Golfing in Jamaica

By Teri Champigny

If you are a golfer, you absolutely must make it a point to golf in Jamaica. While golfing is just one of the many things that one can do in Jamaica, you just won’t believe the enjoyment and challenge that is presented by Jamaican golf courses until you have experienced them for yourself.

Jamaica is home to ten of the finest golf courses in the world. In fact, there are only ten golf courses in Jamaica, and each has its own uniqueness, however there are some things that all courses have in common. For instance, at each course, you will find extremely well trained caddies. Caddies at each course have a thorough understanding of the course that they work at. Each caddy serves one golfer.

If you are serious about golf you absolutely must make a stop at the Tryall Golf Club, which is about an hours drive from Montego Bay. You can opt to stay at the Tryall resort. If you don’t stay there, you will need to contact the concierge at the hotel to arrange a visit to this private course. It seems that if you are not staying at the Tryall, but you are instead staying at the Round Hill Hotel, you are more likely to be able to visit this course.

If you are a golfing hobbyist or a beginner, your best bet is to golf in the Negril area. This doesn’t mean that the course is any less challenging, but here you will find other hobbyist and beginners.

Your next stop should be the Sandals Golf and Country Club. This is also known as the Upton Country Club. It has been totally renovated. From here, visit the Manchester Club. This is the oldest golf course in the Caribbean. The Manchester Club is located in Mandeville, on the South Coast. Note that this course only offers nine holes.

If you are bringing your family on your trip to Jamaica, consider the Half Moon, the Ironshore, Wyndham Rose Hall (White Witch), Breezes, and Sandals in the Ocho Rios area. At these resorts, you can golf while your family enjoys other activities that would be of more interest to them.

In most cases, you will not need to bring your own clubs. These can be rented through the clubs and often through the resorts as well. If you doubt the excellence of the Jamaican golf courses before you’ve seen them, note that the PGA, the LPGA, and the PGA Senior tours all make stops in Jamaica.

Don’t feel like you will miss out on the beauty of Jamaica while golfing either. Many of the views from the courses are some of the best the country offers. If you are new to golf, this is a great place to learn, as the courses are designed for everyone from beginners to experts, and there is instruction available through the clubs.

Check with your travel agent, or with the resorts to find all-inclusive golf vacation packages. These typically cover green fees in the package, and may also include meals and other activities as well.