- Exuma Airports: Planing a Trip to Exuma, Bahamas [2024] - September 7, 2024
- Retiring in The Bahamas: Everything You Need to Know [2024] - September 7, 2024
- 14+ Best Bahamas Wedding Venues [2024] - August 8, 2024
The Bahamas is a relaxing and beautiful island, home to many and visited by thousands throughout the year. It’s no wonder that The Bahama Islands are full of opportunities, from exploring local culture and food to relaxing with your favorite Sunday pastime: golf.
The Bahamas is home to several golf tournaments all year round, thanks to its picture-perfect weather and low average wind speeds. The Bahama’s natural flora and fauna provide a perfect backdrop to stunning golf courses and fields.
Not to mention, several luxury golf clubs host tournaments where locals and visitors can watch their favorite champions play a round of golf just minutes from their homes. Here are the best golf tournaments in The Bahamas you won’t want to miss.
Table of Contents
Golf Culture in the Bahamas
Whether you’re an aspiring champion or a casual Sunday golfer, The Bahama Islands are home to some of the most stunning courses in the world. If you’re a golfer and considering retiring to a home that allows you to golf right outside your front door, The Bahamas provides ample real estate opportunities for all of its residents’ interests.
The island has several stunning courses that residents and club members can visit. Golfing has been a Bahamian pastime for several years, and it’s no wonder why.
History of Golfing in The Bahamas
While golf was not invented in The Bahamas, it might as well have been. The first Bahamian golf course was built by Jack Hutchinson in 1922. The course had nine holes and optimized the natural sand, greens, and slopes of Fort Charlotte. Realizing the island lent itself perfectly to the picturesque greens and golfing opportunities, Hutchinson, a Scotsman, and his assistant, Johnny Brush, worked together to create this course.
Two years after the initial course was built, the owner of the British Colonial Hotel, Mr. Munson, built an 18-hole golf course in Goodman’s Bay. Suddenly, golf courses, tournaments, and associations began sprouting up all around The Bahamas.
Because the island provides the perfect setting for a good game, golfers from all around the world visit the courses. In 1964, a famous group of golfers came to The Bahama courses during their goodwill tour of Jamaica. They loved the island so much, that they scheduled another visit in the next year to participate in the Hoerman Cup.
Golf fever exploded on the island, creating The Bahamas Golf Federation, a Junior National Team, and a Senior National Team.
Climate and Weather in the Bahamas
One of the reasons people travel from all over the world to play golf in The Bahamas is due to the islands’ perfect weather. The average temperature in The Bahamas ranges from 70 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This year-round perfect weather not only makes The Bahamas the perfect place to call home, but it also makes the island perfect for year-round golfing.
While the year-round perfect weather makes the Bahamas the optimal choice for all outdoor activities, those who live on the Islands might want to look at the humidity and wind speeds when they’re choosing which golf tournament they want to attend.
Although The Bahamas often have higher-than-average humidity, sometimes as high as 90%, The Bahamas still have one of the best climates in the world, making it the perfect destination for golfing and living!
The Best Golf Tournaments in the Bahamas
The Bahamas’ perfect golf environment, combined with the Island’s rich golf history often means it’s the perfect place for year-round golf tournaments. Here are some of the most famous golf tournaments The Bahamas hosts.
1. Bahama Great Exuma Classic
Dates: Was held in January in 2024; TBA for 2025
The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic is a famous golf tournament on the Korn Ferry Tour. The tournament is held at Exuma’s Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course and is one of the two Korn Kerry Tour events in The Bahamas.
Details:
- Location: Great Exuma
- Established: 2017
- Course: Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course
- Prize Fund: $1,000,000
- Month Played: January
- Length: 7,001 yards
- Par: 72
- Tour(s): Korn Ferry Tour
Interested in living close to one of the best golf tournaments in the world? Get in touch with the best real estate agents in Exuma.
2. White Sands Bahama Golf Series
Dates: Future events TBA
The White Sands Bahamas NCAA Invitational is the perfect tournament for college athletes. Every year, the Ocean Club Estates Golf Course hosts players from all over the United States to compete on its beautiful and challenging courses. This tournament is only open to the top collegiate golf teams in the United States and offers an exceptional experience for players and coaches,
Details:
- Location: Paradise Island
- Established: 2023
- Course: Ocean Golf Course
- Month Played: October
- Length: 7,100 yards
- Par: 18
Ready to call Paradise Island and Nassau your home and watch golf tournaments from your front window? Call MCR Bahamas today!
3. Hero World Challenge
Dates: Dec 2-8, 2024
The Hero World Challenge is the perfect Bahamas golf tournament setting. The exhilarating golf tournament is hosted in an exclusive setting, combining privacy and luxury. The tournament pits 20 of the world’s top-ranked players against each other. The Albany community golf course was designed by Ernie Els and boasts first-class facilities.
Details:
- Location: Albany, New Providence
- Established: 2000
- Course: Albany Golf Course
- Prize Fund: 1,000,000
- Month Played: December
- Length: 7,400 yards
- Par: 72
- Tour(s): PGA Tour
Want to live in a luxury community, just minutes from one of the best golf tournaments in the world?
