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There’s so much to recommend Jamaica as a travel destination that you really shouldn’t need much convincing. Warm temperatures, balmy breezes and a relaxed vibe make Jamaica one of the most popular spots in the Caribbean. For golfers, there’s the added bonus of a handful of courses that offer challenging tracks, great conditions year-round and breathtaking views of Jamaica’s mountains and beaches. If you like salt air, sunshine and tall rum drinks on the course, Jamaica golf is the ticket, mon.

Here are some “insider” tips to make sure that your Jamaica trip is smooth sailing:

 

Flights

Direct flights are available from major East Coast cities to Montego Bay and Kingston, and connections are available from anywhere. Prices are low during U.S. Spring and Summer.

 

Currency

Bring lots of $1s, $5s, $10s and $20s in U.S. dollars. Carry your money in a fanny pack until you get a safe (make sure your room has safes…some don’t) and once you get your room and key to your safe, put the money and your airline and ID stuff in the safe and take out what money you’ll need for the day. If you need JA money, just exchange what you need when you need it. Most everyone will take U.S. money.

As far as day trips, the best thing is to hire a taxi for the day and agree on a price before going. You can check the prices for tours out of your B&B and compare them with a taxi for the day to the same places. I wouldn’t book any day trips before you leave.

If it’s $50 is for two people and luggage to and from the airport, I would say that’s a pretty good price…depending on how far the B&B is from the airport. If it’s only about three or four miles, I’d hire a taxi to go out and another to go back. Taxis are everywhere.

 

Ground Transportation

Bus and transfer services are available once you get to Jamaica, but the smart move is book ahead of time to avoid unnecessary trouble and strife. Check online for reputable and highly-rated options. It takes a little while to get from one side of the island to the other so plan your trip so that you don’t spend hours navigating the roads.

 

Recreation

When you aren’t on the golf course, Jamaica has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and there are great venues for reggae music listening. The atmosphere can be intoxicating, but whether you prefer you’re fun in a glass or in a pipe, make sure that you use common sense.

 

Suggested Golf Courses

White Witch Rose Hall Golf CourseThe White Witch Golf Course is built on the countryside of Jamaica’s historic Rose Hall Plantation and is an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril. This 6,758-yard, Par 71 treasure is named for the plantation’s beautiful but wicked 19th-century plantation mistress, Annee Palmer (her ghost is said to still roam the property). The newly launched tour, Annee’s Escape, combines the Great Houses with golf, the beach, and the rich cultural history of Jamaica.

Jamaica White Witch Golf Course

 

Cinnamon Hill: Designed by von Hagge and Rick Baril, Cinnamon Hill gives visitors a chance to take in the best of Jamaican golf. Learn about the rich history of the Johnny Cash estate on the Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour and visit the 15th green where scenes were shot for the James Bond movie, “Live and Let Die.” On the Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour, journey into the lives of Country and Western greats, Johnny Cash and his wife June Carter-Cash. Experience their home that captured the essence of the life they lived in Jamaica, not as superstars but as warm individuals.

Cinnamon Hill Golf Course

 

Half MoonDesigned by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and modernized by Roger Rulewich, Half Moon resort provides a country-club atmosphere with an award-winning 18-hole par-72 championship course. The course includes 20 grassed practice bays, a bunker practice green, putting green and a 50-yard pitching green. Golf tournaments frequently held at Half Moon include the Jamaica Open. It is the perfect blend of social event and exercise. The renowned golf course is one of the best walking courses creating a masterpiece of beauty.

Half Moon Golf Course

 

Runaway Bay Golf ClubWith an 18-hole championship golf course, the Runaway Bay Golf Club was designed by Major John Harris from Britain and offers a one of a kind experience. You can perfect your game while swinging across long rolling fairways, large flat greens protected by grassy mounds and sand bunkers. Following a lively round of golf, unwind and relax in open-air pavilion restaurant and bar. Its hosted many major tournaments including the Ryder Cup-style match between the United Kingdom and West Indies, The Jamaica Open, The Brinks (JA) Classic, The Heineken World Cup Qualifier, CNBC Nations Cup and numerous JGA Qualifiers.

Jewel Runaway Bay Beach and Golf Resort

 

 

Article and Images courtesy of GolfWRX
Read full article at: GolfWRX – Jamaican me crazy! The golf is good in the home of reggae