Golf
Some of Jamaica's best courses are near Mo'Bay. Many resorts have their own courses (including several of the Sandals resorts) and allow both guests and nonguests to play. Caddies ($15–$45) are almost always mandatory, and cart rentals ($20–$40) are available at most courses.
Montego Bay
Cinnamon Hill Gold Course. On 400 lush acres on the Rose Hall estate, this course, designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril, takes you to the water’s edge and up into the hilly jungles. Rates include greens fees, cart, caddy, and tax, and Nike clubs are available for rent. Rose Hall, North Coast Hwy., St. James, St. James. 876/953–2984; www.cinnamonhilljamaica.com. $169 in winter, $49 replay.
Half Moon Golf Course. Swaying palms, abundant bunkering, and large greens greet you on this flat Robert Trent Jones Sr.–designed course, home of the Jamaica Open. The course was renovated in 2005 by Jones protégé Roger Rulewich to better position the hazards for today’s longer hitters. The Half Moon Golf Academy offers one-day sessions, multiday retreats, and hour-long private sessions. Half Moon, North Coast Hwy., 7 miles (11 km) east of Montego Bay, Montego Bay, St. James. 876/953–2211; www.halfmoongolf.com. Nonguests $181 for 18 holes, $118 for 9 holes.
White Witch Golf Course. One of the nicest courses in Montego Bay, if not Jamaica, is the White Witch course, named for Annie Palmer, the wicked 19th-century plantation mistress, whose great house looms above the course. The course was designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril. Annie's Revenge is one of five tournaments hosted at the course that occupies mountainous terrain high above the sea and features bold, attractive bunkering and panoramic views. Legend has it that Annie still haunts the area, but not your golf game. Rental clubs are available for $65. Prebooking is recommended. Rose Hall Main Rd., Rose Hall, St. James, St. James. 876/632–7444; www.whitewitchgolf.com. $169.
Tryall Club Golf Course. At an exclusive country club 15 miles (24 km) west of Montego Bay, this championship course on the site of a 19th-century sugar plantation blends first-class golf with traces of history. The ambience is peaceful; no one is hurried and playing with a caddy is the norm. The layout takes in the Caribbean coast—the 4th-hole green hugs the sea—before heading up into the hills for expansive vistas. Designed by Ralph Plummer, the course has hosted events such as the Johnnie Walker World Championship. Tryall Club, North Coast Hwy., Sandy Bay, Hanover. 876/956–5601; www.tryallclub.com. $150 for 18 holes ($105 guests), $115 for 9 holes ($75 guests).
Kingston
Caymanas Golf and Country Club. About 8 miles (12 km) west of the city center, Jamaica's first major championship 18-hole course opened in 1957. Mandela Hwy., , between Kingston and Spanish Town, 876/746–9773; www.caymanascountryclub.com. J$4,500 weekdays, J$5,500 weekends and public holidays.
Constant Spring Golf Club. Designed by Stanley Thompson, a mentor of Robert Trent Jones Sr., in 1920, this short course is in one of Kingston's nicest neighborhoods. There's a clubhouse, restaurant, bar, and pro shop. 152 Constant Spring Rd., Kingston, Kingston. 876/924–1610. J$4,500 weekdays, J$5,000 weekends and public holidays.
Negril
Negril Hills Golf Club. Inland from Jamaica's longest stretch of private beach, this course is 1½ hours west of Montego Bay. High points are the lush tropical foliage, picturesque water hazards, elevated tees, gently rolling fairways, tropical mountain vistas, and hard-sloping greens. The 6,333-yard course is walkable but plays longer due to elevated putting surfaces. Negril, Westmoreland. 876/957–4638; www.negrilhillsgolfclub.com. $60.
