One of the best airport experiences for a golfer visiting any Caribbean island is when David Feherty’s giant devilish grin welcomes you to Turks and Caicos at Providenciales International Airport. I wasn’t ready for it the first time, as I stopped and did a double take like, “Why the heck is David Feherty staring at me like a maniac?” But regular visitors probably know that it’s because he’s the Course Ambassador to the award-winning Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, which is easily one of the best courses in the region.

Feherty’s looming presence is also a welcome distraction from one of the hard truths of visiting this amazing destination: PLS is not a very good airport. It is, of course, the main airport for Turks and Caicos, as most of your favorite resorts are located on Provo, but we will soon have a second option that opens the doors for bigger adventures. American Airlines recently announced new direct service from Miami International Airport to South Caicos Airport beginning in February 2025.

American becomes the first international airline to offer flights to XSC, and that means visitors who’ve long wondered if the water is bluer on the other side can find out by booking stays at the luxurious and stylish Sailrock Resort and classic Ocean and Beach Resort. Or, in a very convenient coincidence, time the flights just right with the February 2025 opening of the Salterra Resort and Spa, which will instantly become one of the best properties in this astounding archipelago.

In fact, this is all part of a boom of “big things” for the small island of South Caicos. New service means XSC will need some upgrades, and Turks and Caicos Minister of Immigration and Border Service, the Hon. Arlington Musgrove, recently announced some new upgrades to meet the demands of more visitors, including a new fire truck.

“That’s all fine and dandy,” you’re probably saying, “but what about golf?” Obviously, if a daily round at Royal Turks is your sole focus — which I 100 percent endorse from experience — you’ll want to stay at one of the properties on Grace Bay Beach, which is well-regarded as one of the best beaches on this or any other planet. But South Caicos also offers less people, more serenity, and more water-based action, including snorkeling and diving, but especially fishing, as this island is the gateway to Caicos Banks.

Adding a round or three to your trip itinerary is as simple as taking the 20-minute island-hopper flight or a 90-minute ferry ride to Provo. Book a morning round and grab lunch at one of the best resort restaurants, like the iconic Pink Bar at Wymara Resort and Villas, or play post-lunch and grab one of the best steak dinners anywhere in the Caribbean at Le Bouchon Du Village in The Regent Village. Just don’t lose track of the time and miss your return trip.