Golfers cannot live by the game alone which is why Puerto Rico provides the perfect combination of on- and off-course options for travel lovers. From courses where professionals tee it up and an array of 18 diverse yet complementary playing venues, to concerts, cuisine, nightlife, festivals, art galleries, sporting events, and bio-diverse natural wonders, the Island abounds with things to see and do.
Pairing golf with Island activities makes for fulfilling experiences in the game and through the culture. Play any of the golf courses located near San Juan by day – at Rio Mar, Grand Reserve, Bahia Beach, Dorado Beach, and Rio Bayamon – then enjoy an array of musical performances at night in Coca-Cola Music Hall and Coliseum of Puerto Rico (“Coliseo”). Reggaetón, Salsa, and Bomba are popular and in some cases historic genres in the Island. There are weekly events showcasing these music styles throughout the Island which, along with many other activities, you can browse here.
For those visiting Puerto Rico’s sun-kissed West Coast, play golf at Royal Isabela, Punta Borinquen, or Deportivo del Oeste. Then spend time at beaches where the crashing waves are so good that many World Surfing Championships have been held there near Rincón, Isabela, and Aguadilla. Make sure to visit the town of Rincón for its Gallery Night every Thursday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm now through December 25. There are 60 exhibitors, artisans, and live music setting the festive vibe.
When down South, visit Ponce – “La Perla del Sur” (the Pearl of the South) – the second-largest city after San Juan. Shopping aficionados will appreciate Plaza del Caribe. The mall has six theaters, more than 100 shops, and an extensive restaurant area with a wide variety of local and international offerings. For golf and gaming action, play Costa Caribe with its island green par-3 as signature hole, then go next door to the casino resort and try your luck there. Like golf, culture, and bio-diversity, casinos are found throughout Puerto Rico including at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar’s 36-hole golf resort.
Not far from Ponce, El Legado Golf Course in Guayama has a Chi Chi Rodriguez designed 18-hole layout. Before or after teeing it up on the World Golf Hall of Fame member’s course design, enjoy superb food and drinks at the golf club’s wonderful restaurant.
Puerto Rico’s East Coast is home to two courses at Palmas Athletic Club in Humacao (Palm and Flamboyan) – designed by Gary Player and Rees Jones, respectively – and an Arthur Hills-authored layout at El Conquistador in Farjado. All three have been recognized for being among the best courses in the Caribbean. “El Con” guests can take a ferry to private Palomino Island, where a restaurant, beach sports, lounge chairs, a merchandise shop and more await guests of the iconic resort. National parks, nature and wildlife areas, and yacht-chartered day trips beckon for visitors in Humacao.
Island courses range from luxury resort to municipal, spread throughout Puerto Rico with several clustered near historic San Juan. Oceanside views, coconut trees, and mountain and rainforest vistas frame their settings. Price points, terrain, layout style, and related amenities are varied and complementary.
Traveling to the Island is convenient with many choices as it is the air hub of the Caribbean. Further traveler friendliness is found in Puerto Rico’s bilingual culture, U.S. currency, and no passport required for American citizens.
For more information on the Island, visit DiscoverPuertoRico.com
