The Ocean Club Golf Course at Atlantis Paradise Island has joined an exclusive group of international golf destinations after receiving ICONIC status through the Distinguished Golf Destination program.
Presented by BoardRoom magazine in partnership with Forbes Travel Guide, the designation recognizes golf properties that deliver an exceptional experience both on and off the course. Only one percent of properties recognized as Distinguished Golf Destinations receive the program’s ICONIC designation.
The honor further establishes the Tom Weiskopf-designed course as one of the leading golf experiences in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean.
A Prestigious Honor for a Caribbean Golf Destination
The ICONIC designation was awarded following a comprehensive on-site evaluation of the Ocean Club Golf Course and its guest experience.
Evaluators considered every stage of a golfer’s visit, including course conditions, service, amenities, facilities, dining and leadership. The program also looks for private club-level service, VIP amenities and personalized support throughout the golf experience.
“The ICONIC designation is a testament to the exceptional leadership of Atlantis Ocean Club Golf Course General Manager Robbie Leming and the dedicated team he leads, whose unwavering commitment to excellence has elevated the guest experience and positioned the course among the world’s premier golf destinations,” said Audrey Oswell, president and managing director of Atlantis Paradise Island.
Oswell added that the recognition reinforces the resort’s commitment to providing distinctive experiences encompassing championship golf, personalized service, dining, entertainment and adventure.
Championship Golf on Paradise Island
Designed by acclaimed professional golfer and course architect Tom Weiskopf, the Ocean Club Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 championship layout occupying a scenic peninsula on the eastern end of Paradise Island.
Its coastal location is central to the experience. Sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean accompany golfers around the course, while sea breezes can add another strategic element to club selection and shot-making.
The layout is designed to challenge experienced golfers without excluding recreational players. Strategic bunkering, rolling fairways, water features and exposed coastal holes require careful decisions, but multiple teeing options help make the course approachable for a range of skill levels.
Weiskopf, who won 16 PGA Tour titles and the 1973 Open Championship, became known as a designer of visually striking courses that reward thoughtful play. His design philosophy is evident throughout the Paradise Island course, where the tropical setting is paired with the strategic demands expected of a championship layout.
More Than a Round of Golf
The Distinguished Golf Destination program evaluates much more than course design. Properties are expected to provide a complete golf journey that extends from arrival through the final hole and beyond.
At Ocean Club Golf Course, that experience includes personalized service, premium facilities and access to the accommodations, restaurants and recreational amenities of Atlantis Paradise Island.
The combination makes the course particularly attractive to travelers who want to include golf as part of a broader Bahamas vacation. A morning round can be followed by time at the beach, dinner at one of the resort’s restaurants or an afternoon exploring Atlantis’ pools, marine habitats and water attractions.
This versatility also makes Paradise Island suitable for trips involving golfers and nongolfers. While one member of a group plays the championship course, others can enjoy the resort or explore nearby Nassau.
A Golf Escape Within Atlantis Paradise Island
Atlantis Paradise Island has recently completed extensive renovations across the resort. Updates include the transformation of The Royal, a reimagined Atlantis Casino and new hospitality and dining experiences.
The resort offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from family-oriented rooms to upscale oceanfront retreats. Among them is The Cove, an all-suite property set between two white-sand beaches. The Cove is undergoing a phased transformation that will introduce redesigned suites, refreshed shared spaces and a new pool and beach club experience, while remaining open to guests.
For golfers, staying at Atlantis provides convenient access to Ocean Club Golf Course while keeping the rest of the resort’s attractions within easy reach.
The location also places visitors close to Nassau’s historic and cultural sites. Downtown landmarks, local restaurants, galleries and markets can easily be combined with a golf-focused stay on Paradise Island.
Recognition for Leadership and Service
BoardRoom publisher and co-founder John Fornaro congratulated the Ocean Club Golf Course team for its commitment to leadership, course quality and well-maintained facilities.
“Your success reflects the hard work and professionalism of your entire team, and your elevated status is a well-deserved recognition of your outstanding achievements,” Fornaro said.
That emphasis on service is an important component of the ICONIC designation. While memorable golf destinations require strong course design and beautiful surroundings, the program also recognizes the people and operations responsible for creating a seamless guest experience.
For Ocean Club Golf Course, the award acknowledges the combination of championship golf, oceanfront scenery, attentive service and access to the extensive amenities of Atlantis Paradise Island.
A Standout Golf Experience in The Bahamas
The Caribbean is home to a growing collection of destination golf courses, but few combine a Tom Weiskopf layout, Atlantic Ocean views and the amenities of a major resort in one location.
With its new ICONIC status, the Ocean Club Golf Course has earned recognition not simply as a place to play in The Bahamas, but as a complete international golf destination.
For travelers planning a golf vacation to the Caribbean—or those hoping to add a memorable round to a stay at Atlantis Paradise Island—the course offers championship-level play in one of the region’s most distinctive coastal settings.
What to Pack for Golf at Atlantis Paradise Island
Playing an oceanfront course in The Bahamas means preparing for strong sunshine, warm temperatures, coastal breezes and the occasional tropical shower. These golf and travel essentials can help keep you comfortable around the Ocean Club Golf Course.
Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle Long-Sleeve Shirt
Lightweight, quick-drying fabric and built-in UPF 50 protection make this shirt well suited to a sunny Caribbean round. Its moisture-wicking material can also help golfers remain comfortable in humid conditions. Shop on Amazon.com
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Sun protection is essential on an exposed seaside course. This water-resistant SPF 50 lotion provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and contains vitamin E. Apply before teeing off and reapply as directed, especially after heavy perspiration. Shop on Amazon.com
FootJoy RainGrip Golf Gloves
Humidity and passing showers can make it difficult to maintain a secure grip. Sold as a pair, FootJoy RainGrip gloves feature quick-drying material and palms designed to improve grip in wet or humid conditions. Shop on Amazon.com
Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls
Golfers may want to bring an extra sleeve—or an entire box—for a coastal course with water hazards and challenging breezes. Callaway Supersoft golf balls are designed to provide a soft feel, distance and greenside control, making them an approachable choice for a wide range of players. Shop on Amazon.com
MISSION Original Cooling Towel
A cooling towel is a welcome addition during a warm-weather round. The lightweight MISSION towel is activated with water and can be refreshed throughout the day by wetting, wringing and snapping it. Shop on Amazon.com
Bushnell Tour V6 Golf Rangefinder
The Bushnell Tour V6 offers 6X magnification, flag-lock vibration, a magnetic cart mount and weather-resistant construction. It can be particularly helpful on an unfamiliar championship course where ocean winds may influence club selection. Shop on Amazon.com
