The course at Mill Reef is a curious one with some striking vistas. The club itself was the passion project of Robertson “Happy” Ward. Ward was not only the driving force behind the founding of the club, he was also the architect of the clubhouse itself…and of most original homes on the property.
Despite having little/no experience with golf course design, Ward also designed the club’s 9 holer which opened in 1952. The begins from a site near the clubhouse, climbs up onto a hilltop, plunges back down into a narrow chute and weaves around the shoulder of a hill before approaching the seaside holes…each of which has spectacular views of the Caribbean. The course is little changed over the years - save for the relocation of the 1st green and the 2nd tee - changes that were recommended by RT Jones, Jr. (I believe) when he visited the club as a guest of a member. Water being a precious commodity on Antigua, the conditioning of the course always mirrors seasonal weather. [size=78%]The result? The architecture is simple, the greens are quite small and they are just about the only things on the course that are watered. In the winter months there is little rain, so the fairways are bone dry and firm. There are some TRULY memorable shots to be played out there, but the fairways are probably a bit to narrow…especially when one considers the firm conditions and the ever present trade winds.[/size]
As for access, there is no unaccompanied play…so one would need to play with a member OR be sponsored by a member for a stay at the club. Is the course worth playing? That’s a subjective question, but there are 3 or 4 vistas that are world class and 3 or 4 shots that are blast to play. Time away from one’s family to play golf while on vacation is always a dodgy prospect, but a quick 9 at Mill Reef is a hoot.