Our recent journey took us to the Bahamas, specifically to the stunning Abaco Club on Winding Bay, a place that blurs the lines between a traditional links golf course and a tropical paradise. From the moment we arrived, the laid-back atmosphere was infectious. Even the club’s head pro, Brian Shaver, was dressed in casual wear, a refreshing contrast to the usual formalities, embodying the relaxed vibe that makes this spot so special in the Caribbean.
Embracing the Links Philosophy
The idea of a “tropical links” course might initially sound like a contradiction. Traditional links courses, famous in places like Scotland and Ireland, are characterized by firm, fescue turf, sandy soil, and relentless wind, encouraging a ground game where the ball bounces and rolls. Tropical courses, on the other hand, often feature softer grasses like Bermuda or Paspalum, designed to withstand heat and humidity, typically favoring an aerial game with shots that carry over water and bunkers.
The Challenge of Tropical Turf
Playing on Paspalum, common in warmer climates, can be tricky. Its tendency to make the ball bounce upwards rather than forward means bump-and-run shots or carrying the ball onto the green become almost mandatory for a successful short game. If you’re not accustomed to it, you could find yourself constantly falling short of the putting surface.
However, the Abaco Club manages to defy these expectations. The course designers, Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie, have created a layout that truly embraces the links spirit. Even with Paspalum fairways and greens, the course conditions were exceptional. The superintendent, Matt DiMase, and his team did a remarkable job ensuring the course was firm and fast, allowing the links-inspired features to shine, even after a drier winter season. This attention to detail allowed for the ground game, so crucial to links golf, to be a viable and enjoyable strategy.
Course Design and Strategy
Seaside Routing and Wind Play
The routing of the Abaco Club is a significant part of its links appeal. Six of the first seven holes run straight out along Winding Bay, offering breathtaking views of the electric blue water. These holes frequently play into a steady wind, which is a quintessential element of links golf. Michael and I found ourselves strategizing constantly, adjusting our club selection and aiming points to account for the constant breeze, a challenge that added a thrilling layer to every shot.
The prevailing southerly wind, while sometimes strong, also presents unique opportunities. Once you make the turn at the seventh hole, seven of the next eight holes play with the wind at your back. This creates opportunities for longer drives and exciting shots, especially on par fours like the 11th and 13th, which are among the longest on the course. However, as Michael learned on an uphill approach to the ninth, the wind can also make judging distances incredibly tricky, especially when the pin is placed towards the front of the green.
What makes a true links course?
The term “links” in golf evokes a sense of history and tradition. While there aren’t strict legal definitions like there are for bourbon, generally, links courses are found by the sea, feature firm turf, and have sandy soil. Wind is a constant companion, and the best courses are playable and challenging in all conditions. The allure of the term often leads to courses being described as “links-style,” sometimes with little resemblance to the real thing.
The Abaco Club, however, has consistently been called a “tropical links” since its opening. While the tropical setting and turf present unique challenges, the design and conditioning allow for a genuine links experience, proving that the philosophy can indeed be adapted.
Signature Holes and Memorable Moments
One hole that truly stood out was the eighth, a short par five that offered a masterclass in strategic design. Despite playing mostly straight, the fairway undulations, well-placed bunkers affecting layups, and a massive double-plateau green created endless possibilities for how to play each shot. It’s the kind of hole that makes you want to play it again and again, a true gem.
The course routing is mostly seamless, but there’s one notable ascent. After the 14th green, players ascend about 80 feet to a ridge overlooking cliffs. While the walk is scenic, it’s a strenuous climb for those who prefer walking. Fortunately, club staff are available to shuttle golfers to the 15th tee. The final four holes, including the spectacular par-3 17th and the challenging par-5 18th, are situated on this promontory, offering dramatic finales.
Beyond the Fairway
Family Adventures and Relaxation
While golf is the primary draw, the Abaco Club offers so much more for a well-rounded vacation. We found ourselves enjoying the property’s amenities when away from the course. The bright-sand beach at Winding Bay is perfect for soaking up the sun, and the tennis courts provide another option for recreation. For those who love the water, there are ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and snorkeling.
During our stay, we decided to explore the charming nearby community of Little Harbour. It’s a wonderfully off-the-grid spot that offers a different pace. We visited Pete’s Pub, a quirky and delightful establishment known for its incredibly fresh seafood and surprisingly good burgers. It’s a must-visit, and the club can easily arrange transport to and from the pub, making it a convenient and memorable outing. Lily and Ethan loved the boat ride over and spent the afternoon collecting shells on the beach.
What accommodations are available?
The Abaco Club offers a range of accommodations to suit different needs. You can choose from cozy, circular cabanas, multi-bedroom cottages, or incredibly luxurious beachfront estate homes. Some of these larger homes are quite substantial and are even on the market for several million dollars. For our family, a cottage provided ample space and comfort.
While the club is private and low-density, non-members can experience it through a “stay-and-play” basis. Non-members are permitted to visit up to three times before needing to consider membership. This policy allows visitors to truly experience what the club has to offer without immediate commitment.
Planning Your Visit
The Abaco Club is a place that stays with you long after you leave. Accommodations start around $500 per night, with guest fees for golf at $250. While these aren’t the lowest prices, the combination of stunning scenery, genuinely friendly staff, and the consistently high quality of the golf course makes it a worthwhile addition to any Caribbean golf itinerary. For us, it was a perfect blend of challenging golf and relaxing family time in 2026.
The quality of the golf is undeniable, and the club’s setting is truly spectacular. It’s the kind of place that entices you to return, to further explore the intricacies of the course and the natural beauty of the surrounding areas.
Is the Abaco Club a true links course?
Whether you label it a “tropical links” or simply an excellent golf course, the Abaco Club delivers an unforgettable experience. The careful design, impeccable conditioning of the Paspalum turf, and the strategic challenges presented by the wind and terrain create a unique and rewarding game of golf. It successfully captures the spirit of traditional links golf while offering all the beauty and warmth of the Bahamas.
The resort’s efforts to replicate the “firm and fast” conditions associated with links golf on Paspalum are commendable. It allows for a variety of shots, including the ground game that is part of the links charm, which is a testament to their understanding of the game and the dedication of their maintenance team.
For anyone considering a golf trip to the Caribbean, The Abaco Club on Winding Bay should absolutely be on your radar. It’s an exceptional destination that offers world-class golf alongside a truly relaxing and enjoyable island atmosphere. We wholeheartedly recommend adding it to your travel plans.