The continued success of Sandals golf tournaments and the island’s captivating tourist attractions have sparked a surge in interest, drawing visitors to this sought-after destination. Two companies have already secured hotel rooms at Sandals to capitalise on the golfing opportunities, underscoring the island’s growing reputation as a premier golfing hub.

For next year, Travel with Awestruck from California has reserved 40 rooms for next year to host its own golf tournament in partnership with Sandals and California PGA. This event promises to attract more golf enthusiasts and solidify the island’s status as a top golfing destination.

Meanwhile, Bethany Travel out of Delaware has also booked 40 rooms for a week-long stay next month. Their guests will have the chance to enjoy the island’s beautiful hotels and golf courses, experiencing the best of what the destination has to offer.

Alexis Berlin, chief growth officer of travel with Awestruck, beamed with excitement as she shared the news about her company’s latest venture.

“It’s really exciting. We have a partnership with California PGA, and next year, we’re planning to host a Pro Am tournament down here in Jamaica. We definitely see a huge opportunity down here in the Caribbean and in Jamaica,” Berlin told the Jamaica Observer during the award ceremony of the 21st staging of the US Travel Advisors Golf Tournament held in the Ballroom at Sandals Ochi Resort on September 13, 2025.

One of the beauties of Jamaica, according to Berlin, lies in its broad appeal.

“It appeals to both golfers and non-golfers alike. Think of a trip where one spouse golfs and the other spouse doesn’t golf; they still can both come down here. The spouse who golfs can play a couple of different rounds, while the other can enjoy other wonderful things Jamaica and the Caribbean have to offer, like incredible beaches, spas, and exploring the island,” she explained.

With the event scheduled for October 2026, specifically targeting mid-October, Berlin and her team are finalising the details.

“We’re really excited about it. For us, it’s a great way to build our leisure business, build relationships, and continue to support tourism here in the region,” Berlin noted.

The partnership with Sandals and Northern California PGA will bring professional golfers from California to Jamaica, along with some amateur players. Berlin said that these visitors will stay at one of Sandals’ wonderful properties and play multiple rounds of golf at various courses across the island, including those outside the Sandals course.

“We feel really good about it. So the intent is to get some pro golfers from California to come down here, to bring some amateurs they usually played with will stay at one of Sandals wonderful properties, and then we are talking to a couple of the different courses ran here in Jamaica outside of the Sandals course to get some guys down here to play some golf, couple of rounds,” Berlin concluded.

Brandon Kendrick, travel agent and business development manager at Bethany Travel, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm for Jamaica.

“I think the reason why we booked so many rooms is my personal love for the island of Jamaica. The people of Jamaica, I really love. I’ve visited multiple islands before, and I still do, but I always seem to come back to Jamaica,” Kendrick told the Observer.

For Kendrick, Sandals Dunn’s River is a standout destination.

“I absolutely love the resort, and my clients are going to love it. The clients we’ve sent to Sandals Dunn’s River have absolutely loved it and want to come back because of their experience at the resort and the people there,” he said.

Kendrick attributes the success of their partnership with Sandals to the resort’s exceptional service and luxury experience.

“You can’t beat their resorts — it’s a luxury experience with top-of-the-line furniture, bedding, and staff. For us, Sandals is the best. Sandals is top-notch. The golfing here is fantastic. I played a lot of golf back home, and this is very similar to what we play back home. I think our clients are going to love it,” he said.

With the complimentary golf experience, including green fields, Kendrick believes it’s a no-brainer for his clients.

“Golf is secondary or even primary for some people, but to know that you can go to a Sandals and have a complimentary golf experience with green fees included – that’s a no-brainer, said Kendrick, who added that his group will be staying at Sandals Dunn’s River for seven days in November, and is confident that they’ll have an unforgettable experience.

KENDRICK… I’ve visited multiple islands before, and I still do, but I always seem to come back to Jamaica Ruddy Allen

BERLIN…we have a partnership with California PGA, and next year, we’re planning to host a Pro Am tournament down here in Jamaica Ruddy Allen

Ro Gallo (centre) of Team #9 collects her Longest Drive For Women award from Jake Coldiron (left), Sandals national sales manager of golf, and Gary Sadler ( right), executive vice-president of sales and industry relations at Unique Vacations, at the presentation ceremony of the 21st US Travel Advisors Golf Tournament held in the ballroom at Sandals Ochi Resort on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Sandals