Golf

Golf in the capital city of Santo Domingo is represented by the oldest golf club in the country, the Santo Domingo Country Club, which was founded at the beginning of the last century. This 27-hole, very exclusive private country club has more than four thousand members.

This golf course par excellence has served as the inspiration for the development of golf in the Dominican Republic and to encourage other projects of this type that have since been undertaken all over the country. The club currently has more than 4,000 members.

Membership of this club costs in the area of $850,000 Dominican pesos to join. To become a member, one must be approved by the club´s Council.

Address: Isabel Aguiar, Industrial Zone of Herrera
Date opened: 1920
Current president: Alejandro Santelises
Telephone: (809) 530-6606
Fax: (809) 274-4750
Web page: http://www.santodomingocc.com/
Type of club: Private
Type of grass: Japanese and Bermuda
No. of holes: 27
Par: 72

This course is 15 minutes from the center of the capital city of Santo Domingo. It was designed by immortal golf legend and Dominican Hall of Famer, Jack E. Corrie. This is a modern golf course and ideal for golfers who want to get out of the city.

In Las Lagunas, one experiences the magic of untouched nature while enjoying the charm of these scrupulously well kept grounds that assure players a peaceful and beautiful round of golf.

Golf classes are given by professionals between 8:00 A.M. and 8:30 P.M. For beginners, golf clubs and any other necessary equipment is provided by the course.

Address: Duarte Highway at kilometer 20, Santo Domingo
Date opened: 1989
E-mail: infogolf@laslagunas.com.do
Web site: www.laslagunas.com.do
Telephone: (1) 809- 372- 7446
Type of course: Semi-private
No. of holes: 18
Par: 72

This is a semi-private club located in the heart of one of the most exclusive residential areas of Santo Domingo: Cuesta Hermosa III in the Altos of Arroyo Hondo. The director of the club is Andrew Lewing.

Surrounded by the flowing Isabela River, this complex was designed in 1996 by the architect Ricardo Orellana and continues today to be the par excellence course upon which to take ones´ first steps in the game of golf.

The driving range is open from 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. from Monday to Friday. On weekends and holidays it closes at 8:00 P.M.

Type of grass: Bermuda
Telephone: (809) 549-3306
President or contact: Ubaldo Olivares
E-mail: celinwong74@yahoo.com

This club is an option for those who like challenges as they will find this to be a very demanding place in a beautiful area, right in the center of the route to Central Cibao.

Address: Aniana Vargas Ave, Urb. Falcando
Date opened: 1979
Architect: Les Ferber (first phase)
President: Octavio Marmolejos
E-mail: juanlsang@verizon.net.do
Telephone: (809) 296-0470
Fax: (809) 730-2671
Type of course: Public
Type of grass: Bermuda and Cow´s Tongue on the fairways
No. of holes: 9
Par: 3

This 9-hole golf course offers a fascinating walk through the pines that protect the entrance to almost all the fairways and small greens. Nevertheless, the course provides a challenge to all types of golfers.

Surrounded by mountains, the course is located in the heart of Jarabacoa. The vegetation here is a mixture of flowing rivers and tall pine trees

Jarabacoa Golf Club has two types of grass: Bermuda and Japanese. This course is the best option for those who, in addition to playing golf, also like to ride horses, go rafting, ride bicycles and swim in the many rivers.

Address: Piedra Blanca, Jarabacoa
Date opened: 1976
Architect: Luís De Pool
General Manager: Enriquillo Ramos
E-mail: impenriquillo@verizo.net.do
Telephone: (809) 782-9883
Fax: (809) 573-6663
Type of course: Public
Type of grass: Japanese and Bermuda
No. of holes: 9
Par: 36
Prices: Non-member green fees in Dominican pesos: RD$600 and carts: RD$300 (Monday to Friday).

The Las Aromas Golf Course was designed by the famous architect Pete Dye. This course has the most unique views on the island including a large part of the city of Santiago and the mountains that lead toward the northern coast.

Players can take in these beautiful sites as they walk this exceptional course.

