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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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