Puerto Rico’s Growing Reputation as a Golf Destination

Golfers have long traveled to Puerto Rico for its beautiful courses and sweeping Caribbean views. But what many visitors discover once they arrive is that the island offers far more than great golf. For players coming for events like the Puerto Rico Open—or simply planning a golf vacation—the experience doesn’t end when the last putt drops.

Over the past several years, Puerto Rico has quietly become one of the Caribbean’s most appealing golf destinations. The island is home to 18 courses, many of them set in places where the scenery is just as memorable as the golf itself. Fairways wind through palm trees, along ocean cliffs, and beside lush rainforest landscapes.

Courses like Bahía Beach Golf Course at the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort and TPC Dorado Beach are perfect examples. The championship layouts are only a few steps from the beach, where warm ocean breezes and tropical plants make every round feel a little more laid-back.

But what really makes Puerto Rico special for golfers is what happens after the round. Visitors have lots of reasons to keep exploring the island after they leave the course because of its culture, food, and nightlife.

Rum, Cigars, and the Traditions of Old San Juan

Two of Puerto Rico's most famous traditions are smoking cigars and drinking rum. After a long day on the course, these are two of the best ways to relax.

People who visit Puerto Rico should definitely try the local drinks because Puerto Rico is one of the best places in the world to make rum. The distilleries and bars on the island take their work very seriously, whether they're making a simple rum drink or a carefully aged one.

Cigars have a lot of culture around them as well. The Cigar House is one of the many interesting streets in Old San Juan. There, guests can unwind with a nice cigar and a drink of rum. Casa de Montecristo is another favorite. It has the vibe of a classic lounge and offers a wide range of cigars and cocktails made by hand.

Some experiences connect cigars to the island's farming roots for travelers who want to know more. While learning about Puerto Rican farming traditions, guests at Finca Neo Jibairo can smoke and drink cigars made on the farm. Some places even have classes where experienced tabaqueros show guests how to roll cigars by hand from start to finish.

A Food Scene Worth the Trip

Puerto Rico now has one of the most exciting dining scenes in the Caribbean. Chefs all over the island are mixing old Puerto Rican flavors with new cooking methods and ideas from around the world.

There are a lot of great places to eat after a round of golf. Santaella and Vianda are two well-known restaurants that use local ingredients in their dishes and put creative spins on old favorites.

Some nights call for traditional Puerto Rican comfort food. Other nights might mean a multi-course tasting menu prepared by one of the island’s rising chefs. Either way, the food scene has become a big part of the Puerto Rico golf experience.

Relaxing Between Rounds

Most golf trips involve more than one round, which means finding time to recharge is part of the experience too. Fortunately, Puerto Rico’s resorts make that easy.

Luxury properties across the island offer spa and wellness programs designed to help guests unwind between tee times. At the Iridium Spa at the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, treatments take place in a peaceful setting surrounded by tropical greenery.

Other favorites include the spa at El Conquistador Resort and the Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel in Carolina, both of which offer relaxing treatments with views of the ocean.

For golfers who have spent hours walking championship courses, a massage or recovery session can feel just as rewarding as a birdie on the back nine.

Building the Perfect Puerto Rico Golf Trip

One of the best things about golfing in Puerto Rico is how easy it is to build an itinerary around the game. The island offers a mix of luxury resorts, historic cities, rugged coastlines, and cultural experiences—all within a relatively short drive.

Most trips start on the eastern side of the island. Many people who fly into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport then go to Fajardo to check in at the historic El Conquistador Resort, which is high above the Caribbean Sea. Evenings there often start with sunset drinks and dinner at Ventanas, where ocean views stretch as far as the eye can see.

From there, golfers can spend several days playing nearby courses while exploring beaches, marinas, and the surrounding natural beauty.

The northern coast offers another popular route. A round at Bahía Beach Golf Course pairs championship golf with rainforest scenery, while nearby Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Ocean Course—designed by George and Tom Fazio—delivers another memorable coastal layout. Afterward, dinner at Roots Coastal Kitchen might include dishes like grilled swordfish with coconut curry rice or fresh shrimp empanadas.

For travelers interested in history, the southern city of Ponce provides a different kind of golf experience. Visitors can explore Plaza Las Delicias or tour the Museo de Arte de Ponce before heading to Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club. Nearby, El Legado Golf Club—designed by Puerto Rican legend Chi Chi Rodríguez—offers another great round. A stop along Cayey’s famous “Pork Highway” often follows, where roadside lechoneras serve roasted pork, plantains, and cold local beer.

On the western side of the island, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. Royal Isabela features cliffside casitas overlooking the Atlantic, and its signature course sits atop 150-foot bluffs above crashing waves. Nearby Punta Borinquen Golf Club blends historic character with beautiful ocean views. After golf, many visitors head to surf beaches like Crash Boat or Jobos Beach to finish the day.

Travelers looking for a more local experience can base themselves in Old San Juan, spending mornings on nearby courses like Río Bayamón Golf Course and afternoons wandering the city’s colorful streets. Between visits to historic landmarks like Castillo San Felipe del Morro, many visitors stop for a rum tasting at the Ron del Barrilito distillery.