Pete Dye's Golf in Paradise
The Black Pearl Course at Pristine Bay, Roatan Island, Honduras
Aug 12, 2009
Seriously, although there are political troubles in Honduras, the island of Roatan is a bit removed from the festivities. Although tourist safety on Roatan hasn't been compromized, don't go without conducting your own due diligence.
If you do make the trip, Pete and Perry Dye are building the first golf course on the tropical island of Roatan, which sits off the coast of Honduras. The Black Pearl Golf Course at Pristine Bay Resort, sponsor of the World Golf Championships CA Championship at Doral, will be the first Dye course in Honduras.
Located on the lush, tropical island of Roatan, 35 miles off the coast of Honduras, Pristine Bay Resort is situated on a 400+ acre site adjacent to the Caribbean Sea. The azure waters off the coast of the island and a gorgeous barrier reef provide a stunning backdrop and one of the truly unique settings for golf in Central America.
First Dye Course in Honduras
The Black Pearl, Dye's first project in Honduras and Roatan's first golf course, is an 18-hole, par-72 resort layout measuring 7,057 from the back tees. The course starts at the ocean's doorstep, rises into the island's rolling foothills, then takes golfers on a wild ride back to the seaside clubhouse. It will feature one of Dye's signature island greens, and 14 of the 18 holes will offer stunning views of the ocean and the Meso-American Barrier Reef, which is second only in size to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
A state-of-the-art practice facility with a short game area and multiple putting and chipping greens is being developed in concert with the golf course to host a variety of instructional programs. The goal being to create an atmosphere of game-improvement, one that encourages guests and residents to enhance their skills while honing their games.
Environmentally Compatible Golf Course Turf
Dye Designs is a pioneer in the use of Paspalum turf for tropics-based projects. The Black Pearl is being grassed with the salt-water tolerant strand known for its environmental compatibility, ease of irrigation and maintenance, and translucent green hue. Its appearance - juxtaposed against the turquoise waters offshore - inspired the Black Pearl's tagline: "The Best Greens and the Best Blues."
Pristine Bay Resort features a wide variety of residential products including: bay view and golf course condominiums, two-, three-, and four-bedroom villa units and one-quarter-acre custom home lots, many with unobstructed views of the ocean. Villas start at $600,000 and range up to $1 million; lots start at $230,000 and range up to $460,000. A 155-slip full-service marina located near The Black Pearl clubhouse will provide deep-water access for a wide variety of sea-going vessels.
Residents and guests will have access to the ocean-front Bay Village at Pristine Bay with boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, cafes and other entertainment options. The 120-room, five-star Resort and Spa at Pristine Bay, to be managed by the Lancaster Hotel Group, is scheduled to open along with the Black Pearl.
Getting to Roatan Island
Roatan International Airport (RTB) is served by nine weekly, non-stop flights from the United States (Houston, Atlanta, Miami and Newark) on Continental, Delta and TACA. Flights to the island through the Honduran cities of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula are also available.
Find out more about the course and resort at Pristine Bay Resort. Look for more about the Black Pearl here at Suite101 Golf in the months to come.
