Puerto Rico is a vibrant, exciting city with a fascinating culture. Between the stunning natural features, delectable cuisine, and rich history, almost everyone will find something to delight in here! And if you’re already planning your Puerto Rico golf trip, you already know that it’s also a lovely golfing destination.
Between the wonderful weather and the scenery, golf can be an attractive activity here, even for those who don’t usually play! If you’re thinking of booking a vacation that includes golf, here are our top tips for planning the golfing trip of a lifetime in the Golf Capital of the Caribbean.
Preparation
Planning your trip needs to start quite a bit in advance if you want things to flow smoothly! Here’s what you should be considering at least a few months in advance.
Timing
Summer weather is hot in Puerto Rico! To avoid getting sunburnt and dehydrated on the course, you may want to opt for early spring or later fall instead, although winter still works really nicely.
If you don’t mind the heat and you’re prepared to take precautions outdoors, it’s good to know that summer usually comes with lower prices and fewer tourists. But you will definitely need to be vigilant with your sunscreen, wear a hat, and make sure you’re well-hydrated at all times.
Whenever you choose to go, you’ll get better flight rates by booking about two months in advance. If you’re going as a group, you may be able to get a bulk discount as well.
Packing
Pack for the weather. Don’t forget that there’s still a dress code at most golf clubs though, so you’ll need to take your golf shoes and appropriate golfing attire.
It’s up to you whether you take your own golf clubs with you or rent a set, but if you want to take yours, you’ll need to find out about airline policies and the best way to ship them. Golf balls and other accessories and gadgets shouldn’t be a problem!
Visas
If you’re a US citizen, you’ll be pleased to know that you don’t need a passport or visa. If you’re from another country, you’ll need to start making visa preparations in advance. Whether or not you need a visa, it’s a good idea to take a copy of your ID with you in case it’s needed.
It’s also worth knowing that if you’re planning on going between June and November, you should double-check with your airline about their natural disaster policies. While Puerto Rico isn’t often battered by hurricanes, you don’t want to be caught out and not know what to do if it does happen.
Other
It’s a great idea to learn some basic Spanish before you go, especially if you want to play golf at courses outside the typical tourist areas. People will appreciate your efforts, so don’t worry if it’s not perfect!
You might want to think about renting a car if you plan on visiting a few different golf courses, although you can probably grab a taxi if the courses are all nearby. Also, remember that tipping 15 to 20 percent is customary in Puerto Rico for taxi drivers and waitstaff.
Where to Golf In Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has a wide range of absolutely stunning golf courses. You won’t be able to play them all while you’re there—the island is about 100 miles long and contains roughly 30 courses—so it’s a good idea to check them out beforehand and decide which ones you really want to play.
Some are located at resorts, and some are private, so you may need to find a member to join for a round. You may be able to find willing members online beforehand to arrange rounds at private clubs. Be careful and discerning, though!
- TPC Dorado Beach, Dorado
- Royal Isabela, Isabela
- Palmas Athletic Club, Humacao
- Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club, Rio Grande
- Wyndham Rio Mar Golf Course, Rio Grande
- Grand Reserve Golf Club, Rio Grande
- Fort Buchanan Golf Course, Guaynabo
- El Legado Golf Resort, Guayama
- Río Bayamón Golf Course, Bayamón
- Caguas Real Golf & Country Club, Caguas
- Punta Borinquen Golf Club, Aguadilla Pueblo
- Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club, Ponce
- Club Deportivo del Oeste, Cabo Rojo
It’s worth deciding on an area you want to stay and choosing a few courses nearby. Or, if you want to play a specific course, you can select accommodation nearby and see if there are other courses around.
Other Things to Do
Golf is definitely not the only thing to do in Puerto Rico! Get your money’s worth while you’re there and indulge in some of the other activities the country has to offer.
Go to the Beach
Most of the big cities run along the coastline, and most feature stunning beaches. With more than 300 beaches along the 270 miles of coastline, you can find something that suits your needs to a T. Some are crowded and bustling, but if you want something more private, you shouldn’t need to go far!
Keep in mind that most beaches here don’t have lifeguards, so you’ll need to exercise caution in the waters. They can be a little rougher than other Caribbean seas, so be careful and stick to tanning if the waters are looking particularly choppy.
Visit a National Forest
Even those who aren’t dedicated nature lovers will be in awe of the national forests throughout Puerto Rico. With 36 nature reserves across the island, including 19 national forests, there’s bound to be one close to you that you can explore.
El Yunque National Forest is the most popular, not only for its beauty but also because it’s the U.S. forest system’s only tropical rainforest! Tick that one off your bucket list if you get the chance.
Try the Cuisine
Puerto Rico is known for its cuisine, known as cocina criolla (Creole cooking). It blends elements of Spanish, American, and even African cooking techniques and dishes, offering interesting and tasty options. Of course, seafood is also fresh and delicious.
For the rum fans, you’ll be in the country known as the top producer of liquor in the Caribbean! Coffee is also a treat, so make sure to try out a few different options of the finest drinks on the island.
Conclusion
Ready to pack and go? Planning your Puerto Rico golf trip in advance is the best way to help things run smoothly. Plus, you get to be excited about it for a much longer time! Whether you’re going for a beach holiday with some golf on the side or a golf vacation with sun and sand as a nice extra, you won’t be disappointed.
About the Author
Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer and businessman. When he’s not on the course working on his own game or mentoring young golfers, he writes in-depth articles for his website, Golf Influence.
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