Golf in Cap Cana
Cap Cana is a private resort community on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, adjacent to Punta Cana. It is one of the most ambitious resort developments in the Caribbean — a gated enclave of luxury villas, marinas, beach clubs, and two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses that rank among the finest in the hemisphere.
The resort's golf offering is anchored by Punta Espada, which Jack Nicklaus has repeatedly described as his personal favourite of all the courses he has ever designed. That statement alone makes Cap Cana a bucket-list golf destination. But the second course — La Cana, designed by P.B. Dye — adds a completely different style of Caribbean ocean golf, giving serious players the rare luxury of choosing between two elite layouts on the same trip.
For golfers seeking a private villa base within Cap Cana, Villa Espada and Punta Espada Villa are both located inside the resort community, offering direct walking access to the Punta Espada first tee.
Punta Espada Golf Course —
Jack Nicklaus's Favourite
Opened in 2006, Punta Espada is the centerpiece of Cap Cana golf and one of the most acclaimed courses in the Caribbean. Eight of its eighteen holes play along or above the cliffs of the Caribbean Sea, with ocean views from virtually every fairway. It is a longer, more modern course than Teeth of the Dog — built with the advantage of decades of golf architecture advancement — and it shows in the sheer variety and visual drama of the layout.
- Par: 72 — Length: 7,150 yards from the back tees
- 8 oceanfront holes on the Caribbean Sea — one more than Teeth of the Dog
- Caddies: Highly recommended; local caddies know every wind shift
- Green Fees: Approx. $280–$400 USD (resort guests receive priority access)
- Best Holes: Hole 6 (par 3 over the ocean), Hole 13 (clifftop par 4), Hole 18 (ocean finishing hole)
- Host of Cap Cana Championship: PGA Tour Latinoamérica event held annually
Jack Nicklaus has said: "Of all the courses I've designed, Punta Espada may be the one I'm most proud of. The land, the ocean, the way it all comes together — it's something special." High praise from a designer whose portfolio spans over 300 courses on six continents.
La Cana Golf Course —
Four Ocean Holes, Pure Punta Cana
La Cana is the older of the two Cap Cana-area courses, designed by P.B. Dye and originally part of the Puntacana Resort & Club. It features four oceanfront holes and a more traditional resort feel compared to the dramatic elevation changes at Punta Espada. For many golfers, La Cana is the perfect second-day course — a beautiful, playable layout that lets you enjoy the Caribbean surroundings at a slightly more relaxed pace.
- Par: 72 — Length: 6,530 yards (white tees)
- 4 oceanfront holes on the Caribbean Sea
- Green Fees: Approx. $180–$250 USD
- Access: Available to all guests at Puntacana Resort & Club
- Best Holes: Holes 11–14 form the oceanfront stretch that makes this course
The Cap Cana Golf
Two-Course Itinerary
Most serious golfers visiting Cap Cana will want to play both Punta Espada and La Cana — ideally Punta Espada first, as it is the headline experience. A three- or four-night stay gives you time to play both courses, potentially replay Punta Espada, and still have an afternoon for the beach or marina.
The ideal extended DR golf itinerary combines Cap Cana with Casa de Campo: fly into Punta Cana, play Punta Espada and La Cana at Cap Cana, then drive two hours to La Romana for a day at Teeth of the Dog before flying home. This is widely considered the ultimate Dominican Republic golf trip — and arguably the best two-course golf itinerary in the entire Caribbean.
For accommodation, staying inside Cap Cana gives you the optimal experience. Villa Espada is a luxury private villa directly inside Cap Cana with its own pool, chef service, and walking distance to the Punta Espada first tee.
Getting to Cap Cana —
Travel & Access
Cap Cana is approximately 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), one of the best-connected airports in the Caribbean with direct service from dozens of US and Canadian cities. Most flights from the eastern US are 3–4 hours; from Toronto and Montreal, approximately 5 hours.
The resort is fully gated and guests are collected from the airport. Villa guests at Villa Espada can arrange private transfers directly through the villa management, arriving directly at the villa door within 20 minutes of landing.