At first glance, golfers might overlook this particular Sandals destination given the island’s most famous courses to the west; however, memorable rounds of golf can still be had much closer to Ocho Rios, the former fishing village turned tourism center on the island’s north central coast.

At Upton Estate Golf & Country Club, a 6,400-yard course meanders across a parcel of land set high in the hills overlooking that former fishing village—land that decades ago was home to fruit orchards. It takes only a few holes of play to recognize the course’s charm. Given its location; its tiny, undulating greens; and a routing that was clearly chosen to take advantage of the site’s natural topography, this PK Saunders design feels like the golf course that time forgot. In this particular circumstance, that’s not a bad thing, either.

At various points throughout a round, the course draws a resemblance to classic Donald Ross routings that were built all across New England during the 1920s and ’30s. In particular, fans of Golden Age golf architecture will take pleasure hitting their mostly blind approach shots to the uphill green on the 10th hole. They’ll thoroughly enjoy the challenge of the 148-yard, par-3 13th, with its green perched at the peak of a steep hill and flanked by two shallow bunkers. And the short, potentially drivable par-4 17th hole will delight those who appreciate a cleverly routed hole that embraces the nature of risk versus reward.

Beyond those notable architectural features, the course is a welcoming spot for high-handicappers, newcomers to the game, and those whose lateral accuracy may best be described as “a work in progress.” The playing corridors are fairly wide, several holes run parallel to one another, and the few water hazards on the course don’t necessarily require forced carries. When added together, those characteristics make it unlikely that players will lose many golf balls.

“I love that it can cater to all different types of golfers,” the club’s director of golf operations, Jonathan Newnham, says of the course. “There are minimal hazards off the tee, so it’s beginner friendly, but then it has the challenge of very small greens, so it’s target practice for the better player.

“Over the past few years, we’ve focused on improving the golf course and the clubhouse facilities,” he continues. “The course’s conditions have drastically improved, and we’ve invested heavily to bring the feeling of Sandals luxury to Upton Estate Golf & Country Club.”

Sandals guests enjoy complimentary greens fees at Upton Estate Golf & Country Club, though fees for golf carts and caddies still apply. The latter expense, however, can often be one well-spent, as guests might find themselves paired with a weathered looper who’s covered those grounds for 20 years or more. Those caddies will regale you with anecdotes and insights about ancient trees on the property, and—with thick Jamaican accents—they’ll inject an authenticity to the round that will constantly remind you of just where you are.

As Newnham proudly declares, “We’re excited to welcome guests and to show them what really makes Upton special: our people.”