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3.9
140 Reviews (140)
5 Stars
37
4 Stars
59
3 Stars
31
2 Stars
9
1 Stars
4
Conditions
3.7
Value
3.3
Layout
4.2
Friendliness
4.4
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.1
78.4%
Recommend this course
119 out of 140 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.9
21 Reviews (21)
5 Stars
6
4 Stars
9
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
1
Conditions
3.6
Value
3.2
Layout
4.4
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.3
StaffFriendliness
4.6
76.2%
Recommend this course
16 out of 21 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.9
23 Reviews (23)
5 Stars
7
4 Stars
10
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
1
Conditions
3.7
Value
3.2
Layout
4.4
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.3
StaffFriendliness
4.6
78.3%
Recommend this course
18 out of 23 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 18
Type Resort
Style Parkland
Par 71
Length 6716 yards
Slope 130
Rating 73.7
Book a Tee Time at
Rio Mar Beach Resort - Ocean Course
Powered by GolfNow.com

Course Details

Year Built 1975
Golf Season Year round
Architect Tom Fazio (1975) George Fazio (1975)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover Card
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code No denim, collared shirt and bermuda shorts required.

Food & Beverage

Bar, Restaurant

Lodging

Lodging Available

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Banquet Facilities

Accolades

Reviews

3.9
140 Reviews (140)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 10
Course Challenges Include:
Water Hazards 10
Bunkers 9
This course/club is great for:
A Weekend Splurge 10
Locals 8
Playing Multiple Courses 7
This Course's Location is:
At a Resort 10

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Nice course but poor conditions due to weather

Course was very muddy, but there was a lot of rain the days before we played. Cart path only most holes. I would have cancelled if I could, but that's the chance you take.

Conditions Fair
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 30
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Poor weather
Used cart

Fabulous course

We concur with another review about theater issues, only got through 14 and were flooded out. Unfortunately due to earlier rain the course was cruel no roll or bounce, played the sister course River and it was fabulous and expect Ocean to be the same in drier conditions, it a repeater

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Average weather
Used cart

Nice warm up course

When it rains Rio Mar holds the water. Cart path only and muddy fairways were present on 6 holes. Course layout is nice. I have played here for the past 19 years, but the course is showing some wear. Several greens were in burned and tired. Overall a good place to start your golfing trip on the Island.

Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Great Value

This was my first time playing in PR. The course was in good condition. No noticeable defects. There were 2 small areas near greens under construction but did not factor into play at all. The course is mainly flat but lots of dog legs, and some strategic bunkers . The signature #16 was beautiful on the left (ocean) but there is a high rise being constructed on the right, slightly distracting.
Pace was very slow. I was a single player and it took me 4 hours and 40 min for the round.
The staff was good, spoke English well. The starter was very friendly. He actually moved some carts for me so I could park, as there was no parking spots when I arrived (course was busy and lot is small). The driving range was large and not busy. The girls at the bar inside the club were friendly, helpful, and easy on the eyes.
My favorite part about this course was all the iguanas running around freely! They were really cool to watch.
Note that this course does NOT accept cash anywhere except inside the clubhouse bar. All outdoor snack stands, and all beverage carts are credit card only. Kind of strange to me, but Maybe it is an island thing?
Overall this is a great course and I will definitely recommend it and play it again.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Good Course

Need so better care of the greens.
Food and beverage and course assistance could improve.
After all great course design and atmosphere. Nice surroundings.
Not very far from the city, only 25 minutes by car.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

We will go back!

The golf course was I. fairly decent shape for a hot weather place. the staff was very friendly and ready to help you. The range balls were included with the round. The only observation that I have was that for an ocean course, the ocean was visible only in 1 of the holes. I asked for an Arnold Palmer, they only had a snapple. I will still recommend this well groomed and picturesque course to others.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 10
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Flora and fauna muy bonita

The economy in Puerto Rico is depressed and that is evident at this resort and golf club. I do like the Ocean course more than the River course. It is more scenic which takes your mind off of the crumbling cart paths and plywood patched bridges. They had plenty of staff which I was happy to see and except for the old caballero in the snack snack they were neither friendly nor helpful. While I live and work in PR full time they don't allow a resident rate for my situation which is disappointing

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Friendliness Fair
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Was okay

Course good. Second nine pitifully slow. This "ocean course" only has one ocean hole and the view is blocked until you are almost on the green.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Not worth the price

I played both ocean and river course. Paid $139 on Golf now, regular price is $165 and up for 18 holes. The local resident rate is only $65, which is more in line fir what this course should charge.
The name ocean course is misleading, for 17 holes you do not see the ocean, there is only one hole by the beach next to the Whydham property. The river course is actually better layout and more challenging. The course is relatively flat with little or no elevation.

