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Barbados_IslandGuide_Sports_Cricket.jpg

Barbados Sports

Cricket

Well known for our cricket legends, famous names like Sir Garfield Sobers, the three W's – Weeks, Worrell and Walcott, Wes Hall, the late Keith Boyce, Desmond Haynes, Gordon Greenidge and David Allen are some of the Barbadians who have made their mark on West Indies cricket, and in fact on the world stage. Cricket is considered the national sport of Barbados and the West Indies and each year thousands of locals, other Caribbean Nationals and international visitors flock to our shores to attend the world-class matches at the infamous Kensington Oval.

You can enjoy a good game of cricket almost any time in Barbados – from the casual “friendlies” in neighbourhood pastures, to the inter-club league – there is always a cricket match going on somewhere on this small island. It could be an international Test Match or One-Day at Kensington Oval, an exciting local First Division match at Wanderers, Carlton, Windward or any of the well organised local clubs: or a friendly game on the beach, an open pasture or village field. Just be prepared – we are a passionate bunch and a game of cricket is usually a battle for victory right down to the last wicket!

Kensington Oval
Reserve tickets for International matches by using Visa or MasterCard over the phone or email:
Tel: 1-800-744-GAME (4263)
Email: tickets@windiescricket.com

Opening hours are:
Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 3:00pm Eastern Caribbean time.

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With year-round weather conditions that are ideal for golf, and our fine selection of world-class golf courses and facilities; Barbados is quickly becoming a leading golf destination in the Caribbean.  Golfers from across the globe visit our shores each year to attend the several tournaments hosted on our excellent courses. In December 2006, Barbados hosted the very prestigious World Golf Championships World Cup at The Sandy Lane Golf & Country Club. And in March 2011 the HRH Prince Edward’s Golf Tournament was hosted at Apes Hill Golf Club, as a major charitable event.

Royal Westmoreland
A “members only” golf club so t-off times are limited. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Royal Westmoreland is also one of the world's most exciting resort courses, complete with a spa, tennis, restaurants and golf villas.
Tel: 422-4653 and ask for The Pro Shop.

Sandy Lane
There are three courses - The Old Nine, the Country Club Course and the private Green Monkey Course. The 2 latter courses were both designed by Tom Fazio.
Tel: 444-2500  / Email: golf@sandylane.com

Barbados Golf Club
This 6,805-yard par 72, Championship golf course is the work of experienced golf course designer Ron Kirby.    
Tel: 428 – 8463 for available t-off times

Rockley Golf & Country Club
Rockley Golf Course is a 9 Hole (with alternative tees for back nine) par 70, 5610yd course. Its popular with locals and has a vibrant club atmosphere. Tel: 435-7873

Apes Hill Club
The newest of all the golf facilities on the island this is a private club reserved for owners and their guests. Its designed by the team at Landmark Land company and boasts some of the most challenging fairways and greens in the world.

Hiking

Each Sunday morning and afternoon you can experience the natural beauty of Barbados by hiking through gullies, tropical forests, cane feilds and coastal communities. Hikes are scheduled weekly and depart from specified locations generally lasting three hours in duration.  

Morning hikes depart as the sun is rising at 6am and vary in intensity based on hikers’ endurance levels and personal taste. Starting with the two mile “Grin and Bear”, then progressing up to the six mile “Stop and Stare” and then offering the more experienced hiker a nine mile long “Medium” and “Fast Medium” treks.  Afternoon hikes start at 3:30 p.m. just as its getting a little cooler, and Moonlight Hikes begin at 5:30 p.m. these follow the “Stop and Stare” route.

Hike Barbados is a free activity, but gladly accepts donations to help the Barbados National Trust preserve the built and natural environment. Tel: 436 9033 or 426 2421 (CALL FOR DIRECTIONS)
Email: natrust@sunbeach.net
Website: http://barbadosnationaltrust.com
WEAR: strong footwear and a hat
BRING: Bottle water & snack/a torch light for nighttime hikes

Horse Racing

The Historic Garrison Savannah is home to the local horse racing fraternity who run an extremely active calendar throughout the year – with the exception of the month of October. There are several large purse race days on the annual schedule including the revered Sandy Lane Barbados Gold cup held every year on the first Saturday in March. Admission tickets can be purchased from the Barbados Turf Club office at the Grandstand from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There are various seating areas:

The Members Lounge
This Lounge is predominately occupied by members of the Barbados Turf Club and their guests. However, the opportunity to view the races from this vantage point is sometimes awarded to persons on a Day Membership basis for BDS$100.00 per person on a standard race day.

