Taking divots in the Dominican Republic
Until last spring, I used to think I must be the only golfer in Canada that has never been to the Dominican Republic. All of my friends have been there, some multiple times, and everyone has raved about the experience, from the beaches to the resorts to the golf courses.
That all changed last spring when I visited the Caribbean island as a guest of the DR’s Tourism department. Four Brits, four Canadians, a pair of Americans and our host Roberto, who was a native of the DR but had lived for years in both Canada and the U.S, spoke better English than all of us writers, and somehow had become a rabid Boston sports fan. Alas, Roberto didn’t play golf.
The trip coincided with the playing of the PGA Tour’s Corales Puntacana Championship, which served as a backdrop for many of our activities. It also coincided with the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, featuring Boston vs Toronto in Round 1. For those with convenient amnesia, it didn’t go well for us as usual. Although we had left the island by the time Game 7 rolled around (2-1 for the Bruins in OT), Roberto delighted in reminding us how Boston “owned” Toronto in previous playoffs.
Apart from his mal-adjusted sports views, Roberto turned out to be an excellent guide, master storyteller and a fount of information on the Dominican Republic. Our first stop was about 90 minutes north of the Punta Cana Airport at the luxurious Bahia Principe Grand La Romana Resort. An hour-and-a-half in the dark is a long time to listen to a Bruins fan but fortunately he didn’t know us that well yet and was reasonably restrained.
PGA Ocean’s 4
La Romana Resort is home to PGA Ocean’s 4, which is known for its strategic layout, combining links-style holes with tropical elements. Designed by English golf course architect Jack Lund, the course gets its name from four holes along the Caribbean coastline, providing spectacular ocean views and the soothing sounds of waves crashing against the shore. The course’s variety keeps golfers on their toes, with a mix of challenging par-3s, strategic par-4s, and reachable par-5s. Fairways are generous, and the greens are large – a perfect introduction for the Canadian writers who were just dusting off their clubs after a winter layoff.
The resort itself was magnificent, with large rooms that didn’t lack for anything, a brilliant pool complex and several restaurant options. We only had one day to soak it all in but enjoyed a delicious dinner at Don Pablo Restaurant with some of the hotel executives and then were off early the next morning.
Casa de Campo
Our next stop was the famed Casa de Campo Resort. No discussion of golf in the Dominican Republic would be complete without including this legendary resort. It’s home to three world-class golf courses, including the iconic Teeth of the Dog, a Pete Dye masterpiece that is perennially ranked among the best in the world. Unfortunately, due to a scheduling mix-up, we wouldn’t be playing Teeth of the Dog.
My regret at missing the #1 course on the island was soon forgotten as we teed off on Dye Fore, another Pete Dye gem carved hundreds of feet above the coastline with dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views of the Chavón River and the Caribbean Sea. There’s nothing really subtle about Dye Fore – it’s broad sweeping fairways and huge sloping greens are readily accessible, provided you can avoid the precipitous drop offs to the Chavon River or the cavernous bunkers.
For some reason, I usually play my worst golf on Day 2 of a press trip, and this was no exception. When I do make it back to the DR to play Teeth of the Dog, a return bout with Dye Fore will happily be on that agenda too.
As you make your way around the front nine at Dye Fore, you catch glimpses of a mediaeval village perched on the side of the mountain overhanging the river. Called Altos de Chavon, it’s a 1975 replica of a 16th century Mediterranean village with art galleries, shops, restaurants and a very large church. The focal point of the village is an enormous 5,000 seat Roman-style outdoor amphitheater, inaugurated in 1982 by Frank Sinatra, and host to many other famous musicians since.
Ostensibly there to play golf, sometimes there’s a surprise waiting off the course that’s just too good to pass up. Wish we had more time to spend at Altos de Chavon.
