Jack Nicklaus Signature · Cap Cana · Dominican Republic
Punta Espada Golf Club
#1 Golf Course in the Caribbean & Mexico — GolfWeek Magazine
Member Rates for Villa Guests
9 Ocean Holes
Villa on Fairway 5
#1 Golf Course in the Caribbean & Mexico — GolfWeek Magazine
Punta Espada is not just the Caribbean's finest golf course — it is one of the finest golf courses in the world. Designed by Jack Nicklaus at the height of his design powers, the course opened in 2006 and was included in Golf Digest's Top 100 Courses Outside the United States within seven months of opening. GolfWeek has ranked it the #1 course in the Caribbean and Mexico multiple times. Robb Report placed it among the "Best of the Best Golf Courses in the World."
The course plays 18 holes at par 72, with nine holes directly on or along the Atlantic Ocean — creating an oceanside golf experience that has been described as the finest consecutive sequence of seaside holes in the Caribbean. The fairways follow Cap Cana's dramatic limestone headlands, with the ocean crashing below on one side and Caribbean jungle on the other.
Punta Espada also served as the host venue for the Cap Cana Championship, a PGA Champions Tour event broadcast nationally on Golf Channel — cementing its status as a venue worthy of professional competition at the highest level.
The Villa Espada advantage: Your villa sits directly on Fairway 5, the most iconic stretch of the course. You wake up with golf course views, have breakfast on the terrace overlooking the fairway, and walk to the first tee in minutes — at exclusive member rates arranged by your personal butler.
Standard visitor green fees at Punta Espada are among the highest in the Caribbean. Villa Espada guests receive the same member-rate pricing reserved for Cap Cana property owners — a significant financial benefit in addition to the unmatched convenience of living on the course itself.
The third hole hugs the cliff edge of Cap Cana's limestone headland, with the Atlantic crashing against coral rock 60 feet below your tee shot. The fairway bends right along the coastline, demanding a precise draw to a green perched on the bluff. Even Nicklaus himself has called this one of his finest par 4s.
This is the hole you see from Villa Espada's terrace every morning. A sweeping dogleg left playing 420 yards from the championship tees, Fairway 5 runs directly past the villa property before reaching a well-bunkered green tucked against the tree line. Wake up, have breakfast on the terrace, and watch the first groups play through.
The beginning of Punta Espada's legendary oceanside stretch. This par 5 doglegs along the Caribbean shoreline with waves visible on your left for the entire hole. Big hitters can reach in two, but the layup to the narrow landing area demands precision — miss right and you're in dense tropical vegetation.
The most photographed hole in Caribbean golf. You stand on an elevated tee with nothing but open ocean between you and the green. The carry is roughly 170 yards over the Atlantic to a green cut into the rocky headland, flanked by bunkers and a sheer drop to the sea. Wind is a factor on every shot — club selection changes by two or three clubs depending on the day.
Another stunning oceanside hole that demands a tee shot over a rocky inlet. The fairway wraps around the coastline, and the green sits on a promontory with ocean views on three sides. It's a medium-length par 4, but the wind and the visual intimidation make it play far longer than the scorecard suggests.
Punta Espada's closing hole is a fitting finale. The tee shot plays over water to a fairway framed by palms and Caribbean vegetation, while the approach must carry a large lake protecting the front of the green. With the clubhouse terrace full of spectators, it's a finishing hole that rewards courage and punishes hesitation.
Manage the wind. The Atlantic trade winds are the defining feature of Punta Espada. Holes 3 through 6 and the entire back-nine ocean stretch (12–15) are fully exposed. Morning rounds typically see calmer conditions, while afternoon winds can add two to three clubs on coastal holes. Your caddie is essential — listen to their club recommendations.
Play from the right tees. Punta Espada offers five tee boxes on most holes. The championship tees (7,152 yards) are built for professionals and low single-digit handicaps. Most guests enjoy the course more from the middle tees (6,300 yards) or the gold tees, which still deliver every ocean view without the punishing carries.
Respect the fairway bunkers. Nicklaus placed bunkers strategically to frame landing areas and narrow approaches. The coral-sand waste areas are not traditional bunkers — they drain quickly but offer inconsistent lies. Aim for the center of fairways on your first few holes until you gauge the firmness and wind.
Bring extra balls for the ocean stretch. Holes 12 through 15 are among the most visually spectacular in golf, but the ocean carries on 13 and 14 will punish mishits. Bring a sleeve of extra balls and enjoy the drama without worrying about your score.
Peak season (December–April): Dry, warm, and breezy. Daytime temperatures hover around 82–88°F with low humidity relative to summer months. This is the most popular window for golf groups and coincides with perfect playing conditions. Book early — Villa Espada's peak season fills months in advance.
Shoulder season (May–June, November): Excellent playing conditions at lower rates. Brief afternoon showers are common but rarely disrupt morning rounds. The course is less crowded, and tee times are easier to arrange. Many returning guests prefer these months for the value and availability.
Summer (July–October): The warmest months with occasional tropical showers. Punta Espada's paspalum turf stays lush and playable year-round. Green fees and villa rates are at their lowest. If you don't mind brief afternoon rain, summer offers the best value for a golf trip to Cap Cana.
Tee time strategy: Morning rounds (7:00–9:30 AM) are preferred by most golfers for calmer winds and cooler temperatures. Your butler will arrange tee times in advance — you'll never wait for a slot.
Punta Espada was designed by Jack Nicklaus and features nine holes directly on the Atlantic Ocean along Cap Cana's limestone headlands. GolfWeek has ranked it #1 in the Caribbean and Mexico multiple times, Golf Digest placed it in their Top 100 Courses Outside the United States within seven months of opening, and Robb Report named it among the Best of the Best Golf Courses in the World. The course also hosted the PGA Champions Tour Cap Cana Championship.
Villa Espada sits directly on Fairway 5 of Punta Espada. Guests receive the same member-rate pricing reserved for Cap Cana property owners — a significant savings over standard visitor green fees, which are among the highest in the Caribbean. Your personal butler books all tee times, and two 6-person golf carts are included with the villa for transportation to the first tee and around Cap Cana.
The most iconic holes include the par-3 13th — a dramatic over-the-ocean carry to an oceanfront green — the par-4 3rd along the cliff edge, and the par-5 12th dogleg along the Caribbean coastline. Nine of 18 holes play on or along the ocean, creating what many regard as the finest consecutive stretch of seaside holes in Caribbean golf.
Punta Espada is playable year-round thanks to the Dominican Republic's tropical climate. December through April offers the driest and most comfortable conditions with temperatures around 82–88°F. Morning tee times before 10 AM are preferred for calmer winds and cooler temperatures. The shoulder months of May, June, and November offer excellent playing conditions at lower villa rates.
Yes. Villa Espada is located directly on Fairway 5 — you can walk from the villa terrace to the course in minutes. Two 6-person golf carts are also included for transportation to the clubhouse, pro shop, and restaurant, as well as to Las Iguanas (3 minutes), the waterpark (6 minutes), and other Cap Cana amenities.
Stay at Villa Espada — on Fairway 5 — and play the Caribbean's #1 course at exclusive member rates. Your butler books every tee time. Two golf carts included.