Punta Espada Golf Course — Nicklaus’ first Signature Course in the Dominican Republic — opened to raves in September 2006. This magnificent 7,396-yard track, located at the Cap Cana resort, continues to open eyes. Punta Espada already is No. 46 among Golf Digest’s 100 Best Outside the U.S. 2009-2010 course ranking and is second in the DR in the magazine’s Planet Golf 2009-2010 ranking. Nicklaus’ gem has five sets of tees and boasts ocean views from every hole. The Golden Bear superbly utilizes and incorporates the area’s bluffs, beach, lagoons and jungle foliage into the course’s design.
Eight holes play either alongside or over the Caribbean Sea, including the stunning par-4 17th, which requires a tee-shot carry over a bay. The downhill 611-yard par-5 second hole also is unforgettable, beginning with a drive atop a limestone cliff downhill to a peninsula green. A tidal lagoon influences the third shot, and the Caribbean serves as a stirring backdrop.
