Best golf courses in the Caribbean

Blessed with turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and year-round sunshine, a Caribbean golf holiday is one of the most exciting trips you can take. With championship courses designed by legends and landscapes ranging from ocean cliffs to palm-lined fairways, the region has become a true bucket-list destination for travelling golfers.

Below, we’ve highlighted our favourite golf courses in the Caribbean to play on your next golf trip.

Often ranked the No. 1 golf course in the Caribbean Location: Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic | Designer: Pete Dye | Par: 72 | Yards: 7,471 | Opened: 1971

Why play here? Widely considered Pete Dye’s masterpiece, the Teeth of the Dog course is a dramatic oceanside challenge carved directly from rugged coral rock. With seven spectacular holes hugging the Caribbean Sea, this is postcard golf at its finest. Waves crash against the rocky shoreline as you play Dye’s famously bold greens and angles, delivering a layout that rewards precision, imagination, and nerves.

The course feels both intimidating and exhilarating, with the ocean acting as both hazard and backdrop. Every shot along the coast offers a blend of beauty and danger, making each round feel unforgettable.

Course highlight: The par-3 5th is one of the most photographed holes in the world, requiring a committed carry over the sea to a green perched on the edge of the rocks.

Key features:

• Seven spectacular holes along the Caribbean Sea
• Signature Pete Dye bunkering and dramatic green complexes
• A true bucket list layout known for challenge and beauty
• Part of the world-class Casa de Campo resort

Bonus fact: Locals still boast that Teeth of the Dog wasn’t designed by Pete Dye but by the “man upstairs,” because the coastline’s natural contours shaped so much of the course.

Ranked the 3rd best course in the Caribbean by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Cap Cana, Dominican Republic | Designer: Jack Nicklaus | Par: 72 | Yards: 7,396 | Opened: 2006

Why play here? Punta Espada is where Jack Nicklaus pairs championship strategy with jaw-dropping oceanfront beauty. With eight holes playing directly along the turquoise Caribbean Sea and nearly every hole offering a water view, this dramatic layout is pure paradise for golfers who love scenic, high-quality golf.

Nicklaus creates strategic risk-reward moments throughout, using natural cliffs, white-sand bunkers, and emerald fairways that contrast brilliantly with the sea. It’s playable yet demanding, depending on how bold you choose to be.

Course highlight: The par-3 13th plays over the ocean from cliff-top tee boxes to a green seemingly suspended above the surf.

Key features:

• Eight oceanfront holes and stunning coastal vistas
• Signature Nicklaus design emphasizing strategy and shot shapes
• Host of multiple PGA Tour Champions events
• Ultra-luxurious resort setting in Cap Cana

Bonus fact: Punta Espada was the first course ever built in Cap Cana’s massive resort community, setting the tone for the destination’s rise as a global golf hotspot.

Ranked the 4th best course in the Caribbean by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Designer: Tom Fazio | Par: 72 | Yards: 7,650 | Opened: 2010

Why play here? Corales is a sweeping, beautifully sculpted Fazio design defined by broad fairways, immaculate conditioning, and dramatic coastal holes framed by natural cliffs. The layout flows effortlessly through lush tropical terrain before arriving at the unforgettable “Devil’s Elbow” finish.

Corales delivers a grand sense of scale, with expansive sightlines, bold bunkering, and greens that invite creative approaches. The coastal winds ensure no two rounds ever feel the same.

Course highlight: The par-4 18th demands an exhilarating tee shot over the edge of a massive ocean cove, one of the most spectacular finishing holes in the Caribbean.

Key features:

• Signature Tom Fazio design blending tropical scenery and coastal drama
• Home to the PGA Tour’s first official event in the Dominican Republic
• The “Devil’s Elbow” finishing stretch is world-renowned
• Pristine conditioning year-round

Bonus fact: The cliffs bordering Corales are fossilized coral, giving the course its name and its unique rugged aesthetic.

Ranked the 11th best course in the Caribbean by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Sandy Lane, Barbados | Designer: Tom Fazio | Par: 72 | Yards: 7,343 | Opened: 2004

Why play here? Built within a former limestone quarry, The Green Monkey is a dramatic, once-in-a-lifetime golfing experience available only to guests of Sandy Lane. Towering white quarry walls, sweeping elevation changes, and pristine fairways make this one of Fazio’s most theatrical creations.

The course blends serenity with spectacle, transitioning from lush parkland-style holes to jaw-dropping quarry stretches that feel carved from stone and imagination. It’s a bucket list experience defined by exclusivity and artistry.

Course highlight: The par-3 16th features the iconic “Green Monkey” silhouette carved into the quarry grass below the tee box.

