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Compared
to the
St. Lucia course, Sandals Golf
and Country Club in Oho Rios,
Jamaica, is a more formidable test
characterized by narrow fairways and
minuscule, drop-off greens. A par-71
18-hole layout measuring 6,311
yards, it stretches out over a
verdant, rolling landscape with
sweeping views of sparkling sea and
mountains cloaked in dense
vegetation. While there are no major
forced carries and few fairways
bunkers, precision is key; ten holes
are flanked by out-of-bounds stakes.
Particularly vexing is the
unassuming-looking par-3 13th hole
on the course, but it packs a wallop
with its treacherously shallow green
fronted by a steep slope and backed
by a hidden bunker.
Forgot your clubs? To borrow a
favorite Jamaican saying, “No
problem, mon” full sets by Callaway
and Precept can be rented from the
well stocked golf shop, which also
features the latest styles from
Tommy Hilfiger, Greg Norman and
Gear. While browsing, be sure to
grab a yardage book for tips on how
to play the course.
“This
is a true resort course, but plenty
of trouble lurks out there,” says
head pro Ewan Peebles in his
unmistakable purr. The affable
Peebles hails from a prestigious
golf club in central Scotland. He
embodies the traditional flavor of
Sandals Golf & Country club, where
the dress code requires collared
polo shirts and the 48 caddies are
as solicitous as butlers-they’ll
even pluck ripe fruit for you from
the mango and guava trees that line
the fairways. The perfect mid-round
snack!
Indeed the great golf is enhanced by
lots of local charm just of the big
tee is a bust of reggae legend Bob
Marley, carved from a tree stump.
Behind the fourth tee is a little
coral colored schoolhouse filled
with the merry chatter of children.
And on the covered terrace of the
handsome old clubhouse, golfers
enjoy cooling libations under the
gentle whir of ceiling fans. Golf at
Sandals Golf & Country Club is
complimentary for guests at all
Sandals and Beaches Resorts on
Jamaica, including the nearby,
family-oriented Beaches Boscobel
Resort. Even youngsters get into the
game. In fact, Peebles has
established a popular junior golf
program held every Monday, Wednesday
and Friday morning. Kids even have
their own practice facility. I love
teaching young people he says. “They
are full of enthusiasm and so
receptive.”
Grown-up golfers get their special
perks, too. Every year, many loyal
Sandals and Beaches guests return to
Jamaica to participate in the
festive Sandals Cup, a three day
Couples tournament scheduled in late
September, complete with a welcome
cocktail party and beautiful prizes.
All the more reason to tee of in the
Caribbean! |
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