THE BAHAMAS
That PGA TOUR events take place in beautiful destinations is no surprise, but few offer the combination of idyllic setting, compelling competition and real accessibility as The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic. Staged at the Sandals Emerald Bay resort each January (the 2023 event runs January 12–18), the season-opening Korn Ferry tournament showcases serious talent on one of the Caribbean’s best tracks. What’s more, the fan tournament experience eclipses what’s available elsewhere with all guests receiving complimentary spectator passes (on resort), “we should do this” pricing for golf buddies, and a pro-am that brings tremendous experience-for-cost. Even if you can’t make it for the tournament proper, the resort is an unbelievable golf destination, with seemingly iridescent turquoise waters framing white-sand beaches next to a Greg Norman-designed championship course. As an all-inclusive resort, the adults-only Sandals Emerald Bay offers daily land and water sports, elegant villas and suites, 11 outstanding restaurants and six bars along a pristine, mile-long beach, and that’s enough to compel anyone in need of a break to the stress-free destination. Add three pools, 500 tropical acres and—amazingly—no greens fees for multiple rounds on the golf course, and it’s a no brainer.
