Jamaica – A Golfer’s Paradise
A Primer on the 10 Golf Courses in Jamaica
Jamaica has great golf! Whether you are a beginner or a die-hard golfer, you will find that the golf courses in Jamaica can either match your skill or give you a challenge.
Where are the golf courses in Jamaica?
There are 10 golf courses in Jamaica. Four are in or near Montego Bay, one in Runaway Bay, one in Ocho Rios, two near Kingston, one in Mandeville in the center of the island and one in Negril.
As of this writing (May 2018), the 9 hole golf course at Braco, which was at the site of present-day Melia Braco Village Resort, no longer exists – neither does the Ironshore Golf Course in Montego Bay or San San Golf, a 9-hole golf course in Portland.
Map of the 10 Golf Courses in Jamaica
Map of the Golf Courses in Jamaica showing proximity to Mais Oui Villa in Discovery Bay
Where is the best area to stay in Jamaica for golf?
The easy answer might be Montego Bay since that’s where most of the courses are located. But, the answer isn’t that simple.
Where you should stay in Jamaica depends on five things:
- how much golf you want to play,
- what quality course you want,
- how far you are willing to travel,
- what else you want to do on vacation, and
- your budget.
If you are a golf enthusiast, want the best golf courses in Jamaica, and you want to play a lot of golf, then you will want to play the courses in Montego Bay. Of course, these are the most expensive courses.
If you enjoy golf, want to simply have the experience of golf in Jamaica, and aren’t looking for the most luxurious experience, or you don’t intend to golf every day, then the Discovery Bay to Ocho Rios area would be wonderful, in addition to golf, you can take advantage of a host of other attractions in the area. (That’s the secret sauce to this location!)
Golf in Jamaica – A Quick Peek at the 10 Golf Courses in Jamaica
Golf in Runaway Bay
Runaway Bay Golf Club
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6487 yards
Rating: 72.5
Slope: 130
The Runaway Bay Golf Club is about 15 minutes from Mais Oui Villa and is the closest golf course to the villa and is just across the street from Jewel Resorts Runaway Bay.
This course has hosted many national and international 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 JGA Qualifiers.
It is a resort style course that is open to the public.
For the 2018-2019 season, guests at Mais Oui Villa get discounted greens fees at Runaway Bay Golf.
Golf in Ocho Rios
Sandals Golf and Country Club
Holes: 18
Par: 71
Length: 6404 yards
Located about an hour east of Mais Oui Villa, Sandals Golf and Country Club has been highly rated by Golf Digest and Frommer’s Travel Guide. This course has three sets of tees and is nestled in the hills of Ocho Rios. and has narrow fairways and small drop off greens.
Given the choice between the Sandals Golf Club and going into Montego Bay for golf, we usually recommend Montego Bay because it is closer and you have more choice of golf courses.
Golf in Montego Bay
The golf courses in Montego Bay are all highly rated and are about 45 minutes drive from Mais Oui Villa.
White Witch Golf Course
Holes: 18
Par: 71
Length: 6758 yards
Slope: 139
Rating: 74.0
Year built: 2000
Situated on the historic Rose Hall Plantation, the White Witch Golf Course is an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril. This 6,758-yard, Par 71 course is named after the plantation’s legendary mistress, the wicked Annie Palmer.
Notable features:
There are no oceanfront holes but 16 of the 18 holes boast ocean views.
Each hole has at least five tee boxes.
The course is expensive; but, there are three sets of rates to help with pricing. There are rack rates at about $179 per person for greens fees during high season and $139 during low seasons. Mid-day rates, available after 10:30am, will save you about $20 off rack rates and twilight rates or 9 hole rates after 1:30pm will save you about $50 off rack rates.
Rates include greens fees, cart, caddie fees, use of the driving range up to an hour before play, and taxes.
Junior golf rates are available. Children 13-15 years are $49.00 per round; 12 years and under only $15.00 per round. Juniors must be accompanied by a playing adult.
There is a replay rate of $49.00 for the same day at the same course played earlier.
Tee times are generally between 7am and 5pm.
Cinnamon Hill Golf Course
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6828 yards
Slope: 136
Rating: 74.2
Like White Witch Golf Course, this course is located in Rosehall. Originally designed by Hank Smedley’s in 1969 and redesigned by von Hagge and Rick Baril in 2001, this is another highly rated course. For those who want the ultimate golf experience with 36 holes of golf, this course can be easily combined with White Witch to make that happen.
Notable features:
The front 9 has some holes that take you up to the sea. The back 9 go up in the hills which offer some also gorgeous views.
Cinnamon Hill Great House, the Jamaican home of country music legend Johnny and June Cash for over 30 years is off the 14th hole.
