Golf in Puerto Rico combines the visual cornucopia of its natural environment, including lakes, rivers, rainforests, mountains, palm trees, and miles of beautiful beachfront, with the challenge of negotiating courses designed by some of the biggest names in the business. Here are the island’s best courses that every golf enthusiast should consider visiting.

Dorado Beach Resort & Club

Every golfer’s dream, Dorado Beach offers multiple par 72 courses set against a stunning coastal backdrop. Here’s a quick overview:

• East Course
  • Highlight: The 4th hole has been ranked by golf legend Jack Nicklaus as one of the top ten holes in the world.
• West Course
  • Highlight: Designed by Trent Jones, Sr., its par-3 holes are said to be the toughest at Dorado.
• Sugarcane Course
  • Highlight: The Sugarcane course begins easily, but the back nine presents a true challenge.
• Pineapple Course
  • Highlight: Considered the most forgiving course at the resort.

Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club

Located on Puerto Rico’s northeastern shore, Bahia Beach is the closest 18-hole course to San Juan, benefiting from a spectacular beachfront setting. Designed by master golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., the course is open to the public with advance tee times.

Coco Beach Golf & Country Club

Coco Beach features a 36-hole course with four beautiful nines providing various settings and difficulty levels:

• The Lakes Course
  • Highlight: Designed around eight manmade lakes, The Lakes are especially primed for your putter.
• The Ocean Course
  • Highlight: Nine holes by the ocean, with Atlantic breezes adding to the challenge.
• The Mountain Course
  • Highlight: This picturesque course takes advantage of its rainforest setting.
• The Palms Course
  • Highlight: Nestled among a forest of palm trees, this course provides a change of scenery from any other course on the island.

Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa, a Wyndham Grand Resort

Formerly known as the Westin Rio Mar, this resort offers two exceptional golf courses. One was designed by “The Shark” himself, Greg Norman, while the other was crafted by Tom and George Fazio. After your game, enjoy one of the finer clubhouses on the island.

The Arthur Hills Golf Course at the El Conquistador

Perched on Puerto Rico’s eastern coast, the par 72 Arthur Hills Golf Course ranks among the world’s best places to play, as recognized by Golf Digest (2008/2009). The Wyndham El Conquistador has been noted as one of the world’s best golf resorts by Travel & Leisure (2008 reader survey). It features various elevations, unlike many flat Caribbean courses, providing unique challenges complemented by an award-winning spa awaiting you after the 18th hole.

The Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club

The only major golf course in Ponce, Costa Caribe is a new addition to Puerto Rico’s golf scene, situated within the city’s beautiful Hilton resort. This club boasts Puerto Rico’s only island green, a total of 27 holes with ocean views, and excellent clubhouse amenities.

Palmas del Mar

A fine resort located along the east coast in the town of Humacao, Palmas del Mar features two championship 18-hole golf courses:

• The Flamboyán Course, designed by architect Reese Jones, has been rated among the five best places to play in the Caribbean by Barron Magazine.
• The Palm Course, created by golfing great Gary Player, presents water hazards, bunkers, and rolling greens that challenge players at any skill level.