Puerto Rico Open in the PGA Tour
Puerto Rico has always been a popular tourist destination. Its white beaches, diverse attractions and magnificent natural reserves and wildlife, have resulted in a flourishing tourism industry. From the year 2008, however, there will be one more reason to visit Puerto Rico, as it has been announced that for the 2008 schedule, the Puerto Rico Open will be added into the PGA Tour. Golf enthusiasts from all over the world will be making plans to travel to Rio Grande to participate in the memorable Puerto Rico Open.
Together, the Puerto Rico Golf Association, Puerto Rico Tourism and Banco Popular, have worked tirelessly to bring this wonderful opportunity to the island. Banco Popular will be presenting the Puerto Rico Open and have chosen the Coco Beach Golf and Country Club as the venue for this premier event.
The Coco Beach Golf and Country Club, situated on the coast of Rio Grande, covers an area of 1 200 hectares and looks out over the sparkling waters of Puerto Rico. Tom Kite, a PGA Tour Professional, with the collaboration of Bruce Besse, designed four magnificent nine-hole courses, making the Coco Beach Golf and Country Club a thirty-six hole golf extravaganza. Golfers can choose between playing through the mountain range, around the sparkling lakes, amongst the tropical palms or alongside the ocean. But no matter where they decide to play, they are surrounded by the beauty and tranquillity of the El Yunque Rainforest. It is the perfect location for a PGA Tour venue, with a large clubhouse and comfortable facilities. Especially with the concerns raised by players in regard to not having enough playing opportunities, the addition of the Puerto Rico Open has come at the right time.
The tournament will be held between the 17th and 23rd of March 2008 and will have a purse of $3.5 million, with 12 500 FedExCup points up for grabs. The winner of the tournament will walk away with $630 000 in prize money and 2 250 in FedExClub points. The Puerto Rico Open does not only offer a new and exciting venue for both professional golfers and spectators, but will also be a new challenge. Puerto Rico’s tourism industry is also predicted to increase over this period, as die-hard fans travel to support their golfing heroes.