Historic relics such as an aqueduct and sugar mill run through the course.
A waterfall which was featured in James Bond’s “Live and Let Die” is near the 15th hole.
Rates are similar and rules are similar to White Witch.
Half Moon Golf Course
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 7141 yards
Slope: 131
Rating 75.1
Year built: 1961
Architects: Robert Trent Jones Sr., 1961; Roger Rulewich, 2005
The Half Moon Golf Course is considered challenging. It has a tricky “figure eight” layout. Many official PGA tournaments have been held there, including the European PGA Senior Tour and, since 2007, the Jamaica Open. It has been named ones of the best golf resorts by Caribbean Magazine.
Golf Courses that are much further afield: Tryall, Negril, Mandeville, Kingston
These courses would be worth the drive from Mais Oui Villa only if you are looking for a particular experience or if you will be visiting those areas for some other reason.
Tryall Golf Club
Holes: 18
Par: 71
Length: 6772 yards
Slope: 133
Rating: 72.5
Year built: 1957
Tryall is one of the finest golf courses in the Caribbean and perhaps one of the most exclusive. Tee times are required and should be booked 24 hours in advance. Play is sometimes limited to on-property guests only.
The course features holes that can be played several different ways. As a result, a round on this course is always interesting. The signature hole is the dramatic seaside, par 3, 4th hole.
Tryall is in Hanover, about 30 minutes west of Montego Bay. From Mais Oui, that would be almost 1.5 hour’s drive. Tryall is one of the best courses in Jamaica, if not the Caribbean; however, considering the high quality of the Montego Bay courses, the distance to Tryall, and the hassle sometimes to get in, the drive might not be worth it.
It would be best to do this course if you are staying in, or closer to, the Montego Bay area.
Negril Hills Golf
Negril is not known for golf. The Negril Hills Golf Course has 18 holes, par 72 and is 6333 yards. This course would be more of a municipal course as this is reflected in the rates. Greens fees for 18 holes is US$69 and $34.50 for 9 holes.
Carts are optional but are suggested because the course is very hilly.
Some say the layout is weird. Others call it challenging.
Manchester Golf Club
Founded in 1865, the Manchester Golf Club is the oldest course in the western hemisphere. Located high in the hills in Mandeville, the course is set on 55 acres. There are nine holes and 18 tee boxes enabling 18 holes to be played.
Caymanas Golf and Country Club
The Caymanas Golf and Country Club is an 18 hole, par 72 course about 6 to 8 miles from Kingston towards Spanish Town.
Constant Spring Golf Club
This Constant Spring Golf Course is an 18 hole 6094 yard Par 70 course in a residential area in Uptown Kingston. It is described as a short but challenging course.
7 Common Questions about Golf in Jamaica
1. Is there a golf season in Jamaica?
No. There is golf in Jamaica year-round. The early and late months of the year are the best time of year for golf in Jamaica. The courses can dry at the height of the Summer.
2. Is there a golf course in Falmouth?
No, there isn’t. The closest golf courses to Falmouth would be in Montego Bay.
3. Are caddies and carts mandatory?
Caddies are mandatory.
Carts are optional. If you are playing at the course in Negril, you might want to consider a cart since that course is particularly hilly.
4. How much does a round of golf cost in Jamaica?
There is a lot of variation in the cost of golf in Jamaica.
Courses that cater to a local Jamaican clientele, such as the golf courses in Mandeville and Kingston, cost less than those in the tourist areas, Montego Bay in particular.
As you look at the rates that are posted on the websites for the individual courses, see what is included in the rates. For example, Half Moon, White Witch, and Cinnamon Hill include not only the greens fees but also the cart and caddie in their pricing. Tryall, Runaway Bay, and Sandals have greens fees that are separate from the cart and caddie charge. Some courses include the local sales tax of 16.5% in the published rates. Others don’t.
5. How much are caddies tipped?
Typically, the tip for the caddy is about US$20-25 per person. The tip for the caddy is usually not included in the rates.
6. Are club rentals available?
Yes, you can rent clubs. Most resorts have different tiers or brands available for rent.
7. Are there any tips on saving money on golf in Jamaica?
Yes.
If you can, bring your shoes, gloves, balls, and tees from home. The price of those items, new, in Jamaica, might surprise you.
Some courses have twilight rates, which you save you significant savings off greens fees. White Witch in Rosehall has twilight rates that give good value for money.
‘Til next time.
Think and dream Jamaica!
Sherry, Darrell, and Darrian
Considering a visit to Jamaica with a group? Contact us today for more information about, Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa, our boutique 8-BR ocean view Jamaica villa rental experience in beautiful Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Perfect for multi-generational families and groups, retreats, bachelorette getaways, and intimate destination weddings and vow renewals.
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