The backdrop of the course is the magnificent Atlantic Ocean. The course begins by going down the hill from the clubhouse toward the water. The front nine ends by turning back towards the clubhouse and the Fairmont Southampton Princess hotel, which stands guard over the course. The back nine is more challenging, though slightly less scenic. The holes are a good mix given the hilly terrain on which it is built.

The opening holes descend dramatically, and force golfers to negotiate the main water hazard on the course. The fifth hole is generally considered the best and most scenic of the group. This 180-yard hole plays downhill to a green guarded by bunkers left and long, and by water long and right. Another notable hole is the eighth, a tricky challenge at only 149 yards. Eight plays straight uphill to a green guarded by bunkers in front that loom large, and the hotel behind provides a grand backdrop.

The highlights of the back nine include the 216-yard 14^th, which easily ranks as one of the hardest par-threes on the island. Guarded by a myriad of bunkers, the hole plays uphill to a tricky green, and is often into the prevailing wind.

The 16th is another difficult test, but a well-struck shot aimed just right of the lighthouse behind the green affords a good chance at par.

While golf purists are often turned off by short courses, there are exceptions to the rule, and the Southampton course is undoubtedly one of these. Even the most expert golfers will have trouble with the intricacies of the layout. Whether as a warm-up round, or part of a half-day of golf, an outing at Southampton should be included in any Bermuda golf vacation.