Key Takeaways
| Golf Course | Designer | Holes | Year Opened | Size (Acres) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punta Espada Golf Course | Jack Nicklaus | 18 | 2006 | 700 |
| La Cana Golf Course | P.B. Dye | 36 (4 x 9 holes) | 1998 | 300+ |
| Corales Golf Course | Tom Fazio | 18 | 2010 | 700 |
| Punta Blanca Golf Course | Nick Price | 18 | 2008 | 300 |
| Cocotal Golf & Country Club | José “Pepe” Gancedo | 27 | 2000 | 300+ |
With year-round sunshine and average temperatures hovering around 80°F, Punta Cana offers idyllic golfing conditions for players of all abilities. Complementing the area’s postcard beaches and family resorts are dozens of championship golf courses designed by acclaimed architects like Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and Nick Faldo. From stunning seaside layouts to jungle-lined fairways, golfers seeking exotic challenge needn’t look further than Punta Cana golf courses.
This comprehensive guide covers the top golf courses in Punta Cana and greater Dominican Republic ranked by various factors like size, amenities, architecture, popularity and uniqueness. With insider tips from simplydominican.com, the area’s villa rental specialist, expect a hole-in-one vacation teeing off in paradise!
Punta Espada Golf Course
- Designer: Jack Nicklaus
- Holes: 18
- Year Opened: 2006
- Size: 700 acres
- Features: Oceanfront, 8 holes along water
Consistently named among the best golf courses in the Caribbean, Punta Espada wows with jaw-dropping vistas, lush landscape and unique hazards like wandering sheep from an adjacent island. Its signature “hole no. 7” plays downhill with Caribbean backdrops so stunning it's been dubbed the “Caribbean’s Best Par 3.” Measuring a whopping 700 acres, Punta Espada is one of Punta Cana’s largest courses with 8 dramatic holes hugging the coastline. Proshop, clubhouse and fine dining options available in the clubhouse.
Stay in Style: Book a golf villa through simplydominican.com located footsteps from Punta Espada for easy replay access. The exclusive Cap Cana community offers several Jack Nicklaus-designed courses perfect for multi-round stays.
La Cana Golf Course
- Designer: P.B. Dye
- Holes: Four 9-hole courses ("Tortuga", "Hacienda", "Arrecife", "Las Iguanas")
- Year Opened: 1998
- Size: 300+ acres
- Features: Inland, 27 holes along lakes
Another top-ranked Punta Cana golf course, La Cana measures over 300 acres spanning numerous 9-hole courses that can be combined for 18-hole play: Tortuga, Hacienda, Arrecife and Las Iguanas. Architect P.B. Dye incorporated the area's stunning natural landscape across this emerald green inland course accented by 14 lakes. The signature 14th hole offers outstanding lake views – one reason La Cana remains such a popular golf choice for players staying at the neighboring Puntacana Resort. Simply book their Golf & Spa package for reduced green fees and access to luxury hotel amenities.
Pro Tip: Hacienda and Tortuga are best combined for a moderately challenging 18-hole course. Arrecife and Las Iguanas feature tighter doglegs better suited for advanced golfers accustomed to placement shots.
Corales Golf Course
- Architect: Tom Fazio
- Holes: 18
- Year Opened: 2010
- Size: 700 acres
- Features: Ocean views, inland through former coral quarry
Carved from a former coral quarry, Corales Golf Course at Casa de Campo ranks among architect Tom Fazio’s finest designs and Punta Cana’s most coveted tee times. Its unique natural terrain rippled with contours makes for an exciting course traversing cliffs, coral landscapes and inland lakes across 700 stunning acres. Six oceanside holes provide picturesque vistas along low bluffs, though most holes veer inland away from shoreline winds better suited for ball control. Green fees exceed most area courses, but the splurge is warranted for flawlessly manicured Bermuda fairways and unforgettable challenges named among “world’s best new courses” by Golf Magazine.
Insider Tip: Booking tee times during peak season is highly advised, preferably 60+ days in advance at this exclusive private club. Multi-round packages available to guests in Casa de Campo's luxury villas.
