Dominican Republic continues to grow reputation as international golfing destination

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Dominican Republic’s lush landscapes contrasted against stunning aquamarine shores create an idyllic setting for some of the world’s most breathtaking golf courses. Golfers are taking note, traveling from the US and beyond to golf the greens of Dominican Republic’s one-of-a-kind courses.

For U.S. golfers, it’s easier than ever to reach Dominican Republic. Cities including Atlanta, Miami, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago and Houston offer direct flights, so golfers can plan tee times for the days they arrive or depart. Dominican Republic’s tourist-friendly golf courses help visitors save time and eliminate the hassle of packing clubs by offering professional grade rentals at all locations.

“Dominican Republic is the perfect destination for golf travel, with our stunning and varied natural landscapes that provide breathtaking backdrops for our courses. Combined with an ideal year-round climate, spectacular entertainment and warm, hospitable people, it’s easy to see why we are the Caribbean’s can’t-miss golf destination,” said Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. “We host many individuals and golf events throughout the year that showcase all the reasons Dominican Republic is known as the Caribbean capital of golf.”

This month, Dominican Republic hosted 97 golfers from around the globe for the third annual DR Golf Travel Exchange, held Sept. 10 through Sept. 15 at the Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe in Punta Cana. The Exchange showcased Punta Cana and La Romana’s immense offerings for golfers, with highlights including many of the country’s 86 picturesque holes on or overlooking the sea and ease of access to golf resorts from the country’s international airports, and in-between courses once in country. Course highlights included: P.B. Dye’s Iberostate Golf at the Iberostar Grand Punta Cana in Bávaro—a course that creates eye-catching contrasts with white sand and rock against the intensely green Paspalum grass; Dye Fore in Casa de Campo Resort in La Romana, an area known as a must-visit golf destination with fairways and greens worthy of the all-stars; and The Lakes at Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe, which was the first golf course in the entire Punta Cana tourist region.

Golfers looking to explore outside of Punta Cana and La Romana can take in other destination courses from around the country. Santo Domingo is a stone’s throw from pristine golf courses such as Guavaberry Golf & Country Club in Juan Dolio, an enchanting course with a crystal-clear waterfall at the 13th hole and 200,000-year-old coral rock formations at the final hole. Near Puerto Plata, courses including Playa Dorada and Playa Grande —the final masterpiece of Robert Trent Jones, Sr.—beckon to golfers that prefer staying on the country’s north coast, known for adventure activities and water sports.