ABOVE : The driving range at
Royal Isabela . FAR RIGHT : TPC Dorado Beach East Course . RIGHT : Seafood from Sal de Mar restaurant in Aguadilla .
but also stunningly distracting ocean views on the closing holes . Caddies are available to help you save strokes and point you in the right direction when the wind blows .
The grounds of this resort are located on a former coconut plantation , positioned between El Yunque and Espiritu Santo River State Preserve . The site boasts two miles of secluded beaches and two private bird sanctuaries . It is the Caribbean ’ s first and only certified Gold Audubon Signature Sanctuary , emphasizing environmental stewardship .
TPC Dorado Beach East Course
tpc . com / doradobeach While TPC Dorado Beach features both the Sugarcane and East Course , World Golf Hall of Famer Jack Nicklaus once called the East Course ’ s fourth hole “ one of the world ’ s top-10 golf holes .” Laurence S . Rockefeller sought to create the top Caribbean resort in 1955 and hired golf architect Robert Trent Jones , Sr ., to design Dorado Beach , which has since hosted PGA Tour tournaments and countless celebrity events .
The property has been home to four courses , including the West Course and The Pineapple , but those two 18-hole tracts closed in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017 , and will be remapped into a brandnew course as a JW Marriott property .
Caddies are also available at TPC Dorado . And while TPC members will be given first priority for weekend morning tee times , non-members may also enjoy weekend rounds on the East Course — consistently rated among the Caribbean ’ s top courses .
WHAT TO DO IN THE AGUADILLA AREA ?
• Crash Boat Beach – Popular beach area for swimming , snorkeling , surfing and jumping off the wooden pier into crystal-clear water .
• Surfer ’ s Beach – Rent a surfboard , paddleboard or kiteboard and catch a wave or just sit on the beach and watch some of the pros who have competed in World Surf Championships .
• Ruinas del Faro Punta Borinquen – Spanish-style lighthouse was destroyed in a tsunami caused by an earthquake in 1918 , but you can still explore the ruins of this once-majestic structure .
• Crash Boat Experiences – Eco-tour guide Roberto Rafols takes guests by boat to local secluded beaches , caves and to experience interactions with pelicans .
WHERE TO EAT IN GREATER AGUADILLA ?
• Jota Restaurant ( Royal Isabela ) – Features locally sourced vegetables , herbs , fruits , seafood and cheese from small family farms and businesses . Outdoor terrace overlooks the Atlantic Ocean .
• Sal de Mar ( Aguadilla ) – Cuisine showcases Caribbean , Puerto Rican , steaks and seafood fare . Trip Advisor awards high marks for food , service , presentation and the water view . Try the mofongo or tuna tacos .
• Pena Blanca ( Aguadilla ) – Caribbean , Latin and seafood are featured here and ceviche , mofongo , cold cocktails and a beach view also get rave reviews .
COURTESY OF THE COURSES
34 V IRGINIA G OLFER | J ULY / A UGUST 2021
vsga . org