Faldo Legacy Golf Club at Roco Ki

PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The Faldo Legacy course at Roco Ki is a big, modern golf course which has three distinctly different sets of 6 holes, set in an unforgettable location at the northern end of the Punta Cana region.

Undoubtedly the two finishing ocean holes at 17 and 18 will be the most photographed holes in all of golf over the coming few years, but in fact, the course has many very good holes indeed, and although the mix of style may at first seem somewhat incongruous, the holes are very much in keeping with the lay of the land. Six holes are ocean side, six are cut from mangrove swamps in a links style, and six cut through mangrove and limestone hillside terrain.

The ocean holes are very tight and very demanding. With a frequently strong wind, players must drive with accuracy and length, whilst finding small landing areas both on the fairways and greens. The setting is magnificent, on a headland which juts into the Caribbean, whilst on the top of the cliff lies the unfinished Westin Hotel, resembling a deserted Alcatraz, victim to the economic challenges facing this half built resort.

The open holes in links style are very challenging in the wind, and the fairways are at times too narrow as you approach the greens, which are fast and undulating. On some holes, a long iron or rescue club to a sloping green must be almost perfect to stay on the green, and a small miss can end up in the reed beds adjacent to many of the putting surfaces.

The 6 holes in the limestone and mangrove terrain are superb, again with very narrow landing areas, set in pristine surroundings populated with herons, egrets, and other waterfowl. These are very good holes, but players must select tees to suit their handicaps, and be very circumspect when driving, using irons or clubs which may not go as far as the driver, but which will be in play.

More work needs to be done on the clubhouse and road approaching the course, but even now this course is very much worth the visit. Don’t keep a medal score, play matchplay instead, and you and your partners will come away with a camera full of extraordinary photos and a great golfing experience.