Arguably the best course in the Dominican Republic, Jack Nicklaus' Punta Espada has no shortage of spectacular holes
CAP CANA, Dominican Republic -- One can certainly make the argument that the Jack Nicklaus-designed Cap Cana Punta Espada is the best golf course in the Dominican Republic.
With no disrespect to Casa de Campo's Teeth of the Dog about an hour away, Punta Espada is a modern golf course with impeccable conditions and spectacular ocean views from the majority of the holes, all of which are unique and interesting. It really depends on your preferences, of course.
Most stunning are the holes right on the sea, which starts almost immediately with the par-5 second, beginning from an elevated tee that plays directly toward the water. The signature hole, is no doubt, the par-3 13th, which plays 250 yards from the back tees and is mostly carry to a peninsula green. The finishing stretch of the holes, including the 17th with its intimidating tee shot, is also by the sea.
The course played host to the PGA Tour Champions Cap Cana Championship. From the back tees, this par 72 plays to 7,396 yards, but there are five sets of tees, the shortest at just over 5,000 yards.
The club's Hole 19 Clubhouse features great views of the back nine and offers the Bella Vista Restaurant, locker rooms, golf shop and members lounge.
Staff course reviews of Punta Espada: Jason Scott Deegan | Mike Bailey | Brandon Tucker | Tim Gavrich
Video: Taking on Corales, La Cana & Punta Espada
Play
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The par-3 13th at Punta Espada is a whopping 250 yards from the back tee, mostly carry. Courtesy of Punta Espada
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The ocean views just keep on coming at Punta Espada, arguably the best course in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean, for that matter. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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Punta Espada starts out with a relatively easy par 4. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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Here's a look at the par-4 first hole at Punta Espada looking back from the green. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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The par-5 second hole at Punta Espada plays from an elevated tee back toward the ocean. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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Here's a look at the approach shot from a long bunker into the par-5 second at Punta Espada in the Dominican Republic. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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The green on the par-3 seventh at Punta Espada is well-protected by bunkers. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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The tee shot on the par-4 11th hole at Punta Espada in the Dominican Republic. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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An aerial view shows just how spectacular the setting is at Punta Espada in the Dominican Republic. Courtesy of Punta Espada
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With the ocean on the other side of the green on the par-3 16th at Punta Espada, this bunker is not the ideal the place to be. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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It's a short par 4, but the tee shot on the 17th at Punta Espada is certainly intimidating nonetheless. Courtesy of Punta Espada
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At 457 yards and ocean to the right, the par-4 18th is a tough finishing hole at Punta Espada in the Dominican Republic. Brandon Tucker/GolfPass
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Punta Espada's clubhouse takes advantage of its environment. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
