BAHAMAS GOLF

NEW PROVIDENCE ISLAND / NASSAU
Page 24 From Fall 2008 Florida Golf Magazine ©Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved. Subscribe at floridagolfmagazine.com/subscribe

The Blue Shark Golf Club
By Joe Stine

Overlooking the Atlantic, the Blue Shark’s 11th Hole is a 150 yard, par 3.

          Greg Norman was on hand on 1/21/08, at a media event to celebrate the completion of one of his latest golf course design acheivements, the magnificent 18 holes at the Blue Shark Golf Club on New Providence Island, near Nassau, Bahamas.
          Touted as the most interesting course on the Bahamas' most populated island, with ocean views, and several elevation changes, this newly redesigned 18-hole course is routed through gently rolling land and native Bahamian forests.
          Blue Shark Golf Club is located on pristine South Ocean (30 minutes from downtown Nassau and 10 minutes from Nassau International Airport) on the site of a former plantation. Designed around a picturesque lush tropical setting, the Blue Shark par-72 design accommodates modern players by lengthening the former Joe Lee designed South Ocean Golf Club layout to 1,117 yards and by creating challenging greens complexes.
          The 10th, 11th and 12th holes are known as the Sharks Teeth, a decisive series of holes with ample scoring opportunities only if the strategically placed bunkers, treacherous terrain, wetlands and fresh water lakes are avoided. You will be doing well if you make it through these holes without a bogey.
          "Blue Shark offered a rare opportunity as a course designer - that of transforming a popular and well-designed layout into a spectacular golfing experience" Norman said.
          In addition to the course's breathtaking ocean views, two mystifying 'subterranean water-filled links known as "Blue Holes" reach under the island directly from the sea. Natural influences with uniquely undulating terrain provide 18-holes along the water, over rolling land and through the native Bahamian forest.
          A full-size practice facility allows pre-round warm ups and quality rental sets allow guests to save room in their suitcase and leave the clubs at home. Blue Shark golf academy staff is always on hand to provide professional instruction to individuals or groups. The par-72 course is the first on the island to offer a forecaddie program.
          The Blue Shark’s Director of Golf, Kurt Greve recently told Florida Golf Magazine that very soon the Blue Shark Golf Club will be part of a larger resort complex presently in the construcion stages. When not on the course, visitors will be wrapped in the luxury of a world class hotel with beach club, spa and casino.
Page 24. From Fall 2008 Florida Golf Magazine ©Copyright 2007, All Rights Reserved. Subscribe at floridagolfmagazine.com/subscribe