For most Americans, the idea of visiting the Caribbean is a lucid daydream of pristine beaches, palm trees, soft blue-green waters and a pampering resort. It's a getaway to recharge stress-drained batteries by motionless relaxation. But you have not seen anything, until you see the courses of PR.

Golf in the Caribbean, namely Puerto Rico, is the second- or third-most popular vacation amenity. With the exception of Scotland and Ireland, Americans rarely travel this far with only golf on their minds. Perhaps that's why Puerto Rico hasn't lived up to its potential as a premier golf destination.

Puerto Rico has 20 quality golf courses that challenge and eventually win over guests with the never-ending views of the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and the undulating viridescent terrain. The classy names in architecture applied their touch to this dramatic canvas, making Puerto Rico "A diamond in the rough".

Hidden amongst 285 acres of country side in the southern edge of Puerto Rico, between the Central Mountain Range and bordering the deep blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, a world-class residential and tourist project emerges, the visionary concept of professional golf champion Juan Chi Chi Rodriguez: EL LEGADO GOLF RESORT. Located in Barrio Cimarrona in Guayama, Puerto Rico, just five minutes away from Luis A. Ferre Expressway, this resort is the legacy of an extraordinary human being and to those who enjoy luxurious surroundings, entertainment, security and tranquility. All this and more is found in a friendly and cordial environment that characterizes the great family at EL LEGADO. For many years, renowned World Golf Hall of Fame member, Chi Chi Rodriguez winner of eight PGA Tour Championships and twenty-two Senior Tour victories, has had the desire to create a golf paradise in his own country. A resort for golfers from around the world to marvel at and enjoy. Finally, along with his friend, prestigious business man Joaquin Lopez Camara , Chi Chi is poised to make his dream a reality, leaving a permanent heritage for this and future generations to enjoy.

Robert Trent Jones, Sr. also designed 72 holes along the Atlantic coastline at the Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort and Country Club. At the Wyndham El Conquistador in Fajardo, Arthur Hills stayed true to his last name with dramatic elevation changes and tight fairways. Rees Jones lent his deft touch to Palmas del Mar Country Club's Flamboyan Course, the complement to the Palm Course, an older Gary Player design. Greg Norman and Tom Fazio respectively authored Rio Mar Country Club's River and Ocean Courses, which feature views of the bubbling clouds surrounding the El Yunque Rain Forest and the soft tide of the ocean.

In mid-December, the members and club professionals at 46 of the top American country clubs played in the Ambassador's Cup, a four-day, multi-format annual tournament in Puerto Rico. The event is Puerto Rico's effort (with the help of a number of sponsors) to spread the word about its world class golf and resorts. With clubs like Muirfield Village and Olympia Fields participating, the island is gaining credibility with golfers.

"I was highly impressed with the golf," said Josh Manning, Muirfield Village's assistant professional. "If we had to rate our overall experience from 1 to 10, it would be a 10. When I thought of the Caribbean before, I thought of St. Thomas and St. Croix -- not golf. But this trip has changed my mind." Need more convincing? Getting to Puerto Rico isn't as complicated as other Caribbean islands. Puerto Rico is an American territory, which means passports and birth certificates aren't necessary for travel. Communicating with locals isn't taxing -- many are bilingual. The San Juan International Airport is small and easy to maneuver through. And most major U.S. cities on the East Coast have direct flights into San Juan. For those who have anxiety from being out of touch with life in the states, most Puerto Rican resorts carry ESPN, ESPN2 and the New York City NBC affiliate for news.

If you still feel up tight, it's time to try a rum mixed drink like Puerto Rico's famous "Mojito," a sweet and refreshing concoction of light rum, mint, sugar and club soda. It'll relax the "diablo" in anybody.