Punta Espada is the course that put Cap Cana on the golfing map. Jack Nicklaus designed it as the first of three planned Signature courses on the estate, and it opened in November 2006. Eight holes play along or across the Caribbean, on coral headlands and white sand. Unlike some Caribbean resort courses, Punta Espada welcomes outside visitors. That makes it an easy addition to any Punta Cana holiday, whichever hotel you choose.
Punta Espada Golf Club green fees and tee times.
Visitors can book tee times through the club’s online booking engine, linked from its website, or by emailing concierge@golfpuntaespada.com or calling +1 809 469 7767. You do not need to be staying at Cap Cana. The rate covers more than most: green fee, local ITBIS tax, cart, caddie fee, unlimited range balls, a yardage book, tees and water on the course. Ground transport is included when you book through the club’s website, with transfers run by Oceanside Golf. Prices change by season and time of day and are shown at booking rather than on a published table. Cancellations within 24 hours are charged in full.
The round, in perspective.
This is a par 72 that swings between the shoreline and inland lakes, then returns to the sea for a strong finish. The signature is the 13th, a par three of about 250 yards from the back tee that is all carry over an inlet to a green surrounded by water. Nicklaus offers plenty of forward tees, and the wind off the sea decides how long the 13th really plays on the day. Firm paspalum fairways and greens perched on rocky points reward a low, controlled ball flight. From 2008 to 2010 the course hosted the Cap Cana Championship on the Champions Tour. Golfweek has ranked it number one in the Caribbean and Mexico.
Make the trip work.
High season runs from late November to early April, when morning tee times fill first, so book well before you fly. Afternoon slots usually cost less and play in a steadier breeze, but leave enough daylight to finish. The included transfer saves arranging a taxi from the all-inclusive resorts further north. Caddies expect a cash tip on top of the included fee, so carry small US dollar notes. Bring plenty of sun protection for the exposed sea holes.
Punta Cana International (PUJ) is one of the Caribbean’s busiest airports, with direct flights from much of North America and Europe. Cap Cana lies just south of the airport, around 20 minutes by road, so it is realistic to fly in and play the next morning. La Romana (LRM) is about 90 minutes west.
Three resorts sit within Cap Cana itself: Eden Roc Cap Cana, Sanctuary Cap Cana and Secrets Cap Cana, the last of them adults-only and all-inclusive. The estate also has rental homes, including Villa Espada on the course. Guests who rent it get a member-guest green fee. The Cap Cana marina has restaurants for evenings out. Most of the large Bávaro and Punta Cana resorts are 30–45 minutes north, and the club’s included transfer makes those workable bases too.
Make a trip of it.
Corales, the Tom Fazio course at Puntacana Resort, is 20 minutes away and hosts the PGA Tour’s Corales Puntacana Championship. Inside Puntacana Resort, La Cana’s 27 holes are a more relaxed option. Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo, 90 minutes west, is the other great sea course in the country. Off the course, Juanillo Beach in Cap Cana is a long, quiet strand, and the Hoyo Azul cenote at Scape Park is a short drive away.
Find your season.
December to April brings the most settled, least humid weather and the highest demand. Rates drop from late spring through summer as the heat rises. Hurricane season lasts from June to November, peaking from August to October, when afternoon storms are common.
Yes. Punta Espada takes outside visitors, and you can book online or by email without staying in Cap Cana. Guests renting Villa Espada on the course get a discounted member-guest rate, but outside play is a normal part of the club’s business.
What does the Punta Espada green fee include?
The rate bundles the green fee, ITBIS tax, cart, caddie fee, unlimited range balls, yardage book, tees and on-course water. Booking through the club’s website also includes transfers. Caddie tips are extra, and prices change by season.
How far is Punta Espada from Punta Cana airport?
About 20 minutes. Cap Cana sits immediately south of Punta Cana International (PUJ), making Punta Espada one of the easiest top courses in the Caribbean to reach after a flight.
What is the signature hole at Punta Espada?
It is the 13th, a par three of about 250 yards from the back that carries over the sea to a green ringed by water. Shorter tees make it far more manageable, but the crosswind is the real test.
Last checked 4 October 2026. This is an independent planning guide, not a first-hand review or a booking service. Check live availability, access, fees and travel details with the operator before booking. Airport suggestions are starting points for route planning.
