Punta Espada - no. 13
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Punta Espada - no. 13
The par-3 13th at Punta Espada is a whopping 250 yards from the back tee, mostly carry. Courtesy of Punta Espada
Punta Espada - no. 13
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Punta Espada - no. 13
The ocean views just keep on coming at Punta Espada, arguably the best course in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean, for that matter. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Punta Espada - no. 1
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Punta Espada - no. 1
Punta Espada starts out with a relatively easy par 4. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Punta Espada - no. 1
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Punta Espada - no. 1
Here's a look at the par-4 first hole at Punta Espada looking back from the green. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Punta Espada - no. 2
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Punta Espada - no. 2
The par-5 second hole at Punta Espada plays from an elevated tee back toward the ocean. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Punta Espada - no. 2
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Punta Espada - no. 2
Here's a look at the approach shot from a long bunker into the par-5 second at Punta Espada in the Dominican Republic. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Punta Espada - no. 7
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Punta Espada - no. 7
The green on the par-3 seventh at Punta Espada is well-protected by bunkers. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
Punta Espada - no. 11
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Punta Espada - no. 11
The tee shot on the par-4 11th hole at Punta Espada in the Dominican Republic. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
Punta Espada - no. 12
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Punta Espada - no. 12
An aerial view shows just how spectacular the setting is at Punta Espada in the Dominican Republic. Courtesy of Punta Espada
Punta Espada - no. 16
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Punta Espada - no. 16
With the ocean on the other side of the green on the par-3 16th at Punta Espada, this bunker is not the ideal the place to be. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
Punta Espada - no. 17
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Punta Espada - no. 17
It's a short par 4, but the tee shot on the 17th at Punta Espada is certainly intimidating nonetheless. Courtesy of Punta Espada
Punta Espada - no. 18
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Punta Espada - no. 18
At 457 yards and ocean to the right, the par-4 18th is a tough finishing hole at Punta Espada in the Dominican Republic. Brandon Tucker/GolfPass
Punta Espada clubhouse
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Punta Espada clubhouse
Punta Espada's clubhouse takes advantage of its environment. Mike Bailey/Golf Advisor
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Arguably the best course in the Dominican Republic, Jack Nicklaus' Punta Espada has no shortage of spectacular holes

CAP CANA, Dominican Republic -- One can certainly make the argument that the Jack Nicklaus-designed Cap Cana Punta Espada is the best golf course in the Dominican Republic.

With no disrespect to Casa de Campo's Teeth of the Dog about an hour away, Punta Espada is a modern golf course with impeccable conditions and spectacular ocean views from the majority of the holes, all of which are unique and interesting. It really depends on your preferences, of course.

Most stunning are the holes right on the sea, which starts almost immediately with the par-5 second, beginning from an elevated tee that plays directly toward the water. The signature hole, is no doubt, the par-3 13th, which plays 250 yards from the back tees and is mostly carry to a peninsula green. The finishing stretch of the holes, including the 17th with its intimidating tee shot, is also by the sea.

The course played host to the PGA Tour Champions Cap Cana Championship. From the back tees, this par 72 plays to 7,396 yards, but there are five sets of tees, the shortest at just over 5,000 yards.
The club's Hole 19 Clubhouse features great views of the back nine and offers the Bella Vista Restaurant, locker rooms, golf shop and members lounge.


Staff course reviews of Punta Espada: Jason Scott Deegan | Mike Bailey | Brandon Tucker | Tim Gavrich


Video: Taking on Corales, La Cana & Punta Espada

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Golf Advisor: Trip Dispatch to Dominican Republic's Corales, Punta Espada

Mike Bailey is a senior staff writer based in Houston. Focusing primarily on golf in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America with an occasional trip to Europe and beyond, he contributes course reviews, travel stories and features as well as the occasional equipment review. An award-winning writer and past president of Texas Golf Writers Association, he has more than 25 years in the golf industry. Before accepting his current position in 2008, he was on staff at PGA Magazine, The Golfweek Group and AvidGolfer Magazine. Follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeBaileyGA and Instagram at @MikeStefanBailey.

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Arguably the best course in the Dominican Republic, Jack Nicklaus' Punta Espada has no shortage of spectacular holes