Hitting The Links In Aruba

Though much of Aruba is dominated by an arid landscape, there are still several stretches of green ideal for one of the world's favorite pastimes. Despite the fact that the small island of Aruba has fewer golf courses than some other Caribbean destinations, the sport has long been a popular activity for locals and visitors alike. Beginning golfers and children can participate in lessons and golf clinics at a number of sites, while true enthusiasts can enjoy an 18-hole gem designed by one of the world's leading architects. As you enjoy the sites in Aruba, consider taking a break to hit the links amongst some of the most beautiful scenery on earth.

The finest of Aruba's golf courses - Tierra del Sol - rests amongst the picturesque desert beauty of the island's northwestern coast. Designed by world-renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tierra del Sol is notable for its harmonious integration with the natural landscape. With fairways weaving through patches of cacti and impressive rock formations, the course offers players a golf experience unlike any other in the Caribbean. One of Tierra del Sol's signature holes - the perilous 3rd - lies atop an imposing cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Tierra del Sol is also known for its vibrant wildlife, including lizards and salamanders that spend their days basking in the sun and a community of elegant egrets that inhabit the salty marshes of the 14th hole.

If that isn't enough to lure you to the championship-caliber links at Tierra del Sol, the course has plenty more to offer its visitors. Regardless of season, the greens fees include the use of high-tech golf cart equipped with communications systems. In addition to serving as both caddies and scorekeepers, the carts allow golfers to order food and drinks from the clubhouse while on the course. Before heading out on this challenging course, novice golfers and children may want to take advantage of Tierra del Sol's half-day golf clinics. Offering several hours of instruction and priced at just $45, the package even includes a free lunch in the clubhouse.

Another great place to work on your skills while visiting the island is Aruba Golf and Leisure. With a 300-yard driving range, an 18-hole putting green complete with a chipping area and affordable club rentals, Aruba Golf and Leisure provides everything you need to enjoy a relaxing Caribbean afternoon. As the practice facility is open daily from 7am to 11pm, Aruba Golf and Leisure serves as a great way to unwind after a day of shopping or sightseeing. Much like Tierra del Sol, the site also offers golf clinics throughout the day. These reasonably priced lessons typically last an hour-and-a-half and include a voucher to the neighboring House of Cheng Restaurant.

The newest course in Aruba is the charming 9-hole spread known as The Links at Divi Aruba. Designed by celebrated Caribbean golf course architects Karl Litten and Lorie Viola, The Links at Divi Aruba chose to incorporate paspalum grasses - one of the best surfaces for seaside golf courses. Set amongst the luxurious resorts of Oranjestad, nearly every hole makes use of shimmering natural lagoons and incredible Caribbean scenery. When you've finished your round, you can enjoy a luxurious meal at the on-site restaurant Windows or visit the bistro for a quick snack.

Located near Aruba's second-largest town - San Nicolas - the Aruba Golf Club is a simple 9-hole course that has been a local favorite for years. What the course lacks in distance and difficulty, it makes up for in scenery. Residing in the undeveloped countryside on the far side of the island, Aruba Golf Club allows golfers to enjoy a relaxing round while admiring the cacti, waltzing goats and endless Caribbean horizon.

For those that enjoy golf on a smaller scale, Aruba's Adventure Golf and Fun Park can't be missed. Holding the self-proclaimed title as the world's largest miniature golf course, Adventure Golf and Fun Park also features attractions such as paddleboats and other water toys. Located in central Oranjestad, the park has long been a favorite destination of both local and visiting families.

While Aruba is still in the process of becoming a premier golf destination, there are plenty of great courses to visit for a relaxing day in the sun while in Aruba. Furthermore, as most of Aruba's golf sites are family-friendly, you won't find a better active pursuit to unwind after a day experiencing the sites on of one of the Caribbean's most exciting islands.