I have just returned from my first trip to the Dominican Republic, and I was totally impressed with the service, the resorts and oh my, the amazing golf. I have been selling the destination for many years now and it has exceeded my expectations beyond comprehension. If you want to get rid of the winter blahs and find yourself in a golf oasis, then the Dominican is the spot for you.
 | I started my trip with a quick night’s stay at the Iberostar Bavaro Resort, which has something for everyone. From full family styled property to adult’s only with other offers in between. I stayed in a Jr Suite which is perfect for golfers as they are slightly larger than your standard hotel rooms, so plenty of space to relax and room for your clubs too. The Bavaro golf club I feel is a hidden gem. It is an inland golf club that does not disappoint with a challenging layout that is beautifully maintained with wide fairways and some forced carries, it is not always easy to score well if you are not placed perfectly of the tee. |
Then off to Casa de Campo a luxury resort located in La Romana, Dominican Republic. It is a beautiful property that offers a wide range of amenities and activities, including golf courses, tennis courts, a marina, horseback riding, a shooting center, and a spa. The resort is also home to several restaurants and bars offering up a wide selection of amazing food. The property features three world-renowned golf courses designed by Pete Dye. These courses are known for their challenging layouts and beautiful scenery.
The Teeth of the Dog course is considered the top course in the Caribbean and is ranked among the world's top 50 golf courses. The Dye Fore course offers stunning views, and I mean stunning, of the Chavon River and the Caribbean Sea, while the Links course provides a more traditional golf experience and is not to be dismissed. And as you can expect from Casa de Campo the courses are in amazing condition.
Next stop was the Westin Punta Cana Resort, and another property that did not disappoint and dissimilar to a lot of very large resort complexes, the Westin is less then 300 rooms for a more intimate locale. The resort is perfectly located for a golf vacation, just a short 15 minute transfer from the airport and with 2 courses within 5 minutes on property and just 20 minutes to the amazing Punta Espada Golf Club.
| Sadly, Punta Espada was undergoing course maintenance and refurbishing of the clubhouse, I was not able to play it. However, from the tour of the property the course is absolutely stunning and even though Punta Espada seems intimidating, the layout is accommodating for all. My visit was highlighted by the par 3, 13th to a green surrounded by the craving waves off the Caribbean Sea. |  |
 | La Cana was next on the agenda and I have to be honest, I did have a blasé picture in my mind before getting to experiencing it. All 3 nine’s are a perfect mix with challenging holes and 14 holes that offer great views of the Caribbean Sea with 2 closing holes directly along the coastline. I will be recommending this track a lot more from now on. |
| Now for Corales, just a magnificent course with dramatic holes at every turn and five sets of tees, with the back measuring at 7,650 yards. The course naturally embraces its oceanside landscape with bays, coves, coral reefs, and cliffs all along the six fairways which run parallel to the Caribbean Sea. Just a wonderful chance to play a PGA Tour Event course and a memorable experience. |  |
I am so glad I had the chance, after all these years, to visit the Dominican Republic. I have always sold it knowing the quality of the experience but now that I have had the opportunity to personally experience what this amazing island offers, I am even more passionate than ever about getting everyone there to enjoy the great golf, hospitality and resorts of this Caribbean golf paradise.
Give me a call anytime you want to talk about the DR, or anywhere else you are looking to get away to in order to enjoy some warm weather during a cold winter, and I will get you set up with the perfect getaway.
Give me a call anytime you want to talk about the DR, or anywhere else you are looking to get away to in order to enjoy some warm weather during a cold winter, and I will get you set up with the perfect getaway.
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