Golf in Jamiaca Cancel The title field is required!

1. Neal Burton

   

   0 posts
   
   1/3/2013 9:01 AM

   Going to Jamaica in April for a wedding. We will be in Montego Bay at Iberostar Rose Hall Suites for 7 nights all-inclusive. Most of us are golfers (supers,teaching pros,cart guys ect ). My question is, is it worth taking our clubs with us and what courses should we try and play while in that area? Any GCSAA discounts in other countries? Done a little research and doesnt seem their are a bunch of options and not sure of prices. Thanks for any ideas and help.
   Neal Burton
   Breckenridge Golf Club
   2nd Assistant Super
   Breckenridge, Colorado

   
   
   
   
2. Andy Jorgensen

   

   1 posts
   
   1/3/2013 11:01 AM

   I've got a few past employees that are Jamaican that I still keep in touch with. Although I can't help with the golf, my only advice is don't venture to far from the tourist area. Jamaica is a pretty rough place and crime is high in the outlying areas. The two guys that returned home would love, to the point of begging, to come back to the states because the environment in so bad in Jamaica they feel their life is threatened everyday.

   
   
   
   
3. Dinger Greg

   
   1/3/2013 12:01 PM

   Neal, give Ed Seitz, Equipment Manager at Maroon Creek a shout. He lived in Jamaica, has family there, and worked at a few clubs there. I'm sure he could give you the ins and outs.

   
   
   
   
4. Kevin Welker

   

   0 posts
   
   1/3/2013 6:01 PM

   Neal,
   
   I work for Iberostar Resorts in Mexico. Although Iberostar does not have their own golf course in Jamaica, they do have a playing agreement with Cinnamon Hill. I would contact Iberostar to see what kind of deals they can offer you. Also, White Witch is close by and may be worth a try. In regards to whether to bring your clubs or not, I would say it would be better to rent clubs there. Most of our guest here rent just because it is too much of a hassle to bring their clubs with them.
   
   Kevin

   
   
   
   
5. Neal Burton

   

   0 posts
   
   1/4/2013 11:01 AM

   Thanks Greg and Kevin for the tips. White Witch is one I defiantly want to play and I will look into Cinnamon Hill and give Iberostar a call and see if they have any specials or deals with local clubs. I know most of my buddies will want to bring their own clubs with but Ill check rental prices and really it depends on how many times we play. I always say play 2 or more times its worth bringing your own but I havent done so internationally. As for some other comments I dont think I will be traveling outside of the resorts for any reason unless I have a local or guide of some sort around. Im not looking to get robbed or worse. I understand there is a waterfall area nearby thats worth a visit but again is it really worth it? Thanks again for your comments. Neal

   
   
   
   
6. Dennis Ingram

   

   5 posts
   
   1/4/2013 11:01 AM

   Anytime you travel outside the US, even Hawaii, things are different, especially if you advertise that you may be one of those "ugly" Americans. If you watch where you go, behave yourself and not put yourself in a bad situation, you should have no problems in Jamaica or anywhere else you might want to travel. Check GCSAA directory as there are several superintendent members in Jamaica that are listed. There are 3 or 4 courses within a short drive of where you are staying, more than when I worked there. There is a small waterfall up above your resort, across from an estate that Johnny Cash once owned that depending on recent weather, may actually have water. There is a good waterfall in Dunns River(think the spelling is correct) towards Ocho Rios, but that is a couple of hours drive away. Enjoy the trip and people, weather should still be good when you travel.

   
   
   
   
7. Keith Lamb

   

   3 posts
   
   1/4/2013 12:01 PM

   Dennis Ingram, CGCS said: Anytime you travel outside the US, even Hawaii, things are different, especially if you advertise that you may be one of those "ugly" Americans.

   
   
   I'd feel safer in Hawai'i than many other "US" cities....and they even take American money there!!
   
   [size=85">Signed, former citizen of the Kingdom of Hawai'i.[/size">

   
   
   
   
8. Dennis Ingram

   

   5 posts
   
   1/4/2013 4:01 PM

   They take American money in every country of the world! At least for the time being!!

   
   
   
   
9. Melvin Waldron

   

   43 posts
   
   1/4/2013 5:01 PM

   Dennis Ingram, CGCS said: They take American money in every country of the world! At least for the time being!!

   
   
   Of course it was many many years ago but I remember when I was in Canada, American money was preferred.
   
   Mel

   
   Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO