1. Teeth of the Dog — Casa de Campo, La Romana
Pete Dye's 1971 masterpiece remains the #1-ranked course in the Caribbean. Seven ocean holes. A playing experience that has defined Caribbean golf for over 50 years. No DR golf trip is complete without it — but it requires a 90-minute drive from Cap Cana.
2. Punta Espada — Cap Cana
Jack Nicklaus's personal favourite design. Eight Caribbean Sea holes. The #2-ranked course in the DR and the headline act at Cap Cana. Steps from Villa Espada.
3. Las Iguanas — Cap Cana (Opened 2025)
The new contender — and the most exciting development in DR golf in 20 years. Jack Nicklaus Signature Design, three ocean holes (12–14), and a protected iguana reserve on property. Already a must-play. Too new for formal rankings but too significant to ignore.
4. Dye Fore — Casa de Campo
Pete Dye's second Casa de Campo design, along the dramatic Chavón River canyon. Completely different from Teeth of the Dog — inland, with river canyon and Caribbean views. An outstanding course that gets overlooked next to its famous neighbour.
5. Corales — Puntacana Resort
Tom Fazio's 2010 design at Puntacana Resort, best known for an island-green par 3 at hole 16 that is among the most photographed holes in Caribbean golf. Longer and more demanding than La Cana.
6. La Cana — Puntacana Resort
P.B. Dye's original Puntacana course, with four oceanfront holes and excellent value green fees. The ideal second course on a Cap Cana trip — 15 minutes away, significantly cheaper than Punta Espada or Las Iguanas, and a thoroughly enjoyable round.
Where to Base Yourself — Cap Cana or Casa de Campo?
For most visitors, Cap Cana is the right base: it gives you access to Las Iguanas, Punta Espada, La Cana, and Corales within 15–20 minutes, and a day trip to Teeth of the Dog adds the #1-ranked course to your itinerary.
Villa Espada at Cap Cana is the optimal villa base — inside the resort gates, walking distance to both Nicklaus courses, with a concierge team that handles all tee time logistics across every DR course.