Puerto Rico, Played from the Heart

Where world-class golf meets something even rarer: a culture that makes you feel like family

Some destinations impress you, and then some places embrace you.

Puerto Rico does the latter.

Before a single tee shot was struck, before a single course revealed itself against the Atlantic horizon, it was the people who made the first and most lasting impression. A handshake that lingered just a second longer. A smile that felt genuine, not rehearsed. A conversation that moved effortlessly from pleasantries to something more personal, more meaningful.

I arrived expecting great golf. I left realizing that was only part of the story.

An Arrival That Feels Like a Welcome Home

Touching down in San Juan, the air feels different. Warmer, yes, but also more alive. There is an energy here that does not rush you. It invites you.

The drive to the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve sets the tone immediately. The road winds through lush, vibrant terrain, with the distant silhouette of El Yunque rising like a quiet guardian over the island. It is a setting that feels both expansive and intimate.

The Hyatt itself is exactly what you want from a luxury golf resort. Spacious rooms, ocean views, and a sense of calm that settles in quickly. But again, it is the people who define the experience. Every interaction feels intentional. Not transactional.

At Prime 787 that evening, the food was excellent. Perfectly prepared cuts, refined presentation, a classic steakhouse experience elevated by its Caribbean setting. But what I remember most is the conversation. The staff did not just serve dinner. They welcomed us into their space.

It is a subtle difference. But it changes everything.

Bahía Beach: Golf in Its Purest Form

The next morning, we made our way to the Four Seasons Bahía Beach Golf Course, a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design that may be one of the most underrated layouts in the Caribbean.

Calling it scenic feels insufficient.

You are not simply playing golf here. You are moving through an ecosystem. Rainforest lines the fairways. Ocean views stretch endlessly in the distance. Wildlife moves freely, reminding you that this course exists within nature, not on top of it.

From a design perspective, it is thoughtful and strategic. The routing challenges you without overwhelming you. It rewards precision, especially into the greens, where positioning becomes everything.

But what struck me most was the rhythm of the round. It felt unforced. Organic. The kind of golf experience that allows you to think clearly, swing freely, and appreciate the moment.

There is a strong argument to be made that Bahía Beach belongs in the conversation with some of the best resort courses in the world.

The difference is, far fewer people are talking about it.

The Puerto Rico Open: A Stage Worthy of More Attention

For those who still underestimate Puerto Rico as a golf destination, the Puerto Rico Open should immediately change that perception.

This is not a secondary event. It is a legitimate showcase of world-class golf.

Playing in the Pro-Am at Grand Reserve was an experience that brought everything together. The course itself, designed by Tom Kite, offers a compelling blend of playability and challenge. Ocean breezes influence every shot. The layout demands focus, especially with approach shots into greens that reward precision.

But the energy surrounding the event is what stands out.

There is a passion here. A pride in the game that feels deeply rooted in the culture of the island.

And then there was the unexpected highlight.

Spending time with Lanto Griffin and picking up a simple, yet incredibly effective, adjustment in my iron play. A small tweak. A subtle change in approach. The kind of insight that only comes from being around elite players.

Since that moment, I have found myself attacking flags with a level of confidence I had not experienced before.

That is the beauty of golf. Sometimes the smallest lesson creates the biggest impact.

Golf Above the Ocean

The El Conquistador Golf Course, designed by Arthur Hills, offers a completely different experience from Bahía Beach.

Here, elevation changes define the round. Tee shots framed by dramatic drops. Approach shots that require careful consideration of wind and terrain. Views that stretch endlessly across both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

It is visually stunning, but also strategically engaging.

You are constantly asked to make decisions. To commit to shots. To trust your execution.

And when you do, the reward is not just a well-played hole, but a moment that feels uniquely Puerto Rican. A combination of landscape, challenge, and atmosphere that is difficult to replicate anywhere else.

A Destination Misunderstood

There is a misconception in the golf world.

When players think of premier destinations, Puerto Rico is often overlooked.

It should not be.

The reality is this: Puerto Rico offers everything you want in a golf trip.

World-class courses. Luxury accommodations. Exceptional food. A climate that allows for year-round play.

And perhaps most importantly, accessibility. A short flight from the mainland United States. No passport required. A level of value that compares favorably to many traditional golf destinations.

But even those attributes, as strong as they are, are not what make Puerto Rico special.

It is the people.

More Than a Destination

As a CIO, I spend much of my time thinking about systems, efficiency, and outcomes. As the publisher of Golf Aficionado, I am constantly evaluating experiences, looking for what differentiates one destination from another.

Puerto Rico stands apart.

Not because it tries to compete.

But because it offers something others cannot.

Authenticity.

Every conversation. Every interaction. Every moment feels real. Unscripted. Genuine.

You are not processed through an experience.

You are welcomed into it.

The Final Score

In the end, the golf was exceptional.

The courses challenged and inspired. The resorts delivered on every expectation. The food rivaled some of the best dining experiences I have had anywhere in the world.

But that is not what I will remember most.

I will remember the people.

The way they made me feel like I was not just visiting Puerto Rico, but becoming part of it.

And in a game that is often defined by where you play, it is refreshing to be reminded that sometimes, the most important part of the journey is who you meet along the way.

Special thank you to Amanda Rodriguez for being such a wonderful host and welcoming me to her country with open arms.