A panel of judges for Golf Inc., the international trade publication that provides owners and operators with industry trends, insights, and best practices, has voted Apes Hill Barbados runner-up in its annual Development of the Year competition.
The best-in-kind award “recognizes the finest private clubs and daily fee/resort courses with the best new traditional and non-traditional golf courses (including short courses) that opened during the past year around the globe.”
Winners were judged according to how well the vision of the project was executed, the course aesthetics, economic and environmental sustainability, course routing and land usage. The judges were Darryl Bartlett, senior project manager at NMP Golf Construction Corp.; Casey Paulson, project president at Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club; Kevin Norby of Norby Golf Course Design; Mike Nuzzo of Nuzzo Course Design; and Tripp Davis, president of Tripp Davis and Associates.
Stated the three Development of the Year judges about Apes Hill Barbados in their appraisal:
“A wonderfully conceived and executed vision with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. Shaping of fairways, bunkers and green complexes are dramatic and unique.” – Kevin Norby
“Spectacular! Beautiful modern buildings, great golf, all in a luxury setting, this place has it going on!” – Darryl Bartlett
“Beautiful views in a tropical environment; impressive commitment to environmental sustainability.” – Casey Paulson
That the judges cited Apes Hill Barbados’ inspired vision and successful execution, commitment to environmental and sustainability best practices, and the scintillating golf course designed by Ron Kirby in this breath-taking setting is precisely what Apes Hill Barbados set out to accomplish.
Apes Hill Barbados is owned by Apes Hill (Barbados) Inc., a Barbadian company whose primary shareholder is Glenn J. Chamandy, a Canadian investor, founder, and CEO of leading clothing brand Gildan Activewear. Chamandy purchased the property in 2019 and embarked on an ambitious project to redefine golfing and estate living on the Caribbean Island.
“The Development of the Year honor is deeply appreciated because the judges touched on the essence of what is Apes Hill Barbados in their comments,” said Sunil Chatrani, Executive Chairman, Apes Hill Barbados. “We’ve taken great care to build a course and comprehensive golf experience that complements our first-class community. This is a place where people embrace the important things in life: family, friendships, health, and connection to nature.”
In addition to the Ron Kirby designed, 18-hole championship golf course, Apes Hill Barbados offers exceptional, complementary golf amenities including the short course, 19th hole, sleek clubhouse, and state-of-the-art Golf Performance Centre.
Apes Hill Barbados is a 475-acre property of incredible elegance located in the Parish of Saint James on the west coast of the culturally vibrant and historically rich Barbados. The island is famed for its history, beauty, designer shops and world class restaurants. It also boasts some of the best golf courses in the Caribbean, with Apes Hill rating No. 5 in the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Atlantic Islands (Source: Golfweek’s “Best You Can Play”).
Sustainability is at the forefront of the resort’s long-term DNA – designed to make it the most environmentally responsible golf course and development in the Caribbean. Underscoring this mandate is Apes Hill Barbados’ work with Audubon International, the non-profit organization that helps places employ environmental best practices and protect the areas where people live, work, and play.
Golf fairways and tees have been re-laid using the more drought tolerant Zoysia Zorro grass and the greens with TifEagle. The resistance of these grasses to insects also further reduces the reliance on fertilization and use of pesticides, with a view to Apes Hill Barbados eventually becoming chemical-free.
Apes Hill Barbados has a uniquely tranquil atmosphere that provides the perfect setting for inspired living at a pace of ease. Home to a developing range of accommodation options, the elegant venue is home to a portfolio of stunning real estate on site alongside golf vacation properties set to allow guests to stay and play late this year or early next. There are several exquisitely designed residential options that offer something for everyone’s taste – from charming villas to brilliantly designed detached homes.
Amenities at Apes Hill Barbados will include a wellness centre, several kilometers of enchanting nature trails, flood-lit Padel courts, TigerTurf tennis courts, spa, dining, and bespoke outdoor and well-being activities as well as a dedicated concierge service, among other top-class amenities. Apes Hill Barbados’ golfing credentials are just as impressive – the 18-hole championship golf course that opened for play in November 2022, and the cutting-edge Golf Performance Centre debuted in January 2023.