Punta Blanca Golf Course
- Architect: Nick Price
- Holes: 18
- Year Opened: 2008
- Size: 300 acres along coast
- Features: Seaside, rock cliffs, elevation changes
Two-time PGA Championship winner Nick Price lends his design excellence to the picturesque Punta Blanca golf course perfectly positioned along Punta Cana’s eastern shoreline. Immaculately groomed platinum fairways accented by coconut palms and sea grape vines guide you along breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic ocean and soaring rock cliffs. With thundering surf as your soundtrack, tackle the risk-reward uphill 17th stretching perilously close to cliffs edge. Punta Blanca brings big elevation changes across its seaside holes culminating with the rocky cliff-lined 18th green for an unforgettable finish. Enjoy post-round festivities at PB Bar & Grill overlooking scenic holes and swaying palms.
Luxury Tip: Upgrade your golf getaway by booking one of Punta Blanca’s lavish golf villas through simplydominican.com bringing premium amenities like infinity pools, butler service and private chefs.
Cocotal Golf & Country Club
- Architect: José “Pepe” Gancedo
- Holes: 27
- Year Opened: 2000
- Size: Over 300 acres
- Features: Inland, 3 combinations of 9-hole courses
Another highly regarded Punta Cana golf course, Cocotal Golf & Country Club spans over 300 sprawling acres conveniently located near popular Bávaro hotels and the Cocotal residential community. With 27 holes divided across three 9-hole courses (Las Palmas, Los Mangos, Las Iguanas), golfers enjoy flexibility in choosing their 18-hole course combination spanning a mix of par 3s, 4s and 5s. Mature trees lining lush fairways add beauty and challenge which architect José "Pepe" Gancedo embraced across slightly hilly inland terrain accented by picturesque lakes. Guests access discounted rates when booking hotels affiliated with Cocotal like VIK, Now Larimar and Barceló Bávaro Palace through shuttle transport.
Budget Tip: With peak green fees under $100 per player, Cocotal Golf offers outstanding dollar-to-play value without sacrificing Dominican beauty. Multi-round packages available.
Iberostate Bávaro Golf Course
- Architects: P.B. Dye, Jim McLean
- Holes: 18
- Year Opened: 2010
- Size: Over 700 acres
- Features: Inland links-style, rolling hills
Dominican golf icon Juanillo Beach becomes backdrop to numerous holes at IBEROSTAR's championship course traversing over 700 acres. Architects P.B Dye and Jim McLean incorporated sloping mogul-like terrain into this prairie-links style layout accented by snaking rivers, lakes and wetlands across inland holes. Significant elevation changes, sculpted bunkers and undulating greens tiered at various angles culminate in a hearty challenge for golfers of all abilities. Luxurious clubhouse offers well-appointed locker rooms, designer golf shop, restaurant/lounge and wedding venues should you need to pop the big question post-round!
Resort Tip: Overnight golf and spa packages available at the neighboring IBEROSTAR complex or book a Dominican villa through simplydominican.com and request discounted tee times.
Hard Rock Golf Club Cana
- Architect: Jack Nicklaus
- Holes: 18
- Year Opened: 2010
- Size: Over 380 acres
- Features: Seaside and inland, narrow fairways
At the first all-inclusive golf resort in the Caribbean catering to golfers and music fans alike, the Hard Rock Golf Club brings a luxury golf experience with modern amenities and rock star treatment. Designed by the Golden Bear across palm tree-dotted terrain, the par-72 challenges with strategic bunkering, meandering water features and links-style railroad ties edging many holes. Tee boxes often align parallel to fairways or woven tightly between native foliage and seaside vistas for demanding accuracy. Plentiful practice facilities, a stylish clubhouse and luxury golf carts with GPS systems provide tools for success at the world’s first Hard Rock signature course.
Resort Tip: Book the Golf Lovers Multi-Night package for accommodation, unlimited golf, carts, transfers, golf concierge, free golf clinics/lessons, live music and more!
Playa Grande Golf Course
- Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
- Holes: 18
- Year Opened: 2000
- Size: Over 600 acres
- Features: Ocean views, ruins, elevation changes
Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. along jagged cliffs and Guayacanes ruins, Playa Grande brings drama and challenge befitting its translation to "Big Beach." Guests navigate ancient steps, refined elevation changes and remnants of 16th century structures with the mighty Atlantic as backdrop across this one-of-a-kind course. Jones incorporated existing historical site features like tumbled walls, well-placed bunkers amidst ruins and uneven contours into his championship layout wrapping 620 stunning seaside acres. Caddies are recommended to help position approach shots properly on blind landing areas and side-hill lies. Enjoy regional flavors and Jones Sr.-designed memorabilia in the clubhouse afterward!
