PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
It is likely that the opening of Punta Espada had something to with the design of Corales, newest sister course to La Cana at the Punta Cana resort . In keeping with the trend of using the ocean side as the priority in golf design, Corales plays along the Caribbean on both sets of finishing holes: 7, 8 and 9, and 16, 17 and 18. Plus one more facing the sea, and you´ll have seven in all, each more interesting and spectacular than the last.
This is a fantastic seaside Tom Fazio design. The first hole is a straightforward par 4 that teases you with the Caribbean Sea running off in the distance to your right. Turning inland, the third hole is a strategic effort as you lay up in front of the water leaving you with a mid iron to a slightly elevated green.
The 5th is the # 1 handicap hole, a strong hole with a long iron for your second shot to a well bunkered green. At the 7th hole you head back to the sea – the approach is hit to a green that looks like it is suspended in the Caribbean sky. The 8th hole is along the shoreline and offers an absolutely breath taking view.
The 9th is a spectacular par 3 of 160 yards, hitting over an inlet to a slightly elevated green that abutts the ocean on the left.
The 10th hole takes you back inland followed by two very demanding par 5’s at 12 and 15th. The 16th is similar to the 7th, but is slightly downhill, bringing you back to the sea for a great finishing 3 holes.
The 17th is another spectacular par 3 with the ocean to the right & behind the green.
The 18th is a Fazio risk reward – bite off what you may over this incredibly daunting ocean inlet leaving you a second shot to a green that appears to be a spec in the distance.
Good or bad scores at Corales are not so important, and a cold Presidente cervesa awaits on the deck over looking the 9th & 18th.