Discover how Moncayo’s new Mackenzie & Ebert championship course is shaping the future of golf in Puerto Rico. From its rich history of sand greens to world-class courses, explore how the island’s golfing legacy continues to evolve with this visionary development.
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Puerto Rico has long been a haven for golf enthusiasts, with a rich history that dates back nearly a century. Today, the island’s golfing legacy is entering an exciting new chapter with the announcement of Moncayo’s Golf Club, a visionary 18-hole championship course designed by the renowned UK-based firm Mackenzie & Ebert. This marks the firm’s first venture in the Caribbean, promising to elevate Puerto Rico’s golfing landscape to new heights.
From its early days of sand greens to the world-class courses designed by legends like Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Greg Norman, Puerto Rico has cemented its reputation as a premier golf destination. The annual Puerto Rico Open, part of the PGA Tour, further underscores the island’s significance in golfing. Now, with Moncayo’s championship course—featuring breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, El Yunque, and the island’s pristine shoreline—Puerto Rico is poised to redefine what it means to live and play in a golfing paradise.
Puerto Rico’s love affair with golf began in 1930, when the island’s first formal course, the Berwind Country Club, opened its doors. Back then, the game was played on sand greens, with coconut oil used to smooth the surface, and the holes were cut larger than regulation size to make putting less challenging. Over the decades, the sport evolved dramatically, with the introduction of grass greens in 1949—a revolutionary change that transformed the game and set the stage for Puerto Rico to become a golfing destination of global renown.
In the 1950s and 1960s, iconic courses like the Cerromar-Dorado Beach complex, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., and the Rio Mar Ocean Course, crafted by George and Tom Fazio, were developed. These courses attracted international attention and inspired a new generation of local players, including tour professional Wilfredo Morales, who led Puerto Rico to its best-ever finish in the Eisenhower Trophy in 1998.
Today, the island boasts over 20 courses, many designed by legendary architects like Gary Player and Greg Norman. These courses have hosted some of the sport’s greatest players, from Chi Chi Rodríguez to Greg Norman, and have cemented Puerto Rico’s reputation as a golfing paradise.
“Our design seeks to respect and enhance the island's natural landscape with a layout that challenges golfers while offering truly breathtaking 360-degree views of the ocean and mountains."
A Course for Everyone
In addition to the championship course, Moncayo’s Golf Club will feature a 9-hole reversible short course, designed for families and casual players, and a one-acre putting course named “El Yunquito,” offering a relaxed space for practice and entertainment. The Golf Performance Center, housed within the Golf House, will provide state-of-the-art instruction and technology, led by Manuel Relancio, PGA, a seasoned professional with a decade of experience at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic.
“Designing our first course in the Caribbean has been an exciting challenge, one that allows us to blend renowned design with the natural beauty of Puerto Rico and the wonderful land at Moncayo,” said Martin Ebert, Co-Founder of Mackenzie & Ebert. “Our design seeks to respect and enhance the island’s natural landscape with a layout that challenges golfers while offering truly breathtaking 360-degree views of the ocean and mountains.”
Key Features of Moncayo Golf Club:
Redefining What It Means to Live Well
Moncayo’s Golf Club is just one facet of this ambitious development, which aims to set a new benchmark for branded living in the Caribbean. The community will offer direct access to water sports, a private island beach, and an exclusive Member’s clubhouse with stadium courts for tennis, pickleball, and padel. Residents will also enjoy access to an Auberge Resorts Collection hotel, a farm-to-table culinary program, and a 100-acre organic farm inspired by Napa Valley.
The development’s Village will feature walkable shops, boutique retail, Class A offices, a concierge medical clinic, and an accredited K-12 international school, creating a dynamic, multigenerational community.
A New Chapter for Puerto Rico Golf
Moncayo’s Golf Club is more than just a course—it’s a celebration of Puerto Rico’s golfing heritage and a testament to the island’s enduring appeal as a destination for the sport. As the Puerto Rico Open tees off this weekend, the island’s golfing legacy continues to evolve, with Moncayo leading the charge into a new era of sophistication.
For those who dream of combining a passion for golf with a vibrant, community-oriented lifestyle, Moncayo offers a rare opportunity to be part of history in the making. With its championship course, family-friendly amenities, and commitment to preserving the island’s natural beauty, Moncayo stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Puerto Rico—proof that, as the saying goes, “Puerto Rico lo hace mejor.”
Images courtesy of Moncayo and San Juan National Historic Site.
