Embarking on exploring the top 15 best Punta Cana golf courses for 2023, we will explore each distinctive feature that sets them apart. These golf courses, nestled amidst Punta Cana’s tropical paradise, are a testament to high-end design and careful attention to detail, providing a spectacular blend of challenge and beauty for any golfer. For seasoned golfers seeking their next challenge and newcomers taking their first steps on the fairway, our meticulously curated list is the perfect companion to explore the best golf courses in Punta Cana. Keep reading as we showcase each mesmerizing destination in our lineup of the best Punta Cana golf courses, sure to inspire your next golfing adventure in 2023.
Punta Espada Golf Course
Punta Espada Golf Course, a gem just 15 minutes south of the airport, was designed by Jack Nicklaus at Cap Cana. Opened in November 2006, it is a renowned course that has repeatedly earned international acclaim. The GolfWeek hailed it as the “#1 Best Golf Course in the Caribbean and Mexico,” while Golf Digest ranked it at #35 in the World. This 7,396-yard course, with its par 72, 18 holes, promises an unparalleled golfing experience, with every hole offering a view of the shimmering Caribbean.
Punta Espada is not just for professional players; it is designed to cater to all levels of golfing proficiency. It uniquely features eight holes along the Caribbean Ocean and includes the par-4 17th, where players must carry their tee shot over a bay. In addition to this, five more holes provide breathtaking ocean views. Unsurprisingly, the PGA Tour chose this location for its 2008, 2009, and 2010 tournaments. Punta Espada is a top choice in the Punta Cana area for a golfing experience that combines challenge, beauty, and professional recognition.
Location: FH3M+WWR, Punta Cana 23000
La Cana Golf Club
La Cana Golf Club, a premier destination for golf enthusiasts, boasts a stunning 27-hole course designed by PB Dye, divided into three nines: Tortuga, Hacienda, and Arrecife. Notably, 14 of its holes offer breathtaking ocean views. La Cana Golf Club is a Caribbean pioneer for its sustainability commitment, using eco-friendly paspalum grass seed irrigated with seawater. Golf Magazine recognizes it as the Caribbean’s top course.
The club caters to all skill levels with a comprehensive practice area, including bunkers, putting greens, and a double-sided driving range. The V1 Golf Software aids in swing analysis and technique improvement. Experienced PGA Professionals from America and Europe offer expert lessons. Conveniently located near Punta Cana International Airport, La Cana Golf Club provides golfers with amenities like a café and equipment shop. The Nineteenth Hole at Los Plátanos Bar, at the Clubhouse, offers a vibrant atmosphere to unwind. For golf enthusiasts exploring the Dominican Republic, visiting La Cana Golf Club is a must to experience its unforgettable golfing, complete with ocean-view holes.
Location: Resort & Club, Punta Cana 23000
Hard Rock Golf Club
The Hard Rock Golf Club, a short golf cart ride from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana, offers an exciting and professional golfing experience. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, with 18 Major Championship victories, this 18-hole par 72 course spans 7,253 yards. Each hole is named based on a rock song, adding a unique touch to your golf adventure. What sets this course apart are its strategic bunker layouts, well-placed bailout areas, and fairways that gracefully wind through the picturesque Dominican jungle. While the occasional challenging blind shot and swirling winds make the game intriguing, precision and direct hits are essential to navigate the course effectively.
The Hard Rock Golf Club enhances your experience with convenient services such as transportation to and from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, a well-equipped practice area with shared carts, a delightful selection of food and beverages, a driving range and a putting green. With options for club and shoe rentals and golf lessons catering to all skill levels, the Hard Rock Golf Club ensures that golf enthusiasts of all backgrounds can revel in an exceptional and memorable golfing experience.
Location: PGG9+6MV, Av. Hard Rock, Punta Cana 23000
Barcelo Lakes Golf Course
Barcelo Lakes Golf Course, located in the picturesque Bavaro/Punta Cana area, has emerged as a highly coveted destination for golf enthusiasts. Boasting a prime location just 13 miles from Punta Cana International Airport, it offers both locals and travelers unparalleled convenience and accessibility. This premier golf course is the first in the Punta Cana region, with its construction dating back over two decades. Spanning across 6,655 yards, this 18-hole, par-72 course offers an engaging and enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Its meticulous design showcases 25 inland lakes, 122 bunkers, and a breathtaking mangrove forest.
