Island Golfing — The 9 Best Golf Courses In Jamaica


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There are plenty of reasons to love Jamaica, including its natural beauty and the countless opportunities for adventure you’re sure to find. On this island, you’ll be able to soak in as much sun as you want while relaxing beachside, exploring waterfalls, and during a truly tropical and scenic golf session.

Many of the amazing golf locations on this lush and beautiful island are in Montego Bay, but there are other great Jamaica golf courses outside of this area including the Sandals Golf & Country Club in Ocho Rios. There are also some impressive all-inclusive golf resorts that are among the many things Jamaica is known for, and why travelers can’t get enough of this exciting island.

If golf in paradise sounds like your kind of activity, read on! This article will tell you all about the 9 best golf courses in Jamaica to help you figure out which is best for your vacation.


Can I play golf in Jamaica?: Jamaica is a perfect place to enjoy many rounds of golf. Many of the amazing golf locations on this lush and beautiful island are in Montego Bay, but there are other great Jamaica golf courses outside of this area including the Sandals Golf & Country Club in Ocho Rios.



1. White Witch Golf Course

Best golf course in the Montego Bay area

Golfer

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The White Witch Golf Course near Montego Bay ranks high among golf courses in Jamaica. This 18-hole championship golf course was designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril. Measuring 6,758-yards, and a Par 71 course, you’ll be greeted by acres upon acres of the most stunning greenery within the Rose Hall Plantation once you arrive here. Plus, from most of the fairways at the White Witch Golf Course, you can enjoy stunning sea views. Take a break at Par-3 17th to soak in the scenery. After you’ve golfed to your heart’s content, visit the nearby Rose Hall Great House which is supposedly haunted.


2. Sandals Golf & Country Club

Best golf course in the Ocho Rios area

Complimentary green fees for Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts guests

The Sandals Golf & Country Club is one of the most popular places to golf in Jamaica. This course has been featured numerous times in golf magazines and guides, including Golf Digest and Frommers Travel Guide. The appeal of the Sandals Golf & Country Club is its unmistakable beauty, luxurious touches, and other intricate details that make it one of the most fun places to golf in the Caribbean.

The Sandals Golf & Country Club course has 18 holes and 3 sets of tees. The course is 700 feet above sea level and it is located in the hills of Ocho Rios. This course plays to 6,404 yards, par 71, and features narrow fairways and minuscule drop-off greens. There’s also a driving range and practice range at this location with chipping and putting greens. Green fees at the Sandals Golf & Country Club are covered for all guests at Sandals and Beaches Resorts in Jamaica, and complimentary transfers for Beaches Ocho Rios, Sandals Ochi, and Sandals Royal Plantation (15-minute drive) are also available.


Expert tip: While setting up your golf experience in this area, you can also check out these amazing things to do in Ocho Rios.



3. Tryall Club

Tryall-Club

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Tryall Club in Sandy Bay is about 12 miles west of Montego Bay, Jamaica. This scenic, intuitively designed has hosted the Johnny Walker World Golf Championship in the past. The Tryall Club golf course was designed by Ralph Plummer and opened in 1958. It has undergone numerous modifications over the years, and, today, exists as an 18-hole, par 71 course. The first six holes of this course are within a flatter area of the property which allows you to have a smooth start into the round. However, as you move through the 7th hole and onwards, there are lots of rolling hills that can make for a more challenging game.


4. Cinnamon Hill Golf

Cinnamon-Hill-Golf-Course

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Cinnamon Hill Golf course is another golf course at Rose Hall Estate. It is located right next to the White Witch Golf course and stretches 6,637 yards with 18 holes and a par of 71. As these courses are quite near each other, you can expect to see similarities in terrain, scenery, and ambiance.

The Cinnamon Hill Golf course was designed by von Hagge and Rick Baril. While playing here, you’ll have the feel of both coastal and tropical inland golfing as you navigate the green. You might hear the wind whistling through the pines and maybe even feel the ocean spray on your face as you tee off in some places, and all of this adds a truly Caribbean feel to the whole experience. While on this course, be sure to check out the waterfall near the 15th green. It was featured in a scene in the James Bond movie, ‘Live and Let Die’!


5. Runaway Bay Golf Club

Designed by British architect commander John Harris in 1960, the Runaway Bay Golf Club is one of the older courses in Jamaica. It is located in St. Ann Parish, less than a mile inland on the north coast of this island. The Runaway Bay Golf Club offers an 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course that has hosted many of the major golf events in Jamaica including the Jamaica Open, the Heineken World Cup Qualifier, the Ryder Cup, and the Brinks (Jamaica) Classic. Golfers of all skill sets can enjoy the long rolling fairways, large flat greens, and other course features. As a bonus, you can wind down at the on-site open-air restaurant and bar once your game is over.


