Dominican Republic is known worldwide for award-winning and brilliantly-designed golf courses that are surrounded by unspoiled nature, breathtaking coastlines and lush green fairways. People from all over the world come to play as most clubs provide clinics, lessons with elite players and golf vacation packages that cater to serious and recreational players. And there is no better time than now to book a trip filled with incredible golf and savor Dominican Republic’s courses, which are continuously honored by top-tier travel and golf publications.

“Dominican Republic features two dozen accessible world-class golf courses set amid stunning seas, pristine beaches and magnificent mountains, making them ideal for those who enjoy the luxury golfer’s lifestyle,” said Magaly Toribio , Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. “The start of golf season is the perfect opportunity to celebrate our expertly-designed champion courses by inviting golf fanatics to come to the Caribbean’s hottest spot to tee-off and to have a once-in-a-lifetime golf experience.”

The regions’ uniquely crafted designer golf courses cater to every player, whether competitive or recreational:

North Coast:
Playa Dorada – Known for its incredible views and design by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. , Playa Dorada surrounds the Playa Dorada Resort Complex in Puerto Plata and is lined with coconut palms, royal Poinciana trees and sea grapes. The 18 hole-course is relatively flat, with outstanding conditioning and exceptional greens that fit in with the overall eco-friendly region. The best view is from the 9th hole and is the course’s most photographed point as its view showcases the Mount Isabel de Torres.

Playa Grande – Playa Grande features Robert Trent Jones, Sr. ‘s final golf course design, the 18-hole Playa Grande in Rio San Juan , which is considered a masterpiece. Ten of the layout’s holes play along the Atlantic Ocean’s cliffs with underground springs supplying abundant fresh water and lush land housing old trees and royal palms.

East Coast:
Punta Espada – Punta Espada Golf Club at Cap Cana is Jack Nicklaus ’ first signature golf course in Dominican Republic. Eight of its 18 holes are played alongside or above the Caribbean Sea’s waters, and another includes a shot above the turquoise sea that outlines the gorgeous putting green. It is considered one of the country’s top golf courses and although it attracts many champion golfers, it is a pleasure for those wanting to play recreationally.
La Cana – Setting precedence as an ecofriendly course, La Cana Golf Course, designed by P.B. Dye , at PUNTACANA Resort & Club captures the Caribbean’s stunning scenery with its 14 ocean-view holes and four others that are right on the beach. The flattish fairways and overall relaxing atmosphere are perfect for golfers of all skill levels.

Southeast Coast:
Teeth of the Dog – Situated at Casa de Campo in La Romana is Teeth of the Dog, the first course that put Dominican Republic on the world’s golf stage in 1971 and is considered one of Pete Dye ‘s best designs. It has been consistently ranked among the world’s 100 best golf courses and number one in the Caribbean. It features seven ocean-front holes played across breathtaking, but rocky coastline, inspiring its name.

La Estancia – An incredibly beautiful and challenging course, La Estancia in La Romana at La Estancia Golf Club is a breathtaking site on a cliff’s-edge 400 feet above the winding Chavon River . P.B. Dye designed the 18-hole course with grass hollows around its green instead of bunkers and took full advantage of the surrounding landscape.