This October I spent a week in Jamaica, for my wedding and honeymoon. The Island of Jamaica has so much to offer tourists all set in a picturesque backdrop of the sea and tropical vegetation. Somewhat overlooked due to the laid-back vibes and delicious foods accented with island spices is a beautiful golf scene. While in Jamaica, my wife gave her blessing to get some golf in. I had an opportunity to play both Tryall Golf Club and Cinnamon Hill Golf Course.
Tourist tip #1: be sure to investigate whether you will be traveling during the rainy season. If so, early tee times are the best not just to beat the afternoon heat but also because most of the showers occur during the afternoon and evening hours.
My first Jamaican golf experience was at Tryall Golf Club. The Tryall Golf Club is situated in This course once hosted the Johnnie Walker World Golf Championship, a limited field event that boasts such winners as Ernie Els, Fred Couples, and Nick Faldo. It is also home to the Jamaican Open. My friend, David Johnson was able to join me for this round. We arrived at the course on a Friday afternoon. The course staff was cordial and friendly. Tryall Golf Club uses the two main prevailing geographical elements of the island, the jungle, and coastline, to frame the wonderful 18-hole layout designed by Ralph Plummer.
The courses offer such a variety of play that will fit almost any golfer. A combination of long holes, short holes, doglegs, and the many elevation changes throughout the course offer a little something for everyone. The caddies are a must as the knowledge and experience they provide are second to none. The Bermuda turf can be tricky for those not accustomed to it. The course navigates you away from the clubhouse down towards the Caribbean Sea, where it brings not only lovely ocean views in the background but also a significant amount of water in play on the course on the front 9. The 7th hole is where the course and historic aqueduct system intersect.
The aqueducts were used to deliver sugar cane from the plantation down to the shoreline. Near the tee box, you can see the remnants of the wheel of the system still being turned by the flow of water from the system. Your tee shot is played through the pillars of the aqueducts. The course now begins to meander back into the hills and jungle. The change in slope and elevation from the front to the back is significant. The course has something for all golfers to enjoy. I lost to my friend on the course, but we both won the day.
I had the pleasure of playing at Cinnamon Hills Golf Club a couple of days after the wedding. Cinnamon Hill did not disappoint, nestled in the middle of the former Rose Hall Plantation. The course’s location on one of the main thoroughfares of Montego Bays resorts makes it even more tantalizing to golfers anytime they leave or return to the resorts. It was a beautiful afternoon for golf. The course was designed by Von Hagge and Rick Baril. A caddie is a must-have to truly enjoy not only the golf but also the rich history of the area.
The theme of coastline, jungle, and aqueducts continued with this wonderful layout. The course is relatively flat in the beginning as it navigates down to the stunning shores of the Caribbean Sea. The par 3 6th sits right on the shore and depending on the tee box your tee shot might have to fly over the sea to the green. The remains of the aqueducts can be seen on the 7th. The course begins to navigate back inland towards the mountain and tropical terrain of the island. Significant elevation changes start to present themselves on the upcoming holes. The 15th hole is a scenic par 3 with a waterfall that was the backdrop for a scene from the James Bond movie, Live and Let Die. Cinnamon Hill provides enough challenges and scenery for both the most skilled golfer and the novice.
My Jamaican golf experience was a wonderful mixture of beauty and history. The culture of Jamaica is intricately woven into the course designs and the wonderful staff. I recommend bringing your clubs if you can, but if you can’t no worries, the courses have ample sets of a variety of top-brand clubs available for rent. The pro shops are fully stocked with all the golfing necessities needed for a round. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir.
The caddies are a must and are quite affordable when navigating these courses. They also provide valuable insights into the culture and history of the surrounding areas. I highly recommend that any golfer visiting Montego Bay puts one or both courses on their to-do list while in Jamaica. Respect.
