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Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Is this the Caribbean's best golfing destination? Apes Hill in Barbados is golfing perfection from its stunning villas to its iconic Championship Course
Barbados is a golfer's paradise. Best known for its hospitable and welcoming people, stunning sandy beaches and tropical wildlife, golf has played a huge role in this beautiful island's heritage. It is thought that the sport was first played on the island during the late 18th century During the British global expansion, where members of the army and navy were first stationed on the island. Since then, Barbados has established itself as one of the most unique hotspots in the world for golf, with Apes Hill, standing out as one of Barbados' gems. The course is nestled into the Caribbean island's rich jungle just 13km north of Bridgetown at around about 1000ft above sea level. It is possibly one of the most unique and picturesque golf courses in the world. The club describes its courses as 'unforgettable', and having played a couple of rounds on both its Championship Course and its par three nine-hole track, I can safely say I haven't been able to stop talking about it. The defining feature of this stunning golf club is its setting. Designed by legendary architect Ron Kirby, Apes Hill's Championship Course feels like a swirling links track that is set in the heart of the Caribbean jungle. You'll find yourself traversing undulating fairways, sharp doglegs and raised greens, all while being surrounded by bearded fig trees, rich jungle and some unique wildlife, including Barbados' Green Monkeys, tropical birds and the occasional mongoose! In April, former Masters champion Ian Woosnam, the ambassador for the course, hosted the Legends Tour at Apes Hill - the first time the tour has returned to Barbados in 15 years. 'Ron [Kirby] has left an indelible mark on the place with a fantastic design on a spectacular piece of land - and you get these amazing panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea,' Woosnam says, speaking on the golf course. But there is something on offer for everyone at Apes Hill. While golf is the main draw, guests staying in one of the resort's beautiful villas can indulge in a ton of activities. Guests can bring their rackets and head out for a hit on the club's paddle or tennis courts. Apes Hill also offers a range of wellness programmes from sunrise yoga in the jungle to pilates overlooking the platinum West Coast. There is also a state-of-the-art fitness suite, and in the coming years, Apes Hill are planning to build an on-site wellness spa, as well as a beach club. So what makes Apes Hill just so special? The courses One of the Championship Course's greatest assets is just how diverse each hole is, which makes it a thoroughly enjoyable challenge that tests every element of your game. Situated across 500 acres of Waterhall and The Sugar Spring plantations, players will move through ravines, climb up ridges and have to contend with churning winds coming off the Atlantic during the front nine. Because of the undulating terrain, I often found I was playing my ball above or below my feet, which again added to the challenge and enjoyment of the course. Each hole comes with four tees, meaning that players of all ages and handicaps can play to their ability. At its longest distance, the black tees stretch the course to 7,041 yards in length, meaning it plays to about the same length as many courses you'll find on the pro tours. The front nine weaves its way around some of the resort's premium villas, and culminates in what's been dubbed 'Barbados' Amen Corner' - its 12th, 13th and 14th holes, which are simply a delight to play. They have been masterfully crafted to take into account the changing topography of Apes Hill. It begins with a raised tee box on the par three 12th hole, which challenges players to drop a wedge shot from around 130 yards out onto a sunken green. In the distance, you'll be able to marvel at the icy caps of waves crashing against the shore of the Barbadian coastline. Next is the stunning par four 13th. It's a narrow tee shot to start but opens up as you move down the fairway. A raised green sits up on the left side of the hill and is protected by a deep gorge, meaning a hooked approach shot will be punished. Lastly, my favourite hole, the par four 14th. It presents another narrow tee shot, with the fairway rolling around from right to left up to a raised green. But what is magical about this hole is the dense jungle that wraps around the fairway. A network of towering palm trees sprawl up the left side. On the right is a thick brush of bearded fig trees which wrap their way around a raised green. From here, the course provides yet another breathtaking view of the coastline. I tapped in my putt on the green and couldn't help but stop for a moment to take in the view. The final four holes equally prove to be a challenging test and include the also iconic par three 16th. Unlike the other Caribbean islands that were formed on a volcanic fault line, Barbados is situated on formed coral reefs and limestone deposits. You'll find outcroppings of captivating coral rock situated througout your journey around Apes Hill. From the back tees, players are forced to hit in from around 200 yards across a lake onto the green, which sits ahead of a cave. It is arguably one of the coolest natural features I've ever seen on a golf course and blends seamlessly in with the aesthetic of Apes Hill so well. I said this golf course was unique, right? Well, not many golf courses in the world boast a 19th hole - and no, I'm not talking about