THE Caribbean has been a preferred destination to thousands of holiday-makers for years. Only now is it proving equally popular with golfers. With a tropical climate there aren't many days when you can't play golf. Barbados boasts a number of stunning courses including Sandy Lane Golf Resort, Royal Westmoreland, Barbados Golf Club and Rockley. Sandy Lane, always a resort with exceptionally high standards has been further improved with the construction of two more new 18-hole courses in recent years. For the sentimentalists, the old bottom nine remain the same, but the Country Club Course and the Green Monkey Course are golfing gems separated by a stunning clubhouse. The Country Club Course is available on a pay-as-you-play basis. There are a number of man-made lakes on this essentially parkland layout. Arguably the best hole is the 18th, a par three across water with spectacular views down to the Platinum West Coast. This place just feels right. Even the golf carts house the latest technology to illustrate the layout of each hole. You can even order refreshments which will be personally delivered to you while you play! The Green Monkey Course is an exclusive course for Sandy Lane hotel guests. A more lush and well groomed course you are not likely to play. The holes around the feature lake are particularly stunning, irrespective of the quality of your own shots. Royal Westmoreland lies a few miles north of Sandy Lane. This Robert Trent Jones-designed course sits beautifully on the island's west coast. Westmoreland has one special asset, its four outstanding par threes. All four require a tough shot over natural gullies, as dozens of watching monkeys will testify. This is a private club but there are limited opportunities to pay-as-you-play. Further south, near the airport, is the rejuvenated Barbados Golf Club, a far cry from the gruelling old course of yesteryear. The new course is much more user friendly. Mature trees bend and beckon in the cooling coastal breezes. The seventh and 16th are the two toughest holes due to their close proximity to the lake. Barbados Golf Club has become the soul of the island's golf with its friendly atmosphere, bustling clubhouse and vibrant coaching schools for aspiring young players. Set among the condominiums of Rockley Resort and a bevy of towering mature trees is Rockley Golf Course. This tight, nine-hole course requires careful navigation, and has built its reputation on its hospitality as much as the course itself. Rockley has a charm of its own and provides a challenge for all standard of golfers. While it may not be the longest, but it calls for accuracy along the tight fairways and heavily protected greens. Only those who have experienced one of Barbados' sunsets can appreciate just how great this island is. Crimson-red tropical sunsets have adorned tourism brochures for years, but only when you have lived them can you fully appreciate their beauty. For some of the finest holidays in the Caribbean and around the world call Elegant Resorts on 01244 897000. | 
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