Conditions Average
Value Poor
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 638
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Golf Advisor
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

The Ocean course could use more beach time

Truth be told, I didn't have time to play the course while on the island for the 2014 Puerto Rico Open, but I did drive a cart to tour and photograph almost every hole.
The Ocean course is more compelling and fun than the River. Unfortunately, it only visits the beach once for a strong back-nine par-3. The hole has been enclosed by the development of condos and buildings that take away from the scene.
This isn't one of the must-plays of Puerto Rico - those are Royal Isabela and Dorado Beach East - but if you've got time for a game or are staying at the resort, it is a good option.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
2.0
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Not worth the price.

Was staying at the Wyndham Rio Mar Resort so I figured I play the courses on the resort property. Based on the descriptions and the reviews on Golf Now and Trip Advisor the 2 courses appeared to be what I would expect for the greens fees that were being charged. I got the Golf Now rate of $130 which was cheaper then the Resort Guest rate of $150. Very disappointing experience. I would say the Ocean course is a bit of a misnomer. There is one hole (I believe it is #16) along the ocean. That is it. The rest of the course is very average and not worth paying $130. I fact i cancelled my next day tee time, that is how disappointed I was. Maybe if you could get the local rate which is around $65 it might be worth it.

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great Course! Staff needs help!

First visit to Puerto Rico and wanted to golf. We stayed at the Rio Mar Wyndham hotel so it made sense to golf at their resort. The hotel staff was awesome! Wish the staff at the golf course was the same. They treated everyone like they wish we were not there and seemed like they hated their jobs! Not just the check in person but also the starter! Great course but staff needs to be changed!

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Poor
Pace Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 18
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Beautiful Course and Setting – Well Worth it Only at a Discounted Price

Made our long planned vacation trip to Puerto Rico from Washington State and took up home in our rented condo next to the Rio Mar resort. On the schedule was a outing on Rio Mar's Ocean course. I hooked up with a great deal using Golfnow and headed over. Very nice entrance and club house. They had my Golfnow tee time on record, but I needed to rent a club set - $55.00 - ouch (real close to what the green fees cost)! The practice area is a bit of a distance away over by their River course. The nice thing was that my wife road along without additional charge.

We were off right on time with very few other golfers on the course (it was a Tuesday). The course had received some recent rain and was playing soft (some mud balls). Everything is bermuda grass and a bit different to play on if you have not played on it before. Since it was just myself plating, we were moving right along. We ran in to a couple of groups of foursomes which allowed us to play through. I played the blue tees and even though this course has fairly difficult ratings, it played very reasonable for my relatively high handicap. We finished in just over three hours and was wishing to start on #1 again to play another round.

Great course and well worth playing but I surely would not pay the standard going rate, and hopefully you can bring your own clubs to save the price gouging of the course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Friendliness Poor
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser

Fun and Challenging Tropical Resort Style Course

The Ocean Course at Rio Mar Resort is a fun and challenging layout in overall above average condition. Greens were in good shape in May, they aren't too fast but they're not slow...probably high 9's to low 10's on the stimp. Bermuda is present throughout the course (obviously).

If you're staying at the resort or the condos inside the resort (which is highly suggested) you'll get the reduced guest green fee, even if you book thru GolfNow. Listed at $125 but guest fee is only $95. If you expect to play good golf in Puerto Rico, you'll be paying a minimum of this amount.

Fairways are in excellent shape, the bunkers could use some rock removal...small rocks are present in the firm bunkers greenside and fairway. That's really my only complaint.

There are Iguanas everywhere, really neat to see if you're not used to tropical play. There is water everywhere and it comes into play on 10 or so holes. Fairway bunkers are well placed to protect the course against long hitters.

The views are very pleasant throughout the course with mountains and rainforest in the back ground on many holes. Even though it's the Ocean Course, the ocean is only in sight on one hole and it doesn't come into play. It is a beautiful hole however.

Many challenging holes if you haven't played the course and a couple are tough regardless of how many times you play the course. In order to have any shot into a few of the par 4's you'll need to place a long tee ball between water and a fairway bunker.

In order to use the practice facility, you'll want to get there early, it's a good distance from the first tee on the Ocean Course. Grass tee hitting area and chipping / putting green.

If you're not long, you'll want to play the White Tees, not blue or gold. In order to have fun from the Blues, you'll need to be able to place a tee shot with at least 240 carry (min) in a small opening. Played Blue and Gold while at the resort, Blue was fun, Gold was a bit much for a vacation round.

Most of the greens are raised and protected by water or bunkers...sometimes both. They have 6 pin placements, so be sure to check the pin position number before you tee off. The pin sheet will be on your cart. NO GPS ON CARTS and barely marked, bring your GPS.

Number 2 is a tough par 4 with water left off the tee and bunker right. More water is hiding short and right of the green. Look out. It's right into the sun if you play early.

Number 12 is a tough 180 yard par 3 that requires some creativity to make par. You can't go long, water back and bunker front. Tough hole.

Number 15 appears to have been shortened to build new condos, your gps will show you have 200 in and you'll only have 100. Careful, the new green on 15 is harder and faster than the rest of the greens.

