With 30 top-class golf courses the Dominican Republic is regularly dubbed the “golfing capital of Latin America and the Caribbean”.
Some of the industry’s top architects and designers – including Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Sr, Gary Player and Tom Fazio – have built golf courses in the Caribbean nation.
Named Latin America and the Caribbean golf destination of the year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) in 2019, the Dominican Republic welcomes more than 200,000 golf tourists every year. Golf tourism and events generate an economic impact of almost €300m (£251m) on an annual basis.
While the courses are open year-round, the best time to play is from December to March when the weather is a little cooler and less humid. There is a benefit to playing in the summer months though, as the green fees are considerably lower.
For more information see godominicanrepublic.com/golf
Best golf courses in the Dominican Republic
Punta Espada: Cap Cana Estate in Punta Cana
Having hosted the PGA Champions Tour, a favourite course among amateur and professional golfers is the Jack Nicklaus-designed Punta Espada. Set in the luxurious high-end Cap Cana Estate, the par-72 course boasts bluffs, beaches, lagoons and jungle foliage as backdrops. Many of its fairways are flanked by stretches of white sand with eight holes right by the sea – including the 17th, which requires players to hit their tee shot right over a bay. See puntaespadagolf.com
Teeth of the Dog: Casa de Campo Luxury Resort in La Romana
Frequently cited at the Caribbean’s must-play course, Teeth of the Dog features seven ocean-hugging holes and derives its name from the jagged rocky outcrops that resemble canine teeth. It’s one of three distinct championship courses – all designed by golfing supremo Peter Dye – located within the 7,000-acre Casa de Campo luxury resort in La Romana. The others are Dye Fore and The Links. See casadecampo.com.do
Corales and La Cana: Punta Cana Resort & Club
Popular with visiting celebrities and a regular host of the PGA Tour, the Punta Cana Resort & Club has two oceanfront courses – the 27-hole La Cana (comprising three nine-holes) and the newer 18-hole Corales. Designed by Tom Fazio, Corales incorporates cliffs, bays, coves, inland lakes and canyons. And, as a challenging three-hole finale, players have to navigate the oceanfront “Devil’s Elbow”. See puntacana.com
Playa Grande, Costa Verde
Regarded as the Dominican Republic’s most exclusive golf course, Playa Grande occupies a scenic spot on the northern Atlantic coast within a private, mainly residential community that also includes the contemporary-styled Amanera hotel. Nicknamed the “Pebble Beach” of the Caribbean (even though it has 10 oceanfront holes – one more than the Californian icon), the course was originally designed by Trent Jones Sr before being renovated by his son Rees Jones. It is surrounded by palm trees and spreads out along cliffs to the west of Playa Grande and Playa Precioso. See playagrande.com
Images: (main) Playa Grande, Costa Verde; (inset) Punta Espada, Cap Cana Estate in Punta Cana
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