Legendary golf course architect Ron Kirby has given his final stamp of approval to his most recent piece of work following a four-day pre-opening visit to Apes Hill Barbados last month.
The par-72 layout has been cited as a ‘must-play’ venue with stunning views over the Caribbean Sea to the west and Atlantic Ocean to the east. Set within 475 acres of natural, unspoilt terrain and perched on one of the highest points of Barbados 1,000ft above sea level, Apes Hill is the most elevated golf experience on the island.
Kirby’s visit followed hot on the heels of an exclusive opening to the Apes Hill Barbados members and their esteemed guests on November 1. The course has enjoyed a whirlwind first month as players highlighted its playability and variation, along with several new ‘wow-factor’ holes that enhance the bucket-list experience.
Kirby, who has collaborated with design greats such as Robert Trent Jones and Jack Nicklaus in a distinguished career, is perhaps most noted for his imperious work at Old Head Golf Links in Ireland.
“When I saw Apes Hill for the first time, I saw there were hills and vistas that were just superb,” Kirby said during his recent visit to the site.
(Image credit: Apes Hill)
“You can see both the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean in many places. You have the elevation, so I thought all we had to do here was make sure that visitors can enjoy the time and take in those vistas; if I could get the holes to play with the vistas in the right position.
“The fun at Old Head and the fun at Apes Hill are the vistas, and you just feel like you want to get out here and enjoy it on a course that has such world-class views as the backdrop. To everyone who plays at Apes Hill, I want them to walk away and say this was a fun golf course.”
Kirby’s work – aided by Justin Carlton and Gary Shapiro, two of the finest land shapers in the industry – began in 2019 and he has created a new Caribbean golfing masterpiece at Apes Hill Barbados.
The layout has been beautifully crafted around the surrounding landscape and indigenous tropical forests, with sustainability at the forefront of the resort’s long-term DNA to make it the most environmentally responsible golf course and resort development in the Caribbean.
Fairways and tees have been re-laid using the more drought-tolerant Zorro Zoysia grass and the greens with TifEagle. Both surfaces will help reduce the number of sprinklers needed from approximately 1,800 to 800.
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