Fairmont Southampton

My son and I played this course. The holes provided some challenging shots, but the views were fantastic. Not your typical par three course. Each hole is named, and the holes played to their name. Did I mention that the views were fantastic?

We went to this course while in Bermuda on a cruise. The weather was perfect. The course is well cared for with lovely plantings. Lots of sand traps and some water but also some breath taking views of the ocean. A nice breeze kept you comfortable even in 80 degree weather. Definitely want a cart since it is very hilly. It is an 18 hole par three course.

Best par 3 course I have ever seen or played. The staff is also very nice, had a great time!

Pace of play is great. Challenging course and play three rounds and each time I finished just over two hours for each round.

The course back 9 was under maintenance so the front nine was played twice, the only disappointment. The staff were excellant as were all 9 holes and a pleasure to play here. The cart had cold water supplied which was a very nice touch. The rolling hills provided challenging holes to play that were in great shape.

Haven't played Turtle HIll (new name) for a few years. It is in top shape as an executive par 3 course. Not the usual Bermuda grass turf, which was good for us. The head pro was great. Offered great concern when I clumsily fell down going to a tee.

In a location as beautiful as Bermuda, many people would rather be on the beach than a golf course.
Turtle Hill provides the chance to play a fun, challenging round with plenty of time left for other pursuits. Turtle Hill, a 2,762-yard par-3 course, might be the most scenic executive course in the world. It sits on a hill overlooking the south shore of the island next to the Fairmont Southampton.
Good players can use it to tighten up their iron games, while beginners, juniors and higher-handicap players will find joy in its playability.
The day I played, a three-club wind exposed my ball-striking deficiencies. Turtle Hill hosts the Bacardi World Par-3 Championship, a tournament that I'd love to experience someday.

Imaculate and a staff that was very sociable and helpful ,even to. GREAT OVERALL

On a Par 3 course you spend a majority of your time on the green putting or hitting into the green, so I was disappointed to find out that they were ripping up the greens and laying down sand the day I was scheduled to play (they didn't call to let me know beforehand so I was very surprised). They should have closed the course down to do this as I felt like I was putting on a beach. Even worse was that they just started on the back 9 when I got there, finishing the front 9 earlier that day so I was forced to play the front 9 twice instead of being able to play ahead of the workers fixing the greens on the back 9, actually being able to putt on grass.

Overall the course was pretty (great views) and the staff was very nice. The wind made the course much tougher than I expected and it probably didn't help that the ball didn't roll straight due to all the sand and dirt on top of the greens.

Turtle Hill (the former Southampton Princess course) is a proper par 3 course. What I mean by that is it is not a "pitch and putt" or a short beginner's course. It has 18 par 3 holes that would not be out of place on a quality 18 hole course (one stretches to 202 yards, and a couple of others are 180-190). It is extremely well maintained, has stunning views everywhere you turn and, with many elevation changes on the hillside course, with swirling winds coming off the sea, is a challenge for all standards of player. It recently held the World par 3 championship and you can see why.
Now to the downsides - without the GolfNow discount, this is a pricey course (it is Bermuda after all!), so look for the best slots from GolfNow to get decent value. The other downside is that, whilst I, and many other regular golfers, recognise it is not a beginner's course or somewhere for a novice holidaymaker to "have a go", this does not stop such players who are not adept enough to handle it from trying. This means it can require some patience to get through what should be a 2 hour round in nearer 3 hours. I did play on Good Friday, so maybe it was a busy day - try to play midweek and it may be an easier ride.
Nevertheless, don't let it put you off what is an enjoyable course to brush up on your mid/short iron play.

The course is very demainding (especially when you consider it is a par 3 course).

My wife and I were on vacation and wanted to play on a course that would accomodate a medium and high handicapper. 2/3 of the holes were either 2 clubs shorter or 2 clubs longer based on elevation. The remaining holes had extreme wind (which I was told was normal).

There was just not enough bailout areas to keep you on the course when you miss the target areas. The vegiation around the holes is intentionally high making it that you will not find your ball. This makes it an extremely tough course for high handicappers.

The staff and club pro were incredibly helpful, nice and accomodating.

The price was out-of-line with any comprable course in the states. However, I found everything in Bermuda, to be priced out of line.

Overall, I was glad I played the course but the play was very frustrating due to the layout and natural conditions which made it very difficult.

A challenging par 3 course that is fun to play. The staff was very friendly and the course in very good condition. The hazzards were fair and on every hole. Very nice views at an affordable price. The rental clubs were in pristine condition, better than the ones I own. No waiting and beautiful weather made it a memorable event.
Make sure you bring a copy of your reservation, it helped.

Great practice course in wonderful condition, over-priced, would go again if it were on special