the bar. Did your match end in a tie? No matter. After coming off the par-five 18th, you have the option to settle the game on the par three 19th, a 100-yard hole that requires players to land their ball on an island green on the lake just behind the clubhouse. It's a superb and innovative addition and one that you'll have a lot of fun playing as well as watching too, as you catch up with friends after your round with an ice-cold rum punch in the bar that overlooks the green. The par three course, known as Little Apes, follows in suit of the Championship Course. Every hole is unique in its own way, with Apes Hill having also built replicas of some of the most iconic holes in the world into this superb track. One of those includes the 12th at Augusta, with Apes Hill also installing its very own version of Rae's Creek in front of the green. It is a fantastic place for golfers of all levels and ages to hone in on their approach play and putting. And like the Championship Course, you'll be able to soak up some stunning views out across the island and the resort. The Performance facility Speaking of practising, Apes Hill's state-of-the-art performance centre is a one-of-a-kind facility, where golfers can seek out lessons, hit balls on the range and get fitted for clubs. Jody Addison is the club pro and possesses an outstanding breadth of knowledge about the game, having worked in some of the world's most iconic courses, from the UK to Australia. For any level of player, the services on offer here are next to none. Jody provided us with a coaching seminar and showcased how he uses the performance centre's high-speed camera systems to analyse the different attributes of a person's swing. From there, he can adapt and tailor his advice to help players improve. It is an excellent facility that is both a great place to warm up before your round or spend an afternoon, working on your skills. Sustainability Another point to note about Apes Hill is the golf club's dedication and commitment to sustainability. Back in 2023, Apes Hill was crowned the World's Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility and it's easy to see why. The course superintendent Ed Paskins has done a outstanding job in cultivating and protecting the land that this track is built on. Ed and his staff have seeded a selection of drought-tolerant grasses, including Zorro Zoysia, on the course. Meanwhile, the fairways are watered using a 58million gallon rainwater reservoir situated on the property. The grass, combined with Apes Hills unique irrigation system, helps to reduce the course's water consumption. Less chemicals and fertilizers are also required for this grass, while hundreds of fruit and vegetable trees have been planted across the course. Many of those are harvested for produce which is used in the restaurant. The course has also partnered with local farmers, providing locals with 77 acres of land around Apes Hill to cultivate, while one of Ed's most exciting installations are his beehives. Bees help to promote pollination of the fruit trees dotted around the course, which include cherry, soursop and breadfruit trees. Apes Hill's commitment to sustainability doesn't stop there. Back at their state-of-the-art luxury villas, rainwater collection tanks are used to irrigate each villa's garden. The villas are also all constructed with sustainability in mind in order to save energy and help keep emissions down. The Villas and restaurant There are a number of ways guests can stay at Apes Hill, from purchasing their own villa to renting one of the Hill Top or Courtyard Villas around the resort. During our time at Apes Hill, we stayed in one of the Hill Top Villas. They are situated next to the par-three course and a stone's throw from the main restaurant. The villas are fully kitted out with absolutely everything you could possibly need. From a stunning kitchen area, complete with state-of-the-art units, to an al-fresco living space that includes its own infinity pool on the terrace, this is the ultimate place to relax. The Courtyard Villas are located on the golf course and provide an outstanding view of both the 18th hole and the coastline down towards the eastern side of the island. The Courtyard Villas are situated on two floors, with each coming with a private infinity pool, kitchen, and stunning outdoor living space. While guests are able to cook for themselves, there are a number of dining options available at Apes Hill. Perhaps the coolest is the dine-in option, where guests can hire one of the resort's professional chefs for an evening who will cater for your tastes in the comfort of your own villa. This was a thoroughly unique and brilliant experience, with the resort's chefs showcasing their exceptional culinary knowledge of both Caribbean and world cuisine. I also really enjoyed the wide range of food available at Apes Hill's 20th Hole restaurant. From breakfast to dinner, I found myself lost for choice with the stunning array of dishes on offer. Combining Caribbean delights with international delicacies, the 20th Hole restaurant is a sublime place to enjoy a meal. The final word For a resort of this sublime quality, Apes Hill doesn't grandstand. It is unpretentious, knowing of its class but at the same time is modest and quietly goes about its core business of making sure its guests are having an excellent stay. What stood out for me the most was just how welcoming and friendly the staff at the resort were. Their approachability elevated our stay to the next level and that made Apes Hill just a simply wonderful place to stay and play golf.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lynch: Rory McIlroy had three goals in 2025. He's achieved the first, now on to the second
