This beautiful 7,156-yard par-72 course is sensitively blended
into the landscape bordering a tropical forest and nature
preserve. The course is as beautiful as it is challenging.
The black championship tees offer the greatest challenge.
There is a 936-yard difference between the middle white
tees (11-20 Hcp) and black tees (scratch golfer) -- the
sight lines are quite different and the penalty for missing
a landing area can be quite ruthless.
There are a few holes that require some sharp, short iron
play to avoid a big number and still others that offer birdie
opportunities. The greens are quite true for such a young
course and, as is the case with courses in this environment,
they should become even more consistent with time.
If you get hot with the putter you can score well here.
Failing that, youll need to hit a straight shot. There
are some forgiving fairways; however, in width and reach,
this course is a ball graveyard for the scatter golfer and
will only become more so as the flora matures.
Hole 6, for instance, has trees growing in on the right
side that will eventually change the view from the tee and
also affect the sight lines for the approach shot.
With the splendor of the tropical flora, blue skies, and
consistent Caribbean breezes, this is a highly enjoyable
course to play. It caters to every golfers whim with
five sets of tees, smartly-crafted waste bunkers, and some
inviting looks that seem to inspire the golfer to take a
shot at scoring on every hole.
Watch out for the coral rock formations, especially on
Hole 9. Also, notably, the closing 18th has a massive coralline
garden on the right flank with the fairway tilting precariously
in that direction as well. Its exposure to a strong and
steady ocean breeze pushes even a straight drive to the
right.
This ending hole is a true score killer. Even a strong
drive will leave the second shot in question as the direct
line to the hole will require an accurate long iron over
the coralline corner, through a strong wind and over a protective
bunker in front of the smallish green.
There is ample room to the right and back of the green
though, indicating Gary Player doesnt have a heart
of coralline. This additional room around the green is a
consistent aspect throughout the course and invites all
players to try to score as much as to play.
Guavaberry is going to be a very fun course to watch grow
up, as it appears to have a well thought out designscape.
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