Tierra del Sol

Tierra del Sol is situated on the stunning northwestern corner of Aruba where the Caribbean Sea glistens in an ever-present fashion. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr., this is a desert course with panoramic ocean views. It opened for play in 1995 and it’s a cracker.

Measuring 6,811 yards from the tips, Tierra del Sol is a challenging course, especially when the trade winds are freshening. It’s the finest course on the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) and a downwind par five eases you gently into your round. Look out for the natural coral rock outcrops on the 2nd hole, a lovely par four. The 3rd is a brilliant par three and perhaps the signature hole on the course. Measuring 180 yards from the back tees, aim on the right edge of the green and let the trade winds do the rest.

The 7th is another lovely par three and a difficult one too with the breeze from the California Dunes. Take an extra club or two. In fact the par threes here at Tierra del Sol are very strong indeed and the 15th is quite spectacular which demands an accurate tee shot across a lake.

If you can avoid the desert outcrops, the many bunkers and the numerous water hazards and you can negotiate your way through the trade winds, then you might score well. If you can’t, you’ll still enjoy Tierra del Sol, it’s a great course on the wonderful hot Caribbean Island of Aruba.