Address: Antonio Guzmán Ave., Las Aromas, Santiago
Date opened: 1980
Architect: Pete Dye
President: Leonardo Tito Bueno
E-mail: santiagogolf@verizon.net.do
Telephone: (809) 626-1288
Fax: (809) 247-7878
Type of course: Links
Type of grass: Bermuda
No. of holes: 18
Par: 70
Group reservations: Yes. (Recommended for weekend play)

Playa Dorada was the first course to be designed in the Dominican Republic by the legendary designer Robert Trent Jones at the beginning of the 1970s. The course maintains the classic traditional principles that made Jones famous including long tee-off fairways, spacious and well-kept greens and well-placed sand traps.

In the middle of an area full of various international hotel chains, the Playa Dorada Course is a favorite among Canadian as well as European golfers who enjoy the warm beaches and welcoming Dominicans hospitality but also merengue music and numerous options for seaside and nocturnal entertainment.

Address: Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada Complex
Date opened: 1978
Director: Juan Luís Hazim
Telephone: (809) 320-3472 / (809) 320-3803 / (809) 320-4262
Fax: (809) 320-2773
Type of course: Championship, Public
Type of grass: Bermuda and Zoysia
No. of holes: 18
Par: 72
Web page: www.playadoradagolf.com/
E-mail: jazmín@playadoradagolf.com / info@playadoradagolf.com

This golf course was also designed by Robert Trent Jones. Playa Grande is the name of the beach which never actually comes into play on the course, however on hole 13 – a 400-yard, par 4 with 30 mile winds – the view of the beach tends to leave any normal human being speechless. This is a perfect place for locals and visitors who love surfing and boogy-boarding.

Playa Grande has the three most dramatic and menacing pars on the island; two in the first round and the third in the second round of nine holes. With the exception of the 11th hole, every hole is played along the Atlanta Ocean, passing number 17 with more than 200 yards of longitude with the sea on the right side, behind and to the left of the green.

Address: Playa Grande, Kilometer 9, Río San Juan Highway, Cabrera
Date opened: November 1997
General Manager: Santiago Ronaldo Fernández De Castro
E-mail: playagrande@verizon.net.do / golf@playagrande.com / info@playagrande.com
Web page: http://www.playagrande.com/
Telephone: (809) 582-0860 / (809) 247-6105 / (809) 582-3302 / (809) 247-6104
Fax: (809) 582-3342
Type of course: Public
No. of holes: 18
Par: 72

Los Marlins Metro Country Club Golf Course is a complete residential community and golf resort located right in the center of Juan Dolio. With more than two million square meters of land near the Caribbean Sea, Metro County is only 20 minutes from the Las Americas International Airport and 40 minutes from the capital city Santo Domingo.

This community is formed by lakes, sand traps and small mounds that combine to create a peaceful landscape in total harmony with the surrounding nature. The Embassy Suites Hotel, part of the Milton hotel chain, are part of the area’s tourism offerings.

The Marlins Golf Club is an active member of the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the International Association of the Finest Golf Clubs of The World, an umbrella organization of the best golf courses in the world.

Los Marlins Golf Course was designed by US architect Charles Ankrom. While the par 72 championship course it is not a particularly long one – 6,410 yards from the tee, don’t let that fool you. The narrowness of some holes can cost you shots, especially the second hole.

Members and residents of this extraordinary place have access to the following:

• An 18 Hole Par 72 Championship Golf Course
  
• The Juan Marichal 19th Hole Restaurant with its warm hospitality and excellent food.
  
• The Carlos Fuentes Cigar Lounge and Piano Bar, with a billiards table and giant TV screen
  
• The Terrace Bar, located alongside the swimming pool
  
• Two swimming pools for adults
  
• Two tennis courts
  
• A convenient Minimarket
  
• Costa del Sol Beach Club
  
• Miniature Golf course and Driving Range
  
• Spa and work-out rooms
  

  Address: Juan Dolio Boulevard
  Opened in: 1992
  President of the club: Luís José Asilis
  Architect of the Golf Course: Charles Ankrom
  General Manager: Luís A. Guilamo
  E-mail: mcountryc@groupmetro.com
  Webpage: www.groupmetro.com
  Telephone: (809) 685-7949
  Fax: (809) 526-1304
  Type of course: Resort
  Type of grass: Bermuda and Zoysia
  No. of holes: 18
  Par: 72 

Gary Placer and his golf course design team created this landscaping marvel. They blended the perfect course design into the existing natural environment, giving the impression that the fairways have always been a part of this gently-rolling, tropical terrain.

