The Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort - River Course

I was very excited to play this course during my vacation to Rio Mar. I flew down with my own clubs, since the club charges $70 for a rental set, and was eager to play what looked to be a top tier course designed by Greg Norman.

First off, the conditions were extremely underwhelming for the price tag on this course. Weeds everywhere, dead spots on fairways, and greens slower than your living room carpet. The natural beauty surrounding every hole is fantastic if you’re not used to Caribbean scenery. The layout was interesting enough, some doglegs, plenty of water and hazards in play, and challenging approach shots.

Carts were equipped with GPS and the cooler on my cart was preloaded with ice, and two bottles of water came complimentary with the cart as well as two towels stashed in the overhead compartment of the cart (I didn’t notice these until one fell out after hitting a bump on the cart path).

I’d feel more comfortable paying $75 for a round rather than the $150 they charge. I’ve played many courses in the $150 price range and they were MUCH nicer all around than this club. From the customer service experience, to layout, to conditions, don’t come expecting what you may be used to in the states for that price. You’re paying a premium for being at a resort in Puerto Rico.

I originally had a tee time for the Ocean course but was told by the starter upon arrival that its fairways and greens had just been aerated. So I accepted the invitation to switch to the River course.

I may have been spoiled by the other courses in the area (Bahia Beach and Grand Reserve) but this was the worst experience I had golfing my entire trip. Course conditions were terrible! Tee boxes were barely there, greens were non existent. Couldn’t even justify keeping a score. The greens are just an extension of fairways at this point. Do Not Play here. For the amount of Money ($150 ea Player) this is an absolute rip off. Will never play here again! Do yourself the favor and Save your money.

Nice course and great people. Moved fast and was allowed to play through appropriately! It’s not so difficult.it’s enjoyable.

The golf course was quite wet, I was still able to enjoy the game. The River Course is very well maintained, its greens in perfect condition with an average speed and without many breaks. I'd say it's easy for putting.

Course condition and pace of play were excellent. My wife's first day playing golf and we had a memorable day. Love it!

Tee Off made it easy to go and play on a spectacular course. The day was awesome!

The course itself is beatific and for the most part well maintained. The greens are a little inconsistent and slow, but overall a fun course.

I am a resident/member of Rio Mar, so play both courses often. But the River is by far my favorite. It pushes up to the base of El Yunque rainforest, and the Mameyes River winds throughout the course. Except for the first few holes, there are no homes on the course, which makes it very secluded and private. Pace of play very good, as all the tourists want to play the Ocean Course, not knowing this is the real gem of the two. Very challenging, yet 3 of the Par 5's are reachable. Some very tough and long Par 4's. The new golf staff has done wonders with both courses, especially post-Maria (insurance helped with many renovations). They are now part of Troon Golf, which I know has high standards, and both courses are living up to it.

I enjoyed the layout, but I would rate the conditions as fair to average The course is maintained ok (maybe as good as it gets considering the environment) - but the greens, while true, were VERY slow. IMO not a great value compared to say a Poppy Ridge in Monterey. On the other hand, if you’re staying at the resort and don’t have many other convenient options it made for a pleasant round of golf.