Golf Dominican Republic -Part One

Introduction

Quite simply, probably the most enjoyable golf that I have ever experienced. I make that bold statement having played golf for since the age of 14yrs and having once reached the dizzy heights [at 17yrs] of a 4 handicap ! I think it is a combination of the variety and quality of courses that you find in the DR that set it apart from eg some of the other Caribbean islands.

In the years since then I have played for enjoyment and have played in England, France, Portugal, Zimbabwe, Wales, the Bahamas, St Lucia and latterly in the Dominican Republic. I have played enough tournament golf to know a good course when I play one, and in the DR there are several that come into my personal Top 10 list [photo right Punta Espada, Punta Cana].

Playa Grande Golf course-the green is on the peninsula

Golf in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is probably the premier golf destination in the Caribbean. The tropical climate offers golfers the ability to play all year round. Whether you are a single figure player or fairly new to the game, there is something for you. The majority of courses are found along the coast, in fairly close proximity to the resort areas.

But there are also some hidden gems, for example the rustic 9-hole course set in the mountains at Jarabacoa, about 2 hours drive north of Santo Domingo but perhaps an hour south of Puerto Plata.

Some of the absolute cream of golf course designers have been tempted to the Dominican Republic to ply their trade. There are courses designed by Pete Dye, in Casa de Campo, Robert Trent Jones, in Playa Dorada, and Playa Grande and Jack Nicklaus, in Cap Cana.

North Coast-Dominican Republic Golf

dominican republic golf
Resort/locations

* Puerto Plata,
* Cofresi,
* Playa Dorada,
* Cabarete,
* Playa Grande [see photo of course above]

NB:Ex-British Ambassador Andy Ashcroft has supplied his comments in parentesis.

Golf Dominican Republic [cont]

In the Northern area we find the following:

Playa Dorada Golf Course

Want to fall out of bed in your Playa Dorada all-inclusive and be on the first tee in 5 minutes? Look no further than the Playa Dorada course.

Par 72, 18-hole course serves the 14 resorts within Playa Dorada. A decent course and handy if you are staying in Playa Dorada.

Andy`s comment: "It is certainly better than the average resort course and a good test off the back tees".

Playa Grande Golf Course [see photo above]

The "Pebble Beach" of the Caribbean, with 10 holes interacting with the Atlantic Ocean. Pros and occasional golfers alike praise this course for its breath-taking Atlantic views. Quite simply one of my favourite ever courses.

Andy`s comment: "So you thought you had played some spectacular cliff-top courses in your time? Wait until you play this one....."

Golf Dominican Republic [cont]

Los Mangos Golf Course, Costambar

9 hole course, play among tropical fruit trees. Only five minutes from Puerto Plata city.

Andy`s comment: "Another one of those rustic 9-holers with lots of local (mainly mango!) flavour"

Costa Azul Golf

Located between Cabarete beach and lagoon, next door to Punta Goleta Resort. About a 40-minute drive east of Puerto Plata city.

For more info about the Dominican Republic try a search [top left] or use the links below!

Playa Grande Golf course-a view from the course

Right: La Cana 5th green

Left: Cocotal golf course

East Coast-Dominican Republic Golf
dominican republic golf Resort/locations

* Punta Cana
* Bavaro
* Cap Cana

Golf Dominican Republic [cont]

Golf de Bavaro -Barcelo Bavaro Golf Course

18 hole course which is part of the Barcelo Bavaro Resort complex. Surrounded by vegetation and lakes, this course is flat and usually in excellent condition.

Catalonia Cabeza de Toro Golf Club [Catalonia Bavaro] 9 hole golf course

Next to the Catalonia Bavaro resort is this 9 hole course. It features five lakes and is short but challenging. I played it a number of times during a 2 week holiday at the Catalonia.

Cocotal Golf and Country Club [photo right]

This 27 hole course is just over the road from the Sol Melia Caribe resort. You can either get a lift with the resort minibus or walk it.

Strategically-placed trees, bunkers, mounds and gently rolling terrain with well-defined and generous fairways without forgetting an unrelenting wind. Suited to all standards.

I enjoyed playing this course, my first taste of golf in the Dominican Republic.

Andy`s comment: `Do not make the mistake of thinking that this is a resort course so it should be a little easier! It is tough off the back tees, the wind is often blowing, and you need to be hitting the ball very well indeed to play below handicap here`.

Golf dominican republic
La Cana Golf Club[photo below right]

A Pete Dye designed 18 hole sea-fronting golf course. 14 holes interacting with the Caribbean Sea and panoramic views from all the other holes.

Andy`s comment: "A course that really sums up the joy of playing top drawre golf alongside the clear Caribbean sea"

Golf Dominican Republic [cont]

Punta Espada Golf Course

First Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in the Caribbean. Punta Espada has 8 holes directly on the ocean and views of the Caribbean Sea from every hole.

dominican-republic-holiday.com

"The travel website for this beautiful Caribbean paradise"

Golf Dominican Republic -Part One

Introduction

Golf in the Dominican Republic

North Coast-Dominican Republic Golf

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