Golf Escapes 2009 - (Page 72) RosE HALL, JAmAICA Three holes by the Caribbean on Cinnamon Hills play near an old plantation aqueduct. Cinnamon Hill Golf Course Rose Hall, Jamaica Don’t forget your camera when you play this Oceanside beauty. innamon Hill Golf Course is adjacent to the White Witch, and also designed by Robert von Hagge. This fun, unique layout takes full advantage of an amazing swathe of land that runs from the mountain foothills down to the beach and back up to the hills. Three holes on the front nine play along the Caribbean Sea near the old plantation aqueduct. The par-4 5th and par-3 6th holes are right on the beach, and bring the water and wind into Russell kiRk C play. The 5th plays downhill, but into the prevailing ocean breezes, and you’ll not soon forget the sight of your shots soaring out toward the deep blue water. The 5th green sits right on the beach, close enough to hear the waves crashing, spy several sunbathers and smell the jerk pit. The 6th hole has a tee box that juts out into the sea – it’s the northernmost point of the island, in fact – and you have to carry the water to hit the right side of the green. The back nine winds through dense jungle foliage, including a waterfall that was seen in the James Bond film, Live and Let Die, Johnny Cash’s family home on the 14th hole and more plantation ruins. The 17th hole is a wicked 530-yard par 5 that is aptly named The Ruins. The name of the hole is exactly what will happen to your score if you don’t navigate the natural ravine that comes into play on all three shots. Be sure to bring your camera out when you play Cinnamon Hill. FACTFILE Cool puttings In the 18th century Cinnamon Hill was a 400-acre sugar plantation. Today it is one of the most spectacular golf courses in the world. This course truly epitomises the natural beauty of Jamaica. The ocean and mountain vistas here are breathtaking, and trade winds keep the action cool from the fairways to the putting greens. The landscape here is quite dramatic with lush, green valleys, blue Caribbean Sea, and a spectacular coastline where, on the front nine, players are close enough to the ocean to feel the sea spray on their faces. Experienced caddies are available for advice on the course layout and the fast greens. Golf Digest has rated Cinnamon Hill as one of the top three courses in the Caribbean. While the course is familiar to movie-goers for its James Bond connection, there is nothing like coming to experience the uniqueness of Cinnamon Hill first-hand. You can then savour all the history that is wrapped up in this course for yourself. Russell kiRk Cinnamon Hill’s course runs from the sea up to mountain foothills. 72 Golf ESCAPES 2009
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