Best Golf Courses in Puerto Rico

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

Puerto Rico.  I’ve always wanted to visit this U.S. territory, but I haven’t had the chance to date.  Fortunately, a lot of our readers have vacationed here.  Some even call the island home.  When it comes to golf in this tropical paradise, I’ve come to understand there’s some really great courses.

Let’s take a closer look at the very best ones in the list below.

Without a doubt, one of the premier facilities in Puerto Rico is Grand Reserve Golf Club.  Both the Championship and International Courses were designed by Tom Kite. 

This is resort golf with ample room off the tee.  Most of the greens are open in front so you can run the ball up. 

Wind is the best defense for both these courses and there’s no shortage of it, especially in the afternoon.

Both courses are immaculately manicured and a treat to play. 

Even though these courses aren’t cheap, they’re more than worth it.

 

Exquisite luxury.  That’s what awaits at Bahia Beach Golf Club.

With 15 holes bordering the beach and water, the views are some of the best on the island. 

Designed by the infamous Robert Trent Jones Jr., Bahia Beach is an oasis meant for golfers of all levels.

Wide fairways and large greens give you plenty of room to maneuver.

The greens are some of the truest on the island.  If you get putts started on line, they’ll find the bottom of the cup.

If you plan on staying, the accommodations at Bahia Beach are nothing short of spectacular. 

A golfer’s paradise, you won’t soon forget a round at this track.

 

Royal Isabela is located right on the beach of Puerto Rico’s magnificent northwest coast. 

Many of the holes are perched some 200 feet above rugged coastline that affords breathtaking views of the Atlantic.  

During your round, expect to see a diversity of flora and fauna that native to only Puerto Rico. 

While it’s easy to lost in the natural beauty that abounds at Royal Isabela, the course proves a stern test.

Strategically placed sod-face bunkers lend an air of Scottish links to this design.  While the fairways are generous, the undulating greens can make putting a tricky proposition.

A perennial favorite for both locals and vacationers, Royal Isabela is a must play.

Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed the East Course at TPC Dorado Beach.  His son, Robert Trent Jones Jr., was responsible for the renovation which took place just a few years ago.

Today, the East Course is a formidable test that stretches out to 7,200 yards from the back tees.  Some of the longest holes play into the prevailing trade winds.  Be ready for some lengthy approaches.

If it’s your first time playing this track, taking a caddy is recommended.  These folks are local experts and prove a great help in reading greens and choosing clubs.

The other course at TPC Dorado Beach is the Sugarcane Course.  This track is said to be the more difficult of the two even though the fairways are wider and the greens larger.

Ample forced carries and deep, penalizing bunkers can wreck your scorecard if you start hitting it off line. 

The back nine is especially tough as lakes are prominent and streams meander through most holes. 

When you’re done with your round, take full advantage of the gargantuan 50,000 square foot clubhouse that has every amenity you could imagine.

Conclusion

From everything I’m told, it’s clear there’s no shortage of activities to partake in on the island of Puerto Rico.  For me, and I’m guessing most of our readers too, golf is at the top of the list.

While golf might not be the cheapest activity in this tropical paradise, it’s worth every penny.  Most of the properties listed above feature a lot more than great golf.  The accommodations and dining opportunities are also first rate.

Knowing what I know now, I’m putting Puerto Rico on my bucket list. 

As always, thanks for reading and let us know your thoughts down below in the comments.