Looking for a golf destination that delivers more than just the 18th green? Puerto Rico offers the full experience — on the course and well beyond it.
Key Takeaways
- A choice of 18 golf courses island-wide, ranging from resort layouts to more local, characterful tracks
- Easy to pair golf with music, art, beaches, nature, and cultural events
- Well-connected flight routes via Europe and the US, with English widely spoken on the island
- A relaxed but vibrant atmosphere that feels authentic, not over-curated for tourists
Discover Puerto Rico: A Caribbean Island for Great Golf Trips and So Much More
There’s a certain appeal to a golf trip that doesn’t just revolve around scorecards. In Puerto Rico, the game is only part of the story.
This is a place where you can play your round, then spend the evening at a gallery walk or a live salsa set — or simply sit by the sea with something cold and local in hand.
With 18 courses spread across the island, golfers have plenty of choice.
Just outside the capital, San Juan, you’ll find several notable tracks: Dorado Beach, Bahia Beach, Rio Mar, Grand Reserve, and Rio Bayamon.
These offer everything from manicured resort conditions to more open, accessible layouts — many with views over rainforest hills or Atlantic surf.
By night, the city comes alive with an array of musical performances at venues like the Coca-Cola Music Hall.
Historic musical styles like Salsa and Bomba can be enjoyed at weekly events, offering an authentic taste of the island’s vibrant culture.
The West Coast: Links and Surf
Over on the west coast, Royal Isabela, Punta Borinquen, and Deportivo del Oeste sit near some of the island’s most scenic beaches.
This stretch has a slower pace and a less commercial feel.
In Rincón, Thursday nights see the streets fill with stalls, music, and artwork during Gallery Night — a genuinely local event that welcomes visitors but doesn’t feel staged.
Southern Charm: Ponce and Beyond
Further south, Ponce — the island’s second city — is known for its architecture and laid-back charm.
At Costa Caribe, golfers can tackle a rare island green par-three, then head next door to the casino resort or explore the town’s lively shopping and food spots.
Just outside Ponce, in Guayama, the El Legado course was designed by Chi Chi Rodriguez and is a popular spot not only for its golf but also its clubhouse restaurant — well regarded by locals.
The East Coast: Resorts and Nature
On the east coast, Palmas del Mar in Humacao has two well-regarded courses, one by Gary Player, the other by Rees Jones.
Nearby, El Conquistador in Fajardo offers another excellent layout, this time designed by Arthur Hills, plus access to Palomino Island — a private beach area for resort guests.
For those looking to do more than play, there are nature reserves, walking routes, and yacht day trips nearby.
Unlike many long-haul golf destinations, Puerto Rico combines ease with interest.
Most travellers from the UK will connect via a European or US hub, but once you arrive, the distances are short, the infrastructure is good, and the island is straightforward to navigate.
English is widely spoken, and there’s a bilingual, welcoming feel in most towns and resorts.
Puerto Rico may not yet be at the top of the list for travelling UK golfers, but for those willing to go a little further, it offers a mix of good golf and meaningful travel.
It’s not just about the course you’re playing — it’s about what happens after the final putt drops.
To learn more or plan your visit, go to DiscoverPuertoRico.com.
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