Puerto Rico Golf

[InTheHole]

Planning Family Vacation in August

We're planning a family vacation in Puerto Rico in August and I'm trying to decide where to stay and play some golf.

I'm leaning towards El Conquistador but I'm also considering the Dorado area. My son is 12, and the stuff at El Conquistator looks good for families. He also plays golf, so I may take him out for 9 holes at some point.

Any thoughts on family friendly golf? I'm not looking for how hard the course is- I'm not generally impressed with "difficult." Just looking for a couple of nice vacation rounds to have some fun.

As far as hotels, obviously El Conquistador will be top notch, I'm sure. I've read mixed reviews of the hotels in Dorado. Any thoughts there?

Also, I'm looking to play where I stay.

[InTheHole]

Bump.

I guess this isn't a highly reviewed forum...

Anyway, we've made reservations at El Conquistador, so the decision is made.

Does anyone have a review of the course? I heard it is difficult and no one over a 20 handicap should even attempt it... I find that hard to believe.

[stevopagolf]

I used to live in Puerto Rico, Dorado specifically. They shut down the two hotels there in 2003. The only hotel I remember still being open is Embassy Suites surrounds a Chi Chi Rodriguez designed course in Dorado.

El Conquistador is a fun layout. Not too hard with giant Iguana's on the property. The Westin Rio Mar is nearby and has two good courses. For cheap eats try Martin's BBQ around the island...great rotisserie chicken.

Another course not too far away is Bahia Beach. My favorite on the island before it was redone and now it must be great.

[karmacoma100]

[quote name='InTheHole' timestamp='1277486542' post='2533171']
Bump.

I guess this isn't a highly reviewed forum...

Anyway, we've made reservations at El Conquistador, so the decision is made.

Does anyone have a review of the course? I heard it is difficult and no one over a 20 handicap should even attempt it... I find that hard to believe.
[/quote]

I have been golfing for about a year and typically shoot around 100. Stayed and played El Conquistador on 8/17. The greens were being aerated but still in playable condition. Enjoyed the Arthur Hills design a lot and played one of my best rounds. Very fun course, beautiful views, well maintained. Would recommend to any skill level. A lot of elevation change making for some memorable tee shots.

[InTheHole]

Just got back this weekend- really enjoyed our stay at El Conquistador!

The course was great. My wife's cousin came in with his wife for a day- the girls hit the spa while the boys hit the golf course. The worst part was the unending heat/humidity- and for being on a cliff overlooking the ocean, the air was not moving- no breeze at all the day we played. But what do you expect on a tropical island? That took my 12 year old out of it for a few holes- he was just exhausted.

The course was mostly empty (we played on a Wednesday). No need for an advanced tee time. There were two foursomes, us (threesome), and a few twosomes playing. It was nice because my wife's cousin plays in a Puerto Rican golf league, and El Conquistador is his home course. So we got the guided tour, which was great. That plus the Skycaddie made everything "familiar."

I'd say bring mountain climbing gear to play this course- there were some fairways that would barely hold a golf ball. You can't really walk because of the heat/humidity- it saps your energy. Take the golf cart and save your energy for playing. It's not so much the holes themselves, just getting around from hole to hole. I can't imagine climbing to some of these tee's with a bag on your back or pushing a cart. There were a couple where I wasn't sure the gas cart was going to be able to climb the hill on the cart path!

The course itself is very nice. The views are stunning and it is moderately difficult. Predictions that anyone over a 20 handicap will get destroyed on this course are exaggerated. Just leave the ego home and play the appropriate tee for your handicap, and you'll be fine. You can probably move back one tee from the recommendation on the scorecard and still be fine.

The Nike rental clubs were great. I almost bought the driver I liked it so much- it was a Nike SQ Machspeed STR8-FIT and it must have been dialed in for my swing- hit it better than my Callaway Diablo. Hitting your target on this golf course is essential. If you miss, the extreme terrain will roll your golf ball into nether-nether land. That's why I say leave your ego at home and pick the appropriate tee box, or one back at most. Take less club when you can, and hit your target.

For example, on the par-3 17th hole- miss short and the ball will roll 40 yards back towards the tee. Hit your target. The 18th hole I think is the only flat hole on the golf course. But there's water guarding the green. Yup, dunked two.

The resort is fantastic- stay there if you can. Nice rooms, nine restaurants, a small water park, spa, and great service. You can take a 15 minute ferry ride to Palomino Island and a private beach, horseback riding, jet ski rentals, and a small restaurant.

When you add in the free transfers to/from the airport, you don't even need to rent a car for the week. Enterprise has a desk in the hotel, if you want to go on a daily excursion or play golf elsewhere.

I'd go back in a heartbeat.