1. Punta Espada — Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
Jack Nicklaus calls Punta Espada his personal favourite course of all his 300+ designs. That settles the debate at the top of any Nicklaus Caribbean ranking. Eight holes play directly on the Caribbean Sea cliffs at Cap Cana — a sequence of ocean golf that has no peer in the region. Opened 2006. Par 72. $280–400 USD green fee.
Stay at Villa Espada inside Cap Cana for walking-distance access.
2. Las Iguanas — Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
The newest entry in Caribbean Nicklaus golf — and immediately among the most compelling. A Jack Nicklaus Signature Design that opened in November 2025, Las Iguanas delivers a completely different experience from Punta Espada: three concentrated ocean holes (12–14) plus a naturalistic interior layout through the resort's protected iguana nature reserve. The freshest Nicklaus design in the Caribbean by nearly 20 years.
3. Dorado Beach Sugarcane — Puerto Rico
The restored original Dorado Beach course, redesigned by Nicklaus and reopened in 2012, occupies third place. The Sugarcane course at the Dorado Beach Resort is a historically significant design set in the Ritz-Carlton resort community on Puerto Rico's north coast. Less ocean exposure than the Cap Cana courses, but strong architectural pedigree and an excellent resort setting.
4. Playa Dorada — Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Nicklaus's earlier Dominican Republic work at Playa Dorada on the north coast. A more traditional resort course than either Cap Cana design, Playa Dorada is a pleasant round for golfers visiting the Puerto Plata area but ranks well below Las Iguanas and Punta Espada in overall experience.
The Verdict — Cap Cana is Nicklaus Caribbean HQ
With two Nicklaus Signature courses inside the same resort, Cap Cana is unambiguously the premier destination for Nicklaus golf in the Caribbean. No other destination in the region offers two courses of this calibre within walking distance of each other.
A two-night minimum stay at Villa Espada allows you to play both. Most serious Nicklaus golf fans will want four nights minimum to do both courses justice — and possibly add a La Cana or Corales round for a complete eastern DR golf tour.
FAQ — Nicklaus Caribbean Golf
What is the best Jack Nicklaus course in the Caribbean?
Punta Espada at Cap Cana is widely regarded as the top Nicklaus course in the region — ranked #1 in the Caribbean and Mexico by GolfWeek and placed in Golf Digest's world top 100.
How many Jack Nicklaus courses are at Cap Cana?
Two Nicklaus Signature courses: Punta Espada (opened 2006) and Las Iguanas (opened November 2025) — 36 holes of Nicklaus golf inside one resort.
Is Las Iguanas a Nicklaus Signature design?
Yes. Las Iguanas is Cap Cana's second Jack Nicklaus Signature course, with 18 holes, three oceanside holes, and 10 inland lakes, set around a protected iguana nature reserve.
Which is better, Punta Espada or Las Iguanas?
Punta Espada is the established #1 with more ocean holes and a Champions Tour pedigree; Las Iguanas is the newer, more wildlife-integrated design. A Cap Cana trip lets you play both — they are about three minutes apart by golf cart.