One of the worst things about visiting any tropical destination for work is not having the time for a round of golf at some truly amazing courses. Last time I was in Puerto Rico, my schedule was dominated by a convention in San Juan, and all the while it felt like I could hear people teeing off on both coasts, almost as if the golf gods were mocking me. A little overdramatic, sure, but I bet plenty of people understand that sentiment.

As such, I have been dying to get back to the Island of Enchantment for the sake of leaving the tablet and business cards behind in favor of my sticks. At the same time, though, I am also fascinated by the increasingly creative mixology scene, including (but never limited to) the delicious rum old-fashioned, always refreshing mojitos, and especially the delightfully contentious history of Puerto Rico’s native cocktail, the piña colada. I have written about it several times before, but the short version is that the Caribe Hilton’s lobby bar has long claimed to be the birthplace of this delicious drink, having been invented by a gentleman and scholar named Ramon “Monchito” Marrero.

But like any great creation, the piña colada’s origins are heavily contested. In fact, another Caribe Hilton bartender, Ricardo Garcia, claimed that he actually invented the drink, and there are several others beyond them who’d like us all to think we owe them, too. And while plenty of writers and scholars have spent a lot of time investigating this great controversy, here’s what really matters: Those of us who love this drink can enjoy the hell out of the island’s diverse offerings. I’m sure that’s what Marrero and Garcia would have wanted anyway.

Obviously, Caribe Hilton makes a great starting point, not only for the cocktails but accommodations as well. It is a budget-friendly option in a great location, and it also has an idyllic pool and fantastic little stretch of beach for the lazy moments between rounds and trips to local joints like the very creative Jungle Bird, La Factoria (highly regarded as one of the best bars in the Caribbean, if not the entire world), and La Batey, which is the king of all dive bars.

Now, about those rounds. The island is obviously loaded with some amazing choices for golfers, but it’s never simple driving from one side to the other when you’re short on time. With all its lush natural beauty, stunning beaches, amazing food, magnificent culture, fascinating people, luxurious resorts, and outstanding golf courses, this is a place that needs to be visited multiple times. So, if I am planning a vacation itinerary based around San Juan’s offerings, these are the courses I would prioritize due to the convenience of travel time and the all-around exceptional nature of the designs.

El Conquistador

By name alone, this course needs to be played for the sake of your social media feeds. However, the course at El Conquistador Resort is what I typically refer to as the “all-in-one” concept, in that it offers a spectacular combination of the natural elements that make Puerto Rico so exquisite. Specifically, this Arthur Hills design delivers incredible views of the Atlantic coastline while using El Yunque as a breathtaking backdrop.

TPC Dorado Beach

This is the “No duh” choice just based on name recognition, but this course is insanely popular for great reason. Golfers who are staying at The Ritz-Carlton Reserve or one of the private rental properties at Dorado Beach have access to the Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed (and Jr. redesigned) East Course. 

Those of us who fall somewhere between average and “so good it’s annoying” consider this a must-play, because if it’s good enough for the pros, then it must be conquered. But don’t let that deter the more casual golfers, since — as my best instructors constantly remind me — the East can be a lot of fun if you simply play to your correct tee box.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach

To simply enjoy a magnificent Puerto Rican beach vacation, loaded with luxury and tranquility, The St. Regis Bahia Beach is a terrific choice for any type of traveler. It’s ideal for both people who want rest and relaxation with a touch of golf and golfers who want to play one of Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s greatest accomplishments followed by all the other spoils.

I have been blessed to play in Hawaii, Mexico, and several of the Caribbean islands, so I have seen my fair share of awesome sights from holes that run perfectly along beaches. But this course might be the best of the best when it comes to blending it all together. Charge your phones, because this one requires a lot of video and photography.

Royal Isabela

Some people love golden beaches and spending hours under the sun, while others prefer getting in touch with nature and mixing in a little adventure. Royal Isabela is without a doubt the top choice for people who prefer the latter. Remove golf from the equation (just for a second) and this is a divine choice for people who want to unplug and focus on things like wellness, rejuvenation, and tranquility. There’s even an on-site “Adventure Maestro” who will help plan epic hikes and thrilling e-bike journeys.

Now, let’s put golf back into the picture and talk about how amazing this course is, whether it’s your first time or 10th visit. As beautiful as the coastal views are on the island’s other courses, here the game becomes even more electric and breathtaking with holes running along the cliffs and boasting panoramic views as far as the eye can see — or your ProV1 can be sliced. If you can only play two courses during a trip to Puerto Rico, this must be one; however, Royal Isabela is also a vacation of its own.

Río Bayamón

No matter where I travel, I always want to play like the locals and get a taste of the love for the game from people who know a course better than anyone. Located just 20 minutes by car from Old San Juan’s best restaurants and bars (or Caribe Hilton, too, if that’s your choice of stay), Río Bayamón Golf Course is a quick and easy way to add the game to your vacation itinerary. 

It’s also the kind of course you can spend the day enjoying, as the practice facilities are ideal for warming up, fixing your flaws, or even getting some extra swings in after the round. Plus, the Campo Bravo restaurant makes lunch or an early dinner a no-brainer before heading back to find the best rum old-fashioned in town.

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve

As much fun as it is to head into town and explore, the best resorts give you excuses to never want or need to leave the property. There’s no better example than Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, which has one of the most thorough events calendars among Puerto Rican properties, and it’s taking every ounce of restraint to not book a trip for Father’s Day to enjoy the Beyond the Grill Celebration. But you don’t even need to look at the calendar to plan an exciting day, as the pickleball courts and kayaks are calling as much as the golf course.

Home to the Puerto Rico Open, this Tom Kite-designed Championship Course will make even the most average players feel like they can take on the world’s best. The fairways are friendly enough that overconfidence might even become an issue, which is a silly thing for a guy who rarely breaks 100 to say. Still, optimism and satisfaction are priceless on a golf course, so any design that inspires both should be at the top of your vacation list.