efm Hospitality Solutions, operator of Magdalena Grand in Tobago, has taken over the management of the 18-hole Tobago Plantations Golf Course and will oversee the refurbishment of the course, which has an initial cost of US$2 million.The golf course will be operated as part of the newly-renamed Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort and will officially open on December 1.
The refurbishment project will upgrade the course to Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) standards. To achieve this, the resort has purchased new golf carts, pro shop merchandise, and food and beverage equipment.
"Adding the Tobago Plantations Golf Course to the Magdalena Grand portfolio has been part of our overall strategic plan to provide our guests with an optimal vacation experience in Tobago," said John Murphy, principal, efm Hospitality Solutions, operator of Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort. "With the enhancements we are making, we look to attract golf enthusiasts from around the world as well as PGA tournaments and corporate events," Murphy added.
The club house, situated between the first and tenth tees, features a pro shop, club room lounge, shoes and club rental, changing rooms, classrooms and golf bag storage. The club house restaurant–Fairways Bar & Grill–will offer a comprehensive food and beverage menu. The Tobago Plantations Golf Course is a Par-72, 18-hole course that has been woven into the landscape of Tobago Plantations Estate, a gated community of luxury villas, condos and bungalows.
Opened in 2001, the golf course has been modified to utilise indigenous plants and increase the habitat diversity for wildlife.There are characteristic pot bunkers sunk into the greensides and a Par 4 that heads out on the peninsula where the Atlantic Ocean breeze comes into play and golfers can enjoy panoramic views of Scarborough, the capital of Tobago. The course played host to the 2004 Senior European Tour.
The Tobago Plantations Golf Course is a PGA designed course, meeting Championship standards and created by Bob Hunt and Marcus Blackburn of PGA Golf Management Ltd, a design, development and management arm of the Professional Golfers' Association of Great Britain and Ireland.The course is a certified member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System, an environmental programme offered by Audubon International. In addition, the course has received certification for its environmental planning.