OAKMONT, Pa. — Twenty-odd years ago, I sat with Ian Woosnam on a golf cart at Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Woosie is the practically-minded son of a Welsh farmer and not given to deep reflection, but on one question he was. He told me he could pinpoint exactly — to the day — when his career decline began. It was April 14, 1991, the day he won the Masters. Advertisement Woosnam had two goals in his golfing life, other than making a living (his autobiography, Woosie, ends every chapter with a summary of his earnings per season). One dream was to win a major championship. The other was to be the best in the world. On April 8, six days before winning at Augusta National, he reached No. 1 in the official world golf ranking. Two dreams checked off in one week. 'Other people go looking for another mountain to climb,' he told me that day at Kiawah Island. 'I just slid down the other side.' There were 11 more wins on the European Tour, but only one real shot at another major, a decade later in the Open at Royal Lytham, when two drivers in the bag doomed him to a penalty and a tie for 3rd. But the fire that took a diminutive blue-collar guy from hitting balls during winter in his dad's barn to the pinnacle of a white collar sport was extinguished. I thought back to that conversation these past two weeks, listening to Rory McIlroy. Thirty-four years after Woosnam, McIlroy achieved his lifetime dream and completed the career grand slam. The emotion that drained from him on the 18th green and on the walk to the clubhouse — so poignant as to keep the CBS announce team respectfully silent — spoke volumes about what it meant. Advertisement Shortly afterward, an elated McIlroy opened his press conference with a question that poked fun at the previous decade of inquiries about whether he would win a green jacket: 'What are we all going to talk about next year?' The answer, it turns out, was this: What else ya got? And when ya got it? Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks off the seventh tee during the third round of the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club on June 14, 2025 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. McIlroy never took time to fully process that seismic accomplishment. Ten days later, he was at the Zurich Classic playing with Shane Lowry, having made a trip to London and Northern Ireland in between. Then it was on to the Truist Championship and straight into another major at the PGA Championship. By comparison, when Tiger Woods won the Masters in '97, and also in '19, he did not make a competitive appearance for five weeks. Advertisement McIlroy has been asked what comes next several times since the Masters,. Even earlier this week at Oakmont, he was asked what his plan is for the coming years. 'I don't have one. I have no idea,' he said. 'I'm sort of just taking it tournament by tournament at this point. Yeah, I have no idea.' It was disarmingly honest, but alarming for those who fetishize the mentality epitomized by Tiger Woods, a single-mindedness that moves shark-like between feasts without enjoyment or even digestion. It's a sentiment that celebrates racking up accomplishments, but not of taking actual pleasure in those victories. Earlier this year, McIlroy said one of his goals for '25 was to have more fun. It's why he went to a soccer game in Bilbao with friends, why he wants to play in India and Australia later this year. Yet somewhere along the way, he denied himself the time to have fun celebrating the greatest achievement of his career. Now, a minor hangover of sorts has kicked in. "You dream about the final putt going in at the Masters, but you don't think about what comes next,' he said a few days ago. 'I think I've always been a player that struggles to play after a big event, after I win whatever tournament. I always struggle to show up with motivation the next week because you've just accomplished something and you want to enjoy it and you want to sort of relish the fact that you've achieved a goal. Chasing a certain goal for the better part of a decade and a half, I think I'm allowed a little bit of time to relax a little bit.' The schedule doesn't allow much time for relaxation or reflection, even if he had been minded to pursue it. Two majors have passed with not much of an impact, a tie for 47th at Quail Hollow and lingering around the top 25 at Oakmont as the final round wound down. Advertisement In a casual conversation a few months back, he summarized his objectives for the year: win the Masters, win the Open at Royal Portrush, win an away Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. As he prepared to leave Pittsburgh, McIlroy acknowledged fresh motivation is on the horizon for the second item on that list. 'If I can't get motivated to get up for an Open Championship at home, then I don't know what can motivate me,' he said. 'I just need to get myself in the right frame of mind. I probably haven't been there the last few weeks. But as I said, getting home and having a couple weeks off before that, hopefully feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, will get me in the right place again.' Just 63 days have passed since that victorious evening at Augusta National. Only 32 remain until balls are in the air at the 153rd Open. Maybe that hasn't been enough time to celebrate realizing a dream 30 years in the making, but it's probably enough to narrow the focus to knocking off the second item on his target list for '25. This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Lynch: Rory McIlroy won the Masters, his first goal. What's next?
