While most people in the Bahamas head straight to the beach or pool, I packed my clubs and set off to a place I’d been eyeing for years: the Royal Blue Golf Course at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau. And let me say this upfront – this course ranks among the most unforgettable golf experiences I’ve ever had. And that’s coming from someone with over a decade of play under his belt and a current handicap of 5.
Royal Blue Golf Resort – Two Courses in One
Royal Blue is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course — and that alone sets high expectations. But what truly blew me away was its design concept: two entirely different nines.
The Front Nine: Dunes, Wind, and Ocean Views
The front nine feels like a dream come true for anyone who loves open fairways, white sand dunes, and panoramic views of the Atlantic. Visually stunning yet tricky at the same time. The ocean breeze can shuffle your game quickly, and if you get distracted by the scenery, you’ll easily end up in a bunker or water hazard.
My personal favorite was hole 4 — a par 4 where I nailed a textbook drive and landed my second shot on the green between two sandy traps. A birdie straight out of a PGA highlight reel.
The layout feels natural, as if the course had always been there. But it’s a fresh design. The local wind can be unpredictable, so it pays to read the flag and plan each stroke with care. Hole 9 stood out for its blend of scenery and minimalist elegance — no gimmicks, just pure golf.
The Back Nine: Lunar Terrain and Island Green
As soon as you cross over to hole 10, it’s like stepping into a different world. Limestone rock formations, dense vegetation, and more technical holes demand full concentration. And if it’s your first time playing, a caddie is a must.
Hole 16 is an experience in itself. An island green surrounded by Cunningham Lake demands precision and steady nerves. I used an 8-iron with a light left-to-right breeze, and despite a bit of nerves, the ball landed safely on the green. Unforgettable.
The back nine is longer and tactically more demanding. It’s less about power and more about control. My favorite? Hole 14 — a long par 5 with the tempting option to reach the green in two, but only if you’re brave enough to cut across a bushy ravine.
Course Specs Royal Blue Golf Resort at Baha Mar
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Length: 7,189 yards (approx. 6,570 meters)
- Opened: 2017
- Design: Jack Nicklaus Signature
- Location: Nassau, Baha Mar Resort, Bahamas
- Style: Front nine (sandy dunes, ocean views), Back nine (limestone terrain, jungle, water features)
Sustainability and Nature Integration
This part of the Bahamas is a protected area, and it shows. The course weaves through landscapes filled with native mahogany, Caribbean pines, mangroves, and even a bat cave near hole 16. Expect to see tropical birds, turtles, and even native fish in some of the water features.
This is a great example of sustainable golf design — no clearcutting, just thoughtful integration with the environment. The fairways and roughs feel wild yet well-maintained, and the turf is vibrant without being over-chemically treated.
Ever-Changing Tee Boxes
One of the coolest features is the daily rotation of tee boxes. The same hole can vary by up to 100 yards, which means that no two rounds are ever the same. One day a hole plays as a classic par 4, the next it feels like a short par 5. This keeps things fresh and adds replay value for repeat visitors.
Top Gear and World-Class Service
You can rent from brands like PXG, Callaway, Titleist, TaylorMade, and even the hand-forged Itobori — which I personally used and absolutely loved. Included in the green fee are the essentials: cart, forecaddie, two sleeves of ProV1 balls, water, and fresh towels.
After your round, I highly recommend heading to Royal Blue Tavern — the clubhouse restaurant. With a stylish colonial vibe and seriously good food, it’s the perfect post-round unwind. I had the local burger and a cold Kalik beer. Perfect way to end the day.
Whenever I travel for golf, I never connect to hotel Wi-Fi without NordVPN — not just for privacy, but because I still want to watch my local sports and news, wherever I am.
Ocean Club or Royal Blue Golf Course?
A few days before playing Royal Blue, I had the chance to play Ocean Club. It’s a beautiful course and definitely high-quality, but it doesn’t offer the same drama, variety, and landscape contrasts as its neighbor. If you’re after a full-sensory golf adventure with ocean, jungle, rock, and dune elements, Royal Blue wins hands down.
Fun Facts That Surprised Me
- Every hole has a name inspired by local nature or Bahamian history.
- The course is part of the luxurious Baha Mar Resort, which includes a casino, spa, and over 40 restaurants.
- At hole 6, a local iguana often makes an appearance — staff jokingly call it “Nicklaus’ Watchdog.”
- There’s even a small amphitheater on the back side of the course where concerts and evening events are held for resort guests.
My Tip for you
If you’re staying at a luxury place like Royal Blue Golf Resort, you’ll probably connect to the hotel’s Wi-Fi to book tee times, browse golf videos, or stream Netflix after your round. I strongly recommend using a VPN — not only to stay private, but to stay protected. Resort networks are often public and open, which makes your personal data more vulnerable than you think.
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Personally, I use both NordVPN and ExpressVPN, depending on the device. NordVPN is lightning-fast and works great for streaming and securing hotel Wi-Fi. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, is incredibly reliable when switching between servers across regions.
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Both are easy to set up and keep you safe on any connection — even while relaxing at the clubhouse or in your room with a cold drink.
Final Thoughts: A Golf Trip to Remember
Royal Blue Golf Course isn’t just a name — it’s an emotion. It feels like playing in a National Geographic documentary while competing in a pro-level tournament. Every hole has its own character. You can feel Jack Nicklaus’ touch throughout — nothing random, everything intentional.
If you’re planning to golf in the Bahamas, Royal Blue Golf Course is my top pick. Challenging, breathtaking, eco-conscious, and absolutely unforgettable.
Experience the Adventure in the Bahamas
