White Witch Golf Club
This 18-hole championship golf course, with its gentle, undulating, slopes, is among the most gorgeous in the Caribbean. In addition to its impressive greens, the 6,800 yard, par 71 facility offers a priceless bonus to golfers, that is, soft Caribbean breezes and a most spectacular view of the Jamaican coastline.
Some golfers describe the course, which was designed by Robert Von Hagge and Rick Baril, as “challenging, yet not overwhelming”. One of the most often-talked-about aspects of the White Witch, is the extremely helpful caddies who work there.
This highly acclaimed golf course which is situated on the historic Rose Hall estate was rated Jamaica’s Best Golf Course at the 2015 World Golf Awards.
Half Moon
This gem of a golf course has consistently been ranked as one of the finest in the world. Internationally, this course is reputed to be not only challenging, but amazing. A member of Jack Nicklaus’ “Great Golf Resorts of the World”, Half Moon has played host to several esteemed tournaments, including the Jamaica Open Golf Championship, the Dunhill Cup Final of the Americas, and the Red Stripe Pro-Am.
Master course creator, and one of the most well respected 20th-century designers, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., was the architect of what has now become one of Jamaica’s favourite championship courses.
Half Moon has various features, chief among them, grass practice bays, a bunker practice green, putting and chipping green, 50-yard pitching green, clubhouse, meeting rooms, pro golf shop, caddy master and a snack bar which serves lunch and cold drinks.
Runaway Bay Golf Club
The first thing that strikes your eyes at the Runaway Bay Golf Club are the well-kept greens. Long and open, this par-72, 18-hole championship golf course offers an adrenalin-charged experience for newbies and seasoned golfers alike.
The course was designed by Briton Major John Harris, and was opened in 1960, two years before Jamaica gained independence. Its topography features long rolling fairways and large flat greens sheltered by grassy mounds and sand bunkers. This club has hosted many events, including the Ryder Cup match between the United Kingdom and the West Indies. The Jamaica Open, The Brinks (JA) Classic, The Heineken World Cup Qualifier, CNBC Nations Cup and numerous national qualifiers.
Statistically, the course measures 5,389 yards and is slope 117 rated from the forward tees and from the rear, 6,870 yards and is slope rated 124.
Constant Spring Golf Club
The Constant Spring Golf Club was built in 1920, and is one of Jamaica’s oldest golf courses. Originally a nine-hole course, it was transformed into an 18-hole course in the 1930s.
It is described by golfers who play there frequently, as a tight, short course with excellent scenery. The Kingston-based club houses a golf shop, a sprawling and roomy club house, golf school and full service bars.
Tryall Golf Club
Located in Sandy Bay, Hanover, the Tryall Golf Club is one of the most spectacular courses in the Caribbean region. In fact, its superb hole designs and gorgeous scenery has attracted major championships such as the Johnnie Walker World Championship events in the 1990s and Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf.
Tryall is regarded as one of the most prestigious courses in the Western Hemisphere. Beautiful and challenging, it is a golf course for the bold golfer. Manicured and playable year-round, the course continues to attract a reasonable share of fair-weather golfers.
The 18-hole, par 71 course is located 12 miles west of Montego Bay and has a rich legacy, having hosted golf legends such as Nick Faldo and South Africa’s Ernie Els. Tryall’s major features include a chipping green, driving range, golf school, practice bunker, putting green and a teaching pro.
Upton Golf Course (Sandals Golf and Country Club)
This golf course is located in Ocho Rios and is another of Jamaica’s top rankers. Offering an expansive view of the coastline to the north and mountain ranges to the south, it is characterized by ornamental and fruit trees, making it a nature lover’s delight.
This 18-hole par 71 course was original built in 1951 as a nine-hole course. It sprawls over several acres of Bermuda grass and features, among other things, a pro shop, golf shop, clubhouse and jerk hut.
