
Emerald Bay Course
Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Club


About this course
Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Club occupies a striking coastal setting along the eastern shore of Great Exuma in the Bahamas. Designed by Greg Norman and opened in 2003, the course was built as part of the Sandals resort development and represents one of the few championship-length layouts in the Bahamian out islands. The routing takes advantage of the property's natural limestone topography and oceanfront exposure, with several holes playing directly along the turquoise waters of Emerald Bay. Norman's design incorporates the native scrubland vegetation and coral-based terrain characteristic of the Exumas, creating a links-style aesthetic adapted to Caribbean conditions. The course features wide fairways that accommodate trade winds, which often influence play significantly. Several holes offer dramatic ocean views and coastal carries, while inland stretches move through natural dunes and native grasses. The layout emphasizes strategic options rather than forced carries, though the wind and firm conditions typical of exposed island sites provide the primary defense. The course serves primarily resort guests staying at Sandals Emerald Bay, though it has hosted regional amateur events. The facility includes practice areas and a clubhouse designed to complement the resort's amenities. The combination of Norman's architectural approach and the distinctive Bahamian landscape creates a golf experience quite different from the more heavily vegetated courses found on Nassau or Grand Bahama, reflecting the sparse, sun-bleached character of the Exuma chain.
Quick facts
- Location
- Emerald Bay, The Exumas, BS
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 2003
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Greg Norman
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,402 metres
- Difficulty
- 74.1/140
- Course Vaults score
- 8.2
Getting there
The journey to Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Club begins with arrival at Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), the primary gateway to the Bahamas, followed by a regional flight or private charter to Exuma International Airport (EXM), roughly forty-five minutes southeast across the turquoise waters of the Exuma Cays. For discerning travelers, private aviation into one of Exuma's smaller airstrips - such as Staniel Cay or the resort's own facilities - offers a more intimate approach to the islands. From the airport, the drive to Emerald Bay unfolds along Exuma's eastern shore, where limestone cliffs give way to impossibly clear lagoons and the road narrows into a landscape of casuarina pines and native vegetation, the final miles revealing the resort's pristine beachfront setting and championship layout carved into the island's natural topography.

FAQ
Common questions about Emerald Bay
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Emerald Bay has a Course Vaults score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 8 logged golfers.
Emerald Bay was designed by Greg Norman.
Yes. Emerald Bay is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Emerald Bay is 72.
Emerald Bay plays 6,402 metres from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Emerald Bay is 140.
