Beautiful Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is known for its fabulous Caribbean beaches and all-inclusive resorts. If you love golf, you’ll be happy to hear that it has also grown into a golfer’s paradise.
The reasons? The spectacular scenery while golfing, and world-class courses designed by golfing greats like Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, and others. At least a dozen golf courses exist with more planned. Following are some suggestions for where to play golf in Punta Cana.
Punta Blanca Golf Course
The Punta Blanca Golf Course is located in the Punta Cana/Bavaro area on the grounds of a five-star resort, the Majestic Colonial Punta Cana. Designed by golfing great Nick Price, the course incorporates the Paspalum grass variety (best to resist salt water and heat) and is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, lakes, and large waste bunkers.
Although it features full challenging obstacles, the design makes it appealing to golfers of all levels.
Punta Espada Golf Course
This par-72 course is one of the most stunning in Punta Cana. Punta Espada is a Jack Nicholas signature course. A great beach view and winding pathways make this a top-notch Punta Cana golf course. You may find higher green fees here, but the day rate includes a caddy, golf cart, and complimentary bottles of water.
La Cana Golf Course
La Cana features hearty Paspalum grass and seven holes along the Caribbean seafront. It’s a favorite with golfers because it’s less crowded, less expensive, yet still has breathtaking scenery. Located at the La Cana Resort& Club, the course was designed by P.B. Dye.
Because of its popularity, consider reserving your tee times about two weeks in advance. Prices are based on whether you are a hotel guest or outside player and on equipment rental and the number of holes.
Corales Golf Club
True golf fanatics won’t want to miss the breathtaking experience of this dramatic 18-hole course designed by Tom Fazio. With six Caribbean seafront holes, it is carved out among natural cliffs and coralina quarries and features inland lakes and ocean coves.
The challenging course ends with playing the popular Devil’s Elbow with the eighteenth hole and forced carry over the Bay of Corales.
Iberostar Bavaro Golf Club
Stone and rock, tropical trees, and roughs with native grasses are some of the finishing touches of this golf course designed by P.B. Dye. Located at the Iberostate Bávaro Golf Club in a residential development, it features small greens, large mounds, and hidden lakes and bunkers.
Less experienced golfers appreciate its short length.
Hard Rock Golf Club, Cana Bay
Meandering through the lush Dominican Republic landscape, this Par 72 championship 18-hole course at the Hard Rock Golf Club in beautiful Cana Bay is a Jack Nicklaus Design. It features Paspalum turf from tee to green.
Small sloping greens create challenging approach shots yet it’s accommodating for any skill level.
Cocotal Golf Club
Spanish golf champion Joe Gancedo designed the resort-style Cocotal course with tourists in mind. The three nine-hole courses feature lots of water hazards and verdant vegetation. It’s not a seafront course but winds around small lakes and coconut trees.
The courses are appealing to tourists renting clubs because of their under five-hour rounds. Tee off early to avoid the busy time of day.
Barcelo Bavaro The Lakes Golf Course
The Lakes Golf Course is one of Punta Cana’s most popular tee off spots even though the 18 holes aren’t seafront. Designed by architect Juan Manuel Gordillo, the greenway is on the grounds at the Barceló Bávaro Beach Golf & Casino Resort and is open to outside guests.
Daily rates include equipment and hotel access. It is advised to make reservations 24 hours in advance.
