What Is a Nicklaus Signature Design?
The Nicklaus Companies distinguishes between several tiers of design involvement. A Nicklaus Signature Design represents a course where Jack Nicklaus himself has been directly involved in the creative direction — approving routing decisions, key hole placements, and the overall design philosophy. This is distinct from courses designed purely by the Nicklaus Design team without direct Jack involvement.
Las Iguanas carries the Signature designation — placing it in the same classification as Punta Espada, Nicklaus's personal favourite course, and a small number of other elite Nicklaus courses worldwide. Lead designer Troy Vincent executed the on-site work for Las Iguanas, working from a design brief shaped by Jack's vision for the Cap Cana coastline.
Troy Vincent — Lead Designer
Troy Vincent has been the Nicklaus Design team's lead architect for Las Iguanas, bringing the course from initial routing through to opening in November 2025. Vincent's work reflects the core Nicklaus design philosophy: strategic variety, respect for the natural landscape, and dramatic visual presentation without sacrificing playability for the mid-handicapper.
The decision to preserve the iguana nature reserve as an active design feature — rather than treating it as an obstacle to work around — is a hallmark of the Las Iguanas design process. The indigenous rhinoceros iguanas at Cap Cana are protected by resort policy, and the course has been routed to incorporate their habitat as a defining characteristic.
Las Iguanas vs Other Nicklaus Caribbean Courses
Jack Nicklaus has designed courses across the Caribbean over five decades. Among them, Punta Espada (Cap Cana, 2006) and Las Iguanas (Cap Cana, 2025) are the two most significant Dominican Republic entries. Punta Espada — with eight ocean holes and Nicklaus's personal affirmation as his favourite design — has set the standard for Caribbean golf for nearly 20 years.
Las Iguanas approaches the Caribbean differently: fewer ocean holes (three versus eight), but a more naturalistic interior experience through the iguana reserve. Where Punta Espada is dramatic and exposed, Las Iguanas is varied and layered — intimate in its inland sections, then suddenly wide-open on the Caribbean stretch. Both courses together represent an unmatched two-day Cap Cana golf experience.
The Design Legacy at Cap Cana
Cap Cana's commitment to Nicklaus golf is now cemented across two championship courses. Few resort communities in the world can offer two Nicklaus designs — let alone two Signature-level courses — on the same property. For golfers who consider Nicklaus design a defining criterion in course selection, Cap Cana has become a mandatory destination.
Stay at Villa Espada inside Cap Cana to access both Las Iguanas and Punta Espada within the same resort stay. The villa's concierge team handles tee time booking, resort transport, and multi-course itinerary planning.