Sandals Golf & Country Club
Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Jamaica offers a wide array of fine golf course, but none compares to the magnificent Sandals Golf & Country Club.  Generally regarded as the most elite course in Jamaica, Sandals Golf & Country Club offers the challenges of a par 71, 18 hole course. 

Fact Sheet

This popular 6500-yard course, highly regarded for its beautiful scenery and comfortable playing conditions 700 feet above the sea, is located just 15 minutes from Ocho Rios. The course, an 18 hole, par 71, designed by P. K. Saunders was opened in 1951 as the Upton Golf Club. Rolling terrain, lush vegetation, and magnificent flowering and fruit trees dominate the 120 acre layout. A putting green and driving range are available for those who wish to hone their skills before challenging the course.

The USGA course and slope ratings are as follows:

1999 Rates

*Caddies are mandatory. Golfers who wish to walk must have a caddy per person. However, when guests rent a cart, (two persons per cart), one caddy will walk alongside. Caddies are there to give helpful hints and information on the course.

All Prices quoted in US$ and are subject to change.

Local Phone Number:    876-975-0119
Local FAX Number:       876-975-0180

Braco Also Has a Course that is very inexpensive about 20mins away.

JAMAICA GOLF ASSOCIATION...the beginning

He proposed to form a Golf Union or Association that would have the legal authority to rule the clubs and settle any disputes that might arise.   Golf in those times, was administered by the Jamaica Lawn Tennis Association.

 "The object of this scheme, in my view, is to induce more interest in golf in Jamaica and to raise the standard of play by improving local courses.   Golf is  growing in popularity every day throughout the world.   Why should Jamaica lag behind?" was Captain Boak's comment when questioned about his bold idea. 

On June 24, 1925 golfers representing all the clubs met at the South Camp Road Hotel for the specific purpose of forming a Golf Union.   With all the secretaries in agreement and with the representative from the Tourist Trade Development Board, Mr Philip Olley, lauding the scheme as "something that would suit admirably the sort of people who came to the island to rest", there was a unanimous vote in favour of the Golf Union and the next official meeting was set for July 29th at 3:30 p.m. at the Hotel.

On that date, which marked the second meeting of the Association, Officers and committee members were elected.

The first Jamaica Golf Association Officers and Committee Members were as follow:    PRESIDENT - Dr. G.C. Strathairn from Constant Spring HONORARY SECRETARY & TREASURER - Captain Boak COMMITTEE MEMBERS  - John Findlay - Constant Spring, Thomas Kemp, Lee Wright - Mandeville Club, Captain P.M. Cooper, Inspector W.P.C. Adam - Montego Bay Club and Claude Roper, H.V. Alexander - Moneague Club.

The PRESENT.......

Today the Jamaica Golf Association (JGA) is a non-profit  organization comprised of individual golfing members and golf clubs in Jamaica. The Constitution provides for an annually elected Executive Committee comprised of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Ladies Chairperson and Five Committee Members. The Executive Committee meets monthly to set policy, develop plans and generally administer the affairs of the Association. Day to day operations are carried out by a Secretariat staffed by an Administrative Assistant and a Public Relations Officer.

The Jamaica Golf Association is the recognized governing body for amateur golf in Jamaica and as such, is affiliated to the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA). The R&A and the USGA jointly represent the world governing body for golf and are responsible for the rules of the game. The JGA is also a member of the Caribbean Golf Association, along with nine (9) regional national associations. The CGA has a membership of Eight to Ten Thousand (8,000-10,000) individuals throughout the Caribbean.

Individual membership runs generally around Seven Hundred & Fifty (750) amateur golfers and some nine (9) member clubs. The Association's functions embrace many areas including organizing and staging some 12 to 15 tournaments per year, many of which are used for qualifying players seeking selection to national teams. Other areas overseen by sub-committees include Junior Golf, Ladies Golf, Finance and Sponsorship, Development and Training, Caribbean Golf Association events, Member Services, Constitution/Rules/Discipline, and Public Relations.

The Association faces many challenges as we approach the new millennium, not least of which is encouraging increased participation in the sport by the broader population. Throughout the world, golf has seen tremendous growth in the past twenty-five (25) years, with immense interest and dedication shown by women, the youth and minorities in the last 5-10 years, particularly. Not surprising, therefore, the JGA is working diligently in association with other development organizations to establish a National Golf Academy and a Public Driving Range in Kingston, which will allow easy access to the game for everyone. The dogma of elitism and sport for the rich and elderly is steadily disappearing from the game in many countries and, Jamaica, we believe is not far behind. Already, we see many young people from pre-teen to late teens taking up the game and it may only be a matter of time before one of our young golfers emerges on the world scene.

The Jamaica Golf Association is therefore very keen on taking the sport to the people as the benefits are many and significant for developing a better society. Golf as a recreation, teaches discipline, honesty, integrity and the virtues of dedication and hard work for success. As an attraction for tourists, the potential is enormous as facilities worldwide are inadequate to service the rapidly accelerating demand. We have the basic ingredients for becoming an excellent golfing destination, but we need to recognize the potential to appreciate the economic benefits that can accrue to Jamaica.

The Jamaica Golf Association intends to be in the forefront of the drive to develop the game of golf for a better Jamaica.

http://www.jamaicagolfassociation.com