Key features:

• Built inside a massive limestone quarry with sheer rock faces
• Exclusive access for Sandy Lane guests
• Creative shot-making and varied terrain
• One of the Caribbean’s most visually distinctive golf experiences

Bonus fact: The course’s signature monkey silhouette is a playful nod to Barbados’ famous green monkey population.

Ranked the 14th best course in the Caribbean by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica | Designer: Robert von Hagge & Rick Baril | Par: 71 | Yards: 6,758 | Opened: 2000

Why play here? Laid out across 600 acres of lush Jamaican hillside, White Witch offers panoramic ocean views from almost every hole. The rolling terrain creates dramatic elevation changes, making for thrilling tee shots and sweeping views throughout the round.

Von Hagge’s bold contours and shaping give the course character, while the cooling mountain breezes add variety and challenge. It’s a joyful, scenic test that showcases the beauty of Montego Bay.

Course highlight: The par-5 10th descends from an elevated tee to a fairway framed by jungle and ocean, one of the most exhilarating drives in the Caribbean.

Key features:

• Stunning elevated views from nearly every hole
• Dramatic terrain with memorable downhill tee shots
• Playable yet strategic routing
• Set on the historic Rose Hall Estate

Bonus fact: The course is named after Annie Palmer, the legendary “White Witch of Rose Hall,” adding a touch of folklore to your round.

Ranked the 17th best course in the Caribbean by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic | Designer: Pete Dye | Par: 72 | Yards: 7,740 | Opened: 2003

Why play here? Dye Fore offers vast canyon views, clifftop tee boxes, and sweeping fairways that feel big, bold, and unforgettable. Stretching across rolling ridges above the Chavón River, this is Pete Dye at his most adventurous.

The course features multiple nines, each with its own personality, but all delivering wide landscapes, exhilarating drops, and stunning views. It’s an ideal complement to Teeth of the Dog, offering equal drama with a very different feel.

Course highlight: The Chavón holes tower above the river, with dramatic drops that create some of the most photographed shots in the Caribbean.

Key features:

• Mountain, river, and canyon views throughout
• Multiple nines offering varied experiences
• Classic Pete Dye angles and green complexes
• A thrilling test for golfers who love elevation changes

Bonus fact: The course overlooks Altos de Chavón, a replica 16th century Mediterranean village that has become a Dominican cultural landmark.

Ranked the 27th best course in the Caribbean by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica | Designer: Robert von Hagge, Rick Baril & Mike Young | Par: 71 | Yards: 6,828 | Opened: 2001

Why play here? Cinnamon Hill is uniquely diverse, offering a front nine shaped by coastal breezes and ocean views and a back nine that climbs into cool, tree-lined hills. It’s two landscapes in one unforgettable round.

The designers embraced Jamaica’s natural beauty, with waterfalls, historic plantation sites, and dramatic holes framed by lush tropical scenery. It’s a course that feels adventurous yet welcoming.

Course highlight: The par-3 4th sits just steps from the Caribbean Sea, with waves rolling in beside the green.

Key features:

• Scenic mix of oceanside and hillside holes
• Beautiful natural landmarks, including waterfalls
• Playable layout with great variety
• Located near Montego Bay’s top resorts

Bonus fact: The 15th hole passes the former home of Johnny Cash, whose Jamaica retreat overlooked the course.

Ranked the 31st best course in the Caribbean by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Designer: P.B. Dye | Par: 72 | Yards: 6,897 | Opened: 2009

Why play here? Iberostar Bávaro blends resort comfort with engaging shot-making thanks to P.B. Dye’s trademark shaping, deep bunkers, and creative green complexes. Surrounded by tropical vegetation and wildlife, the course offers a fun, scenic round just steps from the all-inclusive Iberostar Bávaro resort.

The routing rewards accuracy more than length, making it enjoyable for all skill levels while still offering enough strategic elements to keep better players engaged.

Course highlight: The island-style par-3 8th is a picturesque challenge framed by palm trees and water.

Key features:

• Playable design ideal for resort golfers
• Classic P.B. Dye mounding, bunkering, and undulating greens
• Abundant tropical scenery and wildlife
• Convenient to Iberostar’s beachfront hotels

Bonus fact: The course is certified by Audubon International for its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Ranked the 38th best course in the Caribbean by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica | Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr. | Par: 72 | Yards: 7,120 | Opened: 1964

Why play here? Half Moon offers timeless Trent Jones design with broad fairways, strategic bunkering, and a calm, elegant feel set against the backdrop of Montego Bay’s luxury resort community. This is classic Caribbean golf, beautifully maintained and wonderfully enjoyable.