In 2010, the esteemed architect PB Dye brought his expertise to the course’s re-design and remodeling, ensuring an extraordinary playing environment. Golfers can delight in the fully stocked golf shop at the clubhouse, featuring top-quality apparel and equipment. Furthermore, the Hole 19th provides a splendid retreat after a round, offering complete restaurant and bar services, lockers, and changing rooms. The Practice Facilities, overseen by a PGA Instructor, include a double-sided driving range, practice green, chipping areas, and bunkers. Providing a satisfying experience, Barcelo Lakes Golf Course is a must-visit for avid golf enthusiasts.
Location: Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Corales Golf Club
Corales Golf Club, designed by Tom Fazio and opened in 2010, is a renowned par-72, 18-hole course in a captivating landscape featuring natural cliffs, bays, coves, inland lakes, and Coraline quarries. The course features six Caribbean Oceanside holes, providing a breathtaking backdrop for each swing. With wide fairways, multiple tee boxes, and risk-reward opportunities, the club ensures a comfortable round by providing amenities like yardage books, towels, ice water, and tees. Post-game relaxation awaits at the Nineteenth Hole Bar, and the on-site restaurant, The Grill, offers culinary delights.
Spanning 7,650 yards, Corales Golf Club’s standout feature, Devil’s Elbow, showcases three demanding holes. Tom Fazio’s meticulous design guarantees an unforgettable experience at every hole. Corales Golf Club provides an extraordinary golfing experience, seamlessly combining natural beauty with exceptional course design, appealing to experts and golf aficionados.
Location: HM86+428, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Punta Blanca Golf Course
Punta Blanca Golf Course is a stunning 18-hole course featuring a par 72 layout, designed by Nick Price. It is beautifully surrounded by picturesque lakes, wetlands, and lush vegetation, creating a tranquil and scenic atmosphere for golf enthusiasts. The course caters to players of all levels, offering golf lessons to help improve skills and enhance the overall golfing experience. Additionally, Punta Blanca Golf Course provides a well-stocked pro shop where golfers can find a wide selection of high-quality accessories and apparel. The course boasts Paspalum grass, known for its exceptional playing surface and ability to withstand different weather conditions.
Since its inauguration in 2007, Punta Blanca Golf Course has gained recognition for its challenging yet rewarding layout. The course is complemented by two particularly thrilling holes, namely the risky 13th and 15th holes, par 3. Whether you are an amateur or professional golfer, Punta Blanca Golf Course promises an exceptional golfing experience amidst a stunning natural backdrop. Discover the perfect balance of tranquility and excitement at this remarkable golf course.
Location: PG9M+7JF, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Iberostar Bavaro Golf Club
The Iberostar Bavaro Golf Club offers golf enthusiasts a unique and undulating course that is part of the Iberostar Hotel and the Arena Gorda residential complex. Designed by P. B. Dye, the course spans an impressive length of 6,897 yards and features a challenging rating of 71.8. With its breathtaking lakes, streams, and majestic waterfall, players are treated to a scenic and captivating golf experience.
For the convenience and enjoyment of golfers, the club provides a range of facilities and services. These include 105 white silica sand bunkers, Supreme Paspalum grass, and four teeing boxes catering to all skill levels. Additionally, the club offers amenities such as a snack and drinks stall, a specialist shop, and a private pool near the course. To further enhance the experience, guests are provided with free transfers from Iberostar hotels to the golf course, ensuring easy access. With crosswinds and challenging hills adding extra excitement, the Iberostar Bavaro Golf Club is a world-class championship course that guarantees a memorable round of golf in a picturesque setting.
