Greg Norman’s Best Tips & Tricks To Level-Up Your Golf Game

Seasoned golfers know that each golf course has its own unique personality, features, and challenges. From dramatic elevation changes to narrow fairways nestled between tropical foliage, Sandals Resorts’ Caribbean golf courses offer novel design characteristics to golfers of all skill sets and backgrounds.

To help you ace the playing style of Sandals’ four unique golf courses, World Golf Hall of Famer and recently named Global Golf Ambassador for Sandals Resorts, Greg ‘The Shark’ Norman, shared a few tips to help you save a couple strokes. So, swing into a golf state-of-mind (if you are not already daydreaming about a golf trip to the Caribbean) and learn the ins-and-outs of these Caribbean golf destinations. After this, you’ll be ready to swing into vacation-mode at Sandals and Play Like ‘The Shark,’ too!

Here’s where to stay and play on your next golf vacation:

Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course — Great Exuma, Bahamas

This award-winning 18-hole, par 71 golf course located in The Out Islands (Great Exuma, Bahamas), showcases the pristine beauty and natural barriers of the landscape, with preservation by design of Greg Norman and his team. Recognized as one of the most scenic ocean-side golf courses in the Caribbean, the Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course is host to the PGA-Tour sanctioned Bahamas Great Exuma Classic. The fairway contours and green complexes seamlessly integrate with the natural landscape, creating a exhilarating golf experience for world-class pros and novice golfers alike.

Tips & Tricks from Global Golf Ambassador, Greg Norman:

1. Score on the front nine

“Enjoy the front nine and try to make your score here as they tend to play a bit easier. The trade winds do not affect your ball flight as much on the front - but beware the back nine!”

2. Don’t be deceived by the oceanside wind

“The wind along the ocean holes can be deceiving. It usually blows harder along the proximity to the edge of the cliffs versus the location of the actual golf holes.”

3. Laser-focus on the gameplay

“When playing the ocean holes, try to focus on your shot making and don’t get distracted by the view! The amazing scenery can be intoxicating.”

Where To Stay:

Stay at Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis and Spa Resort to take full advantage of this championship-level golf experience by day and retreat to the most luxurious suites by night.

Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap Estate — Gros Islet, St. Lucia

This 18-hole, par 71 design has been newly remodeled by Greg Norman, making it the second golf course in the Sandals portfolio designed by his design firm, GNGCD. It features jaw-dropping backdrops, dramatic elevation changes and lush tropical vegetation and is rich in shot-making variety.

Tips & Tricks from Global Golf Ambassador, Greg Norman:

1. Take advantage of downwind holes

"It is imperative to try and take advantage of the downwind holes versus the holes which face the stiff ocean breeze. The course offers a great variety of downwind and crosswind holes with each nine, so always be ready to attack when given the opportunity!"

2. Keep track of the elevation

"With the complex topographical features of the land at Cap Estate, the yardages can be deceiving. So, make sure you incorporate the elevation change when choosing your yardages."

3. Go low with wide fairways

"The overall course has very wide and playable corridors so even if you don’t go low early, there are numerous holes throughout the course to take advantage of and get back on track."

4. Take an appreciation break!

“Stop and look around. You are playing golf in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, so have fun and enjoy it!”

Where To Stay:

While in the beautiful and lush Island of St. Lucia choose from thee Sandals Resorts for the ultimate Luxury Included® vacation in paradise. Stay at Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort, Sandals Halcyon Beach, or Sandals Regency La Toc Spa & Beach Resort and enjoy access to the Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap Estate. A golf-lovers dream, the resorts offer complimentary transfers to and from the remastered state-of-the-art Cap Estate golf course. This innovative experience leaves players of any level relaxed and refreshed for what the new day may have instore.

Sandals Golf & Country Club at Sandals Regency La Toc — Castries, St. Lucia

This sporty 9-hole golf course is nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by lush, villa-studded hills. This Saint Lucia golf course features narrow fairways surrounded by a jungle of white cedar, almond trees and bamboo. Situated directly on the Sandal Regency La Toc resort and measuring 3,300 yards at par-33, this exquisite course challenges golfers of all skills and experiences to hone their skills off the tee to accommodate the tunnel-tight corridors of this beautiful course.

