Nestled along the oceanfront, the Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club course utilizes an environmentally-friendly seashore grass and is lined by a rock-strewn peninsula with a spectacular view of the ocean—one of the most serenely picturesque golf courses in the world!

Located in the pristine Out Islands of the Bahamas, the 18-hole championship course was designed by legendary golf professional, Greg Norman. The 7,001-yard, par 72 course features six signature holes to challenge novice and professional golfers alike. Native vegetation dots the course, including sea grapes, silver buttonwood, sand fly bush and cabbage palms.

While the first nine holes wind through a mix of seaside dunes and mangrove preserves, holes 11 through 16 play along the rocky peninsula offering unparalleled views of Emerald Bay. The course also features a well-kept practice area and a casual new Golf Lounge, coined the Shark Shack in honor of Greg Norman, which offers a laid-back retreat where golfers can enjoy games and grub before or after a round of golf.

The Greg Norman-designed championship golf course is part of an extensive renovation to Sandals Emerald Bay, a 500-acre luxury resort now featuring seven restaurants, the 18-hole championship golf course, full-service marina and 245 beachfront villas and suites.

Straight from the pro himself, here are a few golf tips Greg Norman has learned over the years that he wants you to remember:

1 Look High, Look Low

Traditional golf instruction tells you to peer straight out at your target and then align yourself with it. Well, it may surprise you that when I set up for a shot I sometimes don't even look at the flag. Instead, I look above and below. Above, to the highest point on the horizon, and below, to seek out an area of the turf just in front of me.

2 Consider a Bit of Flare

At address, my right foot points perpendicular to the target line, but my left foot flares out almost thirty degrees to the left. This helps me get my left side out of the way and turn fully through impact.

If you have tro

uble turning through the ball, I recommend that you experiment with this flared left toe. Just be careful not to allow the alignment of your feet, hips, and shoulders to open. Conversely, if you want to make a more full and free turn on your backswing, try experimenting with a flared right toe. Just bear in mind that this can inhibit your turn through impact.

3 Hover the Club

Early in my golf life, I adopted Jack Nicklaus's technique of addressing the ball with the clubhead held just above the turf rather than resting on it—it keeps my grip pressure constant and promotes a very smooth one-piece takeaway with the clubhead flowing straight from the ball. This is particularly true with the driver.

It's also a valuable technique when your ball is perched in a precarious lie in the rough. Soling the club in such a lie can set off a chain reaction which could move the ball, incurring a penalty. By hovering the club, you not only eliminate that risk, you reduce the tendency to snag the clubface in the grass, both on the takeaway and on the way down to the ball.

Golf enthusiasts rejoice! You can practice Greg’s tips on this picturesque golf course on your next vacation to Sandals Emerald Bay and enjoy our gift of 2 FREE rounds of golf, exclusively for our Sandals Select Rewards Club Members. For restrictions about this limited-time offer, please use promo code SSB2011 and note the following below:

*SSB2011 is valid for bookings made August 15 – September 30, 2011 for travel between August 15, 2011 – December 31, 2011.Offer is valid on stays of 4 paid nights or longer at Sandals Emerald Bay. Offer not combinable with any other Sandals Select point offer promotions including SSG30. Limit one reservation per member per 6-month travel timeframe. Booking names must match the Sandals Select Membership account or it will be null and void. All offers can be withdrawn at any time without notice.

BOOK NOW>