Caymanas Golf & Country Club is one of Jamaica’s most treasured golfing destinations. Tucked into the scenic foothills of St. Catherine, this historic course is a masterclass in timeless design, natural integration, and community legacy. Since its opening in 1958, Caymanas has earned its place as a cornerstone of Jamaican golf, offering a scenic course, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, board room and event facilities.
Caymanas Golf & Country Club
Canadian architect Howard Watson, known for his ability to shape courses in harmony with the natural terrain, originally laid out Caymanas across what was once a working pineapple plantation. Decades later, the course has matured beautifully, with towering trees, rolling hills, and a canopy of greenery that provides both shade and strategic complexity. The design invites players to engage fully with the landscape—from elevated tee shots that frame expansive valley views, to narrow fairways carved between mature groves where accuracy reigns supreme.
Features
Caymanas plays as a par 72 course and stretches to approximately 6,844 yards from the back tees. It’s a layout that doesn’t just test power, it requires thoughtful navigation, creative shot shaping, and confident putting. Elevated tees offer thrilling sightlines, while well-positioned bunkers and deceptive green contours demand calculated risk and strong short-game skills. Some holes are exposed and wind-swept; others are nestled into the hills, providing a secluded feel that immerses the golfer in nature.
Yet what sets Caymanas apart is more than just the scorecard, it’s the soul of the place. During the golden era of the 1960s and 70s, Caymanas wasn't simply a golf course; it was a social hub, a weekend retreat where the game met camaraderie. Families gathered, tournaments flourished, and the club’s lively atmosphere brought together golfers from all walks of life. That spirit remains today, creating an experience that feels both refined and welcoming.
History
The club’s competitive legacy is equally impressive. Over the years, Caymanas has hosted some of Jamaica’s most prestigious tournaments, including the Jamaica Open, Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships, and numerous local and regional events. These competitions have helped shape the reputation of the course as one of the country’s most respected venues for championship-level play.
Appeal
For international golfers, Caymanas offers a refreshing alternative to resort-based golf. Its proximity to the capital makes it easy to reach, while the serene setting provides a peaceful escape from the city. There are no ocean views or coastal distractions here, only the purity of a well-designed inland course that celebrates its natural contours, traditional layout, and cultural significance.
Golfers looking to experience the authentic side of Jamaican golf will find Caymanas to be both challenging and charming. From the moment you step onto the first tee, there’s a sense of tradition that echoes through the trees and fairways, a reminder that this isn’t just a course to play, but a place to connect with the history and heart of Jamaican golf.