6. Caymanas Golf and Country Club

Best golf course in the Kingston area

You can find golfing opportunities in the Kingston area of Jamaica as well! One of your options is the Caymanas Golf and Country Club which has played host to the Jamaican Open more than 25 times. Golfers from around the world just love visiting Caymanas while in Jamaica.

The course at Caymanas Golf and Country Club is 18-hole, par 72. It was built in 1957 and it is only a short distance away from Kingston — about 25 minutes of driving. The tees on this course are elevated, and from this vantage, you can also scope out the rest of the course and admire the amazing tropical views. The twelfth hole of the course really stands out with its narrow fairway, tropical foliage, and limestone rock.


7. Negril Hills Golf Club

Best golf course in the Negril area

The Negril Hills Golf Club has made a name for itself in Jamaica. An 18-hole, par 72 course, this club offers a more casual golfing experience, but it is definitely one you don’t want to miss out on while in Jamaica.

The Negril Hills Golf Club is a few-minute drive from Seven Mile Beach, one of the best beaches in Jamaica. You’re free to visit this beach before or after a rousing round of golf! There’s a bit of a challenge to be found at the Negril Hills Golf Club with water areas strategically placed amid a lush, tropical landscape. This course is great for golfers of all skill levels with elevated greens and tees and unforgettable views of the Caribbean Sea.


Insider tip: Negril is one of the best places to stay in Jamaica and it’s home to some of the best all-inclusive Jamaican resorts for families, couples, and other travelers who want to enjoy the best of this incredible island.



8. Constant Spring Golf Course

There are quite a few good options for golfing in Jamaica, including the Constant Spring Golf Course. This course is located in St. Andrew’s Hill and it was originally designed as a 9-hole course in 1902. Spanning 126 acres, this course was eventually expanded to an 18-hole, 70 par course in the 1930s. Truly scenic and moderately challenging, Constant Spring Golf Course is away from the busier zones of Montego Bay, but it is worth exploring for golfers of any skill level who can appreciate a course that’s short and tight with amazing views.


Good to know: Jamaica is home to lots of all-inclusive resorts, in many different areas, including resorts in Negril and resorts in Ocho Rios. This means you won’t have a hard time finding accommodation for your golf vacation!



9. Manchester Club

Dating back to 1865, Manchester Club is the oldest golf course on the island of Jamaica. This course is comparatively smaller than some of the others on this Caribbean island, but it is still popular with golfers, especially those seeking a quieter experience.

Manchester Club has nine holes, par 35, and 18 tee locations. This course is around 2,000 feet above sea level, and it can be quite challenging as there are lots of slopes, sand traps, and bamboo traps. The challenge of this course and its location near the town of Mandeville (away from the busier areas) increases its appeal to those seeking a golf experience that’s outside of the norm. This hilly 55-acre golf course is definitely one to be experienced while in Jamaica.


Insider tip: In Jamaica, there’s a hotel or resort for every type of vacationer, including those who love golf. Guests of Sandals Ochi, Sandals Royal Plantation, and Beaches Ocho Rios get unlimited green fees and transfers to and from their resort to the golf course included in their stay!


Jamaica is a Caribbean golfing paradise!

There are lots of amazing golf courses on the island of Jamaica where you can tee off in style and comfort. Among the best options are the White Witch Golf Course, the Sandals Golf & Country Club, and Negril Hills Golf Club.

Want to combine golf with an all-inclusive beach vacation? Sandals and Beaches Resorts provide everything you need for a convenient and relaxing golf vacation. Imagine waking up every morning at a gorgeous beachfront resort, and enjoying any of the delicious gourmet dining options available.

Then, you set off to the well-awarded Sandals Golf & Country Club where you can golf this magnificent 18-hole course in the flourishing hills of Ocho Rios to your heart’s content - green fees included!

Kids can also get in on the golfing fun thanks to weekly golf clinics and free club rentals for all juniors. Round-trip transfers are included for all guests of Beaches Ocho Rios, Sandals Ochi, and Sandals Royal Plantation.

Whether you’re a golfing pro, beginner, or junior player, Jamaica is a great place for a golf-in-paradise experience. The best part is you’ll have plenty of time left over to enjoy some of the most amazing natural attractions in the Caribbean!


Expert tip: If you’re planning a vacation, but not sure when to go, check out our guide on the best time to go to Jamaica for a fun-filled vacation! First-timers should view our handy Jamaica travel tips as well.

Kylie Morrow

About Kylie Morrow

Writing for 13 years, Kylie discovered that experiences tell the best stories. As a Caribbean mother who wrote for newspapers, magazines, and blogs, she believes inspiration is even found in our kids!