Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#450722 11/09/12 08:02 AM
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 84,397
Marty Offline OP
OP Offline

As an avid golfer, there is nothing more that I like to do then set out on a bright, fresh morning, set up my tee and begin swinging away. Well, there might be one more thing that I like to do better and that would be setting up my tee on a bright, fresh morning on a course caressed with tropical trade winds and the heady scent of salty surf.

So a Caribbean destination that encompasses both my love of golfing with a little equatorial climate might be a win-win on both accounts. Where to go to do both? Belize! But before we hit the courses, let's find out why this little hotspot destination appeals to so many tourists, ex pats and retirees alike.

Belize is not a wealthy country, but what is lacks in capital wealth it more than makes up for in its beauty and charm. Like many Caribbean nations, Belize has its history in the indigenous tribes that inhabited these coastal isles before European explorers came and not only enslaved these primitive islanders but pillaged the land and natural resources. Many peaceful farmers and fishermen, the Arawaks and the Caribs are now just ghosts, even their neighbors, The Mayan have long since disappeared. But their cultural and architectural achievements still remain seen in the stone pyramids and remnants of tribal huts.

Much of Belize is still rural, picture a country the size of Massachusetts with a population of only 300,000 and then you can get an idea of what Belize is like. However, if you are looking to spend your vacation not wending your way through the jungle and its unsavory occupants (mosquitos) and are searching for more modern accommodations, Belize offers many luxurious options with rates that are comparable to Mexican spots like Cozumel. Of course, being a travel-savvy tourist would behoove you here. Don't forget crime can happen anywhere, but if you're an American tourist, you've already got a couple of marks against you. However, if your plans tend to keep you nearer to sand traps and fairways rather than rowdy tourists traps, you're sure to be not only safer but get plenty of golfing in. Just be careful of where that ball wanders, you might have to consult your PGA rules about playing around crocodiles, and double check if you have to hit that ball off their head or get to drop it off at safer location.

  • Caye Chapel Golf Resort: This par 72 golf course should satisfy all your vacation and golfing needs. The clubhouse alone offers spectacular palm tree-studded views of the sea while under the balmy tropical breezes, indoor and outdoor dining, Olympic sized swimming pool, workout facility and tennis courts.
  • Roaring River Golf Course: Once you check out this public course, you won't be disappointed. Take in the beautiful rolling grassy hills, endless Caribbean vistas, where the heady breath of coconuts and plumerias will not only fill the air but also your senses. Lodging is available as well as dining at an onsite restaurant.

No matter where you end up sinking those toes, you'll find the perfect beach somewhere in Belize. If you're looking for a little golf, too then shake the sand off and get the cleats on. Fore!

About Guest Author: David Bryce is an online publisher for the Hotel and Resort Thousand Hills in Branson, MO. He blogs on the topics of golf, travel, and vacations.

iBelmopan Blog

Image courtesy http://www.belizegolf.net/


Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,972
Offline
Let me get this right, the top 2 or the only 2?


Reality is only an illusion that occurs due to a lack of alcohol
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,850
E
Offline
E
You got it, Champ. Im not sure that Chappel id even open any longer. I played it in '02 with Jerry McDermott

Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,054
Offline
Do golf courses announced in public relations releases and promoted on web sites count?

* The Placencia Golf Course, Plancencia Peninsula (The Placencia is undergoing, ah, ownership/management changes and legal issues)
* Ara Macao Golf Course, Placencia Peninsula (development announced but never happened)
* Sanctuary Belize near Hopkins (proposed in original master plan, status of proposed course unknown)
* Maskall Golf Course, former Pretty See site, Old Northern Highway (partially built course now reverting to bush)
* Smuggler's Run Plantation, near Belize City (part of a 1,000-acre proposed development with 740 condos and 600 townhouses, announced but never developed)
* Black Orchid Golf Course on South Riders Caye near Belize City (supposedly under construction now)
* Bellcann Golf Resort & Marina, between Corozal Town and Consejo Village (announced but never developed)
* Astro-Turf-style course (it's true!) at Jaguar Reef Resort, Hopkins -- planned but never executed
* Xaibe 9-hole course near Corozal Town (planned, now for sale)

This doesn't include several golf courses announced over the years for North Ambergris (including with press conferences featuring government officials) but never developed.

--Lan Sluder (36.4-handicap, the maximum permitted)

P.S. There is a little 9-hole course at Consejo Shores near Consejo Village.

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,461
K
Offline
K
And was another at BSI compound in OW, might still be there. Lets hope we never allow courses on lagoons, rivers or sea where the chemicals used to keep the course vibrant run into and poison the water


Belize based travel specialist
www.belize-trips.com
[email protected]
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,018
Offline
Caye Chapel is open.......played there about a month ago.


I'm happier than a pig in s__t...a foot on the sand...and a Belikin in my hand!
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,054
Offline
Whom do you contact these days about playing Caye Chapel?

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,018
Offline
Just call the number listed.


I'm happier than a pig in s__t...a foot on the sand...and a Belikin in my hand!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,972
Offline
Hey Loansum, What did it cost and how was the course condition? The last time I played was maybe 5 years ago. Did you have your own clubs or did you rent their crummy clubs?

Last edited by champion; 11/12/12 01:52 PM.

Reality is only an illusion that occurs due to a lack of alcohol
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,018
Offline
Originally Posted by champion
Hey Loansum, What did it cost and how was the course condition? The last time I played was maybe 5 years ago. Did you have your own clubs or did you rent their crummy clubs?

The cost is $150 BZ. I have my own clubs that I leave in a locker at the club house for no charge. Better than schlepping than back and forth from our condo to the course. The course is not too bad. The greens are improving but still need some TLC. They are doing a lot of work to the course in general. It should be in very good shape next spring.


I'm happier than a pig in s__t...a foot on the sand...and a Belikin in my hand!
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
March
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Cayo Espanto
Click for Cayo Espanto, and have your own private island
More Links
Click for exciting and adventurous tours of Belize with Katie Valk!
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 335 guests, and 0 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Forum Statistics
Forums44
Topics79,199
Posts500,011
Members20,460
Most Online7,413
Nov 7th, 2021



AmbergrisCaye.com CayeCaulker.org HELP! Visitor Center Goods & Services San Pedro Town
BelizeSearch.com Message Board Lodging Diving Fishing Things to Do History
BelizeNews.com Maps Phonebook Belize Business Directory
BelizeCards.com Picture of the Day

The opinions and views expressed on this board are the subjective opinions of Ambergris Caye Message Board members
and not of the Ambergris Caye Message Board its affiliates, or its employees.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5