Guavaberry challenges its visitors with its impressive waste bunkers, deep sand traps and indigenous coral rock formations that rise up the lush fairways.

The Course.-  The 13th hole comes as a refreshing surprise with its waterfall cascading into a quarry pond. On the 15th hole there is a large lake that protects the green.

The splendor of the flora, blue skies and the ever-present Caribbean breezes make the course a splendid atmosphere in which to enjoy a game of golf. This beautiful par 72 course comprised of 7,156 yards is known for its blending of a splendid golf atmosphere with a tropical forest and native flora surroundings.

Address: Eastern Highway, Kilometer 55, Juan Dolio
Opened since: October 2, 2002
Architect of the Golf Course: Gary Placer
General Manager: Radhamés Martínez
Golf director: Ricardo Orellana
E-mail: guavaberrygolf@verizon.net.do
Webpage: www.guavaberrygolf.com
Telephone: (809) 333-GOLF
Type of course: Resort
Type of grass: Bermuda 419
No. of holes: 18
Par: 72

Recognized as one of the most important golf course architects in the world, Pete Dye designed four marvelous golf courses within the Casa de Campo resort, located in La Romana on the East Coast of the Dominican Republic. The courses are: Diente de Perro (Teeth of the Dog), Links, Romana Country Club and Dye Fore.

This resort has been recognized as one of the 100 best golf courses in the world by various international magazines (Travel & Leisure, Golf Magazine) for having the best courses, customer service and best play times.

1. Diente de Perro: This course, which lies along the Caribbean coastline, was of great significance to Pete Dye when it was built and inaugurated in the 1970s. After three decades, Diente de Perro represented the beginning of a new style in terms of golf course design with one of its unique characteristics being that 7 of its holes lie directly along the coast.

Its position in golf course classification has allowed Diente de Perro to attract the best players in the world as well as all types of amateurs and golf lovers. This course has hosted world tournaments such as the prestigious World Championships by Eisenhower and Holy Spirit teams, the Shell World Champions of Golf, the Caribbean Championships, among others.

2. Links Golf Course: This was Pete Dye´s second masterpiece in Casa de Campo. This is a well-defined project where the fairways were laid out in such a way to encourage players to understand how to play on these hilly areas where the tall Bahia and Guinea Grass is prevalent around the greens. The approaches are narrow and allow little room for mistakes on the part of golfers who are playing here for the first time.

The Links, although the smallest course in the resort, is famous among golfers who play at Casa de Campo as it has the best kept greens and well-placed sand traps in the entire complex.

3. Dye Fore: This is Pete Dye’s latest design at Casa de Campo and it is a true jewel. Dye took advantage of the natural resources and topography of Altos de Chavón. Dye Fore has spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, the Dominican mountains – the highest in all the Caribbean – and the Chavón River beside the Casa de Campo Marina.

Dye Fore has the fame of being the longest course in the Dominican Republic with a length of nearly 7,770 yards. Without a doubt this course is one of the most reputable on the island and in the Casa de Campo complex.

4. Romana Country Club: This is Casa de Campo’s “private club.” Despite being so in the high season, the course is used for the enjoyment of players who choose to play on its undulating greens and long holes. The Romana Country Club is a par 72 course with four places to end the game which is suited for various skill levels. This exclusive course in Casa de Campo has master holes such as the par 5 on the 18th hole.

This course has the best facilities to practice all aspects of your game as there is an enormous driving range, practice greens to improve your short game as well as practice putting green. These all combine to make this a most exclusive place to improve your golf technique. One can also enjoy the large swimming pool and gourmet restaurant with its view of the 18th hole.

For corporate or individual membership information, call (809) 523-8600 Ext. 2478.

Golfers wishing to play any of the Casa de Campo courses should reserve a tee off time to guarantee their spot. To make reservations, call: (809) 523-3333 Ext. 2115 / 8045.  Fax: (809) 523-8800 or email: t.times@ccampo.com.do

This golf course belongs to the Punta Cana Resort and Club and was designed in 2010 by PB Dye, Pete Dye’s youngest son. The course is innovative, challenging, beautiful and fun. Its Paspalum grass with its firm consistency from the starting tee to the putting green, gives players a good start positioning the ball on the wide fairways. The course is quite long from its championships tees to its 7,152 yards of fairways.

