Perched atop the hauntingly beautiful hills of Rose Hall in Montego Bay, White Witch Golf Course delivers a golf experience that is both visually stunning and emotionally stirring. Designed by the acclaimed team of Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril, this spectacular 18-hole, par-71 course opened in 2000, immediately earning its place among the Caribbean’s elite golfing destinations. Stretching across 6,758 yards, it’s a masterful blend of strategic design, historical ambiance, and dramatic topography that few courses anywhere in the world can match.
White Witch Golf Course
Set on over 600 acres of former sugar plantation lands, the course meanders through rolling hills, lush tropical vegetation, and limestone outcroppings. With 16 of the 18 holes offering panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, every swing is accompanied by the kind of coastal beauty that turns a round into a memory. Elevated tees, ravine-crossing fairways, steep elevation changes, and trade winds that shift from hole to hole all add to the complexity, and the thrill, of playing here.
From the very first tee, the course sets the tone. The opening hole, a formidable par-5, plunges dramatically downhill before climbing steeply to a green nestled behind carefully placed bunkers. It's a hole that immediately demands power, placement, and control. Then there’s the unforgettable 14th hole, a picturesque par-3 that plays across water to a narrow, exposed green, with an endless sea backdrop that can distract even the steadiest hand.
History
But what truly sets White Witch apart is its deep connection to Jamaican legend. The course takes its name from Annie Palmer, the infamous “White Witch of Rose Hall,” whose mythic presence is said to linger in the halls of the Rose Hall Great House nearby. Stories of her ghostly figure wandering the plantation grounds add a layer of mystique that enhances the experience in unexpected ways. Along the course, one encounters remnants of plantation ruins, ancient grave sites, and historical architecture that whisper tales of a past both fascinating and dark.
White Witch closed temporarily during the pandemic but has since undergone a careful restoration. Greens and fairways have been revitalized, and the clubhouse and amenities have received upgrades that respect the course’s unique character. Today, it operates on a seasonal basis, responding to both demand and the natural conditions that define play here.
For serious golfers, White Witch is far more than a test of skill. It is an immersive journey through a landscape filled with natural wonder, historical depth, and unforgettable beauty. The course rewards courage and creativity, challenging each player to think strategically and play boldly. Few places offer the opportunity to confront such raw elevation shifts, coastal gusts, and storied terrain in a single round.
For those seeking more than just another day on the greens, White Witch offers a transcendent experience — a compelling fusion of sport, scenery, and legend that lingers long after the final putt.