Golf and Getaways in Curaçao: Why Sandals Royal Curaçao Is the Ultimate Golf Vacation
If you’re looking for a vacation that combines excellent golf with white-sand beaches, luxury accommodations, and all-inclusive dining, Curaçao is an outstanding choice — and Sandals Royal Curaçao brings everything together seamlessly. Whether you’re a skilled golfer or someone who just enjoys a round in paradise, this Caribbean island offers a complete experience: beautiful golf courses, resort-level pampering, and ideal weather nearly year-round. In my prior life, I ran a golf magazine. I’ve played some great courses. Here’s what you need to know about golf in Curaçao. FYI, Sandals is my favorite place to stay here, and they do not include green fees, rentals, or other options with their bookings. But it’s easy to get a tee time on your own, or I can help you plan the golf, as well as the luxury stay if you would like.
World-Class Golf in Curaçao
Curaçao may be best known for its beaches and colorful capital city, but for golfers, it’s an underrated gem. The island features a handful of excellent courses, including one of the Caribbean’s most scenic and well-regarded: Old Quarry Golf Course. This course is located a short walk from Sandals Royal Curaçao.
Old Quarry Golf Course
Old Quarry is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course designed by legendary golf architect Pete Dye. This course delivers a mix of tropical beauty and strategic play, with sweeping ocean views, rugged terrain, and well-designed holes that test both distance and accuracy.
- Par: 72
- Length: Just over 7,000 yards from the back tees
- Course Style: Coastal links-style with elevation changes, water hazards, and bunkers
- Features: Several holes along the water, native landscaping, and challenging greens
You’ll “encounter” deep sand traps, rolling fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and a handful of tricky water hazards that come into play in key spots — especially on the back nine. The greens tend to be quick and sloped, rewarding careful approach shots. Here’s the break-down for bogey golfers like myself:
Difficulty for Bogey Golfers: It’s definitely Moderate to Challenging
Designed by Pete Dye, this is the most prestigious course on the island and offers the most strategic challenge. But it’s not punishing — Dye was fair here.
- What makes it tough:
- Several forced carries over rocky terrain or water, especially from the back tees (play forward!)
- Some tight fairways with wind off the ocean (miss too far and you’re in native brush or lava rock)
- Elevated greens that reject low-running approaches or off-center shots
- The wind is real — club up!
- What makes it manageable:
- Wide landing areas from the appropriate tees
- The rough isn’t overly penal
- A GPS cart system and clear layout help with shot planning
For bogey golfers, Old Quarry is very playable — but expect a few double bogeys if you’re not precise on approach shots or with your tee club selection. It’s scenic enough that the extra strokes don’t sting as much. And, you are on vacation, right?
Price Details (visit Old Quarry Golf Course Website for up-to-date pricing):
Green fees are:
- 18 Holes (Day Rate): US $205
- 9 Holes: US $130
- Sunset Rate (from 4:00 PM): US $105
Cart Fees:
- 18 Holes: US $30
- 9 Holes: US $20
Club Rentals:
- 9 Holes: US $29
- 18 Holes: US $59
Discounted multi-round packages are also available.
Other Great Courses on Curaçao
If you’re staying longer and want to play more than one round, consider checking out:
Blue Bay Golf & Beach Resort – Another scenic 18-hole course, built into a natural valley with oceanfront holes and a challenging layout. If you are staying at Sandals, which I recommend, it’s a 45 minute drive to the course.
Here’s how Blue Bay fares for us bogey golfers:
Difficulty for Bogey Golfers: I think it’s a solid Moderate
This par-72 course is beautifully integrated into the natural landscape, with hills, cliffs, and some dramatic views. You’ll want to bring your full shot-making toolbox – but it doesn’t beat you up.