History Tip: Walking tours available at Playa Grande to explore Guayacanes used by indigenous tribes and early European settlers.
Casa de Campo – Dye Fore Golf Course
- Architect: Pete Dye
- Holes: 18
- Year Opened: 2010
- Size: 380 acres
- Features: Inland, lake, marshlands
At the world-class Casa de Campo complex, Pete Dye brings his design mastery through the Dye Fore course contrasting three unique 9-hole sections: Chavón, Lakes and Marsh. The Chavón holes offer pure inland golf through bushes and Dye's signature railroad ties along fairway edges. Lakes then brings the challenge and beauty of water before concluding with Marsh – not surprisingly bringing wetlands galore guarding lightning fast greens. Unique hole names like "Teeth of the Dog," "Depth Charge," and "Release the Hounds" cue the adventurous experience awaiting across 7200 yards tailored to test professionals and resort guests alike.
Caddy tip: Casa de Campo caddies pride themselves on insightful course management, club selection and reading greens. Take advantage of their expertise, as Pete Dye himself has been known to phone the pro shop questioning why more players aren't using Casa caddies!
Casa de Campo – The Links Golf Course
- Architect: Pete Dye
- Holes: 18
- Year Opened: 1976
- Size: Inland forest, 320 acres
- Features: Dramatic elevation changes
As Pete Dye’s first foray into Caribbean design, The Links holds a special place in Casa de Campo’s world-class golf portfolio as well as the architect’s storied career. Stretching over 320 acres, this inland layout carves through lush forest across rolling terrain accented by cocoa and royal palms. Players experience dramatic elevation changes, undulating greens and demanding doglegs made famous by traditional Scottish architecture. Walking encouraged if able across The Links’ sprawling acreage, as Dye intended golfers to immerse themselves fully into his designed landscapes. Don’t let the at-times triple canopy palm forest trick you; The Links may prove deceivingly tough!
Local Tip: The par-3 12th hole brings Casa’s highest elevation point for incredible vistas – and likely a call for an extra club longer than the scorecard shows to reach the pesky uphill green!
Plan your Punta Cana Golf Getaway
With world-class courses designed by the biggest names in golf architecture, Punta Cana entices players seeking exotic rounds enveloped in luxury. Play mainstay favorites like La Cana’s P.B. Dye layout or book coveted tee times on newer Nicklaus, Faldo and Fazio designs consistently named among the best courses worldwide. Proper club selection gets enhanced by other local advantages like favorable weather, supreme course conditions and gorgeous tropical settings blessing nearly every hole.
Consult simplydominican.com‘s travel experts on booking discounted multi-round packages at your preferred layouts with luxury villa packages bringing amenities like private airport transfers, chef-prepared breakfasts and housekeeping. Guests wanting to sample different courses over several days find flexibility through their huge portfolio spanning 8+ Dominican destinations. Imagine teeing off seaside holes one morning and through jungle waterfalls the next – all from the comforts of your own luxury villa!
With world-class courses in idyllic settings offering unique play opportunities for golfers at every skill level, Punta Cana brings fairway magic unlike any place on Earth. It’s time to elevate your golf getaway by designing a tailored itinerary in partnership with simplydominican.com – the Dominican Republic’s premiere vacation villa rental company catering to groups large and small WHILST BRINGING OUT THE WONDERFUL IN YOU!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular golf course in Punta Cana?
The most popular golf course in Punta Cana is La Cana Golf Course designed by P.B Dye. Its convenient location near major resorts and reputation for outstanding conditions make it a mainstay for visitors.
Which golf course in Punta Cana is located along the ocean?
Punta Espada and Punta Blanca Golf Courses in Punta Cana feature spectacular oceanfront holes with ocean vistas.
What is the largest golf course in Punta Cana?
At 700 acres each, Punta Espada Golf Course and Corales Golf Course are two of the largest in Punta Cana. Both feature thousands of yards of championship tees and scenic holes showcasing the area’s natural beauty.
Which architect designed the most golf courses in Punta Cana?
P.B. Dye has designed several top Punta Cana golf courses including La Cana Golf Course and Iberostate Bávaro Golf Course, which span over 300 and 700 acres respectively.
What is Casa de Campo’s Dye Fore golf course known for?
Dye Fore at Casa de Campo contrasts three unique 9-hole sections named Chavón, Lakes, and Marsh known for inland bush golf, beautiful water features, and challenging wetland holes respectively.
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