The magic of Punta Espada and its 8 Ocean holes is apparent in the extraordinary aerial photographs of this brilliant golf course. For 3 miles, the white sand and turquoise ocean meet a green oasis of supreme golf designed by Jack Nicklaus at his very, very best. This is an Athlone Golf favourite, destined to make the world Top 25 if the judges have any sense. There are simply no disappointments here and the few holes not directly adjacent to the ocean are unique to the Punta Cana region, built beside a limestone bluff which was once scoured by the ocean surf. The remnants of caves and shoreline populated by Iguanas make for an undulating series of holes with glorious elevated views over the course.
The course has no weak holes, has great variety and is a stern test of golf indeed, better enjoyed by very careful selection from a range of tees to suit all abilities.
Ocean side holes 16, 17 and 18 make for a mighty finish and the prevailing trade winds exacerbate the challenge. 16 is a long Par 3 with a shallow green sloping from left to right – with the wind blowing 90° to your tee shot. The 17th is a glorious drive requiring a solid strike straight into the wind over the ocean. Even a small fade will find the water. The second shot is unbelievably challenging, to a small green which doglegs slightly to your right and hence the wind which was into you for your drive is now waiting to push your approach off to the limestone beach or into a greenside bunker.
At 18, the headlong wind again welcomes you and you face a long second to a narrow green which is sloped toward you. Go past the green, you are in a craggy limestone beach front, go past the pin and your downhill putt will be difficult to stop. A little short will leave a manageable putt.
The signature 13th will make even the most competent golfer tremble, asking for a long downwind shot across a cavernous ocean inlet, to a narrow green with an evil hump on the right edge of the putting surface. A true Medal wrecker, 5 is no bad score here.
The development is know as Cap Cana, and the course may occasionally be referred to by this name.
