When Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica in late October 2025, it left significant damage in its wake across Montego Bay and the surrounding Hanover parish. Among the properties affected was the Tryall Club, a historic luxury resort and championship golf destination located on a sprawling 2,200-acre estate in Sandy Bay.
In a public statement on October 30, 2025, the resort announced a temporary closure to allow for a full assessment of the property, villas, golf course, and access infrastructure. “The safety of our guests, staff, and community remains our top priority,” the resort management said in the statement.
The golf course, originally designed by Ralph Plummer and widely ranked as one of the top courses in the Caribbean, has played a central role in Tryall’s identity for decades. While full details of damage to the fairways and greens have not been made public, the resort reports that key support systems and staff members are safe and begin the restoration process.
In the aftermath of the storm, Tryall Club opened a recovery fund known as The Tryall Fund, aimed at supporting staff and community members whose homes and livelihoods were impacted by Melissa. According to the resort’s website, “many of our cherished staff have suffered serious damage to their own homes and communities.”
Recovery Strategy and Timeline
The resort has outlined its short-term strategy:
- Conduct a comprehensive property assessment and infrastructure review, including villas and access roads.
- Prioritize the reopening of villas and golf facilities once conditions are verified as safe.
- Maintain communication with booked guests, offering rescheduling options and ongoing updates.
While a public reopening date is not yet confirmed, management reports they will share updates once the review concludes.
Tourism Impact and the Larger Picture
The Tryall Club is a high-profile player in Jamaica’s luxury resort and golf tourism sector. Its timely reopening is important not only for the resort itself, but also for the island’s tourism economy, which relies heavily on the premium segment of travelers seeking golf, villas, and upscale experience. Experts note that when marquee resorts resume operations, they signal to travel markets that Jamaica remains open, safe, and ready for business.
While Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure suffered impacts from Hurricane Melissa, destinations like Tryall — with its 74 villas, private beach, and elite golf course — serve as both symbols of recovery and practical anchors for the industry.
Hurricane Melissa posed a formidable challenge to Jamaica’s tourism and hospitality sector, and the Tryall Club responded swiftly by placing safety first, publicly communicating its status, and launching community recovery support. As the resort advances through its assessment and restoration phase, its eventual reopening will be a key milestone for the island’s return to full-scale tourism. Travelers who return will not only experience golf and luxury at Tryall—but also the resilience and renewal of Jamaica’s hospitality spirit.
Contact & Booking Information:
The Tryall Club, Sandy Bay, Hanover Parish, Jamaica
Website: www.tryallclub.com
Email: reservation@tryallclub.com