In addition, the first class Puntacana Resort and Club has nearly 420 rooms and luxury villas including the elegant “Tortugas,” decorated with unique and stylish details by Oscar de la Renta. It is located on the longest Caribbean beach with nearly five miles of white sand. The Casa Club of the Puntacana Golf Club has one of the most beautiful views of the 18th hole, surrounded by exotic coconut palms and an elegant swimming pool in an atmosphere of first class elegance.

Director: Oliver Brizon
Telephone: (809) 959-4653
Fax: (809) 959-4650
Email: golf@puntacana.com
Head Pro: Chris Hall
Email: golfpro@puntacana.com
Webpage: www.puntacana.com

For reservations and information about the Punta Cana Resort and Club, call: (809) 442-2262 / (809) 959-2262 / (809) 959-4653

Cap Cana is the only resort in the world with the privilege of having three golf courses designed by golfing legend of the century, Jack Nicklaus.

Its designs have been included in various international publications as among the one hundred best in the world. More than sixty of it courses have been chosen from nearly 350 PGA tours from around the world.

Each element of Punta Espada, the first course in Cap Cana, is chosen by regulations that have been stipulated directly by Nicklaus Design and is made up of nine holes on the coast along the sea and nine holes along the rocky promontory above the coastline.

Cap Cana, with an investment of $1.5 billion dollars, is the most important real estate tourism project in the Caribbean region, with some 120 million square meters and multiple residential options that can be adapted for use to meet the needs of each individual.

Address: Punta Cana
Inauguration date: 2006
Architect: Jack Nicklaus, PGA Hall of Famer, Player of the Millennium
Golf director: Sam Logan
Email: s.logan@capcana.com
Webpage: www.capcana.com
Telephone: (809) 688-5587. Ext. 3117
Fax: (809) 688-5587. Ext 3170
Type of course: Private-signature
Type of grass: Paspalum
No. of holes: 18
Par: 72

The Catalonia Bávaro Resort complex is another of the nine places that offers great golf and the best beaches in the Eastern Dominican Republic. This tourism center is in the middle of one of the fastest-growing tourism zones in recent years, Playa Bávaro in Punta Cana.

Although the course is in the same resort, it is necessary for visitors to use the transport services from the hotel to the Club House then to the tee of the first hole.

The Catalonia Bávaro Resort can be categorized as an ideal place to experience a familiar environment where the guests´ well being and comfort come together with golf, the passion of so many.

Address: Carretera de Cabeza de Toro
General Manager: Iván Cunillera
E-mail: hotel@catalonia.com.do
Webpage: www.cataloniabavaro.com.do
Telephone: (809) 412-0000
Fax: (809) 412-0001
No. of holes: 18
Par: 72

The prestigious Spanish hotel chain, Melilla, offers one of the most attractive golf packages in the Bávaro region, on the Eastern coast of the Dominican Republic. This complex has a total of 27 holes designed by Spanish architect José “Pepe” Gancedo who was Spain’s amateur champion on seven occasions.

The Club House is one of the most important and is a place where golfers find themselves in an atmosphere of luxury, natural beauty and tranquility on the terrace or in the stores or restaurants.

Part of the attraction of this complex is the wide variety of options in the area of real estate development in the growing world of golf. The owners of the residential villas acquire the rights to provide all necessary services to the Melilla Hotels which are located along one of the country’s most beautiful beaches.

Address: Playa Bávaro, Punta Cana
Date of inauguration: 2000
Architect: José “Pepe” Gancedo
General Manager: Samuel Bello
Head Pro: Adam Stierman
E-mail: reserves.cocotal@solmelia.com
Webpage: www.solmelia.com
Telephone: (809) 687-4653 / (809) 221-1290. Ext. 2000
Fax: (809) 688-6639
Type of course: Resort
Type of grass: Bermuda
No. of holes: 18
Par: 72

Later, nine more holes were added to the course. This new course was baptized “Benjamina,” and forms part of the 27 holes of the Cocotal Golf & Country Club. This short course is full of trees, flowers and well-tended greens for senior players to feel at ease on this course.