- What makes it tricky:
- The 5th hole: a dramatic par-3 over the ocean (Club selection is huge here — wind can make or break it)
- Narrower fairways on a few holes with sharp doglegs
- Some blind shots and elevation shifts that challenge club decisions
- What helps:
- Good visual markers and relatively straightforward greens
- Friendly layout with plenty of room on shorter par 4s
- Well-maintained, but not overly fast, greens
Bogey golfers will enjoy the mix of challenge and playability. Expect to lose a ball or two on the front nine but make up for it with scoring chances on the back.
Green Fees:
- 18 Holes: US $124 + $25 Mandatory Cart Fee, double use
- 9 Holes: US $74 + $25 Mandatory Cart Fee, double use
- Sunset Golf (4pm – 7pm) US $70
Club Rentals:
- 18 Holes: US $50
- 9 Holes: US $25
Price Details (visit Blue Bay Golf Curaçao for up-to-date pricing):
Curaçao Golf & Squash Club – The island’s oldest course, with a more traditional design and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. It’s an 18-hole course, using 10 greens and 18 tees. It’s a 6,079 yards from the back tees, 5,376 from the white tees.. Kind of Old School. It’s a walking course, with no carts, but pull carts are available. It’s a 30 minute drive from Sandals Royal Curaçao.
Here’s how Curaçao Golf & Squash Club ranks for us bogey golfers:
Difficulty for Bogey Golfers: Probably an Easy to Moderate rating
This is the oldest course on the island, and it plays more like a casual round at a members’ club. It’s a shorter, par-70 layout, with fewer dramatic hazards but enough quirks to keep it interesting.
- What makes it easier:
- Shorter overall yardage, with a good number of makable par 4s
- Fairly wide fairways and flatter greens
- Laid-back atmosphere — great if you want a low-pressure round
- What to watch out for:
- Some wind exposure, depending on the time of day
- Maintenance can be more variable than the resort courses
- A few small greens with tricky pin positions
For bogey golfers, it’s a good warm-up round or a place to rebuild your confidence after a tougher day.
Price Details (visit Curacao Golf & Squash Club Website for up-to-date pricing):
Green fees are:
- 18 Holes (Day Rate): US $90
- 9 Holes: US $50
Club Rentals:
- 18 Holes with push cart: US $42.75
- 9 Holes with push cart: US $28.50
Ideal Tee Times and Course Traffic
Old Quarry is relatively relaxed compared to more crowded golf destinations. Mornings (especially between 7:30 and 9:00 AM) are ideal for teeing off — the temperature is cooler, pace of play is steady, and you’ll avoid the midday sun.
The course does see more play during peak tourist months (December to April), especially when cruise ships are in port, but it never feels overly congested. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, and Sandals staff can take care of that for you. Or I can help you out.
Why Stay at Sandals Royal Curaçao?
Sandals Royal Curaçao isn’t just a resort near a golf course — it’s a full experience that balances relaxation, adventure, and top-tier amenities. It’s adults-only and all-inclusive, which makes the entire trip incredibly low-stress. Once you’re checked in, almost everything is taken care of.
Accommodations
The rooms and suites are stylish and spacious, many with views of the ocean or direct swim-up access. Some premium suites even come with private infinity pools. It’s quiet, luxurious, and designed for maximum comfort between golf rounds.
Dining
There are eight restaurants on property, offering everything from fresh seafood to Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. All meals are included, and the quality is consistently high. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual lunch or a more refined dinner, you’ll find something that hits the spot.
Drinks and Nightlife
With multiple bars (including a swim-up bar), a full cocktail menu, and top-shelf liquor included, you can unwind after your round with your favorite drink in hand. There’s also live music in the evenings, giving the resort a vibrant but laid-back nightlife scene.
