You’ve probably heard the rumors. Or maybe you’ve seen the old, faded postcards in a Charlotte Amalie gift shop showing a bright green fairway pressed against a turquoise sea. Mahogany run golf course st thomas used to be the crown jewel of Caribbean golf. It was the kind of place where you didn't just play a round; you survived one.
Honestly, the history of this place is a bit of a heartbreaker. Designed by the legendary duo George and Tom Fazio and opened back in 1980, it quickly became the most famous 6,000 yards of grass in the US Virgin Islands. It wasn't just a local haunt. It was a destination. But if you try to book a tee time there today, you’re going to run into a very quiet phone line.
The story of Mahogany Run isn't just about golf. It’s a story about nature, fragile island infrastructure, and the sheer brutality of Caribbean hurricane seasons.
The Infamous Devil’s Triangle
Let’s talk about the holes everyone actually cared about. Forget the first twelve. They were fine, sure, winding through the valley with some tight landing zones. But holes 13, 14, and 15? That was the Devil's Triangle.
It wasn't a marketing gimmick. Well, it was, but it was backed up by some of the most terrifying visual real estate in the sport.
The 14th hole was the centerpiece. A par 3. You stood on a tee box perched on a cliffside, looking across an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean to a green that looked about the size of a postage stamp. If the trade winds were kicking—and they usually were—your ball would just vanish. It didn't go into a bunker. It went into the ocean. Forever.
If you managed to play those three holes without a penalty stroke, the clubhouse gave you a certificate. People actually framed those things. It sounds kinda cheesy now, but back then, it was a badge of honor among Caribbean travelers. You weren't just a golfer; you were a "Triangle Survivor."
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What Really Happened to the Course?
Nature is a beast. In 2017, the US Virgin Islands got absolutely hammered by two Category 5 storms: Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. They hit within two weeks of each other. St. Thomas was devastated.
Mahogany Run took a direct hit. The salt spray scorched the greens. The torrential rain caused massive erosion. But more than that, the desalination plants and the complex irrigation systems that keep a golf course alive on a dry volcanic island were wrecked.
For a long time, the owners tried to hold on. There were whispers of reopening. Locals kept hoping. But the reality is that maintaining a world-class course on a rock in the middle of the ocean is incredibly expensive. You need massive amounts of fresh water, and when the infrastructure is gone, the numbers just don't add up anymore.
By 2018, the course officially ceased operations. It’s been sitting there ever since, slowly being reclaimed by the tropical brush.
The Current State of the Property
If you drive by the north shore of St. Thomas today, you can still see the bones of the place. The guard gate is still there. The condos that surround the former fairways—the Mahogany Run Condominium Association—are still very much active and a popular place for expats and vacation rentals.
But the fairways? They're meadows now.
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It’s actually a bit surreal to see. You can trace the line of where the 13th fairway used to be, but instead of manicured Bermuda grass, you’ve got knee-high weeds and goats grazing. The bunkers are just sandy depressions filled with scrub.
Some people still hike out to the old Devil's Triangle spots just for the view. The view hasn't changed. The Atlantic still crashes against those jagged rocks with the same ferocity. It’s just that nobody is trying to hit a Titleist over it anymore.
Is Golf Dead in the USVI?
Not exactly, but it’s definitely on life support compared to the glory days.
If you’re heading to St. Thomas with clubs in your bag, your options are basically non-existent on the island itself. You’ve got to hop the ferry.
- The Buccaneer on St. Croix: This is currently the heavy hitter in the territory. It’s a beautiful, historic resort course. It’s not quite as "death-defying" as Mahogany Run was, but it’s well-maintained and offers those classic Caribbean views.
- Carambola Golf Club: Also on St. Croix. This is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. masterpiece. It’s a tough, lush, parkland-style course that really tests your game.
- St. John: Forget it. There are no courses on St. John. It’s mostly National Park land, which is great for hiking but bad for your handicap.
Why We Still Talk About It
Why does mahogany run golf course st thomas keep popping up in forums and travel blogs?
Because it represented a specific era of Caribbean luxury. It was the centerpiece of St. Thomas tourism for decades. When it closed, it left a hole in the island's identity.
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There’s also the "lost city" factor. Golfers are nostalgic. We love talking about the courses we can't play anymore. It’s like a defunct roller coaster or a legendary closed restaurant. The difficulty of the Devil's Triangle grew in the telling. Every year it stays closed, the 14th hole gets a little longer and the wind gets a little stronger in our memories.
There have been numerous rumors over the last few years about developers eyeing the land. Some want to turn it into a luxury housing estate with no golf at all. Others dream of a boutique 9-hole course. But as of 2026, the land remains in a state of beautiful, overgrown limbo.
Navigating St. Thomas Without Mahogany Run
If you’re planning a trip to the island and you’re a golfer, you need to pivot your expectations. You aren't going to get 18 holes in before lunch.
Instead, lean into what St. Thomas is doing well right now. The water sports scene has never been better.
Magens Bay is just a short drive from the old Mahogany Run entrance. It’s still one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The hiking trails around Peterborg Point offer the same cliffside views you would have seen from the 14th tee, minus the frustration of a duck hook.
Actionable Steps for the Displaced Golfer
Since you can't play Mahogany Run, here is how you should actually handle a "golf" vacation to the US Virgin Islands:
- Stay on St. Thomas but Play St. Croix: Take the Seaborne Airlines seaplane or the QE IV Ferry over to St. Croix for a day trip. You can land in Christiansted, grab a cab to The Buccaneer, play 18, and be back in St. Thomas for dinner. It’s a long day, but it’s the only way to get your fix.
- Rent a Boat: Honestly, if you can't be on the green, be on the water. Hire a private charter out of Red Hook. Head over to the British Virgin Islands (bring your passport) and hit the Soggy Dollar Bar. It’s a different kind of "green," but just as satisfying.
- Check the Condos: if you're looking for a place to stay, the Mahogany Run condos are still a great value. They have 24-hour security and some of the best breezes on the island. Just don't expect to see a beverage cart rolling by.
- Support Local Efforts: Keep an eye on the USVI Department of Tourism updates. There are occasionally rumblings about revitalizing the property. If you're a regular visitor, let your voice be heard that you'd love to see a sustainable, eco-friendly golf project return to the north shore.
The reality of mahogany run golf course st thomas is that it may never return to its former glory. The costs are too high, and the climate is too volatile. But the legend of the Devil's Triangle isn't going anywhere. It remains a ghost of the game, a reminder that in the Caribbean, nature always has the final say on the scorecard.
Next Steps for Your Trip
If you are still determined to find golf in the region, your best bet is to look toward Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic, which have become the new hubs for high-end Caribbean play. Otherwise, pack your snorkel gear instead of your spikes and enjoy the natural beauty that has replaced the fairways on St. Thomas.