Location: PG4V+MMR, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Golf Punta Cana
Punta Cana offers various golfing experiences catering to individuals and groups. As Punta Cana’s official website and exclusive booking agent, our private company provides Stay & Play Packages and A La Carte Rounds of Golf to all the renowned golf courses in the area. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views while playing at Punta Espada in Cap Cana, the challenging Corales Golf Club, or the 27-hole La Cana Golf Club in Punta Cana Resort. With tee times available all year round, you can indulge in this golfing paradise any time you desire.
Regarding attire, please note that each golf course’s dress code is at their discretion. However, we kindly remind you that jeans are prohibited on the courses. Whether you prefer a combination package or a la carte options, our reservations include round-trip transportation, green fees, carts, local taxes, and, in most cases, range balls for practice. Group prices are also available for larger parties of sixteen players or more. Discover the unparalleled golfing experience that Punta Cana has to offer.
Location: Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Las Iguanas Golf Club
Las Iguanas Golf Club, a prestigious golf course in Cap Cana, is one of Jack Nicklaus’s signature courses. Set amidst a picturesque open parkland, this 18-hole par-72 course offers unparalleled Caribbean Sea views and stunning vistas of the surrounding mangroves and rocky shorelines. Known for its serene and secluded location, Las Iguanas Golf Club provides a unique golfing experience combining natural beauty and a challenging layout.
Situated next to a nature preserve, Las Iguanas Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise and a haven teeming with wildlife, including iguanas and other fascinating creatures. With its proximity to Punta Cana Airport, a mere 12 km north, this golf course serves as the perfect second layout to the oceanside Punta Espada course. Whether you are an avid golfer or simply seeking a tranquil escape surrounded by natural wonders, Las Iguanas Golf Club offers an extraordinary experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Location: FHCQ+J5 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Catalonia Caribe Golf Club
Catalonia Caribe Golf Club presents an engaging 18-hole golf course meticulously crafted by Alberto Sola and Jack Corrie. This par-72 course offers an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all levels. The course boasts a well-planned layout featuring several water elements, including a substantial lake that adds excitement to holes 5, 6, and 15, complemented by five picturesque lagoons and majestic, towering trees. The greens, surrounded by an artificial lake, are known for their speed, adding an exciting putting challenge. The course includes narrow fairway sections, uphill and downhill holes, and intriguing doglegs.
Besides the golfing experience, Catalonia Caribe Golf Club offers top-class amenities. The club provides a Pro Shop, locker rooms, and transportation to and from the hotel. Club rentals feature brands like Cobra Golf, Callaway, and Taylormade Burner. Golfers can practice at the driving range and putting green. The course features a captivating par 3 hole nestled in nature. Notably, the sixth hole has strategic bunkers and rocky borders, with the wind adding an extra challenge. Catalonia Caribe Golf Club offers a satisfying golfing experience with various amenities, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts.
Location: JJFG+9JQ, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
White Sands Golf Course
The White Sands Golf Course on the South Pacific coast offers an exquisite 18-hole experience. Designed by the renowned architect Pepe Gancedo, the course presents narrow fairways suitable for players of all levels. As one of the premier golf destinations, it hosts several Championships, attracting golf enthusiasts from around the World. Conveniently situated just a 25-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport, it provides both accessibility and a leisurely escape for avid golfers.
With its stunning location and impeccable design, the White Sands Golf Course stands out as one of the best in the region. The challenging yet rewarding layout complements the unparalleled beauty of the surroundings. Whether a seasoned pro or a beginner, you can enjoy the exhilarating experience of playing on this remarkable course. Enhance your golfing journey by indulging in the white sand beaches and idyllic landscapes that surround the captivating White Sands Golf Course.
Location: MHV5+983, Ocean Dr, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Dye Fore Golf Course
The Dye Fore Golf Course at Casa de Campo resort in La Romana is an exceptional 27-hole, par-72 course. Stretching across the Dominican mountains and cliff-side terrain, it offers breathtaking views of the Chavón River, the Marina, and Altos de Chavón. With its long 7,740-foot layout, the course presents a formidable challenge, boasting a rating of 77 and a slope 134. Its fairways, spanning 200 feet, are wide and inviting, while the bunkers, undulations, and huge greens add both beauty and complexity to the course.