Address: Playa Bávaro
Date of inauguration: 2004
Architect: José “Pepe” Gancedo
No. de holes: 9
Par: 36
Facilities: Lockers, Pro shop, restaurant, 19th Hole, terrace, transportation
Tee times: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

This 9-hole golf course is currently located in the heart of the Bávaro Beach of Punta Cana, the area considered to be the future Myrtle Beach of the Caribbean. White Sands Golf & Beach Resort was conceived by the Hedelpa Hotel Group which owns the Ocean Blue and Ocean Sand Hotels, both located on Bávaro Beach.

Spanish golf course architect, José “Pepe” Gancedo who also designed the Cocotal Golf & Country Club, built this course with the idea of presenting a series of options and challenges for all types of golfers. Here at White Sands there are lots of coconut palms and, of course, lots of sand.

The beautiful and welcoming Club House that forms part of the White Sands & Beach Resort golf course has a pro shop, bar, restaurant, large terrace, service lockers and equipment storage places.

Address: Playa Bávaro, Hotel Ocean Blue and Ocean Sand, Punta Cana
Architect: José “Pepe” Gancedo
Director: Kart Blass
Date of inauguration of the first 9 holes: 2004
Date of inauguration second 9 holes: 2006
Telephone: (809) 689-golf / (809) 689-4653
Fax: (809) 552-1269
Webpage: http://www.whitesands.com.do/

La Estancia Golf Resort is on the South-western coast of the Dominican Republic, east of La Romana near the town of Bayahibe.
Playing the La Estancia golf course is a fascinating experience. The course has been operating since 2008 and was designed by the well-known architect P.B. Dye who took full advantage of the area´s marvelous surrounding nature. The course is more than 7,300 yards providing many challenges to players.
At La Estancia you can combine your passion for golf with its spectacular white sandy beaches, mountain views, flowing rivers, below sea level salt water lakes and mysterious rainforests that are home to exotic species, animal life and vegetation.
Residents of La Estancia Resort are surrounded by abundant vegetation, natural beauty and impressive views of mountains overlooking the Chavón River. The inspiring style of La Estancia offers the maximum in Caribbean luxury with an air of traditional Spanish design.

Address: La Romana-Bayahíbe Highway, Km. 12 ½, La Romana
Telephone: (809) 723-6360 / (809) 689-7027
E-mail: gagnonpc@hotmail.com/ sales@legr.com
Webpage: http://www.laestanciagolf.com/wp/

This golf course is 25 minutes from the Punta Cana Airport and was designed by South African Nick Price, winner of the British Open (1994) and two-time designated player of the year (1993 and 1994) by the PGA.

There are high level real estate development opportunities here at the Punta Blanca Golf Club with numerous options to get involved in diverse projects for villas and apartments in a variety of areas surrounded by this 18-hole golf course.

This par 72 golf course offers players a challenge on each hole with its large and exciting fairways, bunkers, lakes and its risky 13th and 15th holes, both of which are par 3.

Address: Punta Cana Beach Resort
Architect: Nick Price
Director: Javier Pintos
Club House Manager: Verónica Helmann
Telephone: (829) 257-7361 / (829) 257-7363
E-mail: Javier@punta-blanca.com / jorge@punta-blanca.com
Webpage:http://www.punta-blanca.com/
No. of holes: 18

The exclusive Las Terrenas Country Club sits in an enclave of nearly 22 kilometers of fine sandy beaches and crystal clear waters with an additional extension of land of approximately 1.2 million square meters.

The 18-hole golf course was designed by the experts at the Andy Dye Design Company. The course takes up one third of the spectacular Las Terrenas Country Club making it the epicenter of this splendid place.

Well-known for his attention to detail in all aspects of golf course design, Andy Dye spared nothing in costs when it came to building the Las Terrenas Country Club, beginning with the best grass to the most modern sprinkler systems, the level of difficulty from medium to high and a large practice area. Just as the golfers enjoy every delicate detail of the course so too do the residents as they take in the spectacular views as the course blends in with its tropical surroundings.

Built in the midst of impressive waterfall and eleven interconnected lakes, the golf course is pleasing to the eye as well as the mind, offering magnificent landscapes and a challenging golf game.

Webpage: http://www.lasterrenascountryclub.com
E-mail: info@lasterrenascountryclub.com
Telephone: (809) 381-0080
Fax: (809) 381-0807