Jamaica Golf Course Renovations to Watch in 2026
Jamaica's golf is concentrated on the Montego Bay coast, and its custodians are tending it with care. A thoughtful refinement at Half Moon leads a quiet trend of preservation across the island's resort courses in 2026. Here is what is changing and what it means for visiting golfers.
The headline: a careful hand at Half Moon
The most instructive recent project on the island is the refinement of the Half Moon golf course near Montego Bay. Rather than a wholesale redesign, the work expanded several greens, removed non native trees and renovated bunkers, all while preserving the original character of the course, the goal being contemporary playability without losing the heritage that makes the layout special. It is restoration in spirit, the unglamorous, intelligent kind of work that keeps a mature resort course playing as it should.
That instinct sets the tone for Jamaican golf in 2026. This is a small, coastal golf scene whose value lies in its setting and its pedigree, so the smart money goes into condition, presentation and guest experience rather than dramatic new architecture. For travelling golfers the message is reassuring: the island's courses are being maintained and gently improved rather than left to drift.
The wider picture
The heart of Jamaican golf is the Rose Hall estate east of Montego Bay, home to two contrasting courses from the design team of Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril. The White Witch climbs into the hills above the coast for dramatic elevation and long sea views, while Cinnamon Hill blends holes along the shore with others that run up into the tropical interior. Together they give the Montego Bay coast a genuine golf double act, the anchor of most Jamaican golf trips.
West of the bay, the long established Tryall Club remains the island's championship pedigree course, a seaside layout that has hosted professional events and underwent significant investment in the past. The pattern across all of these clubs is consistent: Jamaica is not building new courses so much as protecting and presenting the handful of very good ones it already has.
What it means for your trip
For a 2026 Jamaican golf trip the plan is straightforward: base on the Montego Bay coast, where the two Rose Hall courses, Half Moon and Tryall are all within a short drive, giving you several days of varied resort golf without moving hotels. Most play is arranged through a resort stay, so build the trip around where you want to be, and pair the golf easily with beaches, the famous all inclusive resorts and the laid back pace the island is known for.
The Caribbean season favours the cooler, drier months of roughly December to April for the most comfortable golf and the most reliable conditions, though play continues year round. Green fees at the resort courses are premium and seasonal, so always confirm current rates directly before booking, and check tee availability around peak winter weeks when the Montego Bay resorts are busiest.
Our take
Jamaica understands that its golf is a complement to a wonderful holiday, not the whole of it, and it tends its courses accordingly. The careful work at Half Moon, expanding greens and clearing non native trees while keeping the course's character, is exactly the right approach for a mature resort layout. Pair the two Rose Hall courses with Half Moon and Tryall for a relaxed, scenic few days on the Montego Bay coast, travel in the drier winter months, and confirm rates and tee times before you commit.
Plan your Jamaican golf trip
From the two Rose Hall courses and Half Moon to the championship pedigree of Tryall on the Montego Bay coast, tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge builds and costs the trip, with no obligation.
Questions
What was renovated at Half Moon in Jamaica?
The refinement expanded several greens, removed non native trees and renovated bunkers, all while preserving the course's original character, the aim being contemporary playability without losing the heritage of the layout.
Which are the best golf courses in Jamaica?
The Rose Hall estate near Montego Bay leads the way with the hillside White Witch and the coastal Cinnamon Hill, both von Hagge and Baril designs, alongside Half Moon and the championship pedigree of Tryall to the west.
When is the best time to play golf in Jamaica?
The drier, cooler months of roughly December to April are most comfortable for golf, though play continues year round. Confirm green fees and tee times directly before booking, especially in peak winter weeks.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Course details verified June 2026 from resort and industry sources; fees and conditions change, so always confirm directly. Last reviewed June 2026.