Nerves, Ocean Breezes & Pure Joy: My Round at Ocean Club Golf Course, Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas
There are some golf courses that live in your imagination long before you ever step onto the first tee. For me, the Ocean Club Golf Course at Atlantis, Paradise Island, was exactly that—a dream destination. But when the day finally came to play it, I’ll admit something: I was nervous. This was my first round of the year, and I was about to take it on at one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious and visually stunning golf courses. No pressure, right?
But from the moment I arrived, those nerves began to melt away.
The Ocean Club experience starts long before the opening tee shot. As a guest at Atlantis, you are treated complimentary shuttle service directly from the resort to the golf course, making everything seamless and relaxed. Upon arrival, I was greeted with warm Bahamian hospitality and shown to the clubhouse—an elegant space with old-world charm and all the modern touches you’d expect from a five-star property.
What immediately put me at ease were the high-quality rental clubs, which were in immaculate condition. No worn grips or mismatched irons here—these were top-tier sets ready to perform. The driving range and chipping green offered the perfect opportunity to shake off the rust and find some rhythm. I took a few deep breaths, listened to the sound of the ocean just beyond the practice area, and reminded myself why I love this game.
Designed by Tom Weiskopf, Ocean Club is an 18-hole, par-72 masterpiece that stretches over 7,100 yards of pure Bahamian beauty. It hugs the coastline in places, dances through palm-lined fairways in others, and keeps you focused with ocean breezes and strategically placed bunkers. It’s as much a visual experience as it is a technical challenge.
What surprised me most wasn’t just the grandeur of the course—it was how playable and enjoyable it was, even for someone shaking off winter rust. The fairways are generous, and while the greens are quick and true, they reward good pace and confident reads. The layout is diverse, with holes that tempt you to go for it and others that demand patience and control. It’s the kind of course that asks questions but never punishes you for answering with curiosity and courage.
One of the best parts of this round? The playing partners I was paired with. I joined a family from the UK (London) and another solo golfer from New York — fellow golf lovers drawn to Ocean Club for the same reason I was: the chance to play somewhere special. Despite coming from different parts of the world, the conversation flowed easily, the laughs came quickly, and the shared awe of the scenery made for instant camaraderie.
That mix of luxury and laid-back charm is what makes Ocean Club feel so unique. It has the polish of a PGA Tour venue (and it’s hosted legends during the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational) but the warmth and friendliness that makes every golfer, no matter their skill level, feel welcome.
Of course, playing Ocean Club is just one part of the Atlantis experience. Staying at Atlantis Paradise Island is like stepping into another world. After golf, I unwound in the Mandara Spa, floated along the lazy river at Aquaventure, and dined at Fish by José Andrés, one of the resort’s many fine-dining options. Whether you’re craving high-end sushi at Nobu, a beachfront cocktail, or family-friendly fun, Atlantis delivers on every front.
The fact that you can walk from a day of luxury golf into a vibrant marine habitat or take a plunge down a waterslide carved through a shark tank? That’s the kind of surreal bonus you only get at a place like this.
This wasn’t just a great round of golf—it was an experience I’ll be talking about for years. From the moment I stepped onto the range to the final putt on the 18th, Ocean Club Golf Course made me feel like I belonged. It reminded me why golf is more than a game—it’s a way to connect with people, challenge yourself, and soak in the beauty of the world around you.
If you're planning a golf getaway and looking for a destination that offers world-class play, stunning scenery, and an unforgettable resort experience, Ocean Club at Atlantis is everything you could hope for—and more.
