At Sandals La Toc Golf Resort & Spa in St. Lucia, a round at the sporty 9-hole golf course is a perfect ending to a day at the sea. The course nettles in a picturesque valley surrounded by lush, villa-studded hills, its emerald, undulating terrain punctuated by bursts of crepe myrtle, bougainvillea and other flamboyant blossoms.

Measuring only 3,141 yards, this layout is short but not always sweet. Erratic breezes often make club selection a nail-biting dilemma, and several holes are as tight as tunnels, demanding laser like accuracy of the tee. On the par-3 down hill on the 8th hole, for example, a mere fade or draw could land you in a jungle of white cedars, almond trees and bamboo.

"Number 8 is the only hole I get nervous on," confides the knowledgeable and experienced head pro, Gregory Mann, who grew-up on the island and is a former star on the Caribbean amateur golf tour. "You have to dead straight on this hole or your're dead."

Rewards may not come in the form of birdies on this tricky track, but the views more than compensate. Four holes (4,7,8 and 3) render astonishing vistas, so pack your camera along with your clubs. The ultimate panorama awaits on the elevated 4th tee, so spellbinding that golfers can hardly keep their eyes on the ball. From that majestic perch, you can see great white cruise ships gliding across the vast, turquoise Caribbean Sea, while the occasional light plane swoops overhead.

Sandals Golf Club at La Toc is accessible at all three St. Lucia's Sandals Resorts, and every kind of player is catered to. Golfers who have a soft spot for tradition (and what serious golfer doesn't?) are cheered to learn about the course's corps of 28 caddies, all eager to read greens, scout lost balls an provide crucial tips on club selection.

Indeed, cadies-a sadly dwindling breed in the States-are mandatory at Sandals and Beaches golf courses. You have the option of chasing par with a caddy and golf cart or, for a truly vintage experience, going to the caddy only route. For novices who wouldn't know a caddy from a daddy, Mann-a member of the U.S. Golf Teachers Association-conducts a comprehensive, 30 minute beginners' clinic every Wednesday at 9 a.m. he also gives private lessons to intermediate and advanced players intent on fine tuning their games.

About The Course

9-hole, resort style course

Plays to 3,141 yards, par 33

Narrow fairways surrounded by rolling hills and a jungle of white cedar, almond trees and bamboo

Facilities

Full service Golf Shop featuring TaylorMade collection

Club storage facilities

Practice range with chipping and putting greens

Driving range

Changing facilities

Services

Complimentary greens fees to all Sandals guests

Complimentary transportation to all Sandals guests

• From Sandals Halcyon- 15 minute transfer
• From Sandals Grande St. Lucia- 25 minute transfer

Complimentary PGA certified Golf Clinic once a week

PGA Golf Lessons are available and can be reserved through the resort's Tour Desk and at the Golf Club. At an additional cost.

Caddies are mandatory. Rates as follows:

• US $17.00 for 18 holes walking, per bag
• US $10.00 for 9 holes walking, per bag
• US $25.00 per caddy for 18 holes on shared cart
• US $15.00 per caddy for 9 holes on shared cart
• As caddies are not Sandals employees, tips are accepted

Yamaha golf carts available (optional). Rates as follows:

• US $30.00 for 18 holes
• US $20.00 for 9 holes

TaylorMade club rentals available for men and women (Left and right handed). Rates as follows:

Adidas Shoe Rentals available for men and women.

• US $10.00 (socks are not included)