Golf in Puerto Rico

[TheGolfingDetective]

I spent my honeymoon last week in Puerto Rico, and got to play two courses while there, figured I'd give some info to anyone else who may find themselves down there with clubs and a few hours to kill.

Trump International Golf Club.
http://www.trumpgolfclubpuertorico.com/

Located in Rio Grande, about 25 minutes from San Juan, was formerly known as Coco Beach Golf Club and was the site of the 2008 Puerto Rican PGA Open. I got to play this course pre-PGA event, and the prep work done for the course shows. Formerly was setup as 4 separate nine-hole courses which were linked together to make different loops, it now consists of the Championship course (PGA event course), and International Course (slightly lower rating and slope). BEAUTIFUL oceanside setting, with what will be a great (when finished) clubhouse. Staff was attentive and helpful, although when you come from local municipal courses, any staff seems attentive. Very professional practice area, large practice green for putting, chipping, and bunker work. Brand new, near silent carts (courtesy of The Donald taking over golf operations) led me out to the first tee. A mostly flat layout bordering the ocean with water in play on about half the holes and wind in play on ALL the holes. Not many places even I could lose a ball, you're never really in an unplayable area even when the wind takes hold. Incredibly soft turf and lush greens, much softer than I expected, with less break than expected. Nice variety in holes, tests length (especially from the Championship tees, which I sometimes had trouble finding, not that I was playing from them) and accuracy on a few short par 3's. Highly recommended. My negatives: Price for non-island residents (192.00), a few bunkers with smallish pebbles scattered in them, and construction on the surrounding resort encroaches on a few holes. Best course I've played on the island.

El Conquistador Resort and Golf Club
http://www.elconresort.com/golf/

Located in Fajardo, about 45 minutes to an hour east of San Juan, on a HUGE, sprawling resort built onto a hill bordering the ocean. Odd layout, as hills and ridiculous elevation changes are the order of the day. Seemingly 14 of 18 tee shots are from an elevated tee box down onto fairways or greens, and some second shots are uphill doglegs to very narrow, but deep greens. The heavy foliage eats errant tee shots for breakfast, and the greens were virtually devoid of break, no matter how much you think you see. Easy to feel like a real golfer, though, when you hit a driver 340 (yes, 340) off the tee downhill onto a solid fairway and you can watch it run and run and run. Nice, well maintained course, if not a bit frustrating, although I was happy with the way I played when I learned the middle tees played to a 140 slope. Wind doesn't play as much of a role here, it's accurate irons to smallish greens that get you home. My negatives: a few elevated tee shots break up a round, but it gets monotonous when each tee is 20 to 30 yards above the fairway. Really, REALLY cheap and old rakes (nitpicking, I know) and low quality sand in the bunkers.

Overall, I'd take Trump for the $192 over the El Conquistador for $173. Same day replay rates at both were $30.00. A benefit of both courses, the low number of players early in the morning this time of year means you can bang a round out in less than 3 hours, or 36 holes in about 7 hours, including lunch with wifey.

[golf_junkie27]

Golf in Puerto Rico is awesome. I've played there a few times. If you go back, I suggest that you also try Palmas Del Mar. It's a sweet course, too.