Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
The Takeaway: Tobago Plantations is the most revered course on the island, but the baked dry fairways, handy-me-down carts, amount of housing, and odd routing detracts from a setting that takes players to the ocean twice. Play it if staying at Magdalena Hotel, otherwise, don't go out of your way. Grade C-
Quick Facts
Designer: Bob Hunt & Marcus Blackburn 2001; 2013 refurbishment
Cost: $85 USD Click for current rates
Phone Number: 868.660.8500
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Tobago Plantations at Magdalena Grand Beach Resort's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - Tobago Plantations Estate, Lowlands, Tobago 46X8+XFF – TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Photos: See additional photos of Tobago Plantations at Magdalena Grand Beach Resort
Similar Course:
What to Expect: Tobago Plantations is one of the few golf course options on the island of Tobago and enjoys an admirable setting near the Caribbean Sea. In addition, there will never be a time where you will be battling with many other golfers on the course, which is evidenced by the fact that the pro shop only stages a half dozen carts or so. Unfortunately that is where many of the positives end. The course is routed through a development which brings with it the distractions of traffic, housing, and some odd routing choices. The routing does take players to the ocean twice; once on the front and again on the back nine which is nice, but the yellow fairways are baked dry while the greens are barely holding on. Though the course is affiliated with the Magdalena Hotel and attracts those guests, the operation feels more like a small town 9 hole course with a handful of beat up, hand-me down carts, a tiny maintenance staff, and a pro shop where there are more used golf balls to purchase than new ones. There are decent architectural features but the maintenance of the course as a whole is pretty poor which takes away from the original intent of the design. In addition, virtually none of the hazards are marked which makes it difficult to know of their existence on a flat property where the lack of elevation changes prevents raised visuals that would make them apparent. The course is not worth the $85 rack rate, but discounts are available through the hotel and can provide four hours of entertainment while on the island.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 72 | 7009 | 75.3 | 140 |
| Blue | 72 | 6517 | 73.0 | 138 |
| White | 72 | 6018 | 70.1 | 137 |
| Red (Ladies) | 72 | 5345 | 72.5 | 130 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 14th Hole – 164 Yard Par 3 –
Best Par 3: 5th Hole – 205 Yards –
Best Par 4: 3rd Hole – 416 Yards –
Best Par 5: 18th Hole – 535 Yards –
Birdie Time: 12th Hole – 348 Yard Par 4 –
Bogey Beware: 15th Hole – 437 Yard Par 4 –
