Super Value in Jamaica

March 12, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

Super Clubs Jamaica

Over the years, I’ve had the good fortune to play a few of Jamaica’s top courses, not the least of which is the wicked White Witch layout near Montego Bay and Cinnamon Hill, a delightful course for all levels with several seaside holes near the Rose Hall Resort.

The warm temperatures and cooling trade wins of Jamaica are enough to entice any golfer back, especially in the midst of winter, so it was a no-brainer to try something new at the all inclusive SuperClubs resorts that dot the island. Golf is part of that all-inclusive deal at many of the SuperClubs resorts, where the only cost you will incur is a caddie fee plus tip and charges for club rental or cart, depending on your needs.

You don’t have to reach into your pocket for green fees at Breezes Grand Resort and Spa Negril or over on the other side of the island at Breezes Rio Bueno in Trelawny, or just up the road at Breezes Runaway Bay.

Golf is also available at the adult Hedonism III close to Breezes Runaway Bay, as well as other Breezes resorts in the Bahamas, Curacao and Brazil for an additional charge.

Back on Jamaica, SuperClubs offers three 18-hole layouts and a nine-hole executive layout that may not measure up to high-end courses on the island, but still offer a good day of golf made that much better by the lack of a green fee.

Newcomers to the game and occasional golfers will also enjoy the SuperClubs courses, depending on their choice of tees, and even if they prefer not to play, there are plenty of activities back at the resort that are also part of the all-inclusive package.

Certainly, one golf outing even neophytes will enjoy is the nine-hole Village Green executive course in front of Breezes Rio Bueno.

With eight par threes, the Village Green’s longest hole is 252 yards from the blue tees and wraps around water that can come into play with an errant tee shot. The Village Green is a test of wedges for the more experienced player and a non-threatening hour or so for newcomers to the game.

The tougher test comes when you take on the showpiece SuperClubs Golf Club at Runaway Bay, a par 72 parkland course that opened in 1960. Also on the grounds is the Golf Academy at Breezes Runaway Bay, which is also open to guests of SuperClubs resorts for practice or a lesson.

The academy also offers practice greens, a multi-bay driving range and video program, while Canadian PGA or PGA of America members often visit to serve as guest instructors, along with the resident teaching staff. The wind was calm the day I played, but the locals say it is often gusting to make its 6,870 yards seem even longer on a course that can also be played from more forward tees to make it an enjoyable experience for high handicappers, as well.

There’s a touch of home at SuperClubs Montego Bay at Ironshore, a course designed in 1972 by Canadian Robert Moote, a par-72 that stretches to 6,633 yards and features a recently renovated clubhouse. Although it was the roughest of the three 18-hole courses played on this trip, it has potential if planned improvements are made.

The round at Ironshore was played on moving day from Breezes Rio Bueno to Breezes Grand Negril, where the nearby Negril Hills Country Club is a hilly rollercoaster that definitely requires a cart for all but the most fit golfers on this lush, green layout that plays to 6,333 yards.

In this economy, a common lament among golfers is the lack of affordable golf courses, even in Canada, but SuperClubs courses offer a muni-type of experience without the bells and whistles of other more well known courses in Jamaica. The bottom line is you can’t beat the price on its all-inclusive packages, nor do you need to reach into your pocket for other activities that are perfect for après golf or those who don’t play.

With drinks, snacks, meals, watersports and other activities taken care of, the scene is set for fun or just sacking out on the beach before or after the golf course beckons. It won’t just be golf providing the lasting memories.