Mahogany Run Golf Course (800) 253-7103
St. Thomas Golf Course Review - October, 2005
Situated in a mountainous area along the Atlantic coastline of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mahogany
Run Golf Course beacons adventurous duffers with scenic vistas, dramatic elevation changes, challenging and
sometimes ghostlike winds, and the infamous trio of treachery known as the "Devil's Triangle".
Designed by George and Tom Fazio, this scenic and difficult tract rewards keen minds with iron skills. At first
glance this 6,008 yard, par 70 course, carved and blasted into a mountainous area of land just less than 110
acres, appears more interesting and picturesque than difficult. After the first few holes, however, the intricacies
of the layout will have you scratching your head and wondering which club to use next (and whether you brought enough balls!)
There is a nice variety of holes at Mahogany Run, with very interesting par 3's that demand accuracy through very
narrow fairways, dramatic drops or (in the case of #14 - one of the signature holes in the Devil's Triangle) over
spectacular carries. Three sets of tees play 6008, 5609 and 4873 with slopes/ratings of 133/70.5, 130/68.8
and 134/70.9 respectively. Grass varieties include Bermuda and Seashore Paspalum - a salt resistant strain of
grass used on the greens. Generally, the fairways are well-conditioned, mostly narrow and sloping, while many of
the greens are postage stamp sized and roll true. The 32 bunkers on the course are strategically placed and - as
incredible as it may seem - sometimes offer respite from the alternative lies in the fairways and the rough. Plans
are in the works to reconstruct the fairways - offering golfers more level landing areas - without changing the overall design, thus remaining true to the original Fazio plan.
|
|
|
#13 - Forward tees - the first hole in the Devil's Triangle |
Approach to #13 |
|
The Devil's Triangle is comprised of holes 13, 14 and 15. Located along the rocky Atlantic shoreline, beauty
and wind as well as hole design will reek havoc with your senses. Hole #13 demands accuracy off the tee and
steady nerves on the very narrow approach to a green 75 yards below that slopes seaward towards a gorgeous
ocean view. The 159 yard, par 3 14th is a majestic creation on which the back and middle tees play over rocky
crevasses and beautiful blue waters that beacon your ball. Wind normally blows left to right so the stout hearted
may choose to play to the left side of the green. Hole 15 is a 564 yard par 5 (back tees) and is the #1 handicap
on the course. A target flag indicates where to hit your best shot off the tee, but the second shot is critical as the
fairway slopes quickly toward the pond in front of the very tight green. The course offers a special gift to first time players who get through the Devil's Triangle without penalty.
|
|
|
#13 Green |
View from the tee to #14 (Par 3) |
|
Mahogany Run offers a driving range with mats, and a chipping and practice green. The property also features a
clubhouse with an 1,100 square foot pro shop that carries top brands of clothing, shoes, hats & gloves & balls.
Rental shoes and clubs are available and include complete sets of Callaway and Cobra golf clubs. The air
-conditioned Grill Room provides apres golf fare and libation while the 19th Hole serves breakfast as well as deli
-style sandwiches, hot dogs, etc. The clubhouse also features a banquet facility and spacious locker rooms with showers for both men and women.
|
|
|
Looking back at the #15 Teebox |
#15 Green - view of sloping fairway |
|
Tackled by such notables as Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, John Travolta, Michael Jordan and Sylvester Stallone,
Mahogany Run is currently the only course on St. Thomas and is worthy of being the main consideration for
planning a trip to that beautiful island. Alternatively, it can be easily reached in 20 minutes from the port at
Charlotte Amalie - so cruise ship guests should think seriously about spending the day on the course as opposed to shopping in this world-famous port.
With its target-golf layout, intricate doglegs and punishing approaches, Mahogany Run is an extremely demanding course, but our advise is to relax and enjoy it - its worth every ball!
For more information on Mahogany Run visit our informational page with a link to its website by clicking here.
|
