Front Nine — Through the Reserve

The front nine at Las Iguanas plays through the course's interior, weaving alongside the protected iguana nature reserve. The layout demands precision rather than length here — narrow corridors of tropical vegetation frame several fairways, and the iguanas' habitat creates natural hazard areas that add unique visual complexity to the opening stretch.

The Nicklaus design philosophy on the front nine emphasises shot shaping over raw power. Wind from the Caribbean is less influential on the interior holes, making accurate iron play the key variable. Players who arrive at the turn in good shape have set themselves up to enjoy the ocean holes without the psychological burden of a struggling scorecard.

The Signature Ocean Stretch — Holes 12, 13 & 14

Hole 12 is the gateway to the ocean sequence — a mid-length hole where the Caribbean Sea comes into view for the first time and immediately changes the game. The tee shot plays toward the coastline, with the ocean framing the background of the green. Wind exposure increases dramatically from the tee, and players who have not experienced Caribbean trade winds mid-round often underestimate their effect on ball flight here.

Hole 13 is the most exposed of the three ocean holes — the green sits closest to the sea, with the Caribbean visible on multiple sides during the approach. Club selection here is the critical decision: the trade wind direction changes based on the time of day and the season, and a club misread is easily punished.

Hole 14 closes the ocean sequence with a mid-length hole that demands controlled flight and discipline. After two visually dramatic holes, 14 rewards conservative strategy — the player who takes par and moves on has positioned themselves well for the closing stretch.

Back Nine Closing Stretch — Holes 15–18

After the ocean sequence, Las Iguanas returns inland for the closing four holes, which play back toward the clubhouse through a final section of the iguana reserve. The wind effect is reduced here, but the course demands sharp shotmaking to close out a round — the Nicklaus team has designed a closing stretch where a good score can slip away if concentration lapses.

Hole 18 is a finishing hole worthy of the course: a strong par that returns players to the Las Iguanas clubhouse with the Caribbean visible in the distance and a green complex that rewards approach accuracy.

Playing Tips — Las Iguanas Strategy

  • Book an early tee time: Wind builds through the day on the ocean holes. Playing holes 12–14 before 10am gives the calmest conditions.
  • Take a caddie: Las Iguanas caddies know how the trade winds interact with each hole and will save you several shots on the ocean stretch.
  • Respect the iguanas: The nature reserve is live — do not attempt to move or disturb iguanas encountered during play.
  • Play Punta Espada the next day: The natural pairing is Las Iguanas day one, Punta Espada day two. Villa Espada staff can arrange both.
  • Don't rush the ocean holes: Take time to absorb holes 12–14. They are among the most beautiful three holes in the Caribbean.

FAQ — Hole-by-Hole

Which are the signature holes at Las Iguanas?
The oceanside stretch at holes 12, 13 and 14 — three consecutive holes along the Caribbean — is the heart of the course and its most photographed sequence.

How is the course laid out?
The front and interior holes play through the protected iguana reserve and around inland lakes, demanding accuracy; the course then opens onto the ocean before returning inland to finish.

When is the best time of day to play the ocean holes?
Early morning. Trade winds build through the day, so a tee time before mid-morning gives the calmest conditions on holes 12–14.

Is the front or back nine harder?
The ocean stretch on the back nine brings the most wind exposure, while the interior holes demand precision. Most players find the wind-exposed holes the sterner test.