Cap Cana - Punta Espada
About
Punta Espada, the first of three exclusive Jack Nicklaus signature designs to be developed at Cap Cana, has been ranked by GolfWeek as the best golf course in the Caribbean and Mexico. The golf course opened in October 2006.
Punta Espada Golf Club has been designed to incorporate the natural features of the landscape into its topography: the bluffs, the beach, the waterways and the jungle foliage. The design allows and guarantees that golfers of all levels are accommodated, including those playing at world championship level. The par-72 golf course played host to the inaugural PGA Tour's Champions Tour in April 2008 - The Cap Cana Championship.
Many experts consider the course's signature hole to be No. 13, a 250-yard par-3 that is sure to become one of the world's most photographed holes. Reminiscent of scenes from Pebble Beach, this hole requires golfers to execute a huge, 249-yard tee shot over the ocean into a green surrounded by lapping waves. For the timid, there is a generous bailout zone to the right of the green.
Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
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Negro | 72 | 7396 yards | 77.0 | 137 |
Dorado | 72 | 6883 yards | 75.3 | 134 |
Azul | 72 | 6314 yards | 72.4 | 133 |
Azul (W) | 72 | 6314 yards | 78.9 | 139 |
Rojo (W) | 72 | 5052 yards | 71.4 | 128 |
Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Black M: 75.0/133 | 390 | 610 | 396 | 186 | 464 | 614 | 167 | 342 | 425 | 3594 | 429 | 491 | 532 | 252 | 434 | 553 | 213 | 350 | 452 | 3706 | 7300 |
Gold M: 72.4/133 | 365 | 592 | 343 | 167 | 427 | 589 | 145 | 314 | 395 | 3337 | 405 | 470 | 492 | 217 | 405 | 525 | 189 | 338 | 397 | 3438 | 6775 |
Blue M: 69.5/124 W: 76.0/136 | 359 | 533 | 326 | 152 | 414 | 579 | 130 | 300 | 368 | 3161 | 330 | 436 | 481 | 172 | 353 | 489 | 179 | 251 | 352 | 3043 | 6204 |
Green M: 66.9/115 W: 70.0/125 | 359 | 465 | 326 | 152 | 340 | 457 | 130 | 300 | 255 | 2784 | 330 | 366 | 481 | 112 | 291 | 441 | 179 | 251 | 287 | 2738 | 5522 |
Red M: 66.2/113 W: 68.7/119 | 268 | 465 | 312 | 113 | 340 | 457 | 89 | 222 | 255 | 2521 | 273 | 366 | 389 | 112 | 291 | 441 | 105 | 216 | 287 | 2480 | 5001 |
Handicap | 11 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 1 | 7 | 15 | 17 | 3 | 8 | 4 | 18 | 2 | 10 | 16 | 12 | 14 | 6 | |||
Par | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 36 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
Handicap (W) | 11 | 3 | 9 | 13 | 1 | 7 | 15 | 17 | 5 | 10 | 4 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 2 | 16 | 18 | 6 |
Course Details
Rentals/Services
Practice/Instruction
Food & Beverage
Snacks, RestaurantAvailable Facilities
Banquet Facilities, LockersReviews
Reviewer Photos
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNbt8tC7PzU&t=94s Photo submitted by brianmcneely on 06/19/2023
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on #17 at Punta Espada Photo submitted by u370813028 on 04/28/2022
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on #10 at Punta Espads Photo submitted by u370813028 on 04/28/2022
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Photo submitted by u197947269 on 01/18/2022
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Signature Par 5 on the front nine Photo submitted by rayalfonso on 07/06/2019
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Clubhouse courtyard view of the 18th Photo submitted by rayalfonso on 07/06/2019
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#17 over the Caribbean Photo submitted by rayalfonso on 07/06/2019
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Photo submitted by Ryan8952454 on 04/12/2019
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Photo submitted by SPT23 on 04/12/2019
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Photo submitted by SPT23 on 04/12/2019
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Photo submitted by SPT23 on 04/12/2019
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Photo submitted by SPT23 on 04/12/2019
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Photo submitted by MikeBaileyGolf on 12/11/2017
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Photo submitted by MikeBaileyGolf on 12/11/2017
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Photo submitted by MikeBaileyGolf on 12/11/2017
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The driving range at Punta Espada. Photo submitted by BrandonTuckerGA on 12/07/2017
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Views for days on both nines Photo submitted by BrandonTuckerGA on 12/07/2017
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Scenic par 3s. Photo submitted by BrandonTuckerGA on 12/07/2017
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The crew Photo submitted by BrandonTuckerGA on 12/07/2017
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Hole 2 - Tee Photo submitted by EthanZimman on 10/21/2017
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Hole 2 - Approach Photo submitted by EthanZimman on 10/21/2017
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Hole 10 Photo submitted by EthanZimman on 10/21/2017
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Photo submitted by EthanZimman on 10/21/2017
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Photo submitted by TimGavrichGP on 10/18/2017
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Photo submitted by TimGavrichGP on 10/18/2017
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Photo submitted by TimGavrichGP on 10/18/2017
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Photo submitted by TimGavrichGP on 10/18/2017
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Unforgettable Photo submitted by guycharles2012 on 05/18/2017
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Photo submitted by LICC on 03/02/2017
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Photo submitted by LICC on 03/02/2017
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Photo submitted by LICC on 03/02/2017
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View from Club House at 7:00am. Photo submitted by Dolf4170962 on 08/18/2016
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Photo submitted by Ryan8043198 on 08/27/2015
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Photo submitted by Ryan8043198 on 08/27/2015
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Photo submitted by Ryan8043198 on 08/27/2015
