Peak season has arrived in Puerto Rico just as temperatures have plummeted throughout much of North America forcing many golfers to put their clubs in hibernation.
Passenger arrivals are up at airports throughout the Island, as is play at virtually all 18 courses in the biodiverse tropical paradise – a bilingual American territory where no passport is required for U.S. citizens.
Thanks to the tropical island’s 18 courses and plethora of resorts, there are golf stay-and-play packages available to suit an array of preferences throughout the balmy island, all with after-play things nearby to enjoy.
On the south coast, Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club is home to 27 holes adjacent to the ocean on one side, mountains on the other. The club’s exciting signature island green par-3 is indicative of what awaits players. Lodging options include staying next door in the Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort, where breakfast buffets, rum welcome drinks, and other items are offered.
Legendary golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez, a World Golf Hall of Fame member and island native, designed El Legado Golf Resort in Guayama near Puerto Rico’s southeastern coast. The 18-hole championship course offers lodging in the adjacent Resort Villas.
Near the capital city, San Juan, are several golf courses and resorts in the northeast including El Conquistador, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, St. Regis Bahia Beach, Grand Reserve, Rio Bayamon, and Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Several of their combined 9 courses are rated among the top 50 in the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Atlantic Islands (source: Golfweek’s Best, 2023).
Wyndham Grand Palmas Resort has two courses designed by Rees Jones (Flamboyán) and Gary Player (Palm) in Humacao. The popular town has long drawn residents and visitors for its beautiful setting, restaurants, beaches, and marinas.
In northwestern Puerto Rico lies Royal Isabela, a boutique resort with luxe casitas, private plunge pools overlooking the ocean, farm-to-table restaurant, and a golf course sitting atop 150-foot-high cliffs. Just down the road is Punta Borinquen, a municipal style golf club with a glorious “old bones” routing dating back to 1940, with ocean views from every hole.
Cabo Rojo is where Club Deportivo del Oeste and its 18 holes welcome players near the island’s west coast. The region is known for its waves and has hosted multiple world surfing championships.
Complementing Puerto Rico’s golf destination are its history, food, culture, beaches, casinos, vibrant arts scene, rainforest, bioluminescent bays, and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere.