Number 16 is the ocean hole and it is pretty, very Caribbean feel and not easy. Ocean breeze coming off the water (left) and a 200 yard shot to an undulated green.

Overall a very entertaining and scenic Caribbean Resort course. Next time I'm at Rio Mar, I'll be playing there again. May to October is the slow season down there and the course was playing exceptionally fast. The locals won't want to play with non-locals, they're all members and I found they only want to play with each other. But, they let you play alone or they'll match you with another visitor.

Staff was very friendly and the Iguana Club Bar and Grille is a good spot to eat and have a drink, even if you're not playing.

With the option to play Ocean or River, choose Ocean.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 324
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Texas Advisor
Top 10 Contributor
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Classic Fazio golf in Puerto Rico

The Ocean Course at Rio Mar isn't as manicured as the Trump courses or Bahia Beach, but it's still a lot of fun. It's a classic Fazio design that flows very well and is extremely playable. Hotel development has taken a little bit of the "ocean" out of the course but you still get a nice, oceanside par 3 down the stretch.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Beginner
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser

On of the best courses in Puerto Rico

Good fairways, excellent greens and bunkers. Very challenging course for both pro and amateur golfer. I have played in couple of courses in the Island and this is by far the best I have played.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser

Not worth paying full price

This was a pretty fun course but not $180 one. Most of the part 4 holes were fairly short. Accuracy off the tee is criticle. If you hit an average 200-250 drive you are left with a 100-150 appoach. A couple were driveable with a cut over trees. Most greens were elevated and smallish along with water that is in play on most holes. This seemed to me as there way of increasing the difficuly level. The greens were on the slow side and didn't seem to roll as true and I would like. I had a hard time adjusting to the grass and speed. The bunkers had visibly large pebbles not what I would expect on a $100+ course. I would hope they could get pristine sand being in the Caribean Islands. Nope. Only one hole was along the water, a long par 3 with LOTS of wind. I used a 3/4 3 wood and was on the front edge. The wild Iguanas all over the place were cool to watch they have almost no fear of humans at all. Fun to play but value wise IMO I would put it at no more than $70 bucks. I only paid $50 on a HOT DEALS. I would have been sorely disapointed if I paid much more. BTW no GPS on carts as advertised.

Conditions Average
Value Poor
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 638
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Golf Advisor
First Time Playing
Good weather
Used cart

Rio Mar Ocean course offers a glimpse of the sea

I stayed and played at the resort back in 2007 when it was a Westin property, so it's been a while.
Rio Marr was the first Puerto Rican resort to outfit its carts with GPS, and back in the day, hosted the 2004 World Amateur team championship and a top college tournament.
The 6,782-yard Ocean Course at Rio Mar, designed by George and Tom Fazio, is usually considered the better of the two layouts at the resort simply because its 16th hole plays along the shore. It's a solid track that could use a little more TLC with its conditioning.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser

This course had beautiful scenery

Overall good course I have played at el conquistador and the championship course for Donald trump and this course was very poor in comparison to them.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Difficulty Extremely Easy
Played On
Reviews 46
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser

Rio Mar's Two Courses

Ocean Course is the one to play. From the tips, its a strong challenge. There is only one hole (16) that you actually see the ocean but if the wind is blowing it's a very tough par 3 to play. Not very pretty with the low rise condo's on the right but the hole itself is a good challenge. The rest of the course is a solid well maintained resort course. Unfortunately the other course (River) is not taken care of very well. Tee to Green - OK but the greens need alot of repair, also some holes run along the highway and are near some of the poorer sections of town.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Difficulty Moderate
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Golf Packages

Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Stay & Play Package

FROM $217 (USD)
PUERTO RICO | Enjoy 3 nights' accommodations at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach & Golf Resort and 2 rounds of golf at Rio Mar Country Club - Ocean & River Courses.

The Westin Puntacana Resort Stay & Play Package

FROM $637 (USD)
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | Enjoy up to 7 nights’ accommodations at The Westin Puntacana Resort and up to 5 rounds of golf at your choice of La Cana Golf Course, Corales Golf Course, and Punta Espada Golf Club.

Barceló Bavaro Beach Stay & Play Package

FROM $197 (USD)
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | Enjoy up to 7 nights’ accommodations at Barceló Bavaro Beach and up to 5 rounds of golf at your choice of La Cana Golf Course, Corales Golf Course, and The Lakes Barceló Golf Course.

Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club Stay & Play Package

FROM $1107 (USD)
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | Enjoy up to 7 nights’ accommodations at Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club and up to 5 rounds of golf at your choice of La Cana Golf Course and Corales Golf Course.

Barceló Bavaro Palace Stay & Play Package

FROM $197 (USD)
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | Enjoy up to 7 nights’ accommodations at Barceló Bavaro Palace and up to 5 rounds of golf at your choice of La Cana Golf Course, Corales Golf Course, and The Lakes Barceló Golf Course.
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