Golf in Aruba

Aruba has two year-round golf courses, both carved from arid desert terrain where cactus and divi-divi trees frame the fairways. The trade winds blow strong most afternoons, turning what looks like a straightforward shot into a guessing game. Golfers who love links-style challenges and don't mind playing in heat will find both courses walkable and open to visitors.

Updated June 2026

Pick your way

The ways to do it — honestly compared.

Way 1

Championship course on the northwest coast

Tierra Del Sol is Aruba's premier layout — 18 holes designed by Robert Trent Jones II that wind through limestone outcrops and coastal dunes on the island's windward side. The course sits in Noord near the high-rise hotels, so it's convenient if you're staying in Palm Beach or Eagle Beach. Expect elevation changes, forced carries, and wind that picks up as the morning wears on.

Why you'll love it

Full 18-hole championship layout with varied terrain
Designed by a name architect with strategic bunkering
Close to the main resort zones
Ocean views from several holes

Worth knowing

Significantly more expensive than the alternative
Afternoon wind can be punishing
Desert heat with limited shade
Can get busy during high season

Best for: Golfers who want a full round on a well-maintained course and don't mind paying resort prices

Typical price: $150 per round

Do it with:Tierra Del Sol Resort & Golf →

Way 2

Budget nine-hole inland layout

Aruba Golf Club is a par-70 course in San Nicolas, played as nine holes from two different sets of tees. The terrain is flat and sits on former refinery land, so it's less scenic than Tierra Del Sol but also less exposed to wind. It's the only other full golf facility on the island and attracts mostly locals and budget-conscious visitors willing to drive southeast.

Why you'll love it

Half the cost of the championship course
Less wind than the coastal layout
Locals play here — more authentic vibe
Open and forgiving for average players

Worth knowing

Only nine holes, played twice
Flat and less visually interesting
Farther from the main hotel zones
Fewer amenities and less polished conditions

Best for: Golfers on a tighter budget or those who just want to knock a ball around without the full resort experience

Typical price: $85 per round

Do it with:Aruba Golf Club →

Before you go

Tee off before 9 a.m. if possible — the wind picks up by late morning and the heat becomes oppressive by noon.
Bring extra balls. The desert scrub and limestone rough swallow errant shots, and you won't find many.
Factor the wind into every club selection. What plays as a 7-iron on a calm day might need a 5-iron when the trades are howling.
Book Tierra Del Sol at least a few days ahead during high season (December through March). Aruba Golf Club is more flexible.
Sunscreen and a hat are non-negotiable. There's almost no shade on either course.
If you're staying in the high-rise area, Tierra Del Sol is a short drive. Aruba Golf Club is a 25-minute trip southeast — rent a car or budget for a taxi.

The operators

Who does it best.

Browse all Golf tours →

Tierra Del Sol Resort & Golf

Tierra Del Sol sits on Aruba's northwest coast in Noord, where the desert scrub meets the shoreline and the trade winds blow steady. The 18-hole championship course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II and wraps around natural limestone outcrops and rolling dunes — terrain that doesn't look or play like a typical Caribbean layout. At #40 among outdoor activities in Noord, it's a midpack option in a category dominated by beaches and water sports, but it's the only full-scale golf course on this side of the island. The 3.8 rating across 212 reviews suggests the experience is solid but not exceptional. Greens fees run higher than stateside public courses, which is standard for Caribbean resort golf. Tee times in the early morning dodge both the heat and the wind, though neither ever fully disappears. If you're here to golf and you've already exhausted the snorkeling and the beaches, it's a legitimate day out — just temper expectations around conditioning and pace of play.

land

We had a true aruba golf experience, loved it and had a lot of laughs along the way.

Aruba Golf Club

Aruba Golf Club sits inland in the southeast near San Nicolas, on what used to be the island's main refinery grounds. The course is a par-70 layout — nine holes played twice from different tees — and it's notable mostly for being Aruba's only full golf facility. The terrain is flat and dry, more desert than tropical, with cactus and divi-divi trees breaking up the fairways. Greens run slow by resort standards, and conditions vary depending on recent maintenance. At #8 of 12 outdoor activities in San Nicolas, it's not a flagship draw, but it fills a niche if you're looking to play while on the island. The 3.6 rating from 21 reviews suggests mixed experiences — some golfers appreciate having any course at all in Aruba, others note wear and inconsistent upkeep. If you're used to manicured resort courses, adjust expectations. If you just want to hit balls in the Caribbean heat, it works.

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