Our home for the next five nights was Sanctuary Cap Cana, a beautiful all-inclusive resort that hugged the Caribbean shoreline and was just minutes from a bevy of terrific golf courses. Sanctuary featured several fine-dining options plus one of the best breakfast buffets I’ve ever enjoyed. There’s no-one to blame if you’re overserved at a breakfast buffet.
As a side note, press trips tend to feature the best of the best at the destination and that’s particularly true when it comes to eating. While we enjoyed several fine meals at Sanctuary, including grilled seafood at Blue Marlin, steak at the Argentinian Grill and Italian food at Capriccio, sometimes a guy just needs a burger or a slice of pizza. Happy to report that part of the all-inclusive option at Sanctuary is an enclave of take-out joints that are informal, open late and cater to most every craving your doctor warned you about.
Punta Cana Resort
Close to our hotel, Punta Cana Resort and Club is a haven for golfers seeking an elite experience. This luxurious resort offers two championship golf courses: La Cana and Corales. Designed by P.B. Dye, La Cana Golf Club is renowned for its challenging layout and breathtaking ocean views. The 27-hole course features four holes directly on the Caribbean Sea, providing a stunning backdrop and a formidable test of skill. P.B. Dye has a home on the course, although he wasn’t around for a chat when we went by.
After playing La Cana on Saturday, Sunday was to be a day to watch golf, specifically the final round of the Corales tournament. As it turned out, the Bruins won Game 1 of their series on Saturday night, so Roberto had something to crow about as we drove over to Corales. Did I mention how annoying Boston fans can be?
The Corales Puntacana Championship is a big deal for Dominicans. It’s more than just a golf tournament – it’s like the Kentucky Derby and Super Bowl all rolled into one. People come out more to be seen than to watch golf. According to Roberto, all the VIPs on the island were there and they really know how to party. As group after group passed the VIP stand, few paused in their festivities to pay much attention.
The golf tournament was of particular interest to we Canadians though as Richmond Hill’s Taylor Pendrith was in contention, looking for his first PGA Tour title. Unfortunately, he faded a bit on Sunday, allowing Billy Horschel to nab the trophy, but Pendrith’s good play was a precursor of good things to come as he did get that first win two weeks later at the Byron Nelson event in Texas.
Punta Espada
I had mentioned my regret at not being able to play Teeth of the Dog, but on Monday we played Punta Espada, which some people say is even better than the iconic Casa de Campo course. This Jack Nicklaus Signature course is a masterpiece of design, seamlessly blending the natural terrain with strategically placed hazards. Punta Espada is consistently ranked among the best golf courses in the Caribbean and Latin America.
What sets Punta Espada apart is its eight oceanfront holes and the awe-inspiring cliffs and bluffs that frame the course. The signature par-3 13th hole, with its island green and crashing waves, is a highlight that tests even the most seasoned golfers. Each hole at Punta Espada offers a unique experience, with sweeping views of the ocean, immaculate fairways, and challenging greens. The combination of stunning scenery and masterful design makes Punta Espada a must-play on any trip to the Dominican Republic.
Corales
Our final round was back at the scene of Billy Ho’s triumph. For a time on Sunday, I had escaped the action in the VIP tent and followed the players. Like many Fazio courses, Corales is tough, even quite penal in spots. The course is famous for its six oceanfront holes and the dramatic “Devil’s Elbow,” a trio of closing holes that require precision and nerve. A fitting finish to a magnificent experience.
The ever-ebullient Roberto was bit subdued on this day as the Leafs had evened the series the night before or maybe he was sad that we’d soon be departing, but we happily chatted about tourism, dodged the workers dismantling the viewing stands (and putting their lives in jeopardy if you ask me) and all that the Dominican Republic had to offer.
This trip was a fascinating introduction, but we really just scratched the surface of this gorgeous island nation. There’s lots more to see and do and plenty more golf to enjoy. I can’t believe it took me this long to discover it but I sure won’t wait as long for my next visit.
For more information on visiting the Dominican Republic and its magical golf courses, click HERE.
