Destination Golf Global Guide (Winter 2018) * | Page 37

The beachside 11th Tee. There’s a colorful rum cocktail on the island of Great Exuma called the Goombay Smash. The first one tastes as good as it looks. By the time you finish the second, you realize that some beauties can also be beasts. The same can be said for Great Exuma’s spectacular Greg-Norman designed golf course. Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club’s front nine can lull golfers into a peaceful island state of mind. The back side, with seven holes featuring the Caribbean Sea, may leave you wondering, “Can a golf course be too good looking?” For golfers seeking a show-stopping environment and pristine conditions, the 7200- yard Emerald Reef is as good as it gets. Your round gets even more interesting when the trade winds are blowing. On a course crafted by the Great White Shark himself, you can almost hear the theme from “Jaws” as you turn the corner and transition to the 11th hole. Your tee shot on this petite Par 3 is when golfers begin their adventure from tranquil inland golf to facing a potentially temperamental Caribbean Sea. There is so much to think about on Emerald Reef’s back nine. If you stick with your routine, and occasionally club down on tee shots when you know this makes sense, then you should be able to handle golf holes that are so picturesque and rugged, that they make you say, “I’ve never seen anything like this.” Volume 4 • Issue 46 37