The true beauty of Jamaica is the mix of people who call this island their home. When you visit Jamaica, you’ll meet friendly smiling faces and people endowed with an innate spirit of hospitality. The vibe in Montego Bay is loud and joyful, with an energy that is felt everywhere you go. Much more than a can of Red Bull, Jamaica will give you Wings!!
Getting to Montego Bay is one of the most accessible trips to the Caribbean you can make. Because Montego bay is one of the most popular travel locations with tourists over the past 18 years, more than $287 million has been invested in upgrading and developing the airport infrastructure. Sangster International Airport (MBJ) has been recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Airport for the past thirteen years.
Visitors come from around the world to enjoy a laid-back environment and a spectacular landscape. When you first think about Jamaica’s landscape, the first thing that comes to mind is the beautiful beaches. You don’t realize that you enter a mountain landscape as you get a few miles away from the aquamarine water and perfect sandy beaches. This stunning elevation change makes for an ideal setting for golf course designs.
Montego Bay is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the Caribbean. Whether a seasoned pro or a casual player, you’ll have fun, and your caddy will ensure it is memorable. I was lucky enough to be invited to the #1 annual golf tournament in the Caribbean, The Jamaica Invitational Pro-Am, Annie’s Revenge.
The tournament included three rounds of golf, and players were hosted at the Iberostar Grand All-Inclusive Resort in Montego Bay. So not only did we play some fantastic golf, but we enjoyed world-class amenities and service at one of the finest all-inclusive resorts in Jamacia.
There are a ton of all-inclusive resorts to choose from, some are family-friendly, and some, like Iberostar Grand, are adult-only. Almost every resort will offer golf packages and are more than willing to take care of booking your tee-time transportation to and from the golf courses. Choose the best resort for you, and have a fantastic vacation.
When it comes to golf, Montego Bay is known for having three championship golf courses. Half Moon, Cinnamon Hill, and White Witch. The tournament was November 16-20, and unfortunately, the White Witch Course wasn’t set to re-open until December 15th, but I did get an exclusive tour, so more to come below.
The tournament field was huge, so teams were split into two groups and spread across two golf courses, Half Moon and Cinnamon Hill. On the first day, my team played Half Moon, and on the second day, we played Cinnamon Hill. After two days of play, the field was cut into four flights (A, B, C, D). Flights A&B played their 3rd round at Cinnamon Hill. Flights C&D played their final round at Half Moon.
I loved the fact that we got to play Half Moon first. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr., Half Moon is set on a natural terrain of rolling hills and lush vegetation with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. The course is part of the Half Moon Resort, another luxurious all-inclusive Montego Bay option. If you want to stay at a resort with a golf course on the property, Half Moon is a great option!
The Half Moon Golf Course is a par-72 course that measures 7,200 yards from the championship tees. The course features long par-4s, challenging par-3s, and demanding par-5s. The highlight of the Half Moon is its picturesque setting and natural beauty. The course is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation (well-fed by golf balls) and offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The course is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including colorful tropical birds and monkeys. At Half Moon, you will enjoy the natural beauty of the Jamaican landscape.
Next up was Cinnamon Hill golf course. A must-visit destination for golf aficionados. This 18-hole, par-72 course is located on the beautiful Rose Hall Plantation and offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the mountains of Jamaica. Located on the historic Cinnamon Hill Estate, you’ll hear wild stories about some of the parties Johnny and June Cash threw while making Cinnamon hill their second home.
Designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril, Cinnamon Hill is a real treat. The trademark of Cinnamon Hill are the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Golfers can take in the panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the lush Jamaican countryside from the elevated tee boxes. Playing Cinnamon Hill gives you the best of both worlds in Jamaica. The front nine is similar to a links-style course that takes you so close to the Caribbean Sea that you can taste the salt. The back nine is a trip through the mountains of Jamaica, where you’ll pass Johnny and June’s house and play a hole with a natural waterfall behind the green where they filmed a scene in a James Bond movie. This place is beyond iconic!
As mentioned early, I was glad our team started at Half Moon and then moved to Cinnamon Hill because I just fell in love with the layout at Cinnamon Hill. After the second round, I was praying our team would make the cut and end up on the A or B flight. Later that night, back at Iberostar Grand, I was enjoying a drink when I heard the news that we had made the A flight and would be playing at Cinnamon Hill for our final round. We made the A flight with a chance to win the championship, but I was more so ecstatic to play another round at Cinnamon Hill.
That 3rd and final day of golf was a special one. After living the good life in Jamaica at the Iberostar Grand for several days now, I can tell you my belly was full of Jerk Chicken and Jamaican Rum. I was so relaxed and in the zone. It wasn’t even funny. It was the 2nd day in a row with my caddy, and he had my game down. We pulled the right clubs, and a few key putts fell. Everyone on the team did their part, including an excellent round from our pro, Rick Burk, who killed it.
I was so proud of everyone on our team; Rick, Catherine, and Hengzhi were all supportive and great teammates. On day 3, we ended the tournament tied for first place in the A-flight. We didn’t find out until the awards dinner that night that we won the scorecard playoff. As the winners of the D flight, C flight, B flight, and finally, the A flight were announced, our table erupted, and we took the stage holding up the trophy and posing for photos. What a rush!
My trip to Jamaica had a fairy tale ending for sure. Having talked the talk and walked the walk is always special. I did just that when it came to Jamacia and Annie’s Revenge. I encourage everyone to explore Jamaica and make their fairy tale come true.
Montego Bay is a special place full of special people that are so warm and welcoming. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, from the people working at the Airport, the bus drivers, the golf course staff, the caddies, and the staff at Iberostar Grand. I can’t thank everyone enough and can’t wait to return to Montego Bay!
P.S.
I mentioned that Montego Bay has three championship golf courses. We didn’t play the White Witch Golf Course because it was still closed to the pandemic. It re-opened on December 15th, and after touring the course, I can honestly say it might be better than Cinnamon Hill. Designed by Robert von Hagge, the golf course is known for its stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the surrounding mountains. Sounds similar right? The layout is challenging (they call it White Witch for a reason), with narrow fairways and well-bunkered greens, so be ready for a challenge. What makes the White Witch stand out? The numerous risk/reward opportunities for players looking to take advantage of the White Witch!