Cap Cana - Punta Espada

I was fortunate enough to play this course two days in a row, only paying once (met an investor of the property who paid for my second round, thank you to my charming wife for that!). You can rest assured that they could have charged double and I would have felt like I got a good deal.

This is simply golfing paradise. I live in CA and have walked Pebble and would like to think I have seen many gorgeous courses all over, but this is beyond magnificent. The conditions are immaculate, caddy was friendly and helpful and there was nobody on the course. The ocean views will leave you shaking your head. It is difficult to concentrate on the round of golf because it is hard to believe you are out there to begin with. There is a great video on YouTube, 8 minute flyover of the course set to music. It's even more impressive in person.

There are so many memorable shots over crystal clear water. Bring a camera, and if you have a girlfriend or wife that isn't a big golf fan but wants to enjoy some of the most beautiful landscape you will ever see; bring her. My wife loved it and has little interest in golf.

The par 5 2nd hole was my favorite, but 13 and 17 really give it a run for it's money. I will do whatever it takes to get back to this golf heaven that is Punta Espada. You would kick yourself if you made this trip and didn't play here. Enjoy.

No course of the 700-plus I've played interacts with the ocean as dramatically as Punta Espada. Of the eight holes on the Caribbean Sea, three are really special. I remember my round in 2011 like it was yesterday.
Stepping on the elevated tee of the second hole, a 611-yard par 5, introduces the ocean horizon, and a green hanging precariously into a bay inlet. The par-3 13th hole plays over crashing waves to a green perched upon a cliff. Jack Nicklaus made birdie at the grand opening, although the rest of us will be happy just to land safely on top. The par-4 at no. 17 is a cool Cape hole where players must choose how much of the sea to carry to reach the fairway. The approach heads directly into the wind. My "ocho" - at my caddie's advice - landed next to the hole for birdie. Golf doesn't get much better than this.

One of the best courses in the world. Definitely one of the most beautiful. There are eight holes right on the Caribbean Sea. The course is on lime stone cliffs about 20 feet above the sea. The grass is saltwater tolerant so when the waves are up it is quite a scene. Don't be surprised if you get a little wet. Several holes require carries over the Caribbean Sea. If you are vacationing in Punta Cana and you don't play this course you will be missing the best part of your vacation.