About Punta Espada
Punta Espada is Jack Nicklaus's personal favourite course of all his designs — a statement that carries extraordinary weight given a portfolio exceeding 300 courses worldwide. Eight holes play directly along the Caribbean Sea cliffs inside Cap Cana resort, with dramatic elevation changes and a visual drama that rivals anywhere in world golf.
Opened in 2006, Punta Espada has hosted multiple PGA Tour Latinoamerica events and is consistently ranked among the top 2–3 courses in the Caribbean and Latin America. The combination of oceanfront spectacle, strategic Nicklaus design, and the exclusivity of Cap Cana make it one of the most compelling golf experiences on the planet.
For golfers staying at Villa Espada inside Cap Cana, Punta Espada is a short walk from the front door — with member tee time rates and priority booking access.
Signature Holes at Punta Espada
- Hole 3 (Par 3): Clifftop par 3 playing over a Caribbean inlet. One of the most photographed holes in the hemisphere. Wind is everything here.
- Hole 6 (Par 3): Entirely over the Caribbean Sea to a green perched above the waves. When the trade wind is up, club selection changes by 3–4 clubs.
- Hole 8 (Par 4): Dramatic dogleg right along the ocean cliffs. The drive must carry the rocky inlet for position on the approach.
- Hole 13 (Par 4): Long clifftop par 4 with the Caribbean framing the entire right side. The green is perched above the sea with no margin for error right.
- Hole 16 (Par 4): Long par 4 with 300 yards of oceanfront exposure on the back nine. The approach is the most demanding on the course.
- Hole 18 (Par 4): Finishing hole brings you back to the clubhouse with ocean views throughout. A demanding closing hole that rewards accuracy over power.
Course Details & Green Fees
- Par: 72 — Length: 7,150 yards (back tees)
- Architect: Jack Nicklaus (2006)
- Oceanfront Holes: 8
- Green Fees: $280–400 USD (resort guest rates lower — Villa Espada guests receive member rates)
- Caddies: Strongly recommended. $30–50 fee + $40–60 tip for a good caddie.
- Best Time: November–April (dry season, consistent trade winds)
- Tee Times: Book 60–90 days ahead in peak season. Villa Espada staff handle all bookings.
Where to Stay — Villa Espada
The optimal way to experience Punta Espada is to stay inside Cap Cana — and the best villa option is Villa Espada, positioned directly on Fairway 5 of the course. You wake up, have breakfast prepared by the in-villa chef, and walk to the first tee. No transfers, no hotel lobby, no waiting.
Villa Espada guests receive member tee time rates at Punta Espada — significantly below the public green fee — and priority booking access that is critical during peak season when the course fills weeks in advance.
The villa accommodates up to 16 guests across 8 bedrooms, with private pool, full staff, golf carts, and concierge tee time booking across all major DR courses including Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo.