Best golf courses in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic boasts some of the most picturesque golf courses in the world, providing memories that simply cannot be matched due to the natural beauty. There are numerous courses that are located along the Caribbean Sea, which means turquoise waters and white sand can be seen on a lot of the tracks.

Although the paradise location steals the show, the quality of the courses is often underappreciated offering PGA TOUR and championship standard tracks.

With so many great layouts to choose from, we have picked out the very best golf courses in the Dominican Republic to play on your next bucket-list golf holiday.

Situated at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas is the well-known Teeth of The Dog Course. Perhaps best known for its iconic par 3s, this Pete Dye design is widely recognized as the No.1 course in the Caribbean and regularly ranks highly in Golf Digest’s top 100 in the world.

The coastal links lays on a rocky wasteland before the beautiful course was transformed with seven of the holes hugging the shoreline which can bring wind into play on a gusty day. Playing from the tips, the links plays an almighty 7,350 yards, however, you can also choose from four tee boxes meaning all abilities can get to experience this amazing course.

The signature hole could be several because of the sheer elegance of this part of the island, but the short par 3 fifth hole is the most recognized and many locals’ favorite. With ocean views at every angle you look, it really is a golfer’s heaven, and it is no wonder so many choose the Teeth of the Dog for their golf trip.

The next course on this list is a beautiful Jack Nicklaus classic. Opened in 2006, Punta Espada is no secret having been voted #1 Best Golf Course in the Caribbean and Mexico by GolfWeek. With an abundance of sand traps, ocean views, and tight fairways, a round here is truly breathtaking.

The par 72 layout offers a staggering eight oceanfront holes meaning you will be spoilt for choice for a new screensaver. The course’s immaculate condition and ability to keep well after heavy rain mean the track is always in prime condition and rivals the Teeth of the Dog for the best course in the Dominican Republic.

You will not be disappointed with any of the holes at Punta with elevated tees, ponds, cliffs, and wild vegetation which really makes it a bucket list course. The 13th hole is the signature of the bunch, ranging from 174 yards to 250 from the tips, a large carry is needed to avoid the rugged coastline but this par 3 is one you won't forget.

Another course on the island that is raved about by many is Corales Golf Club. Designed by the renowned Tom Fazio in 2010 and located in the beautiful resort town of Punta Cana, the course was the first host of a PGA TOUR event in the Dominican Republic.

The course’s reputation exceeds all expectations, set on cliff tops with six oceanside holes and a thrilling 18th, Corales is a treat to the eyes due to the architecture and is believed to be one of Fazio’s finest designs.

The 18-hole track stretches an astonishing 7,670 yards from the championship tees to 5,145 yards. Holes 16 to 18 make a stunning finish, this stretch is known as the ‘Devil’s Elbow’. The 18th hole challenges even the most serious golfers, daring players to drive over the ocean and rock-lined cliffs of the Bay of Corales to the fairway on the other side.

The second course at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas and neighbor of the Teeth of the Dog is the Dye Fore course, another Pete Dye classic which came to life in 2002. Ranging from 7,700 yards to 5,225 yards, the Dye Fore caters to all levels of golfers to experience this magical course which follows twisting trails through the mountains.

The front nine leads you out towards the marina with some substantial elevation changes, which makes the course enjoyable to navigate. However, the back nine of the course is where the real fun begins with creative holes such as the 10th, a monstrous par 5 at 626 yards playing along the Chavón River. Although the course is more inland than others, the wind can still be a factor during your round.

There are a bundle of signature holes at Dye Fore due to its Paspalum fairways and tiff eagle greens, which are kept amazingly well. The 12th and 15th are two par 3s which are regarded as the best holes, offering breathtaking 360 views.

Next on the list is the stunning La Cana Golf Course, consisting of three sets of nine holes, Tortuga, Hacienda, and Arrecife. Between the tracks, there are 14 holes that offer views of the crystal blue sea. Using the surroundings to his advantage, Pete Dye designed the par 72 to provide golfers with an unforgettable experience.

The course gets right up to the ocean and its signature white sand beaches, giving a true island golf feel. A huge green can be found on the 9th hole, similar to the greens at St Andrews, and 21 bunkers are present on the 7th hole. La Cana not only offers great courses but a variety of modern practice facilities considered the best on the island, with a double-sided driving range, practice bunkers, putting greens, and a state-of-the-art teaching area.

The final course at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas is the Links Course. Another Pete Dye design, the 18-hole masterpiece can compete with the big dogs at the top of the list due to its pristine condition. Playing from just over 7,000 yards from the tips with five tee choices so that all abilities can play the track. The course is known for its wider fairways compared to its sister courses and will provide a memorable test of golf with beautiful scenery.

The final course on the list is the Lakes Barcelo golf course, the par 72 Parkland is an 18-hole championship course that opened in 1991. With unreal views, of the Caribbean Sea, Juan Manuel Gordillo built the course across a lush mangrove forest and has 25 lakes that surround and protect it.

Lakes Barcelo plays just under 6,700 yards from the tips with a choice of five sets of tees, the shortest being 4,769 yards. You will find yourself winding through lush tropical vegetation and bordering a picturesque lake with each hole providing an inspiring view.