The Jamaica Golf Association continues preparing for the prestigious 56th Jamaica Open Golf Championship, slated for Oct. 29-31 at the picturesque Tryall Golf Club in Hanover, just outside of Montego Bay.
Anticipation is high for a field that usually includes a strong representation of international professional and amateur golfers, local players, as well as several outstanding juniors.
Entries have been received from the United States, Canada, Australia, the Caribbean, and the host country.
Golfers will compete in a stroke play format of 18 holes per day across four categories:
- Professional
- Senior Professional
- Amateur
- Senior Amateur
Tryall Golf Club has a storied history, having hosted numerous international tournaments, including the Johnnie Walker Championship between 1991-1995. Winners included Fred Couples (1991 and 1995), Nick Faldo (1992), Larry Mize (1993) and Ernie Els (1994).
Technically challenging and aesthetically pleasing, Tryall is one of the finer golf courses in the Caribbean. Located on the pristine north coast of Jamaica, 14.4 miles from the tourism mecca of Montego Bay, the 6,836-yard course is the work of celebrated designer Ralph Plummer, who created something amazing with some holes bordering the sea. Tryall features undulating terrain with strategically placed bunkers, rolling fairways, and demanding greens.
The most recent winner of the Jamaica Open is pro golfer Patrick Cover of the USA. He won it in 2022 for the second time, having previously earned the top prize in 2019 – the first year at Tryall Golf Club. This year’s winner will receive $20,000, while the overall purse is over one hundred thousand US dollars.
Aqua Bay Resort returns as the presenting sponsor for the fourth consecutive year. The tournament serves to showcase its vast potential and the beauty of Jamaica. The Jamaica Tourist Board, the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Digicel Business, and the Grand Palladium Hotel also sponsor it.
Several clubs have hosted the Jamaica Open Golf Championship since its inception in 1953. They include the Constant Spring Golf Club in Kingston (Jamaica’s Capital), Caymanas Golf Club in the parish of St. Catherine, and Half Moon Golf Course in Montego Bay at the island’s Western end.
Other golf courses that always welcome tourists and locals include Upton Estate Golf & Country Club (Sandals Golf) in St. Ann and Cinnamon Hill Golf Course in Montego Bay.
This year’s Jamaica Open will also attract tremendous online attention through the contracting of sports management company Sports Innovators Group Ltd, which will provide daily coverage.
Photo Courtesy of Tryall Golf Club