Seaside swings: Exploring golf (and views) in the Dominican Republic

Everyone loves a great seaside hole. A string of great seaside holes is even better. Or, for the ultimate treat (especially when it comes to your hard-earned golf getaway to a faraway land), multiple courses with dozens of great holes that slide along the sea. Say hello to your little friend — the Dominican Republic.

Indeed, if there was ever a country where a neoprene golf shirt might come in handy (you know, for those unexpected wave attacks), it’s the golf-rich Caribbean country we often refer to as “The DR.”

And, although this island nation is fairly small — at 18,800 square miles, it’s roughly the same size as South Carolina — it boasts more seaside golf holes than anywhere else in the Caribbean.

Out of the country’s 27 golf courses, six boast holes right along the ocean. And, according to the Dominican Republic’s official tourism website, there are a total of 39 seaside holes in the country and an additional 86 holes that, while not right on the water, serve up splendid ocean views.

Although you’ll have to wait until mid-December 2025 to play the legendary “Teeth of the Dog” course (it’s currently closed for a major “modernization”) at the luxurious Casa de Campo Resort in La Romana, although it will be worth the wait. This Pete Dye showstopper is home to two of the most famous seaside stretches, one on each nine, in not just the country but the entire world. Justifiably, “Teeth” is perennially ranked as the No. 1 layout in the Dominican Republic. In GOLF’s most recent Top 100 Courses in the World rankings, it sits snug in the No. 75 position.

Dye had over three miles of coastline to utilize for golf holes on “Teeth of the Dog,” which is named after the sharp “teeth-like” rock and coral formations just offshore. And, no surprise, he took full advantage. Seven holes are routed on the surf-smashed coast. Dye famously quipped, “I created 11 holes and God created seven.” Perhaps the tastiest little treat is the par-3 5th, which requires a nervy short-iron shot to a tiny green jutting out into the wind-whipped waves.

You’ll also want to save a couple of good swings for the 17th, a tough-as-nails par-4 that cruises along the shattering waves. Here “God” requires you to nuke a laser-straight tee shot and follow it up with a wind-cheating, soft-landing long iron to hold the green. Maybe say a quick prayer on the tee before you get, ah, “baptised.”

Given the amount of seaside drama at Punta Espada, “The Almighty” should probably get an architectural shout-out here as well. Located near Punta Cana and some of the finest white-sand beaches on the planet, Punta Espada, a lengthy Nicklaus crusade, features eight holes along the Caribbean Sea. And it doesn’t take long before the high-adrenaline action begins. (Might want to put your water wings on before teeing off.)

The 2nd — a wonderful par-5 that shoots to the sea — starts a great three-hole string along the azure blue ocean. And on the waterlogged back nine, the 12th, 13th, 16th, 17th and 18th all kiss the Caribbean Sea. The 13th, a long uphill par-3 that features a forced carry over a bay of breakers on your left, can easily be a round wrecker. A shot hit right of the green (the obvious place to miss) will, unfortunately, kick further away from the surface. While it might be some of Jack’s prettiest work, it’s certainly not his kindest.

After golf — and to take advantage of those incredible beaches! — your nearby resort should offer all the psychological recovery you’ll need from shanking a few into the sea. For example, if you’re looking to access Punta Espada, you can book a stay at nearby Sanctuary Cap Cana. This luxurious all-inclusive, adults-only resort is one of the best on this heavenly strip of sand and sea. (In this journalist’s opinion, they do a masterful job blending luxury with the appealing, all-inclusive formula.)

No offense to your game, but you might find a more skillful group playing in the Corales Puntacana Championship this week. For the 7th straight year it will be held at the spectacular Tom Fazio-designed Corales course at the sprawling Puntacana Resort. There should be plenty of wide-eyed, world-class golfers standing on the cliffs watching the wave-smashing spectacle unfold.

While the par-4 18th at Corales, which tempts the bold to blast their ball over the whirling water in the bay, is an exquisite finale, every seaside hole on the course (there are four) is awesome. However, the strong collection of inland holes here, which features Fazio’s fantastic bunkering and eye-candy shaping, rightfully positions Corales as a top-tier course in the Caribbean.

Although the “little brother” at the Puntacana Resort — the 27-hole P.B. Dye-designed La Cana GC — might not be as talked about as Corales, it serves up rock-solid seaside golf. Here there are 14 holes with ocean views and three right on the water. However, the inland nine, Hacienda, is arguably the best of the three nines. It meanders through the jungle and boasts excellent shot values throughout.

Two other heavy hitters — especially when it comes to by-the-sea theatrics — are the Playa Grande GC on the north coast and PGA Ocean’s 4, which is on the south coast.

Playa Grande, which was the last golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., is an ultra-private enclave that’s only available for members or guests of the luxurious Amanera Resort. However, if you belong in this fraternity and are able to play, you will be treated to eight seaside holes that jut out onto peninsulas and afford one of the most memorable golf experiences in the Caribbean. (Guests at Amanera, after paying a minimum of $2,500 per night, will need to shell out $695 to play the course. Caddy gratuity of $40 per cart is additional. Caddies are mandatory at most of the upscale courses in the country. Expect to pay $220 or more at all of the courses featured in this story.)

However, a much more “accessible” story can be told at PGA Ocean’s 4, an under-the-radar seaside course situated in-between Santo Domingo and La Romana. This contemporary layout, which was designed by Maverick Golf, features four holes on the ocean and incorporates parkland, desert and lakeside holes on the inland sections. It’s a well-rounded, better-than-you-think golf experience that could easily be added into an itinerary, especially if you are planning to be in the La Romana area.

Of course, another significant benefit of golfing the seaside courses in the Dominican Republic is the warm, tropical weather. Unlike our famous Old World links golf destinations, in the Dominican Republic there is never a need for base layers, neck gaiters, beanies, thermal golf gloves, and the like. Sunscreen, shorts and neoprene? Bring it on.

Andrew Penner is a freelance writer and photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. You can follow him on Instagram at @andrewpennerphotography.