Punta Cana, DR. (Punta Espada vs. La Cana)

[AceCatKY]

I know this may be better posted in the Caribbean section but there doesn't seem to be much activity there.

 

Anyway, I am going to Punta Cana for my honeymoon in July and am looking to play one round while there. I have heard great things about Punta Espada but want to know how La Cana compares. Does anyone have any insight? Essentially I want a memorable round with great ocean scenery and am looking for recommendations in the Punta Cana area. Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

[linkerpan]

Punta Espada is visually and game wise more interesting. The only real disadvantage is cost, it will cost way more than La Cana. My advice is to stretch the spending, specially if you won't be around the DR anytime soon. Send the bride to the spa while you play punta espada

[Alexblakk]

Punta Espada si way better than la cana !!!

Check the thread in the carribbean section for pics !

[AThompson_3]

Espada and Corales are fantastic. They are both just next level courses. With that said I think La Cana gets crapped on because it is not Espada or Corales. La Cana is a fine course with some ocean lined holes it's just not very many holes. But overall the course is in great shape and provides a great challenge. So while it's not Espada or Corales, it's still a great golf course.

[Reif]

I played Punta Espada about three weeks ago, I highly recommend it. Sure, it costs, but come on.

 

[TitleistHOG]

Can anyone get on Punta Espada?

 

I am going to DR punta cana in oct. I have reached out to Corales and La Cana but looking for 1-2 more places to play.

[Reif]

Can anyone get on Punta Espada?

 

I am going to DR punta cana in oct. I have reached out to Corales and La Cana but looking for 1-2 more places to play.

 

Pretty sure. My buddy set it up but when I was looking there were tee times available that looked like they were open to the public.

 

They just reopened after three weeks of "maintenance" don't know what that is, I'd ask the pro shop.

 

"To book your Tee Time, please contact the course at 1.809.469.7767

[email protected]."

[TitleistHOG]

Thanks!

[TitleistHOG]

Booking all 3 courses

[TitleistHOG]

Got all 3 courses booked today

[TitleistHOG]

Anyone play in DR in oct. What can I expect for weather?

[linkerpan]

Should be fine as long as there is no hurricane in the picture. Hurricane season extend to November but the hardest ones hit Aug-Sept. so I would not be worried about it. In case there is a normal rain, the rain in that region runs for at most an hour before the heavy winds move it out. That is why locals play in the morning; afternoon the wind will create havoc on your game.

Punta Cana is all year long with the same 75F-90F weather. Enjoy it!

[TitleistHOG]

Thanks.....really watching Maria now. Hoping it does take the DR trip out. I have 3 AM tee times.

[TitleistHOG]

Anyone know impact HC Maria had in the courses? I will be out there in 2 weeks.

[nimmell]

Anyone know impact HC Maria had in the courses? I will be out there in 2 weeks.

 

How was your trip and how were the courses?

[TitleistHOG]

Still here....courses are great! Caddies are awesome too!

 

I have played twice (Teeth of the Dog and La Cana) with just a caddie and myself. Really felt like I had Course to self.

 

One more round to go on Friday.

[TitleistHOG]

All 3 rds in the books!

 

I would rank the courses

 

1. Punta Espada

2. Teeth of the Dog

3. La Cana

 

The overall views and course conditions of Punta Espada were off the charts! And it was my best rd of the week. Decided to step back to the Negro tee (7,400 77/137) after discussing w my caddie and had a blast! I shot 79 w a 3 putt Bogie, 2 doubles and 2 birdies (# 2 1 hcp hole coming in at 611 yds) and (#17)

 

2. Teeth of the Dog had good views and has the reputation #1 in Caribbean and #39 in world. Conditions were not as good as Punta Espada but still really good.

 

3. La Cana was a good course and in good condition but it just didn't have the total views as the other courses.

 

I also had 3 really good caddies who knew the course, the greens and knew my game from watching me warm up.

 

I played all 3 rounds as a single with my caddie so it felt like I had the whole course to self as we never really had to wait and never really saw any other golfers.

 

Everything about my golf experience in the DR was top notch.

 

I booked through Punta Cana Golf and they picked me up and brought me back to my resort.

 

I will be visiting the DR in the future to play more golf!

[TitleistHOG]

Teeth of the Dog -

 

Sun / wind / rain

 

 

 

[sabram]

IMO Teeth of the Dog is the best course in the DR. Punta Espada the prettiest

 

Links to photo tours:

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/sets/72157672587225374/ Punta Espada

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/golfcoursepix/sets/72157676078190136/ Teeth of the Dog

 

Punta Espada #2 from back tee 559

 

Punta Espada #10 pitch to hard to hold green 598

 

Punta Espada #12 par 5 second shot 605

 

Punta Espada #13 par 3 223 yds from Dorado tee 612x

 

Teeth of the Dog #5 par 3 a481

 

Teeth of the Dog #7 par 3 zoomed 491

 

Teeth of the Dog #8 y pitch to green 495

 

Teeth of the Dog #15 from back tee 512

 

Teeth of the Dog #17 middle tee 519

[dpb5031]

I've been traveling to the DR every winter with 8 guys for the past 17 years. We started at Casa de Campo but now stay in Cap Cana (Punta Espada) since my buddies built a villa there.

 

I've played over 50 rounds at Punta Espada and never tire of it. The views/scenery are unparalleled and although it gives you plenty of room off of the tee, the shot values of the approach shots are very challenging with the holes and bunkering perfectly designed for the prevailing wind.

 

We stay for a week and usually go down to Casa de Campo to play Teeth one of the days and it never disappoints. I've also played la Cana and Corales many times. Here's how I rank them:

 

1. Punta Espada

2. Teeth of the Dog

3. Corales

4. Dye Fore

5. La Cana

[nimmell]

Great pics and opinions. Considering DR next year and if we go, Punta Espada WILL be played. What is the general consensus for the best place to stay? Preferably all-inclusive. I've been scared off of considering DR by reading reviews of cheap liquor and bad food. Would love to go if there's a hands down great resort. Thanks!

[TitleistHOG]

Be sure to stay on the Caribbean side, it is better water.

 

We stayed on Atlantic side and water was rougher and not as clear

[dpb5031]

Great pics and opinions. Considering DR next year and if we go, Punta Espada WILL be played. What is the general consensus for the best place to stay? Preferably all-inclusive. I've been scared off of considering DR by reading reviews of cheap liquor and bad food. Would love to go if there's a hands down great resort. Thanks!

 

Casa de Campo is the best for all inclusive golf trip. F&B there is good with lots of options including Altos de Chavon (Google search it). I think it's the stereotypical lower end all inclusives that bring the bad rap. You get what you pay for...

 

The best way to do it however IMO, is to rent a private villa with house staff. This can be very affordable if you have 8 guys

[linkerpan]

Great pics and opinions. Considering DR next year and if we go, Punta Espada WILL be played. What is the general consensus for the best place to stay? Preferably all-inclusive. I've been scared off of considering DR by reading reviews of cheap liquor and bad food. Would love to go if there's a hands down great resort. Thanks!

 

Casa de Campo is the best for all inclusive golf trip. F&B there is good with lots of options including Altos de Chavon (Google search it). I think it's the stereotypical lower end all inclusives that bring the bad rap. You get what you pay for...

 

The best way to do it however IMO, is to rent a private villa with house staff. This can be very affordable if you have 8 guys

 

You nailed! The villas and apartments inside a project like Cap Cana and Casa de Campo have a set system of maids, cooks, drivers, that allow you to enjoy to the max.