Strategy, Skill, & the Spirit of Golf
The artistry and rhythm of golf come to life at Moncayo, where every swing echoes through rolling fairways and sun-drenched greens, creating a game as timeless and poetic as the breathtaking landscapes that surround it.
Meet Our Golf Course Architect
Martin Ebert — acclaimed golf champion and course architect behind the Moncayo golf course — is recognized as one of the foremost figures in golf course design worldwide. His portfolio includes work on eight Open Championship venues, such as Royal Portrush, Royal Birkdale, and Turnberry. Renowned for harmonizing strategic gameplay with the natural terrain, Ebert crafts courses that seamlessly integrate with their surroundings, as if nature had always intended them to be there.
An Interview with Martin Ebert
You’ve designed some of the world’s most celebrated courses. What makes Moncayo unique?
The phrase “discovered within nature, not built” perfectly describes Moncayo. The natural characteristics of the site gave us an incredible foundation to work from. The variety of the terrain is remarkable, with a mix of inland views, coastal cliffs, and valleys. Every hole feels distinct, shaped by the land itself.
What’s your guiding philosophy when designing a course?
We want golfers to feel like the course belongs to the land. Even when we need to move earth, the goal is for it to look natural. A well-designed course should blend into its surroundings so seamlessly that it feels like it’s always been there.
How does Moncayo balance playability and challenge?
We’ve designed six sets of tees to accommodate different skill levels, from a back-tee test of over 7,200 yards to a forward-tee length of 4,800 yards. The greens are interesting rather than severe, so the course challenges elite players while remaining enjoyable for everyday golfers.
Are there any standout holes that you think will become favorites?
The 8th and 15th holes stand out for their stunning coastal settings. The 8th sits high on the cliffs, offering incredible ocean views, while the 15th plays along the beach with a demanding approach over a bunker into the green. The 14th also has a spectacular backdrop of sea and islands. But really, the variety of terrain means every hole will have its own personality.
What role does the natural landscape play in the course’s design?
We’ve respected the natural landforms as much as possible. The coastal setting creates natural elevation changes and dramatic views, and we’ve designed the course to flow with those contours. Even the planting reflects the environment – grasses suited to the salty air and roughs designed to grow long and wispy without becoming too dense.
What do you hope golfers will take away from playing Moncayo?
A sense of challenge and fun. The course will test golfers’ skills, but it should also be enjoyable. If players walk away feeling like they’ve had a fair but memorable round, we’ll have succeeded.
That phase 'discovered within nature, not built' perfectly describes the course we've designed at Moncayo. The site's natural character — it's topography, trees, and views — provided the best tropical canvas we could ask for.
Four Keys to Coastal Course Design
Creating an exceptional coastal golf course goes beyond showcasing beautiful ocean vistas — it’s about aligning with the landscape, embracing the natural elements, and honoring the spirit of the game. These four guiding principles lay the foundation for a course that captivates the eye and challenges the mind.
The finest coastal courses embrace the natural terrain, sculpting the layout around existing contours, bluffs, and ridges to create a design that feels both authentic and enduring.
Coastal winds play a crucial role, demanding diverse shot-making and thoughtful design that challenges players to be both inventive and adaptable.
A great coastal course blends playability with sustainability, using native plants that suit the climate and enrich the course’s natural charm.
The best coastal courses do more than showcase ocean views — they integrate them into the flow of the game, merging scenic beauty with strategic challenge throughout.
Take Your Game Further: Golf Performance Center
Experience a new benchmark in golf performance. At Moncayo’s Golf Performance Center, the stunning coastal landscape of Puerto Rico meets elite training facilities built to elevate every facet of your game. Play at your own pace — no tee times, no pressure — just uninterrupted focus and panoramic views throughout your round.
An Interview with Manuel Reparaz, Director of Golf at Moncayo
As Director of Golf at Moncayo and professional golfer, Manuel brings deep expertise in golf operations and lifestyle programming. His goal is to make every round approachable, memorable, and connected to the rhythm of the island.
What sets the Moncayo golf experience apart?
It’s the setting, definitely. You’re playing through coastal holes, inland valleys, ridges, bluffs, all within a single round. There’s a sense of discovery to the course, like you’re exploring the land, not just playing through it. And, of course, being in Puerto Rico surrounded by the warmth, energy and culture of the community makes a huge difference for every golfer and visitor.
How do you support players at different levels?
We’ve designed the experience to be both fun for casual players and an opportunity to challenge oneself and improve one’s game for serious players. Multiple tee placements, a great practice facility, and expert coaching help players enjoy the game and grow at their own pace.
What’s your approach to hospitality and member experience?
Golf is just one part of the Moncayo lifestyle. It’s about great service, good food, and relaxed, social spaces that make the experience feel elevated but never formal.
What does the Puerto Rican setting bring to the game?
It changes everything. The light, the air, the energy of the island. It’s not just scenic, it’s an energizing and inspiring part of the lifestyle. The island is infused into the experience.