Notable holes include the challenging par 3s at 12 and 15, considered among the most difficult in the World. Designed by the renowned architect Pete Dye, the Dye Fore Golf Course guarantees an extraordinary round of golf for players of all levels. The entire course is covered in Paspalum, except for the greens constructed with Tifdwarf Bermuda grass. It is worth noting that flat lies are rare, except for the teeing grounds, requiring golfers to adapt to the course’s natural contours.
Location: C4F5+9GG, La Romana 22000, Dominican Republic
Cocotal Golf Complex
Cocotal Golf Complex, designed by Pepe Gancedo, the six-time Spanish Champion, is a remarkable golf course in the heart of the Bavaro hotel zone. Inaugurated in the year 2000, it boasts 27 holes, divided into three nine-hole courses named after local flora – Hibiscus, Bougainvillea, and Benjamina. With its gently curving terrain, wide fairways, and beautiful landscape featuring 50 different species of trees, including the majestic coconut trees, Cocotal Golf Complex offers a tropical paradise for golf enthusiasts.
Conveniently situated across the street from Melia and Paradisus Resorts and just 25 minutes away from the International Airport, this golf complex is easily accessible for visitors. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, Cocotal Golf Complex caters to all levels, providing a challenging layout with its four sets of tees. Moreover, the facility offers amenities such as a driving range, a putting green, a pro shop with merchandise for both men and women and the Hazard Sports Bar in the clubhouse. Experience golfing excellence in a pleasant environment at Cocotal Golf Complex.
Location: Punta Cana 23301, Dominican Republic
Eden Roc Cap Cana
Eden Roc Cap Cana, the Dominican Republic’s exclusive Relais & Châteaux member hotel, offers an unparalleled experience for discerning travelers. Nestled amidst the beauty of three Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses – Punta Espada Golf Club, Hard Rock Golf Club, and Las Iguanas Golf Club, this luxurious retreat is a haven for golf lovers.
Boasting a convenient location, Eden Roc Cap Cana is just a short drive away from the finest golfing destinations in the area. With Punta Espada Golf Club and Las Iguanas Golf Club a mere 4-minute drive away, guests can enjoy world-class golfing experiences without traveling far. For those seeking a more interesting course, the 36-minute drive to Hard Rock Golf Club is well worth the journey. With its impeccable service, breathtaking surroundings, and proximity to some of the best golfing opportunities in the Dominican Republic, Eden Roc Cap Cana stands as an unrivaled beacon of luxury and leisure in the heart of the Caribbean.
Location: Cap Cana, Punta Cana, Provincia La
Club Med
Club Med is a premier resort on the eastern side of Punta Cana, opened in 1980. With a pristine 2,000-foot beach and sprawling over 100 acres, it offers many amenities to cater to guests’ needs. In 2014, Club Med extended its offerings by introducing a state-of-the-art golf facility, featuring an 18-hole mini-golf course and hitting nets, a chipping green suitable for players of all skill levels. Adjacent to Club Med, golf enthusiasts can indulge in two world-class courses: the Corales Golf Club and the La Cana Golf Club. A mere 8-minute drive from Club Med, each course promises an unforgettable golfing experience.
Enjoying an idyllic location, Club Med is an exceptional resort with a rich history. Boasting its long coast, extensive amenities, and exclusive access to renowned golf clubs, the resort offers guests an exquisite blend of relaxation and recreation. Whether you seek to unwind on the sun-kissed shores or challenge yourself on the golf course, Club Med offers diverse activities, ensuring a memorable stay for every visitor.
Location: APT POSTAL 106 HIGUEY, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Conclusion
Punta Cana offers a unique blend of high-end design, breathtaking views, and unparalleled golfing experiences. The “Top 15 The Best Punta Cana Golf Course 2023” underlines how each course, with its distinctive features, presents a golfing journey catering to all skill levels, from seasoned professionals to newcomers. As you embark on your next significant challenge or seek to immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of a Caribbean golfing paradise, the Best Punta Cana Golf Courses of 2023 await your exploration.
