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AN JUAN, PUERTO RICO – Many of Puerto Rico’s 18 golf courses have reopened, as recently announced by Gov. Wanda Vázquez. “It’s the right time . . . We have flattened the curve,” said Gov. Vázquez. Caution, patience, and discipline have been staples of the Island’s proactive edicts designed to protect Puerto Rico residents and visitors. That will continue when many businesses gradually reopen across the Island. A 7 pm to 5 am curfew will remain in place until June 15, and all people will be required to wear a mask when outside or inside a business. Puerto Rico, an American territory, will join the rest of the United States as pertains to the game; golf courses have reopened in all 50 states. “This is encouraging news, and people wishing to visit the Island can soon embrace all that is waiting for them when the time is right to travel,” said Leah Chandler, CMO, Discover Puerto Rico, the Island’s Destination Marketing Organization. Some Island courses are open to everyone, including Royal Isabela, Club Deportivo del Oeste, and more. Other Island courses are open to members only currently – TPC Dorado Beach, Palmas Athletic Club, and Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, for example – with the public expected to be welcomed back imminently. For instance, Rio Mar will allow public play beginning on June 2. For details pertaining to each golf venue, call them at the phone numbers listed at bottom. Royal Isabela’s re-opening protocol is indicative of how Island golf courses are operating. The boutique resort perched atop 200-foot cliffs on Puerto Rico’s northwest coast, reopened its Links Golf Course for public play. It has installed an array of safeguards to enhance safe recreation, including staff using personal protective gear, sanitizing and cleaning golf carts and the Pro Shop common areas throughout the day, and more. Other Royal Isabela mandates include requiring that tee times be booked at least 48 hours in advance with all due information; no use of the driving range, practice greens, or club rentals; one player allowed per golf cart; no post round gathering or socializing; and more. Puerto Rico’s 18 golf courses are located throughout the Island – from the northwestern tip to the East Coast – with several in northeastern Puerto Rico near capital San Juan. Accentuating tropical splendor and remarkable ocean views, Island golf resorts are renowned for their first-class service and inspirational settings. Puerto Rico is an enchanting destination where history, culture,
18 Golf Vacations • June 2020
gastronomy, nightlife, beaches, hotels and resorts abound. It requires no passport for American citizens, is bilingual, uses the U.S. dollar for currency, and is the air hub of the Caribbean. There are more than 4,000 restaurants, and the lodging venues range from top hospitality brands to being named a top 10 Airbnb world destination. For more information on Island golf courses, resorts, and other destination attractions along with Puerto Rico’s new health and safety guidelines visit: DiscoverPuertoRico.com.
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