Golf Dominican Republic

Hitting the links during a visit to the Dominican Republic is almost as required as enjoying a Presidente beer and a merengue dance. In fact, golf has become so popular here that even presidents of the United States have winged their way down here to play on some of the most awe-inspiring and challenging links throughout the entire Caribbean region. That's not to say that there isn't a course for golfers of all abilities. With 21 courses currently up and running across the island and more being planned every year, pros and beginners alike can find the best course to suit their game.

Designer Digs

One thing that makes golfing so popular here is that many of the courses have been designed by top-notch players and architects. Throughout the island, one can find courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Pete Dye, P.B. Dye, Pepe Gancedo, Charles Ankrom and Gary Player. This means that these courses are well-designed and offer a range of experiences, ability levels and more.

Right on Par

Golf in the Dominican Republic, like so many other things, remains relatively affordable, even on the most popular courses. In addition, the island's year-round good weather allows for play practically every day; even when it showers, it usually clears up quick enough to get in a full round of the game. Visitors new to the game will find that most clubs offer a range of academies and lessons, allowing everyone a chance to improve their game while visiting the island.

Some of the courses across the Dominican Republic include:

The Teeth of the Dog: Located at the Casa de Campo Resort, this 18-hole, par-72, Pete-Dye-designed course has been ranked as the #1 course in the Caribbean by Travel & Leisure Golf magazine. There are two other Dye courses here as well, Dye Fore and The Links.

Guavaberry Golf and Country Club: Designed by Gary Player, this 18-hole, par-72 course in Juan Dolio borders a tropical forest and nature preserve with coral rock formations. It offers some amazing views and great golfing moments.

Playa Dorada Golf Club: One of the original courses that began the golf boom on the island, this course is situated in the middle of the Playa Dorada Resort complex and offers 18 holes designed by Robert Trent Jones.

La Cana Golf Course: This P.B.-Dye-designed championship course is as beautiful as they come, with 14 ocean-view holes and four oceanfront holes. Located at the Punta Cana Resort & Club, this course has an 18th hole that resembles the infamously challenging 18th hole at Pebble Beach.

Cocotal Golf and Country Club: Set in the terrain of an old coconut plantation, this 18-hole course in Punta Cana was designed by Pepe Gancedo.

Playa Grande Golf Course: Robert Trent Jones designed this course – his last and many say his best – about an hour's drive from Sosúa. Its 18 holes include 10 along the scenic sea cliffs of the Atlantic Ocean.

Los Marlins Golf Course: Designed by international award-winning architect Charles Ankrom, this 18-hole championship course is located at the Metro Country Club in Juan Dolio.