First, it's surprising there is no category for reviews of Caribbean courses, so apologies to anyone who may find this review where it is.

Rio Mar is a resort about 30 minutes outside San Juan on the PR coast. There are two courses, Ocean and River. Ocean has one hole along teh ocean, and another from which you can see the ocean as you stand on the green, otherwise not ocean-related. Ocean is challenging due to generally strong wind, hole angles/doglegs, and narrow holes that severely penalize inaccurate shots. The signature hole is a 230 yd Par 3 along the ocean that is very difficult with strong winds. Many greens are hard to hold, especially on holes you can't see them from the fairway and don't know how they lie. A pretty course but don't expect a good score the first few times.

The River course runs along several rivers/streams closer to the rain forest. Challenges are more due to narrowness of fairways at critical points. My wife and I thought it was actually more interesting than the Ocean Course.

Watch the rates - holiday rates are $215/person, no packages available. But twilight rates are half that and start around 2:00 PM, leaving plenty of time. Courses were very sparsely used during the week, although members probably fill it on weekends.

Worth playing if you're there, but tough as a golf destination during the holidays. Also December is rainy season and the courses get very soggy.

Customer Service

All staff was very helpful.

Similar Products Used:

In the Caribbean, Punta Cana.