In other words, the two on-site courses are the perfect place for golfers looking for an accessible, tropical golf getaway.
Opened in 1975 by George and Tom Fazio, the Ocean Course plays through palms, lagoons, and a steady onshore breeze. Doglegs shape many tee shots, water is in play on multiple holes, and the beachfront par-3 16th faces Atlantic crosswinds.
The River Course, on the other hand, follows the bends of the Mameyes. Fairways are generally wide, rough is playable, and the water is almost always a factor. Seven holes run along the river, with El Yunque visible from much of the course.
“We fold golf into the rhythm of a beach-and-rainforest vacation,” says Bob Gruer, general manager of Rio Mar Country Club. “An early morning round while the ocean is glassy, a beachfront lunch, spa time, then sunset cocktails, no all-day obligation required.”
Photo: Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach and Golf Resort
For travelers, the resort adds the pieces that turn a golf trip into a full stay: 400+ guestrooms and suites, two main pools, a beachfront strip of sand, a spa, casino, and a set of nine bars and restaurants. A 13-court racquet complex (plus pickleball) and easy beach access make non-golf hours fun between rounds.
As Gruer puts it, “Rio Mar acts as a gateway venue that shows off the island’s ‘ocean-to-rainforest’ spectrum in a single stay.”
I caught up with Gruer to learn more about how the two courses complement each other, how the setting shapes play, and what visitors should know before they put a tee in the ground.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Matador Network: The Ocean Course at Rio Mar has holes that hug the Atlantic coastline. From a design and playing perspective, how does being so close to the sea change the strategy and the feel?
Bob Gruer: The Ocean Course at Rio Mar brings players directly alongside the Atlantic on the par-3 16th hole; that single stretch defines the experience. The sea breeze becomes a constant factor, changing direction and strength day to day, forcing golfers to think carefully about trajectory, spin, and club selection. At the same time, the open horizon and crashing surf create a sense of drama and exposure that contrasts with the more sheltered inland holes. It’s a moment where strategy meets scenery: one hole on the ocean is enough to give the course its name, its character, and a signature challenge that lingers in every golfer’s memory.
How does the River Course highlight and blend with Puerto Rico’s natural landscape?
Greg Norman routed the River Course along the Mameyes River’s bends, using wide fairways, light rough, and shallow bunkers so the land’s natural contours do most of the work. Views swing between the river corridor, rainforest mountains, so you feel embedded in place rather than removed from it. Strategy comes from angles and camber rather than forced carries, which keeps it welcoming while still interesting for better players.
How do Rio Mar’s courses balance being beautiful with being genuinely memorable for serious players?
Both courses are photogenic, but they stick with you because the shot values differ: the Ocean Course tests wind management and commitment to start lines, while the River Course rewards positional play and shaping into tilted fairways. That contrast, and two distinct architect philosophies, creates a 36-hole identity you remember.
How does Rio Mar create a welcoming environment for guests who might want to try nine holes spontaneously or book a lesson rather than commit to 18?
Rio Mar keeps golf flexible with easy 9-hole tee times for afternoon play, a full practice facility, and on-site pros for lesson, so guests can drop in for a quick round or instruction without committing to 18 holes.
What other experiences at the resort pair particularly well with a day on the course?
After a round on the Ocean or River Course, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar makes it easy to turn the day into a full luxury escape without leaving the property. Players can unwind at the spa with ocean-inspired treatments or a steam session to reset body and mind. The resort’s beachfront and lagoon-style pools offer the perfect follow-up, whether it’s lounging in a cabana, sipping cocktails, or taking a dip in the Atlantic. Dining completes the experience, from refined meals at Palio to island-inspired flavors at Roots Coastal Kitchen or relaxed bites at the Tiki Hut or a casual family lunch at Seabreeze. Together, these elements pair seamlessly with golf to create a balance of sport, relaxation, and indulgence.
What practices around turf, water, or wildlife protection are being applied at Rio Mar given its location between ocean and rainforest ecosystems?
We are part of the Audubon International Monarchs in the Rough program, which focuses on restoring pollinator habitat, particularly for monarch butterflies. In November, we will launch this project with the planting of tropical milkweed across one acre of the River Course.
Photo: Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach and Golf Resort / Victor Elias Photography.
We have also carried out evaluations of the Mameyes River riparian zone to restore its embankments with native riparian vegetation, helping to protect water quality and stabilize soils. Near the course, coastal forests are being restored with native species, and a recent evaluation identified opportunities to restore dunes along the beachfront, enhancing habitat for leatherback sea turtles. In addition, a community-based turtle conservation project was initiated last year, engaging members and residents in protecting nesting sites.
What innovations set Rio Mar apart from other Caribbean resort courses?
Rio Mar sets itself apart with eco-friendly course care (Audubon practices, pollinator habitats), flexible guest programs (family golf, 9-hole options, lessons), and the rare chance to play two very different championship courses by Tom and George Fazio and Greg Norman. Add in the resort’s ongoing luxury upgrades, and golf here feels both world-class and welcoming.
For travelers looking to book a golf vacation in the coming years, what new programs, tournaments, or resort enhancements should they expect to see at Rio Mar?
In the coming years, travelers can expect expanded golf programs such as corporate golf clinics, golf-and-racquet combined experiences, as well as private and group instruction. The resort already hosts junior and amateur events and is likely to grow its calendar with more competitive and social formats, including family-friendly play. 