Other Activities and Amenities
Even if you’re not planning to golf every day, there’s plenty to do:
- Snorkeling and scuba diving – Sandals includes unlimited snorkeling and PADI-certified scuba diving
- Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing – All included
- Spa services – For a little post-round recovery
- Day trips into Willemstad – Explore the colorful Dutch colonial architecture, boutique shops, and historic forts
Best Time to Visit Curaçao
Curaçao is outside the hurricane belt, which means it enjoys consistent weather throughout the year. The best time to visit is December through April, when rainfall is minimal and temperatures hover around 82°F (28°C). This also lines up with the peak golf season — dry fairways, firm greens, and perfect mornings.
That said, even during the “rainy” season (May–November), the weather is typically good, with short showers and long stretches of sun.
My Sample 5-Day Itinerary at Sandals in Curaçao
(If you can Go Last-Minute, the Savings are Phenomenal!)
Here’s a sample itinerary to make the most of your golf getaway. It’s just something I would do. I added the spa, too, just in case.
Day 1: Arrival & Resort Exploration
- Arrive at Sandals Royal Curaçao
- Settle into your suite. Upgrade if possible.
- Explore the resort amenities. Relax at the Dos Awa Infinity Pool, or explore the Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows area for panoramic ocean views and pics.
- Enjoy dinner at one of the resort’s restaurants. Maybe the Vincent, a fine-dining experience inspired by the colors of Curaçao and Dutch painter Van Gogh. Try the lamb rack or fresh-caught Caribbean fish.
Day 2: Golf & Beach
- Morning round at Old Quarry Golf Course. Enjoy views of the Tafelberg Mountain and Spanish Water Harbor. Book your tee time in advance!
- Afternoon relaxation on the beach, grab lunch at Golosá, Sandals’ food truck offering fresh tacos and island-inspired food if you have time.
- Dinner at a beachfront restaurant like The Strand, with toes-in-the-sand dining and fresh grilled seafood. Reserve a table for sunset views.
Day 3: Adventure & Relaxation
- Morning snorkeling or scuba diving excursion
- Afternoon spa treatment at the Red Lane® Spa, maybe follow with a soak in the garden hydrotherapy pools.
- Sunset catamaran cruise with a champagne toast, appetizers, and sunset views.
- Dinner at at Zuka, a Latin-fusion restaurant offering flavorful dishes like Peruvian ceviche and Argentinean-style steak.
Day 4: Golf & Local Exploration
- A morning round at Old Quarry Golf Course or Blue Bay Golf Club.
- Lunch at the clubhouse? Or back at the resort if time allows.
- An afternoon visit to Willemstad for sightseeing and shopping. Visit Handelskade, the colorful waterfront strip, browse local boutiques, and stop by the Floating Market or Kura Hulanda Museum.
- Dinner in town, at a local restaurant like The Pen at Avila Beach Hotel, a romantic open-air restaurant in a historic mansion, serving refined Caribbean-European cuisine.
Day 5: Departure
- Enjoy your final morning at Dos Awa Infinity Pool, or have your butler bring breakfast to your suite’s patio!
- Have a relaxing brunch at Pietra, featuring a blend of European and Caribbean dishes with ocean views.
- Head for the airport. Rebook, on the flight home!
Final Thoughts: Is golf on Curaçao Worth It?
If you love golf but want more than just back-to-back rounds at your local course, Sandals Royal Curaçao offers a vacation that hits every mark. Here are things I like about it:
- Championship-level golf with incredible views
- Luxurious beachfront accommodations
- Gourmet dining and drinks included!
- Plenty of options for both golfers and non-golfers
- Beautiful weather, excellent course conditions, and no stress
It’s a great choice for a honeymoon, a couples’ getaway, or even a solo golf escape. Fine-tune your game or just enjoy a few scenic rounds while unwinding in the Caribbean. Sandals makes it easy.
If you’re considering booking, try to plan at least a few months out (especially if traveling during peak season), and definitely take advantage of the resort’s concierge to schedule your tee times early. I can help arrange all of these details for your golf outing and stay at Sandals Royal Curaçao. I don’t charge a fee for the service, so go ahead and contact me! Have a relaxing sunset!
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