DOMINICAN-REPUBLIC
1 Courses
Golf in the Dominican Republic: Caribbean Luxury Meets Championship Fairways
Golf in the Dominican Republic has evolved from a niche pastime to a world-class destination, blending tropical splendor with championship-level courses designed by legendary architects.
The country's golf history began in the 1950s with the establishment of Santo Domingo Country Club, but it wasn't until the 1970s that the sport gained momentum with the development of resort courses catering to international tourists.
Today, the Dominican Republic is the Caribbean's premier golf destination, with key regions including Punta Cana, La Romana, and Puerto Plata, each offering distinct golf experiences.
Punta Cana's Corales Golf Club, designed by Tom Fazio, is a breathtaking oceanfront course featuring dramatic cliffs and six holes along the turquoise waters, hosting the PGA Tour's Corales Puntacana Championship since 2018.
La Romana's Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo, crafted by Pete Dye in 1971, remains one of the world's top-ranked courses, with seven holes hugging the coastline and challenging winds shaping play.
Puerto Plata's Playa Grande Golf Course, redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
and later updated by his son Rees Jones, offers panoramic Atlantic views from its cliffside fairways.
Player development is growing through initiatives like the Dominican Golf Federation's junior programs, which have nurtured talents such as Juan José Guerra, the country's first player to earn PGA Tour Latinoamérica status.
Golf tourism thrives year-round, with peak season from December to April, and packages often combine golf with luxury resort stays, whale watching in Samaná, or exploring Santo Domingo's colonial zone.
Sustainability efforts are increasingly prioritized, with courses like Punta Espada implementing water-saving technologies and native vegetation buffers to protect coastal ecosystems.
Future projects include the planned expansion of Bávaro Golf Club and discussions to host a Presidents Cup, solidifying the country's status as a global golf hub.
With over 25 courses, many attached to high-end resorts, the Dominican Republic offers a unique blend of Caribbean hospitality and world-class golf, making it a bucket-list destination for discerning golfers..