Cable Beach Golf Course
Nassau, Bahamas
By Ron Smith
Nassau is the most cosmopolitan city in the Bahama Islands and a hub for international commerce and tourism. Just 10 minutes from Nassau’s downtown dining and fabulous shopping district you’ll find this magnificent resort course to be ideally located. Cable Beach actually got its name in 1907 as transatlantic telephone cables were being laid, linking what used to be an isolated Bahamas to the rest of the world.
Ron Smith, writer at hole #5
The parkland style golf course was designed by Devereux Emmet and it is a golfer’s treasure. It was redesigned by Fred Stettle in 2002 and visitors and island residents enjoy both a full scale driving range and putting green at this 18-hole world-class championship golf course, big plus for those who like to use their irons.
(Hole #14)
An abundance of ponds and mini-lakes along with numerous sand traps will all come into play at every hole and you’ll defiantly need to step up your game on these fairways. And, as if the hazards won’t keep you concentrating, the landscape is a pleasant showstopper.
I found myself several times stopping my play just to admire the beauty of the course. Whether it was the sights of the swaying Bahamian trees, bright red and pink hibiscus or the sound of the Atlantic Ocean crashing upon white sand beaches, just across the road, you will pause; especially knowing that the water temperature in the Bahamas is never below 72° F.
(Hole #5) Golfers have their challenges cut out for them with the more than 100 bunkers around the course.
One of the many remarkable things about Sheraton’s Cable Beach Golf Course: well maintained greens, practically flawless paspalum grass to say the least. I would recommend all golfers take a second read of the greens on this world-famous course, as a heavy slant or sharp break can easily be overlooked. For a challenge to even the most expert golfer, try to get a grapple on Hole #14, their signature hole.
A short par 3 yes, but with an elevated tee overlooking a peninsular like green you’ll find yourself patiently debating which club to use. And once on the green, you’re still not out of harm’s way…over putt this hole and into the water you may go! You’ll also notice the tall grass that surrounds the ponds and mini-lakes. Lose your ball in one of these and it’s gone forever. So, make accuracy your friend here.
(l-r: Chris Lewis, Course Manager; Rochelle Smith, Writer, Richard Gibson, Golf Pro)
On an island with 340 sunny days per year and warm, friendly people, Cable Beach Golf Course is great for golf. Several island women’s leagues play regularly. Although, no clubhouse is available an outdoor café cooks up burgers, fries and offers refreshing beverages. There is also a fully stocked pro shop with friendly and knowledgeable staff on site to assist you.
(Hole #15)
Rates: $180 until April 30th and $130 from May 1 – Nov 30th, 2009 (18 holes), mandatory cart, club rental available. Preferred rates are at least 33% off for guests staying at Wyndham and Sheraton
Cable Beach Resorts Golf Club
W. Bay St.
Nassau, New Providence Islands
(800) 2-CASINO (toll free)
(242) 677-4175 Golf Club
www.CrystalPalaceVacations.com