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Dates for 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor revealed
The dates for the 100th anniversary of the biennial contest, announced by Ryder Cup Europe, will have three days of competition between Europe and the United States, from Friday, September 17 - Sunday, September 19. Following the conclusion of this year's contest, which takes place at Bethpage Black in New York in September, Adare Manor will officially become the next host venue of the Ryder Cup. It will be the second time Ireland has hosted the Ryder Cup, having previously done so in 2006 when Team Europe, under the captaincy of Ian Woosnam, defeated the US by a record margin of 18½ - 9½ at The K Club. Guy Kinnings, European Tour CEO, said: 'The official announcement of the dates is always a significant milestone in the Ryder Cup journey for a country and a venue, and we're delighted to today confirm details for the 2027 contest at Adare Manor. 'Rory McIlroy's victory in the Masters last month to complete the career Grand Slam, combined with anticipation of July's Open Championship, has already heightened the buzz around golf on the island of Ireland. This announcement will add to that excitement as Ireland continues its preparation to host golf's greatest team competition for the second time in 2027 when the Ryder Cup celebrates its 100th anniversary. 'Hosting a Ryder Cup is a huge collective effort and our thanks therefore go to the Government of Ireland, to JP McManus and the team at Adare Manor and to Limerick City and County Council for their continued support over the next two-and-a-half years.' Adare Manor owner JP McManus said: 'We are honoured to be hosting one of global sports biggest events at Adare Manor. Now the dates have been announced, the anticipation for the 2027 Ryder Cup will continue to grow as we countdown to becoming the next host venue.'
Irish Examiner
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Dates announced for the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in 2027
The Ryder Cup will take place at Adare Manor from September 13th to September 19th in 2027, it has been officially announced. The dates for the 100th anniversary of the biennial contest, announced by Ryder Cup Europe on Wednesday, include four build-up days from Monday September 13th to Thursday September 16th, followed by three days of competition between Europe and the United States, from Friday September 17th to Sunday September 19th. Following the conclusion of this year's contest, which takes place at Bethpage Black in New York in September, Adare Manor will officially become the next host venue of the Ryder Cup. It will be the second time Ireland has hosted the Ryder Cup, having previously done so in 2006 when Team Europe, under the captaincy of Ian Woosnam, defeated the United States by a record margin of 18½ - 9½ at The K Club. 'We are honoured to be hosting one of global sports biggest events at Adare Manor," said JP McManus, owner of Adare Manor. "Now the dates have been announced, the anticipation for the 2027 Ryder Cup will continue to grow as we countdown to becoming the next host venue. 'Hosting golf's greatest team contest will provide many economic benefits to the Irish economy and the south west community in particular, with thousands of people travelling to be part of the Ryder Cup's 100th anniversary. 'We look forward to welcoming the many international visitors to Ireland, Limerick and Adare in two years' time and to showcasing our island to a global audience.' Designed by Tom Fazio, the Golf Course at Adare Manor is located along the banks of the River Maigue. Extensively renovated in 2017, Adare Manor hosted the Irish Open in 2007, a tournament won by Pádraig Harrington two months before he went on to clinch the first of his two successive Open Championship titles at Carnoustie. The Irish Open was staged again at Adare Manor the following year in 2008 when Englishman Richard Finch triumphed. Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive of the European Tour Group added: 'The official announcement of the dates is always a significant milestone in the Ryder Cup journey for a country and a venue, and we're delighted to today confirm details for the 2027 contest at Adare Manor. 'Rory McIlroy's victory in the Masters last month to complete the career Grand Slam, combined with anticipation of July's Open Championship, has already heightened the buzz around golf on the island of Ireland. This announcement will add to that excitement as Ireland continues its preparation to host golf's greatest team competition for the second time in 2027 when the Ryder Cup celebrates its 100th anniversary. 'Hosting a Ryder Cup is a huge collective effort and our thanks therefore go to the Government of Ireland, to JP McManus and the team at Adare Manor and to Limerick City and County Council for their continued support over the next two-and-a-half years.' Patrick O'Donovan T.D, Ireland's Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, welcomed today's announcement of dates for the 2027 Ryder Cup and highlighted the level of Government support for the event. 'I am very pleased that Ryder Cup Europe has announced the dates for the Ryder Cup in Adare, Co. Limerick in 2027, the next European destination for this prestigious tournament," he said. "We have adopted a whole of Government approach to ensure that Ireland successfully hosts the event in 2027, showcasing the many valuable benefits the island of Ireland has as a tourism and golfing destination, and ensure the legacy participation benefit for the sport. 'The passion of Irish people for golf makes Ireland really stand out internationally as a golfing venue. "For Ryder Cup week, the eyes of the sporting world will be on the beautiful village of Adare, and I am confident that the local community of Adare and the people of Limerick and Ireland generally, will ensure that this event is a wonderful success and that all who attend will want to return to visit Ireland again.' Details of how to apply for tickets to the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor will be announced in 2026.
