Royal Westmoreland
Robert Trent Jones Jr laid out Royal Westmoreland in 1995 on a coral limestone ridge above the platinum west coast of Barbados, the finest course in the eastern Caribbean. A par 72 of 7,045 yards routed across old plantation land, it climbs and falls through tropical gullies with the blue of the Caribbean filling the view from the higher tees.
Photo: Royal Westmoreland via Google.
The verdict
Robert Trent Jones Jr built Royal Westmoreland in 1995 across a coral ridge on the west coast of Barbados, and it remains the standout course in the eastern Caribbean. A par 72 of 7,045 yards, it sits at the heart of an exclusive estate of villas above the so called platinum coast, the strip of luxury hotels and beaches that draws travelling golfers to the island each winter.
The routing makes the most of the elevation, climbing to tees that look out over the Caribbean and dropping into tropical gullies of coral rock and mahogany. The greens are quick and well defended, the trade winds add a constant test, and as a course reserved largely for villa owners and resort guests, a round here feels every bit the exclusive Caribbean experience it is.
Royal Westmoreland at a glance
- Opened
- 1995
- Designer
- Robert Trent Jones Jr
- Type
- Resort
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- 7,045 yds
- Green fee
- Guests
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from Royal Westmoreland and leading course databases. The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, opened in 1995, a par 72 of 7,045 yards. Royal Westmoreland is a private estate course reserved largely for villa owners and rental guests, with limited tee times for visitors; rates vary by season and access level. Always confirm access and current fees directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Royal Westmoreland climbs and falls across the coral ridge, the fairways framed by tropical planting and outcrops of weathered limestone. The higher tees open up long views over the Caribbean, and the trade wind that funnels across the ridge makes club selection a constant negotiation.
Through the middle of the round the holes drop into shaded gullies of coral rock and mahogany before climbing back to exposed greens, a rhythm of shelter and wind that keeps the player honest. Jones routed it to use the natural fall of the land, and the variety of uphill and downhill shots is the course's signature.
The closing holes return toward the clubhouse with water and well placed bunkering guarding quick, subtly contoured greens. Royal Westmoreland rewards the player who respects the wind and putts with confidence, and it gives back the rare pleasure of championship golf wrapped in genuine Caribbean luxury.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Private estate course; play is reserved largely for villa owners and rental guests, with limited visitor tee times |
| Green fee | Varies by season and access level; guests and villa owners receive preferential rates (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Through the estate, usually as part of a villa stay or partner resort package; book well ahead in high season |
| On the day | Carts standard in the Caribbean heat; the trade winds build through the day, water on several holes |
| Getting there | On the west coast in Saint James, about 30 minutes from Grantley Adams International Airport |
| Best months | December to April for the dry season and the reliable trade winds; summer is hotter and wetter |
Access and indicative rates verified June 2026; they change by season and access level, so always confirm directly before booking with the estate or your trip planner.
Where to stay nearby
The natural base is a villa within the Royal Westmoreland estate itself, where a stay secures access to the course and the run of the resort facilities above the west coast. The estate sits just inland of the platinum coast, the strip of beachfront luxury hotels that defines golf travel to Barbados.
For those who prefer a beachfront base, the celebrated west coast resorts at Holetown and Paynes Bay are minutes away, with white sand, calm Caribbean swimming and some of the island's best dining. It is an easy region to build a winter golf and beach trip around, pairing championship golf with the platinum coast.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Royal Westmoreland.
Build a Barbados golf trip
We secure the Royal Westmoreland tee times where access allows, pair them with the best of the region and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Royal Westmoreland questions
Who designed Royal Westmoreland and when did it open?
Royal Westmoreland was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr and opened in 1995, laid out across a coral ridge above the west coast of Barbados.
What is the par and length of Royal Westmoreland?
Royal Westmoreland is a par 72 of 7,045 yards, routed across plantation land and coral gullies with elevation changes and Caribbean views from the higher tees.
How much does it cost to play Royal Westmoreland?
Rates vary by season and access level, with villa owners and rental guests receiving preferential rates and limited tee times for other visitors. Always confirm current fees directly before booking.
Can visitors play Royal Westmoreland?
Play is reserved largely for villa owners and rental guests, with a limited number of visitor tee times. The usual route to a round is a villa stay or a partner resort package.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.