“Sweeping Views, Gentle Breezes, Hard Greens”
There are few better places in the world to grip a club, take in sea sprayed air and curse your slice than Jamaica.
As the sun arcs across the Caribbean sky, the island’s golf courses offer lush panoramas, rolling fairways and that unmistakable mix of challenge and charm.
For international golfers, Jamaica isn’t just a place to swing, it’s a place to remember why they love the game.
A Landscape of Courses
The Tryall Club, Hanover (Montego Bay area)
Established in 1958 and designed by Ralph Plummer, Tryall remains the benchmark.
The 18 hole championship layout, about 6,836 yards, blends flat seaside holes with hilly inland terrain.
It has hosted major events such as the Johnnie Walker World Golf Championship between 1991 1995 and the Jamaica Classic.
White Witch, Rose Hall
Perhaps the most dramatic course on the island, White Witch (Robert von Hagge & Rick Baril) stretches across some 600 acres, nearly all of it offering views of the Caribbean from elevated tees, mountain slopes, and gardens.
The fairways are bold, the bunkers well guarded and the terrain often unforgiving.
Cinnamon Hill, Rose Hall
A sibling to White Witch, Cinnamon Hill offers a front nine that kisses the coast, with ocean breeze in your face, before turning inland into more forested, undulating territory.
It’s known for being beautiful and varied.
Half Moon, Montego Bay
This Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design is relatively flatter than its mountainous neighbours but by no means less strategic.
Well bunkered greens, sweeping palms and a resort ambience make it perfect for those wanting challenge plus creature comforts.
Caymanas Golf & Country Club, Constant Spring (Kingston area)
For travellers wanting to pair urban culture with golf, Caymanas offers one of the oldest championship style courses on the island.
Elevated tees, lush vegetation, scenic views and a strong local flavour.
Voices from the Fairway
“When you want to play golf right next to the ocean and see the most beautiful scenery and then two holes later be in the jungle like Tarzan, then this is the place to be,” said Andrew Arft, winner of the 2023 Jamaica Open, speaking about his first time playing at Tryall.
Josh Anderson, who tied for third in that same event, added: “Tryall is a fun golf course… it’s challenging enough for a championship tournament… but you could be an average golfer… and still come out and enjoy the course. It’s so beautiful… both weather wise and people wise.”
Patrick Cover, winner of the 55th Jamaica Open, said: “I love coming down to Jamaica. I love this golf course and I plan to come back for as long as I can.”
Why Jamaica Works So Well for Golfers
Jamaica offers a rare combination of topography, climate and hosting pedigree.
The trade winds, while beautiful, add tactical nuance: a tee shot that’s easy in the morning might be a hazard in the afternoon.
The scenery, from seaside fairways to mountainous ridges, is ever changing, offering more than just a green to hit.
Then there is the culture: welcoming caddies, vibrant local life and that island pace that lets you savour a round rather than grind through.
Best Times, Equipment & Tips
The preferred window for golf is late autumn through early spring (roughly November April), when rainfall is lighter, humidity is lower and daylight hours are generous.
Tournaments are often scheduled in these months.
Equipment: bring your full bag if possible, waterproofs for sudden showers, sun protection, and a good variety of clubs to handle both seaside holes (wind, less forgiving turf) and inland shots (elevation changes, forest fringe).
Conclusion
As Jamaica’s golf courses continue to be improved and promoted, the island’s claim to be one of the premier golfing destinations in the Caribbean gains strength.
For golfers who want more than just perfect greens, who want drama, beauty and warm welcomes, Jamaica delivers.
