You’re probably picturing it right now. You’re standing on a tee box, the Atlantic breeze is trying to steal your hat, and there’s a drop-off to the ocean so steep it makes your stomach do backflips. That is the vibe of golfing in St. Lucia. But honestly? Most people book their trips here thinking every "golf resort" has a course right outside the lobby door.
They don't.
St. Lucia is a rugged, volcanic island. It isn't flat like Florida. Because of that, the st lucia golf resorts scene is actually a bit of a puzzle. You’ve got world-class, "Top 100 in the World" style golf on one end, and casual, all-inclusive swings on the other. But if you pick the wrong base camp, you’re looking at a 90-minute taxi ride just to lose a sleeve of balls.
The Big Shift: What’s Actually Open in 2026
If you’re looking at older brochures, you might see mention of the 9-hole course at Sandals Regency La Toc. Here’s the deal: it’s gone.
Sandals permanently closed the La Toc course to make room for more luxury villas. It’s a bummer if you liked that quick, hilly nine, but the silver lining is that they’ve poured those resources into the Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap Estate.
Now, the island basically has two heavy hitters. You have the Sandals course (Greg Norman redesign) and the newcomer that everyone is obsessed with: Cabot Saint Lucia.
The Cabot Factor
Cabot Saint Lucia is, frankly, ridiculous.
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The Point Hardy Golf Club there—designed by Coore & Crenshaw—is one of those "bucket list" spots where nine of the holes play right along the coastline. You’re hitting over jagged rocks and turquoise water. It opened fully in late 2023 and by now, in 2026, it has solidified its spot as the crown jewel of Caribbean golf.
But here is the catch. It’s private-ish. While there are resort components, it’s designed around a residential club model. If you aren't staying on-property or at a high-end partner like Cap Maison, getting a tee time can feel like trying to get into a secret society.
Where You Should Actually Stay
Since you can't just sleep on the green, you need a home base. Most st lucia golf resorts are clustered in the north, which is where you want to be. The south of the island is beautiful—Pitons, rainforests, mud baths—but it’s a desert for golfers.
- Sandals Grande St. Lucian: This is the "gold standard" for convenience. It’s on a causeway between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic. From here, the Sandals Golf & Country Club is a ten-minute shuttle ride away. Plus, as a guest, your green fees are covered. That’s a huge perk because those fees for non-guests are hovering around $175 these days.
- Cap Maison: If you want something that feels less "mega-resort" and more "boutique luxury," this is it. It’s perched on a cliff in Cap Estate. They have a very close relationship with the nearby courses. It’s refined. You get a private villa, maybe a roof terrace, and you’re basically a neighbor to the best fairways on the island.
- The Landings Resort & Spa: Great for families or groups. These are huge villas with kitchens. It’s right near Pigeon Island and very close to the Cap Estate courses. You’re not "on" the course, but you’re close enough that the commute won't ruin your morning.
The Reality of the Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club
Let’s talk about the Greg Norman redesign. Before the 2021 overhaul, this course was... fine. It was a bit scruffy.
Now? It’s a championship-caliber par 71.
It plays over 7,000 yards from the back tees. The elevation changes are no joke. You’ll be hitting shots where the ball seems to stay in the air forever because the drop to the fairway is so significant. The wind is the real monster here, though. It’s relentless.
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If you're a high handicapper, bring extra balls. Seriously. The "thick stuff" off the fairways is basically a black hole for Titleists.
What it Costs (The Real Numbers)
Even if your resort says "free golf," it’s never totally free. You’ve got to factor in:
- Carts: Usually around $30 for 18 holes.
- Caddies: Mandatory at many high-end spots, and they deserve a good tip. They know the breaks on the greens better than you ever will.
- Rentals: If you don't want to lug your bag on a plane, expect to pay $60-$80 for a decent set of TaylorMades or Callaways.
Why Location Is Everything
I can't stress this enough: Stay in the North.
If you book a stunning resort down in Soufrière because you want to see the Pitons—which are amazing, don't get me wrong—you are committed to a long, winding, nauseating drive to get to the golf courses. St. Lucia’s roads are like a bowl of spaghetti. A 30-mile drive can take two hours.
Do yourself a favor. Stay at one of the st lucia golf resorts in Gros Islet or Cap Estate for the first four days of your trip. Get your golf fix. Then, move to a resort in the south for the "nature" part of your vacation. It’s called a split-stay, and it’s the only way to do the island right without spending half your life in a minivan.
Technical Nuances: The Grass and the Wind
Most courses here use Paspalum grass. It’s great for the seaside because it loves salt water, but it plays differently than the Bermuda or Bentgrass you might have at home. It’s "sticky."
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Your chips won't run as much. You have to fly the ball to the hole.
And the wind? It usually blows from the East (the Atlantic side). On the Point Hardy course at Cabot, this means some holes play three clubs longer than the yardage. It’s humbling. You might be a 10-handicap at your local club, but St. Lucia will make you feel like a beginner if you don't respect the breeze.
Misconceptions About "All-Inclusive" Golf
People hear "all-inclusive" and think they can just walk onto the tee at 10:00 AM.
Nope.
The Sandals courses are busy. You need to book your tee times the moment you check in, or even before you arrive. If you wait until Tuesday to try and play Wednesday morning, you’re going to be disappointed. Also, dress codes are strictly enforced. This isn't your local muni. You need a collar. You need tailored shorts. No denim. I've seen guys get turned away for wearing cargo shorts.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
- Pack for Rain: Even in the dry season, St. Lucia gets "liquid sunshine"—quick, heavy tropical bursts. Most courses have great drainage, but a lightweight rain jacket is a lifesaver.
- Book the Early Tee Time: Beat the heat and the wind. By 1:00 PM, the sun is brutal and the trade winds really start to howl.
- Use a Caddy: Especially at Cap Estate. The greens are tricky and have subtle slopes influenced by the mountains. A local caddy will save you at least 5 strokes just on putts.
- The "Stay at 1, Play at 3" Perk: If you stay at any Sandals resort (Grande, Halcyon, or La Toc), you get the same golf privileges. The Grande is the closest, but Halcyon is a mid-point that some people find more relaxing.
St. Lucia isn't just a "beach destination" that happens to have golf. It’s becoming a legitimate golf destination that happens to have incredible beaches. Whether you’re trying to get on the exclusive Cabot fairways or just want a fun 18 at the Sandals Country Club, just make sure you’re looking at the right map before you book.
To get started, look into the current "Stay and Play" packages at Sandals Grande St. Lucian if you want the easiest experience, or contact Cap Maison directly if you’re aiming for a tee time at the more exclusive Point Hardy.