Tips & Tricks from Global Golf Ambassador, Greg Norman:

1. Aim for accuracy

"Many holes on this course demand laser-like accuracy to chart their narrow tree-lined fairways. Don’t focus on your long game, rather your shot making, as the course has been known to swallow up errant shots."

2. Club selection is key

"The course may not be long, but it can pose significant challenges on blustery days. Pay attention to the wind patterns on each hole as proper club selection is key to scoring on this course."

3. Shake it off

"We all love golf, but it doesn't always love us back. So, when golfing on the La Toc course, and a shot gets away, make sure to shake it off!"

Where To Stay:

Stay directly on the grounds at Sandals Regency La Toc or nearby at Sandals Grande St. Lucian and Sandals Halcyon Beach! Guests of Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia can Stay at One and Play at All! In this unique experience guests are encouraged to venture out and explore all the Sandals Resorts on the island. With complimentary resort transfers the possibilities for romance, relaxation, and fun are endless. Between all three Luxury Included® resorts, guests can choose from 27 5-Star global gourmet dining experiences, 21 bars, and endless entertainment options.

Sandals Golf & Country Club - Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Consistently ranked among the best Jamaican courses, the Sandals Golf & Country Club — Ocho Rios course rises 700+ feet above sea level and meanders through a rolling green landscape, offering sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea and majestic Ocho Rios mountain ranges. This 18-hole, par 71 course is also host to a driving range, putting and chipping greens, pro shop, restaurant and snack shack.

Tips & Tricks from Global Golf Ambassador, Greg Norman:

1. Elevation changes influence club selection

“The Ocho Rios golf course is situated 750ft above sea level and includes significant elevation and slope changes. When you are playing downhill, take a shorter club than you would usually use. When you are playing uphill or against the wind on the back nine, opt for a longer club.”

2. Into a hard wind, take a light grip

"The wind on the back nine picks up in the afternoon, usually after 11am. Make sure to use a light grip on the club when facing the headwind to keep your swing rhythmic and free flowing, avoiding an ill-timed slice."

3. Trust your caddy

"Caddies are like tour guides for golfers. The caddies on the Ocho Rios course understand the elevation changes, slopes, and dynamics of the course, and can give advice when needed. Let them help you!"

Where To Stay:

Stay at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort and Sandals Royal Plantation - all guests will enjoy complimentary transfers and during their stay to play at Sandals Golf & Country Club.

Well, there we have it! Your insider knowledge of these destination golf courses will have you playing like a pro in no time!

Ready to tee off into blissful paradise — under par — at any one of Sandals Resorts’ golf destinations? You can now “Play Like ‘The Shark” with a new golf offer in honor of Greg Norman’s expanded role as Global Golf Ambassador for Sandals Resorts! Golfers that book any qualifying Sandals golf resort for four nights or more now through July 9, 2021, for travel between July 1, 2021 and December 26, 2022, will receive:

● Complimentary Green Fees and Transfers
● THe use of Golf Carts, Clubs and Shoes for multiple rounds of golf throughout their stay
● $150 Spa Credit to utilize at the Resorts Signature Red Lane® Spa to unwind after a day of play
● Custom Tips and Tricks from Sandals’ Global Golf Ambassador, Greg Norman
● 20% Discount on All Greg Norman Collection merchandise from the Sandals Golf Course Pro Shops

Feeling lucky? Sandals Resorts is also running a “Play Like ‘The Shark’ Golf Sweepstakes” through June 30th. One lucky winner will enjoy a 4-day/3-night Luxury® Included vacation at any one of the six Sandals golf resorts located across three Caribbean islands. Don’t miss your shot to play in paradise!

Enter to win the "Play Like ‘The Shark’ Golf Sweepstakes” or take advantage of the “Play Like ‘The Shark’ Golf Offer,” by visiting: https://www.sandals.com/playliketheshark.

Remember, the grass is always greener in the Caribbean, and the golf-greens; moreso! See you on the greens!