023. The resort, when complete, will also encompass a new racquet centre with traditional and padel courts, a health club, spa and jogging and nature trails.

But at Apes Hill’s heart lies Kirby’s Caribbean Masterpiece. It is hard to imagine a finer spot for a round of golf.