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Photo submitted by Ryan8043198 on 08/27/2015
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Photo submitted by Ryan8043198 on 08/27/2015
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Photo submitted by Ryan8043198 on 08/27/2015
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Photo submitted by legacy3930 on 07/26/2015
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Photo submitted by legacy3930 on 07/26/2015
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Photo submitted by legacy3930 on 07/26/2015
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Photo submitted by legacy3930 on 07/26/2015
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Photo submitted by legacy3930 on 07/26/2015
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Par 5 2nd hole, lagoon that cuts in by the green Photo submitted by sacup10 on 04/24/2015
Goreous views & difficult shots
I played this course as part of a media FAM trip. Several of the writers there were course raters for major publications. Everyone raved about the views. Nearly every hole capitalized on ocean views, either as a hazard or as vista from tee or green. Really imaginative layout; nearly every hole was memorable. Some media critics considered it much better than the nigher-rated Teeth of the Dog (which we'd played the day before). The low handicappers (single-digit) scored well here because they hit the ball straight. Those of us who were less straight, however, faced multiple recovery shots off the crushed shell & rock waste areas that lined many fairways (most?). If we had not been playing a 2-day tournament, though, I would have laid out of these. The rocks/shells in those areas were tough on my irons, and frankly, no fun to play from at all. If I had paid $370 + caddie to play, I would not have wanted to risk having to buy a new set of irons after my round, too. This is a very tough but beautiful course, which skilled players will love. Average resort players should experience it too, but they should give themselves a break.
Beautiful and expensive
Most beautiful and expensive golf course I have ever been to. The views were magnificent from all over the course and the layout was a great challenge. That being said it is a lot of money for a round of golf. Obviously it’s a tourist destination and they want to make as much money as possible but for 500$ it would be nice if they rolled out the red carpet a bit. Maybe a comfort station with some lemonade or something free with the logo other than a tee or scorecard. Still overall amazing experience
Awesome !!!!
I have never golfed at Pebble Beach but it can't be much better than this course, we had just an awesome time !!!!
Better golf course
The staff of reception is not friendly with ice face ,no Wi-Fi ,club is small and very simple ,no good
Great course but the pace of play was horrible. It took us 6 hours to finish the round.
The best
Simply the best golf course in the Dominican Republic. Awesome staff. Great time . All worth it
Hands Down the best golf views.
It’s a lot of money but it’s worth it it. Play from further tee boxes to experience the best views. Very firm greens that won’t hold a ball and listen to the caddie about the greens and the way they break.
This can’t be a Nicklaus signature course.
Played this course last year and everything was good. Played it today (and again tomorrow) and all I can say is WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT. The course arranged transfer from our hotel was 35 minutes late. No phone call or apology. When we arrived the staff greeting was indifferent to flat out rude. They’re charging $500+ US and it’s a embarrassment. They rushed us to the tee after hitting 3 range balls. Pace of play was 5.5 hours. Never saw anyone out there trying to manage the pace of play.
Greens are nice but lots of burnout likely from sea water sprqy. You could see some half hearted attempts to repair the areas but really poorly done. Green side bunkers are extremely inconsistent. Too much sand in some and almost no sand in others.
Lots of rocks in bunkers, not just the waste bunker areas. Waste bunkers are best described as gravel roads.
After our round I talked to the pro shop staff and they really didn’t give a hoot. We have your money so we don’t care seemed to be the approach.
The course arranged transportation tried to charge us a second time for the return trip (we paid for both ways up front because that’s what they told us to do).
They call themselves the “Pebble Beach” of the Caribbean. Sorry I’ve played Pebble Beach and Punta Espada is not even close on any measurable basis. Yes they charge Pebble Breach prices but you are not getting the Pebble Beach experience.
I really can’t believe this a Nicklaus Signature course. It just doesn’t measure up.
Punta Espada golf course review by Tappy Tappy
Our overall experience playing here was amazing! We made a video review for our YouTube channel @tappytappy. Check it out and don't miss out playing here if you travel to Punta Cana. Definitely MUCH better to play here than at Corales.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNbt8tC7PzU&t=94s
Awesome course. Awesome VIEWS!
I almost didn't play golf this past week because I didn't want to play without using my clubs, but my wife and I figured we won't get to Punta Cana much. So, I checked my clubs and played this gem. And let me tell you...
...what an UNBELIEVABLE experience.
The course was in AWESOME shape. 8 holes with a view of the Azure waters were breathtaking and somewhat challenging with the sea breeze. The greens were medium speed and in super shape (rained a few days before). The fairways are forgiving for all levels. Bunkers on every hole but not too difficult either.
Juan our Caddie was so friendly and helpful (I wasn't used to him handling all he did as a caddie, so it took a minute to get in that mode). He was very helpful with yardages and cleaning my clubs. Made me feel like a pro.
And my wife found DR. PEPPER at the beverage cart!!! Talk about a surprise!
If you EVER get to the D.R. and Punta Cana, PLAY THIS COURSE. You won't regret it one single bit!
Golf course
The Punta Esapda was an absolutely amazing golf course, especially when you’re GolfNow member it’s more fun because of membership rates.
Spectacular layout and views
Had a amazing time. Our Caddy Gabriel was fantastic.
Overall experience was awesome.
Highly recommend it. Can’t wait to come back!!!