Cap Cana — The Case For
Cap Cana now hosts two Nicklaus Signature courses — Las Iguanas (2025) and Punta Espada (2006) — within the same resort gates. Airport proximity is unmatched: 15 minutes from PUJ. Villa Espada provides the best golf villa base in the DR. Cap Cana is newer, more modern in its resort infrastructure, and better positioned for golfers who want to maximise time on the course rather than in a car.
Casa de Campo — The Case For
Casa de Campo hosts three Pete Dye courses, including Teeth of the Dog — the #1-ranked Caribbean course for 50+ years. The resort's heritage, scale, and polo club give it a resort depth that Cap Cana cannot match. For golfers who have already played Cap Cana's courses, Casa de Campo's Teeth of the Dog is the logical next destination. From PUJ, it is 90 minutes by car or 15 minutes from La Romana Airport (LRM).
The Verdict — Do Both
Most serious DR golfers do both resorts on one trip. A five or six-night itinerary bases at Villa Espada in Cap Cana for Las Iguanas and Punta Espada, with a day trip to Casa de Campo for Teeth of the Dog. The drive is manageable and the day at Teeth of the Dog is unmissable. If forced to choose one base: Cap Cana — the airport proximity and two Nicklaus courses make it the more efficient choice for a short trip.