Owners' and Trainers' Bar
The Owners as the name denotes mainly occupy this bar and Trainers of the various horses racing at the Garrison. Patrons interested in watching the action from this area are required to pay an admission charge of BDS$40.00 each on a standard race day. Children are permitted into the Bar; however an adult MUST properly supervise those under the age of 14.

Grandstand
Visitors to the races can enjoy a beautiful day from within this sheltered stand, which gives a very good view of the finishing line. Entry to the Grandstand is available to patrons for BDS$20.00 each for adults and BDS$10.00 each for children 12 years and under (standard race day rate). Each admission ticket purchased entitles the bearer to a seat in grandstand. Special rates apply to larger events.

Field/Chandler Stand
This area offers general admittance to the races for BDS$10.00 per adult whilst children under the age of 12 are admitted FREE. Patrons can either be seated in these stands located on the extreme left and right off the Grandstand or they can opt to view the races from the front of the Grandstand.

Season passes are available, or you can choose to enjoy the racing action from the grounds around the Garrison Savannah for free. For a full racing schedule (and betting tips!) check online: http://www.barbadosturfclub.org/race-day/#racingcsdrop

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Polo was brought to Barbados by the British Calvary officers who were based in the island in the 19th century. The Barbados Polo Club was formed in 1884 and to this day the sport of Polo is played to an extremely high level, with several first-class matches between visiting international teams and the local players taking place at one of the four grounds throughout the season; which runs from December through May generally.

Weather is the main factor that dictates match days staying to schedule, so it is best to call the Barbados Polo Club hotline to confirm match dates and times: Tel: 826 POLO (7956)

Apes Hill Polo Club
Apes Hill Polo Club (formerly known as Waterhall Polo Club) is a world-class polo facility located in the parish of St James, surrounded by the prestigious Apes Hill Club development on 54 acres of beautiful countryside. The vision and passion of construction magnet Sir Charles Williams, Apes Hill Polo Club has a clubhouse and bar, and excellent viewing pavilion. Polo lessons are available by a qualified HPA instructor, Neil Dickson, as well as matches, chukkas and pony rentals. Please call the Bajan Services concierge department to book your lessons or instruction. For information on matches or to reach the Clubhouse
Tel: 271-3010
Email: info@apeshillpolobarbados.com
Website: www.apeshillpolobarbados.com

Clifton Polo Ground
Insurance tycoon and one-goaler Bruce Bayley has developed Clifton Polo ground as part of his 240 acre estate. This stunning property and facilities are located in the centre of the island, in the parish of St Thomas.

Holders (Barbados Polo Club)
The Barbados Polo Club officially made its home at the Holder's polo field in 1965. This was the first of the established grounds and has been the headquarters for polo on the island for over 45 years. With the newer fields coming online the improvements to the game have been welcomed. Holder’s is situated about 3-minutes from the West Coast near Paynes Bay.
Tel: 432-1802
Email: clubmanager@barbadospoloclub.com

Lion Castle Polo Field
Lion Castle Polo Estate is a beautifully manicured property development set on 64 acres of prime countryside in the parish of St Thomas in Barbados.  Developed by Kent Cole, the community is centred around a world-class polo field and professionally designed clubhouse and bar.  Lion Castle has played host to many of the major tournaments during the local polo season.
Tel: 230-9104
Email: kent@lioncastlepoloestate.com

Rallying Barbados_IslandGuide_Sports_Rallying.jpg

Now recognized as the biggest international motor sport event in the Caribbean, Sol Rally Barbados is already among the most high-profile annual events in the sports-tourism mix in Barbados; it brings to the island a broad spectrum of visitors, some who enjoy the night life of the South Coast, others who prefer the more peaceful surroundings of the West Coast and hotels such as Colony Club or Sandy Lane.

From small beginnings in 1990 as one-day rally for 30 or so local competitors, the event has evolved into a major international celebration of the sport, attracting as many as 90 crews, more than one-third of them from around the region and Europe. And quantity is matched by quality - the entry in 2009 included nine World Rally Cars and past or present champions from Britain, Jamaica and Trinidad to go head-to-head with the island's best in front of more than 20,000 enthusiastic fans.

The Sol Rally Barbados 2011 will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 4/5, with Scrutineering and the Shell V-Power King of the Hill ‘shakedown’ the previous weekend, May 28/29. This all stage rally is the highlight of the motor sports calendar with regional and international entries taking on Barbados' finest drivers.  Find out more at: http://www.rallybarbados.bb