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HALF MOON GOLF CLUB (876-953-2560)
 The Half Moon Golf Club in Montego Bay is a 7119-yard
championship course designed by revered course architect Robert Trent Jones. Sculpted into the foothills of the western Jamaican coastline, Half Moon features
conditioning from tee to green that rivals the top courses in the Caribbean. Together with the newly redesigned Three Palms Ocean Course (formerly
the Rose Hall Course), the much acclaimed White Witch, and the world renowned Tryall Golf Club - Half Moon completes a "grand slam" of 4 to 5 star quality golf courses that is unrivaled in
the islands. These four are within a half-hour's drive from one another!
The golf course at Half Moon is an intregal component of the 400-acre resort complex that has long been recognized, as the Caribbean's most exclusive and complete resort.
 For golfers, a spacious practice facility with complimentary grass range and a huge putting green are on property, along with a David Leadbetter
Golf Academy featuring Kevyn Cunningham as the Director of Instruction. Accommodations from gleaming white cottages to elite
villas are nestled into the beautiful coastline with a mile long strand of private sand beach. Four squash courts, 13 tennis courts (9 lit),
53 fresh water pools (including an Olympic 4 lane lap pool), a full range of water sports, fitness centre (with aerobics and yoga classes), full service spa with steam and sauna, children's
playground, extensive horseback riding facility, duty free shopping, two world-class restaurants and 16 meeting rooms are just some of the facilities available at this fantastic resort.
The golf course has hosted a number of prestigious tournaments including the Jamaica Open, the Dunhill Cup Final of the Americas, and the Red Stripe Pro-Am. It hosted the 2002 MET-RX
Tournament featuring pro athletes and hollywood stars. Click here for our review of that event.
 The layout presents a nice contrast to the other three courses in the area, which can be classified from
moderately to extremely hilly. Half Moon does present some rolling fairways and gradual elevation changes, but for the most part provides wide and level landing areas.
A good shot is most often rewarded with a fair lie. Long hitters will especially love this layout, as it allows you to play your driver on most par fours and fives. Risk/reward
opportunities abound, as long, accurately placed tee shots can cut off many of the doglegs and present sufficient birdie opportunities. Few of the holes play straight, so shot-placement is a
priority. There is a great variance in holes that bend left and right, accommodating all kinds of shot shapes. And you will not be bored with the vistas, which feature\ immaculate landscaping
and gorgeous tropical foliage. An abundance of magnificent palm trees line the fairways, including a significant population of beautiful thatch palms.
The front nine is the longer of the two, (3400 yards from the whites) with the first four holes
playing downwind and allowing for a good start. Coming in, the last five holes play into a strong
prevailing Caribbean breeze. Grip it and rip it off the tee on the long par five 1st, which plays downhill all the way.
 The best approach to the generous putting surface will be from the left side
of the fairway. The par 4-second is one of the best birdie holes of the layout. A tee shot bending left to right over the fairway
sand traps will present the best approach. The par five 3rd also plays from an elevated tee, but will take three shots to reach for
all except the longest hitters. Again, a tee shot bending left to right over the trees and traps on the left side of the fairway will
put you in the best position. The green is well protected by a considerable bunker complex. The fourth is one of the most
interesting holes on the course. Those shaping their tee shot right to left will usually find an
excellent lie at the lower level of the depression. Listen to your caddie for club selection here.
 The approach must be soft and accurate, as anything deep will find the bunker behind the narrow green. Take an extra club (or two) on
number five - which is one of the prettiest par threes on the course. From here on you will be playing into the prevailing wind. A long par four is
next. Favor the left side of the fairway, and grip it and rip it.
 "You the man" (or woman) if you reach
in regulation. Though a bit shorter, the par 4 sixth is also a monster hole. The green is elevated and well-bunkered. Stay left off the tee to cut off some distance. The eighth is a
long and demanding par three into the wind. The green is slightly elevated so take enough club here. Coming in you will play the toughest hole of the front. This long par four
(462 from the tips) plays uphill and into the wind. It is also extremely tough from the whites (434 yards) so don't be shy about moving up 1 tee box for this one.
The back nine is shorter (3189 from the whites) but plays tighter than the front, with water in
 play 4 of the holes. You open with a long par five into the
wind. The shallow swale that fronts the green provides a good target for a wedge approach. The eleventh is a tricky one. A water hazard fronting the green just 10
yards out may require you to lay-up on your second shot, leaving a short wedge to the green. A small pond short right will also affect your decision to lay-up or to go for it
on your second shot. It is better to be short than long on the demanding par three 12th, as a recovery from behind the green is difficult. Bunkers front
and left, and long right protect the green. Thirteen is the last hole that plays directly into the wind.
 It is manageable from the whites (384 yards). The putting surface is quite deep, so be
sure to ask your caddie's advice here on the pin placement. After 9 straight tee shots into the prevailing wind, you will be relieved to be going in the opposite direction on fourteen.
Long hitters may cut the corner by bending one over the fairway traps on the right side. There is a lot of room on the approach. You will have to clear a narrow hazard on the
approach to the 15th green. Do so successfully and birdie is a good possibility on this mid-range par four. The last par three on the course is also the shortest.
 The sixteenth plays downwi nd with a water hazard short left and bunkers fronting both sides of the green. Cut the dogleg right on number 17, and
you could be looking at a good birdie opportunity or possible eagle on this mid-range par five. Use the wind and let it rip! The 18th is a great finishing hole. An
accurate tee shot just left of the fairway bunkers will set you up for a mid iron to a green that features a dry wash about 10
yards in front, and a formidable water hazard left. Accuracy is at a premium here.
The course set up at Half Moon is extremely interesting. Four holes downwind followed by 9 straight into the wind. If you can get off to a good start and survive the middle holes, it is
possible to end with a strong finish. Those hitting a low draw off the tee should be able to score well. Take advantage of the complimentary grass range before your round, or seek help from
Kevyn Cunningham or the excellent staff at the Leadbetter Academy. Lessons are available with appointment.
As with all golf experiences in Jamaica, look for direction from your caddie - who is experienced in providing accurate yardage information all along the course, and can also be of
assistance with club selection and in reading the greens. 100, 150 and 200 yard markers are provided for on each fairway, but you will have to ask your caddie for pin placement information
. Course guide booklets with hole descriptions and measured yardages are included in your green fee. There is much helpful information here. Bag and shoe storage (and rentals) are also
available. Locker rooms are provides, and there is an excellent outdoor bar located on property right next to the clubhouse and driving range.
Currently, Half Moon is offering special rates and packages not only for their course, but also for the other top ranked layouts in MoBay - Tryall, Three Palms and White Witch. Stay at Half
Moon and play all four courses at an incredible package rate. All are conveniently located near the resort! Call Half Moon or visit their website for details. As far as the TWO GUYS WHO
GOLF are concerned, this is a golfing and resort experience rivaling any place in the world. A truly memorable experience. Click here to visit the HALF MOON website.
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