I didn’t really believe the folklore until I witnessed it with my own eyes- the African Green, or “Vervet” monkeys of St. Kitts and Nevis, playfully watching golfers from just off the fairways in the trees populating the various championship courses of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Seeing monkeys in St. Kitts is not the folklore I speak of, as they have been inhabitants of the Federation’s two islands for some 300 years now, and are often observed by tourists hanging in the trees or scurrying across the road to seek even more lush vegetation on the other side.

 

 

While playing golf with the local pro we spoke about many aspects of the course layout: how to play the Caribbean breeze to your advantage, that all putts veer toward the sea and the need for careful club selection when climbing up the mountainous front nine. But what I didn’t expect to hear was his playful warning to keep an eye on my frosty cold Carib beer when I leave the golf cart.

“They move really fast, and drink faster than college students playing beer pong!”- he warned with a deep throated laugh. I wondered who “they “were, as it was just the two of us on hole number 7- and there wasn’t a soul around to see us or our upcoming approach shots to the postage stamp sized green.

Then it happened.

Folklore no more; I witnessed it with my own two eyes! While addressing my second shot, a Carib loving monkey darted across the pristine fairway and grabbed my Carib from the golf cart with both hands. Before I could even acknowledge exactly what was going on, half my cup of beer was gone and so was our friend- racing off into the trees on the other side of the fairway.

 

 

Then came that throaty laugh again, this time even more animated and sustained. “They love beer and also our island rum” he chuckled. “Our monkeys have good taste you know!”

Golfers are well known for offering advice on how to play their local courses but this was totally new advice for me. The pro reached for his phone and said “Let me call the beverage cart for you- I think you need a new Carib!”

 

 

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More St. Kitts Tips:

The Ultimate Golfing Gamble: #15 at Four Seasons Nevis
Ride the Scenic Railway in St. Kitts
Explore Brimstone Hill in St. Kitts – a UNESCO world heritage site
Insiders Tip: Fully equipped kitchens at Royal St. Kitts Hotel