Apes Hill Barbados has unveiled legendary golfer Ian Woosnam as a global ambassador for the luxury golf and real-estate community after agreeing a long-term partnership.
A famous victory at the 1991 US Masters – along with five Ryder Cup wins, including being victorious as European captain in 2006 – are among the highlights of an illustrious 48-year career that saw ‘Woosie’ dubbed one of the finest European golfers of his generation, as well as holding the coveted world no.1 spot at the peak of his golfing powers.
The 65-year-old Welshman, who is still competing on the Legends Tour, has a long-standing affiliation with Barbados, where he has owned a property since 1995, and spends much of the winter based on the island. In his new role, Woosnam will sport the Apes Hill Barbados brand at international tournaments, engage with visiting media and act as a consultant on the venue’s golf courses and facilities.
The announcement comes at an exciting time for Apes Hill Barbados, with the ‘19th Hole’ – inspired by the famous ‘island green’ style hole seen at venues such as TPC Sawgrass – opening adjacent to the new clubhouse and Noisy Cricket Bar and Restaurant. Meanwhile, an in-development par-3 course, ‘Little Apes’, promises to be the perfect playground for families and golfers looking to hone their short game.
Extensive investment has already transformed the venue in recent years, headlined by the successful reopening of their acclaimed championship golf course, which was redesigned by prolific architect, the late Ron Kirby.
Woosnam said: “I am thrilled to be named as ambassador for Apes Hill. I have been coming to Barbados now for nearly 40 years and invested in property here in 1995 – and it really is one of my favourite parts of the world.
“I have seen the course develop from its very beginnings. Ron has left an indelible mark on the place with a fantastic design on a spectacular piece of land – and you get these amazing panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
“It is just a great set-up at Apes Hill, and we share the same vision for making it even greater. The course is so much fun, and really is very playable for all levels of golfer. It is definitely my kind of course where you can just get lost in the surroundings, but it is also very clever and has some wonderful holes.
“I am honoured to be a part of it all and this is really just the start, with the new 19th Hole and clubhouse, and Little Apes – the short par-3 course – nearing completion.”
Apes Hill has also joined forces with three-time Ladies European Tour winner Carly Booth to help promote their state-of-the-art Performance Centre, which opened 12 months ago. Booth will host bespoke teaching clinics for Apes Hill members on visits to the island throughout 2024, using the centre’s extensive range of first-class facilities and technology to impart her knowledge.
Booth said: “I am thrilled to be working with Apes Hill Barbados as the range of golfing facilities on offer continues to grow. The Performance Centre is the perfect training ground for developing golfers, with limitless potential from a teaching perspective, so I am excited to get started.”
Alongside Apes Hill’s line-up of golf and leisure amenities, the destination is also home to a thriving real-estate community. A portfolio of high-end, opulent properties is attracting residents from across the world to adopt the famous Barbadian lifestyle, including nature trails and a racquet sport centre on site.
To enquire about Apes Hill Barbados, visit apeshill.com.