Why I'm Heading to Jamaica
Honoring my grandfather's legacy with the first island sports retreat
Whatsup Squad,
Sport is a universal language, which makes it a great way to explore new cultures.
And as easy as that is to do in America and mature sports markets, that’s not the case in the Caribbean.
But it should be.
From Bob Marley to My Grandfather — the Spirit of Jamaican Sports
Usain Bolt is Jamaica’s most famous athlete, but Bob Marley’s love for soccer football is a better indication of how deeply sports is woven into Jamaican culture.
Even on tour, the ball always came with him.
It was his second passion after music.
"If you want to get to know me, you will have to play football against me and the Wailers."
- Bob Marley
While in Jamaica between tours, Bob played nearly everyday with whoever came by his home in Kingston.
Football and track and field have always been popular in Jamaica, but there’s another popular sport that may come as a surprise: table tennis.
Since the late 1950s, table tennis has been one of the most popular sports to play, and Jamaicans dominated the Caribbean region.
My grandfather, Ken McLachlan, was deeply involved in the development of the sport.
He not only represented the national team as a player, but also as an administrator.
'Mr Mac' or ‘Uncle Ken’, as he was affectionately called, served as president of the Jamaica Table Tennis Association in the 1990s.
Before that, he was chairman of the selection committee, touring the world with numerous national teams.
And his influence wasn’t limited to table tennis, he was a well-known figure and betting supervisor at Caymanas Park — Jamaica’s only race track.
Just as my grandfather dedicated his life to the development of the Jamaican sports ecosystem, I too am dedicated to this same mission.
Carrying the Torch
I grew up going to Jamaica every year, and I’m excited to return with the BACKCOURT Squad!
Jamaica has made strides in developing its athletes and sports culture, but there is still work to be done to reap the economic benefits of the thriving sports industry.
Rather than wait for someone to fix the problem, I am determined to build the solution.
Reggae music and jerk chicken have made Jamaican culture famous worldwide, and the BACKCOURT Island Sports Retreat will position Jamaica as a premier sports destination.
Designed for sports enthusiasts and active travelers, this all-inclusive experience will showcase Jamaican culture in a new light.
BACKCOURT Island Sports Retreat
Book your flight, and we’ll take care of the rest.
From November 14-18, our home base will be Jamaica’s 400-acre luxury resort — Half Moon.
Just 15 minutes from Sangster International Airport, Half Moon is one of the Caribbean’s most iconic destinations.
The property features two miles of private beachfront, an award-winning 18-hole golf course, and extensive recreational facilities.
Whether I’m at home or on the road, I’m always looking for ways to stay active. On this retreat, we won’t have to go far.
And as its become a new passion of mine, we will have the opportunity to play Half Moon’s beautiful golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Known by many as the father of modern golf course architecture, Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed more than 500 golf courses in 45 U.S. states and 35 countries.
His designs include:
The putting green at the White House
Two holes at Augusta National (host of the Masters)
A private course for the Rockefeller family
If golf isn’t your thing, you can get shots up on the basketball court, or take a swing on one of the nine tennis courts or eight pickleball courts.
With options to participate in as many or as few activities as you like, the retreat allows you to choose your own adventure.
Outside of sports, we’ll have the chance to enjoy authentic Jamaican cuisine, embark on a local rum tour, and explore the island’s vibrant nightlife.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’ve been to Jamaica before or have never stepped foot on the island, this retreat offers a unique blend of sports and culture.
And just as my grandfather’s tours with the national table tennis team helped develop the sport in Jamaica, this retreat will develop sports tourism on the island.
BACKCOURT is at the forefront of Caribbean sports tourism, and I hope you can join us on this journey.
Pricing for the retreat starts at $2400 per person, with a 20% discount for paid subscribers.
Spots are limited, so check out the full retreat breakdown here and reserve your spot!
Until next time ✌🏾