Golf holidays in Punta Cana

For such a small resort destination, Punta Cana packs a punch when it comes to golf, with stunning clifftop courses designed by acclaimed architects such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, and P.B. Dye.

Very few places in the world can compare with the sheer beauty of this oasis and while the courses are relatively new, they guarantee exceptional playing conditions in the Caribbean sun.

Some of Punta Cana’s best golf courses include:

Punta Espada Golf Club Location: Punta Cana | Par: 72 | Architect: Jack Nicklaus | Founded: 2006 | Type: Links

Punta Espada is without a doubt one of the flagship layouts in the Caribbean, consistently ranked among the best courses in the region. Nearly half of its holes hug the turquoise shoreline, offering breathtaking ocean views that will test your focus as much as your swing.

The course winds through dramatic cliffs, white-sand beaches, and shimmering lagoons, creating a spectacular blend of challenge and scenery. The signature 13th hole is a true showstopper, demanding a precise shot over the ocean to a green framed by crashing waves.

Corales Golf Club Location: Punta Cana | Par: 72 | Architect: Tom Fazio | Founded: 2010 | Type: Links

Like Punta Espada, Corales Golf Club is beautifully set upon dramatic clifftops overlooking the Caribbean Sea, offering a truly spectacular setting for golf. The course is best known for its legendary closing stretch, the “Devil’s Elbow.”

Holes 16 through 18 wind along rugged coastline and clifftop carries, culminating in one of the most dramatic and scenic finishes in golf. Every shot demands both precision and nerve, especially as the sea breeze rises and the waves crash below. It’s no surprise Corales is often hailed as one of Fazio’s finest achievements and a must-play for anyone visiting the Dominican Republic.

La Cana Golf Club Location: Punta Cana | Par: 72 | Architect: P.B. Dye | Founded: 2001 | Type: Links

A pioneer of golf in Punta Cana, La Cana Golf Club was the town’s first 18-hole course and remains a cornerstone of the region’s golfing heritage. Designed by P.B. Dye, son of the legendary Pete Dye, this course showcases his signature flair for creativity and challenge.

Blending tropical scenery with clever design, La Cana features four stunning holes that play directly along the Caribbean shoreline, along with shimmering ponds and an iconic island green that tests both precision and nerve. Its wide fairways and ocean breezes create an unforgettable experience that’s as enjoyable for casual golfers as it is rewarding for seasoned players.

Iberostar Bavaro Golf Club Location: Punta Cana | Par: 72 | Architect: P.B. Dye | Founded: 2009 | Type: Tropical

Nestled along the pristine beaches of Punta Cana, Iberostar Bávaro Golf Club is a captivating blend of natural beauty and thoughtful design. Crafted by renowned architect P.B. Dye, this 18-hole, par-72 course captures the spirit of Caribbean golf with its lush vegetation, strategic layout, and scenic water features that challenge and delight in equal measure.

Set within a tropical paradise of palms, sand dunes, and lakes, the course’s rolling fairways and well-guarded greens demand both precision and creativity. Elevated tee boxes reveal sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, while Dye’s trademark use of stonework and mounding adds a distinctive flair. Whether you’re chasing your best score or simply savoring a round under the Caribbean sun, Iberostar Bávaro offers an unforgettable golfing experience that perfectly complements the resort’s world-class hospitality.

We’ve sent hundreds of golfers to Punta Cana, and here are some travel tips we’ve learned along the way:

• Best time to go: December through April is the sweet spot, with warm temperatures, low humidity, and ideal playing conditions across the region’s coastal layouts.
• Top courses: Punta Espada, Corales Golf Club, and La Cana are the standouts – each offering oceanfront holes, spectacular scenery, and world-class design from legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, and P.B. Dye.
• Summer tip: Expect higher humidity and a bit more afternoon rain, so book early morning tee times to enjoy calm winds and cooler temperatures.
• Getting around: Most resorts provide complimentary shuttles to nearby golf courses, making it easy to move between your hotel, the fairways, and the beach without any hassle.

Getting there The main airport is Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), with regular flights from the UK. Common routes include:

• London Heathrow (LHR) → Punta Cana (PUJ) (9h 15m)
• Manchester (MAN) → Punta Cana (PUJ) (9h 5m)
• Dublin (DUB) → Punta Cana (PUJ) (18-21h; 1 stop)