Wales Online
17-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Ian Woosnam's huge net worth, Barbados and Jersey life with wife, nightmare that cost £220K
Ian Woosnam's huge net worth, Barbados and Jersey life with wife, nightmare that cost £220K With the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow at its midway point, here's a look at the life of Welsh golfing legend and former Masters champion Ian Woosnam Ian Woosnam is a regular visitor to Barbados, where he owes a property and hosts a golf tournament (Image:) Ian Woosnam remains the only Welshman to ever win a golf major. His crowning achievement came when he famously won the Masters at Augusta in 1991, the year he also reached top spot in the world rankings. Overall, Woosnam spent 50 weeks at the top of the tree, with only four players holding the coveted position for a longer period. While the Masters proved to be his only major title, 'Woosie' won a staggering 52 pro tournaments. He also enjoyed great success in team golf, winning the World Cup for Wales on two occasions, while he played in eight consecutive European Ryder Cup teams between 1983 and 1997. He then captained Europe to one of their most dominant victories over Team USA, who were crushed 18.5-9.5 at the K Club in Ireland in 2006. Here's the lowdown about Woosnam's life away from the course, his savvy investments and the error that cost him £220,000… What is Ian Woosnam's net worth? Woosnam, 67, boasts an estimated net worth of around £22million. That wealth hasn't just been garnered from the golfing career but also from an array of savvy property deals and investments dating back to the early days of his pro career. In 1982, he bought a London flat for £16,000 and sold it for £10,000 more less than a year later. On his approach to his fiscal affairs, he revealed to the Telegraph last year that he makes 'millions a year' in investments. Article continues below Woosnam after winning the 1991 Masters (Image:) 'It's great when you're earning money, but it's not going to last forever,' he said. 'Despite the occasional splurge on treats, I'm actually quite cautious because of what dad instilled in me. 'There were plenty of others on the tour spending three times as much as me. Back in my heyday, the prize money wasn't the obscene amounts they get now on one of the tours, so you had to be smart and invest it properly. I have a financial adviser who looks after my investments, and I make several million a year.' Barbados and Jersey life As he racked up the trophies and winners' cheques in the late 1980s and early 90s, Woosnam bought a plane, which a friend flew him around Europe in, and made plans to move to the tax haven of Jersey. He explained: 'That's why Jersey has been my official home for the last 30 years. I moved to save tax and to make a better life for my young family.' While Jersey is his permanent home with wife Glendryth, he enjoys regular trips to Barbados. He said: 'My three children [two daughters and a son] are all very sensible with money, as I didn't overindulge them growing up. Woosnam has been sensible with his impressive wealth (Image:) 'They all live within half a mile of me here in Jersey and I get to see my grandchildren all the time. Every other year, I treat them to Christmas in Barbados.' Woosnam has close ties to the Caribbean island, where he has a property and hosts a legends tournament. He is an ambassador for Apes Hill complex that hosts the event. Open error that cost £220K However, he saw a chunk of money slip through his fingers at The Open in 2001 following an embarrassing error by his caddie, Mile Byrne. When Woosam was found to have too many clubs in his bag at the second hole, he was docked two shots by officials and fell out of victory contention at Royal Lytham. Woosnam couldn't hide his frustration after being docked two shots at The Open in 2001 (Image: Andrew Redington/ALLSPORT ) While he went on to finish in a tie for third, had he not lost those two shots, he would have finished second, which would have netted him an extra £220,000 in prize money, as David Duval took the title. Woosnam was left furious by the error, hurling a club across the teebox in anger and ranting at his bagman. Article continues below However, he continued to work with Byrne, saying: 'Miles and I will continue to work together and we will both have learned a lot from the experience.' Bryne added: 'I am obviously distraught about what my mistake has cost Ian and will regret not double-checking the bag for as long as I live."
