Half Moon Resort & Spa (photo by Demetrice Burgess)
By Demetrice Burgess
If you are contemplating a spectacular place to golf “Come to Jamaica” Montego Bay. The magnificent course choices for golf rounds include White Witch, Half Moon, and Cinnamon Hill. All are within minutes away from each other.
In this tropical paradise of 2.9 million (as of 2012) most of Jamaica’s population is of African or partially African descent with many being able to trace their origins to the Western and Central African countries of Ghana and Cameroon, as well as Europe and Asia, according to census data. Like many other slave-holding anglophone Caribbean countries, many Jamaicans with mixed ancestry self-report as black. So, when you visit for golf, be sure to take time to explore the island’s history and culture through its variety of foods, museums, attractions, and tours.
White Witch Golf Course
This beauty of a course sits on the Great Rose Hall Plantation Estate. The 6,758 yards, par 71, 18 hole championship course was designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril. Cool trade winds blow consistently on this course that was constructed from the mountainous landscape and it has been rated as the #1 Golf Course and #1 in Golf Shop Staff service by Conde Nast Traveler.
White Witch Golf Course (photo by Demetrice Burgess)
Ocean views dominate a majority of the holes at White Witch along with rolling mountain terrain and elevated dramatic holes. Playing there is simply breathtaking. Golfers can punctuate the experience by hiring some of the best caddies in the world, whom I greatly needed and appreciated as, during my round, I wanted to take time to capture photos at every impressive hole. Legend has it that Annee Palmer (the 18th-century plantation “voodoo” mistress whom the course is named after) hunts this massive estate.
Half Moon Golf Course
Half Moon golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and it was later modernized by Roger Rulewich. The 72 par walkable course boasts 7,119 yards with undulating greens and beautiful wide fairways. The wonderfully knowledgeable caddies (which are recommended for this a tricky “figure eight” layout) will gladly help you with shotmaking tips. They are also more than willing to cut down a ripe coconut from nearby trees to provide you with refreshing coconut water—or, as the Jamaicans say, “wata.”
Half Moon Golf Course (photo by Demetrice Burgess)
Half Moon resort is a class act. Upon arrival, guests will revel in the resort amenities and appreciate the happy, attentive staff who welcome you with easy check-in, beautiful ocean front rooms, exquisite options for cuisine and an opportunity to experience the fabulous Fern Tree spa.
Cinnamon Hill Golf Course
This 6,800 yards Von Haggee and RickBaril designed course is a challenging par 72 and unforgettable. Here, more breathtaking ocean views will distract your focus, especially at holes 5, 6 and 7, so be prepared.
Cinnamon Hill Golf Course (photo by Demetrice Burgess)
At hole 14, take a moment to peek over at music legend Johnny Cash and June Cater Cash’s oceanview home which is tucked away just off the fairway. When you reach hole 15, movie lovers may recognize this green because it is where the James Bond movie Live and Let Die was filmed. There are also several sugar mill ruins nearby.
It’s true, Jamaica’s golf courses are simply breathtaking and offer some of the best golf in the Caribbean. No wonder the island is home to several major golf championships. It will be my pleasure to return again, soon.
