Puerto Rico Open: day one dampened but the fun goes on!

Round one of the Puerto Rico Open turned out to be an early wash with "unplayable conditions". Although Skip Kendall eagled the first hole at Trump International Golf Course, there is sure to be plenty of action in the coming days. Play resumes tomorrow (Friday morning) at 7:15 am with only a 30 percent chance of rain.

The golfers will be playing "Preferred lies" which is mentioned in the appendix of the official rules of golf. Briefly stated, a player whose ball is in the fairway would be allowed to improve the lie due to weather conditions.

Puerto Rico is a place where you can still have a great time in spite of the weather; a true test of a great vacation destination!

For example, shopping for clothes at Trump's Proshop while waiting for the rain to let up?

Barry and I also had the opportunity to learn more about the island "experience" as well as new and exciting plans for Puerto Rico while speaking with Jaime A. Lopez Diaz, the Executive Director (Minister) of Tourism for Puerto Rico.

One important attraction for main-landers is that Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States which means no passports are required. The very tropical, caribbean feel is evident from the palm trees which sway and crackle in the breeze to the music which defines the island.

Although we played golf at Bahia Beach yesterday (where the Puerto Rico Open qualifiers were held), there are eight courses in this region with a total of twenty-three in Puerto Rico; seventeen which are championship standard.

Upscale hotels and villas are springing up all around the Gran Melia from the Wyndham (set to open in 2011) to the St. Regis, which is located on the Bahia property. The understated elegance all around us makes this area a great value for the dollar.

Sure, we'll be following the golfers at the beautiful Trump International Golf Course but I also hope that we can get in a bit of sightseeing. I understand that El Yunque is one of among twenty-eight nominees as a new "7th Natural Wonder of the World" and that there is life that exists in El Yunque that can be found no where else in the world!

More to come!

Puerto Rico Welcomes Us With Open Arms

Puerto Rico is abuzz this week for the Puerto Rico Open. Trump International Golf Club, right next door to the Gran Melia, is hosting the PGA Tour event. I hear that Donald Trump is staying somewhere on the premises, probably in one of the luxurious beachside villas.

We haven't seen Trump in person yet because, as he was losing to John Daly, we were playing a round of golf at the extraordinary Palmas del Mar.

Barry and I have our own suite at the Gran Melia checking out not only the tournament but also taking in the sites and playing golf on some of the wonderful courses nearby.

Today, we were invited to Bahia Beach and Golf Club. It is one of the most magnificent, tropical/ocean golf courses you would ever wish to play. Each hole has unsurpassed views everywhere you look. The course is challenging and can also be user-friendly, depending upon your choice of tee-box.

We will be updating you throughout the week from the Puerto Rico Open with interesting facts and pictures as we see it, both on Golf for Beginners and through Twitter. We hope you enjoy our coverage.

Why the Puerto Rico Open is "Must See TV"

Both the Puerto Rico Open and the WGC-CA Championships are being played this week but Doral doesn't quite hold the same "mystique" as in previous years.

With Tiger Woods opting out of another event on the PGA Tour schedule, fans need excitement and the Puerto Rico Open is an event ready to comply!

Here are just a few reasons to tune in to the 2010 Puerto Rico Open this week:

1. This is the only stop on the PGA Tour that lands in Puerto Rico. In 2009, forty-two year-old Michael Bradley landed an 11-foot birdie putt to seal the deal at the 18th hole on Trump International Golf Club. He will be in the field to defend his win.

2. John Daly received a sponsor's exemption. Expect the Lion's clothes to match his colorful spirit. As he said on Twitter, "Changing out grips and Gettin Ready for a great Week at the Puerto Rico Open."

3. Check out some of Latin America's finest players: Rafael Campos, Max Alverio and Erick Morales. The PGA Tour is not all about Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Steve Stricker, now is it?

4. Champions Tour golfers Tom Pernice Jr. and Fred Funk will be in the field. Let's watch Funk's return after knee surgery I don't think Vijay Singh ever really recovered, do you?

Tom Kite, the course designer of Trump International GC, among other great golfers, will also be in the field.

5. Trump International Golf Club, at 7,526 yards, is one of the longest on the PGA Tour. Scores have been so close in the previous two years of the event which leads to dramatic thrills on the 18th green. Views of El Yunque Rain Forest and the Atlantic Ocean are breathtaking!

Puerto Rico is a 3,350 square mile Commonwealth of the USA. Watching this stop on the PGA Tour may just give you the desire to visit the Shining Star of the Caribbean!

The Golf Channel will cover the event from Thursday through Sunday. Check your local listings.

Golf for Beginners will also be on hand in Puerto Rico! Follow along with Golf4Beginners and PuertoRicoOpen on Twitter!

Surely you cannot miss Chi-Chi Rodriguez smacking his ceremonial first tee shot! I wonder if he'll be swinging his golf club like a sword...