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Many resorts and hotel properties in Aruba have golf courses on site. However, there are only 27 regulation holes on the whole island. Most hotels and resorts offer a non-regulation golf course capable of play.
Overlooking Aruba's northwest coast, Tierra Del Sol provides a level of luxury that exceeds a traveler's dream. The golf course is ideally located near the Tierra Del Sol resort and the California Lighthouse, with additional activities for children available nearby. Opened in 1995, this well groomed 18-hole, par-71 Bermuda grass course was the creation of Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
The only championship golf course in Aruba, Tierra Del Sol is home to the Aruba Aces Championship, a senior PGA tour event. The course also sports the Parview GPS yardage system, which provides golfers with a virtual view of the field to help vacationing"pros" with their shot. It also allows for electronic scoring, including leaderboard and track skins for groups. A practice range, chipping area, and putting greens are also available.
Tee times at Tierra Del Sol occur between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. During the high season, when Aruba tends to be the busiest, Tierra Del Sol's green fees increase to $133 (USD) in the morning and $88 (USD) in the afternoon. If you do pay the afternoon fee during this time, it is established that you probably will not finish the course. Afternoon sessions during the high season are shorter than the morning sessions, so most visitors don't finish. During the off-season, prices drop to $88 (USD) in the morning and $68 (USD) in the afternoon. These fees include a golf cart. If you travel to Aruba between May and October, look for a bargain package in which you can play five days of golf for $380 (USD). For an additional $45 (USD), you can attend a half-day golf clinic that includes lunch in the clubhouse. Golfing shoes, as well as Callaway clubs, are available for rent. A storage locker is available for rent for the duration of your vacation. Tierra Del Sol's clubhouse serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
If you are looking for a more budget-conscious course, then Aruba Golf Club is right for you. Located east of Sint Nicolas on the southeastern coast of Aruba, this nine-hole Astroturf course is unusual. In addition to playing on oiled sand greens, golfers will face 20 sand traps and five water traps designed to increase the level of difficulty for"weekend pros." The Aruban Trade Winds are a natural obstacle, as are the goats that roam the course - and they don't move when you shout"Fore!" Even though it is a nine-hole course, it may feel more like a competitive 18-hole course. Tee times occur between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m daily. Rates at Aruba Golf Club are not affected by the tourist seasons: $10 (USD) for nine holes and $15-$18 (USD) for 18 holes. Caddies and clubs are also available for rent.
Although it is not a regulation course, the Links at Divi Aruba provides an ecologically- and visitor-friendly course for guests and travelers alike. While this course is open to the public, priority is given to guests of the Divi Aruba resort. The use of a golf cart is mandatory, but there is no caddie service. Be sure to follow the dress code: collared shirts for men, collard sleeveless shirts for women, no jeans or cut-offs, and golf length shorts. The Links at Divi Aruba also offers professional golf instruction, along with a driving range, chipping area, and bunker practice area.
For the not-so-serious golf enthusiast or the Aruba vacationer equipped with children, Joe Mendes' Adventure Golf provides wholesome family fun. Located in the Black Hog Saloon, Adventure Golf is the world's largest miniature golf course. It has two elevated 18-hole miniature golf courses - an easy BLUE course and a more difficult RED course. A round of 18-holes costs $7 (USD). If your kids have the attention span of a second-hole putt, you can rent a paddle boat for $5 (USD) or a bumper boat for a dollar more. The Black Hog Saloon has special events on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Whether you're at the pro level or are king of the miniatures, Aruba golf is definitely good"fore" relaxation.