The routing takes golfers through gently rolling terrain bordered by palm trees and mountain views, delivering a relaxed yet rewarding round suitable for every skill level.

Course highlight: The par-5 3rd presents a thrilling risk-reward option with bunkers protecting the ideal landing areas and a green framed by palms.

Key features:

• Historic RTJ layout with a traditional feel
• Beautiful mountain and coastal scenery
• Smooth greens and welcoming fairways
• Part of the iconic Half Moon Resort

Bonus fact: The course has hosted several PGA and LPGA players over the decades during training retreats thanks to its peaceful setting.

Ranked the 40th best course in the Caribbean by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic | Designer: Pete Dye | Par: 72 | Yards: 6,914 | Opened: 1974 (renovated 2012)

Why play here? The Links offers a different side of Casa de Campo, with a rolling, inland layout inspired by traditional British links features. Expect rumpled fairways, pot bunkers, and Dye’s signature visual deception, all wrapped in lush Dominican scenery.

It’s fun, fast-running, and strategically rewarding without the intimidation of cliff-edge or oceanside shots. Perfect for golfers looking to enjoy a classic-feeling course in a world-class resort environment.

Course highlight: The par-4 7th features a raised green protected by Dye’s trademark bunkering, demanding precision and imagination.

Key features:

• Links-inspired design with pot bunkers and contouring
• Playable, enjoyable routing for all abilities
• Complements Teeth of the Dog and Dye Fore beautifully
• Set within the vast Casa de Campo resort community

Bonus fact: Pete Dye redesigned several holes in 2012 to enhance the links-like feel, adding more contouring and restoring his original vision.

Best time to visit: The Caribbean is a year-round golf destination, but the prime months run from December to April when conditions are warm, dry, and reliably sunny across most islands. Winter sun seekers will find perfect golf weather during the Northern Hemisphere’s colder season, while late spring and summer offer quieter courses and great value.

Where to stay: The Caribbean is packed with luxurious beachfront resorts, boutique hideaways, and world-class all-inclusive hotels, all within easy reach of top championship courses.

• Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – Home to Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore, and The Links, this iconic resort delivers the ultimate all-in-one Caribbean golf escape.
• Sandy Lane – A legendary luxury retreat with exclusive access to The Green Monkey. Perfect for golfers seeking pure indulgence.
• Iberostar Grand Bávaro – An elegant adults-only property with stylish rooms, superb dining, and direct access to P.B. Dye’s Iberostar Bávaro Golf Club.
• Half Moon – A tranquil, upscale area with multiple accommodation options and its own RTJ-designed course.

Booking tips:

• Peak season golf sells out quickly, so book tee times early
• Play early in the morning for the calmest conditions before the trade winds pick up.
• Mix island hopping with golf. Many travellers pair the Dominican Republic with Barbados or Jamaica for variety in scenery and course design.
• Look for all-inclusive golf packages, which can offer exceptional value at large resort properties.
• Combine golf with beach time, rum distillery tours, sailing trips, and local cultural experiences for a well-rounded Caribbean escape.

Q: Is the Caribbean good for a golf holiday? A: Absolutely. The region is home to some of the world’s most scenic and highly rated oceanfront courses designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, and Robert Trent Jones. Paired with luxury resorts, turquoise waters, and warm weather, it’s hard to beat for winter golf.

Q: Can you play golf year-round in the Caribbean? A: Yes. The Caribbean offers year-round golf thanks to its tropical climate. The most comfortable months are December to April, but great conditions can be found throughout the year.

Q: What are the best airports to fly into? A: Major gateways include Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in the Dominican Republic, Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston, and Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) in Barbados. All connect easily to major golf resorts.

Q: Are the golf courses suitable for beginners? A: Definitely. While many Caribbean layouts offer championship-level tests, most feature multiple tee boxes, generous fairways, and excellent resort-style practice facilities that make them enjoyable for all abilities.

Q: What else can I enjoy besides golf? A: The Caribbean offers endless experiences: catamaran cruises, snorkeling and diving, rum tastings, rainforest hikes, beach hopping, cultural tours, and world-class dining. Every island has its own distinct charm, so there’s plenty to explore between rounds.

Golf in the Caribbean is more than just world-class layouts and sunshine. It’s a chance to unwind in some of the most beautiful settings on Earth, where every round is framed by turquoise seas, swaying palms, and warm island hospitality. Whether you’re testing your game at cliff-top icons like Port Royal and Teeth of the Dog or relaxing at luxury resorts in Barbados or Montego Bay, a Caribbean golf holiday promises scenery and sunshine.