
Jamaica - Golf Haven of the Caribbean
Golf has long been the sport of Jamaica's elite class long before tourists started taking vacations to the island in the early 1970's. It is therefore no wonder that Jamaica boasts more major championships golf courses than any other Caribbean destination. With courses designed by renowned golf architects, some will challenge even the top PGA Tour professionals while others are friendly to even high-handicapper. So whether you are a scratch golfer or a week-end hacker with a high handicap, there is a golf course in Jamaica that will fit your game and your vacation perfectly.
Montego Bay has five top caliber courses within a 3-wood driving distance from each other. The newest kid on the block is the Ritz-Carlton's White Witch course at the historic Rose Hall Plantation. Designed by Robert von Hagge, this 18-hole par-71 course is No. 1 on Conde Nast Traveler list of top 100 resorts golf courses in the world for its staff and service. Sixteen holes on this course face the stiff wind of the Caribbean Sea, so be prepared for your game to be challenged.
Less than a 5-iron drive away is Cinnamon Hill at the Rose Hall Resort & Country Club. This course meanders from the lush mountain down to the coast with the front nine in view of infamous Rose Hall Great House. It is perfect for the resort golfer with a mix of holes facing the mountain, coast, and island. And still in Rose Hall at the Half Moon Golf & Tennis Club is a challenging but beautiful course. This walkable 6,585-yard course is surrounded by mature palms and wraps around a meadows.
On the other side of Montego Bay is Tryall Golf, Tennis & Beach Resort. This picturesque par-72 course is one of the best tournament venues in Jamaica and the Caribbean. This 6,772-yard course is made up of rolling fairways that runs from the sea to the lush hillside above. Tryall was a 18th century sugar plantation and a working waterwheel that once provided power for the mill sits just off the seventh tee.
There are many other golf courses in the tourist corridors as well as in Kingston and Port Antonio. Also in Montego Bay, is Superclubs Golf & Country Club. In Runaway Bay there Superclubs Breezes Golf & Beach Resort and the Sandals Golf & Country Club in Ocho Rios. In Negril there is the par-72 18-hole course at the Negril Hills Golf Club and at Superclub Grand Lido Braco in Trelawny there is a 9-hole par-28 course right on the resort property.
Almost all golf courses in Jamaica require you to use a caddy whose cost ranges from US$10-$20. Green fees can cost from US$25 to upwards of US$200. If you forgot you club, you can rent top-name equipment for about US$15-40 per round. And if you need to straighten you swing or drive longer off the tee, you can take lessons at the on-site David Leadbetter Golf Academy at the Half Moon Golf, Tennis & Beach club. Your lesson includes computerized swing analysis as well as putting and chipping.
No matter what your handicap is, Jamaica is the perfect golf vacation destination. Many all-inclusive resorts include free green fees and your only cost is your caddy and clubs if you didn't bring your own. While I can't promise you that your Jamaica golf vacation will improve your game, with breath taking scenery on every course, it will probably be your best golfing experience.