“Aruba, Jamaica, oh I want to take ya, Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama, Key Largo, Montego, baby why don't we go, Jamaica…”

Those lyrics from Beach Boys’ “Kokomo” instantly induce a craving for rum punch(s). And nothing better than kicking back on a beach somewhere in the Caribbean and posting that obligatory toes in sand photo on Facebook to make your friends hate you. No Corona on these trips because we’re going to keep it local. In the Bahamas, we’re drinking Kalik, in the Domincan Republic, we drink Presidente and in Jamaica we’re smoking…cigars…obviously.

With the rum punch and local beers, we’re going to need a tee time too. However, here’s a little-known fact about playing golf on islands. Sometimes golf course conditions aren’t good because of the surrounding salt water and it’s hard to import equipment and the proper lawncare nutrients to keep the turf plush. With that said, if you and your buddies want to play a good golf course and be on an island then be sure to choose the right place.

The Abaco Club | Abaco, Bahamas
Straight east of Palm Beach is one of the Caribbean’s most charming islands, Abaco. When people think of the Bahamas, they typically think of Nassau and those people don’t know much about the Bahamas. The Out Islands are east of Nassau and there you will find some of the most beautiful clear water and pink sand beaches in the world. It’s easy to get a good Goombay Smash, a local signature cocktail at The Abaco Club and it’s easy to get wet. The golf course plays out into little peninsulas on the island. Here’s the good news—the ocean water there is so clear that it’s easy to see your ball when you go in the hazard. Call your boys and tell them to bring plenty of cash, as four bedroom villas start at $2,200 per night.

Puntacana Resort & Club | Puntacana, Dominican Republic
Corales by Tom Fazio utilizes indigenous cliffs, reefs and six holes play along the Caribbean Sea. And there’s another 27-hole stretch designed by P.B. Dye with 14 holes near the ocean. Golf in the Dominican Republic is always compared to that famous golf course in Northern California (Pebble Beach)—the comparisons should stop. And after the round, there will be ice cold Presidentes cervezas for days. And here’s a major reason to consider Puntacana: the D.R. knows how to party. There are cigar and rum bars and there are night clubs. In case you’re not sold and need more convincing, Julio Iglesias has a home here.

Four Seasons Resort Nevis | Nevis
Monkeys roam the island and tourists spend the entire day drinking Killer Bee’s (rum punch) at the world-famous Sunshine’s. A short ferry ride from St. Kitts, Nevis is one of the most special islands in the Caribbean. It’s steeped in history and is famous for being the birthplace and early childhood home of Alexander Hamilton. There are some legendary boutique hotels there: The Hermitage, Golden Rock Plantation Inn and Montpelier Plantation Inn are a must visit. 300-year-old sugar mills still rest all over the entire island—Montpelier converted one into a dining room. However, there is only one place on the small island to stay and play golf. The Four Seasons Resort Nevis has an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II. Several of the holes play back toward Mount Nevis; others play back towards the ocean—all are stunning. It’s unlikely any golfer will choose this resort year after year, but without a doubt, it should happen at least once. It’s that special.

Sandy Lane | Barbados
Once upon a time, a young Tiger and Elin arrived at Sandy Lane with dreams of living the American Dream. The youngsters were still in their 20’s and their wedding invite list was a who’s who of athletes, celebrities and superstars. The wedding party had the entire resort to themselves and guests could play, drink and eat as much as they wanted. Rumors circled that the wedding cost around $1.5 million and VIPs included Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley.

The resort offers 45 holes of golf. Designed by Tom Fazio, The Green Monkey course there is carved from an old limestone quarry. There is another 18-hole track called The Country Club, also done by Fazio. And to give the resort 45 holes, there is another set of nine called The Old Nine. Imagine for a moment that Tiger could have gone anywhere in the world and he chose Sandy Lane…probably worth taking a look at, yeah?

Always ask for a stay and play package rate—à la carte accommodations and golf can get expensive fast. Find the best deals in the summer or even dare to go during hurricane season. Hurricanes aren’t always bad; sometimes they get close enough to force flight cancelations, but don’t touch the island you’re on, i.e. extended vacation and more time to take “toes in the sand” photos.