Browse Albany homes for sale in The Bahamas
4. Bahamas Great Abaco Classics
Dates: Was held in January in 2024; TBA for 2025
Hosted at the Abaco Club on Winding Bay, The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic is the second golf tournament in the Korn Ferry Tour. This tournament, usually hosted in Abaco, was moved once to Baha Mar in Nassau after 2020’s Hurricane Dorian. Since then, the tournament has come back to the Abaco Club. The field boasts a strategic and challenging design, with oceanfront holes, challenging bunkers, and dense greens
Details:
- Location: Great Abaco
- Established: 2017
- Course: The Abaco Club
- Prize Fund: $1,000,000
- Month Played: January
- Length: 7,183 yards
- Par: 72
- Tour(s): Korn Ferry Tour
Want to live on one of the safest islands in the Bahamas? What about one that’s home to the best golf courses on the island?
5. Interschool Golf Championship
Dates: Was held in March in 2024, Future date TBA
Created by the Bahamas Golf Federation, the Interschool Golf Championships provides the perfect opportunity for young golf enthusiasts to play on a team and get a feel for a genuine golf tournament. Players are divided into teams of three to five, with the best three scores adding to their overall score.
Details:
- Location: Nassau
- Course: Baillou Hills Sporting Complex Golf Range
- Month Played: March
Learn more about buying a home in Nassau, Bahamas
6. Nexus Women’s Collegiate Classic
Dates: Held in February; 2025 dates TBA
A three-day, 54-hole tournament for the best teams in women’s golf. Held at the Albany Golf Club in New Providence, this course is truly built for the best players. The champions face deserts, dunes, and water each round, battling nature, distance, and height throughout the tournament.
Details:
- Location: Nassau
- Established: 2023
- Course: Albany Golf Club
- Prize Fund: 6,544
- Month Played: February
- Length: 7,309 yards
- Par: 54
- Tour: PGA Tour
Considering making Nassau your new home? Reach out to some of the best real estate agents who can help
7. BGF President’s Cup
Dates: Held in September; 2025 dates TBA
Located at Baha Mar’s stunning Royal Blue Golf Course, the BGF President’s Cup is an exclusive tournament played at Baha Mar’s Royal Blue Golf Course. The Bahamas Golf Federation also created a BGF National Amateur Championship. This lower-stakes tournament takes place in May at Lyford Cay, Albany, and Ocean Club golf courses.
Details:
- Location: Baha Mar
- Established: 1999
- Course: Royal Blue Golf Course
- Month Played: September
8. Grand Bahama Men’s Golf Association
Dates: Varies throughout the year
The Men’s Golf Association of Freeport is a great team to join if you want to participate in an ongoing competition. The Association was created so men in the Bahamas could take advantage of the year-round stunning weather and climate and compete throughout the majority of the year, even during off-seasons. The tournaments consist of three competitions a week– one on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Details:
- Special Rates: For Bahamas Golf Federation Members
- Annual Dues: Due November 1
- Entry Fees: Guests and members are permitted to bring visitors and potential new members
- Social Gathering: The Men’s Golf Association hosts occasional gatherings with prizes available.
9. Nassau Local Tour
Dates: Throughout the year
If you have a kid who loves golf, or you’re interested in showing them the ropes, check out Nassau’s local golf tours. Nassau is home to many stunning golf courses, and many of them open their gates to kids’ tournaments throughout the year.
There are several Kids’ Golf tours and courses parents and inspiring golfers can choose from, including the Royal Blue Gold Club at Baha Mar, Lyford Cay Golf, Ocean Club Golf Course, and the Albany Golf Club.
More About Golfing in The Bahamas
If you’re still curious about golfing in the Bahamas, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions answered!
Where is the Tiger Woods tournament in The Bahamas?
Tiger Woods plays in the Hero World Challenge on the Albany course near Nassau.
How much money do you win for PGA Bahamas?
As of 2024, the Hero’s World Challenge increased its prize money. The winner of this challenge takes home $1 million, while the second-place champion takes home $450,000, the original winner’s amount.
Where is the 2024 Hero World Challenge?
The 2024 Hero World Challenge is located at Albany Golf Course in the Bahamas. The course is close to Nassau, one of The Bahamas’ most famous and lively islands.
How many golf courses are in The Bahamas?
The Bahamas has 13 beautiful golf courses located around its islands.
Enjoy Golfing & Living in The Bahamas
Life in the Bahamas can’t get much better. Whether you’re a golfer, a golf fan, or just trying to enjoy all of the opportunities the island has to offer, The Bahamas has everything you need.
At MCR Bahamas, we can help you find the perfect luxury real estate for you, whether it’s an oceanfront villa, a part-time rental, or a spot in a coveted luxury community. Born and raised in The Bahamas, every member of our team fiercely loves our country with its gracious and welcoming culture. Our commitment goes way beyond helping you find your luxury dream home to helping you elegantly ease into your new life on the islands.
Browse luxury real estate in The Bahamas