Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club – Award-winning Golf
By Tim Cotroneo
The Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club is on a roll. Voted the Best Caribbean Golf Course by USA Today for the past two years, the course’s tee sheet is still nearly full in August, two months beyond what is typically the end of Caribbean resort high season.
For Golf Professionals Dave Douglas and Sean Wilson, the popularity of this 6,700-yard layout, located a three iron from amazing Grace Bay Beach, means the fruits of three decades of island efforts are paying off in a big way. Both of these Ontario natives look back on Royal Turks and Caicos’ early days with a wink and a smile.
The course opened in 1992 as Provo Golf Club. At the time, the sport of golf, lush green grass, and even golf balls were a bit of a curiosity for islanders who had barely heard of the sport in these pre-internet days. Douglas arrived in 1993, and Wilson followed two years later.
Those Were the Days
The stories shared about the golf club back in the ‘90s trigger raised eyebrows and “you could write a book” banter. The upward evolution of the course goes hand-in-hand with the island of Providenciales’ current status as a travel destination that is soaring in hotel bookings and villa development.
An integral reason for Royal Turks and Caicos’ popularity is Superintendent Tim Mack. This Carolina native implemented Platinum Paspalum grass back in 2010. The result today is a golf course that regularly receives rave reviews as one of the best conditioned tracks in the Caribbean.
Play 18 holes at the Royal Turks and discover an amazing golf experience. From the Par 4, 348-yard first hole to the Par 4, 400-yard closing hole, golfers can anticipate signature conch shell tee markers, lush green fairways, and a wealth of palm trees throughout. You may also find a bird gallery of laughing gulls cheering you on around the greens.
The 19th Hole
Celebrate your round with a locally brewed Turkshead beer at the 19 Bar and Restaurant. Look skyward and you’ll notice dozens of golf flags hanging from the ceiling. These are momentos from around the world that were donated by golfers wishing to showcase their favorite courses. Each flag has a story behind it, and these stories connect you to the ongoing Royal Turks and Caicos legend.
Pull up to the bar and rub elbows with golfing vacationers who have fallen madly in love with Turks and Caicos. They decided to write their own personal story of island life. These Caribbean enthusiasts made the move to plant roots in Providenciales. There is even a new residential development along the course’s Par 5, 561-yard 7th hole.
If you’re a golfer and you’ve never been to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos’ most inhabited island, imagine teeing off just a stone’s throw from one of the best beaches in the world. Discover in 2024 why the award-winning Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club is on a roll. https://royalturksandcaicosgolf.com/
