The Punta Espada Golf Club 18-hole layout at Cap Cana is the first of three intended Jack Nicklaus courses at this resort. Opened in November 2006 the course is listed among the worlds finest courses. Eight holes play along and over the sea. From all points of Punta Espada, golfers are blessed with extraordinary views of the Caribbean, where the sea contrasts against the emerald fairways and the perfect greens.
The course (par 72, 7,396 yards) is big-boy golf. If the 611-yard second hole doesn’t jolt you awake, the ocean spray on the 250-yard 13th will (considered to be the signature hole). A strong set of holes around the turn starts with the shortest par four on the card at the 8th and ends with the longest par four at the 11th. A birdie might be possible at the former if the long sandy waste area adjacent to the fairway can be avoided but the chances of posting a three at the difficult 497-yard latter are very slim, even if there’s a helping wind. If you’ve never been to Scotland or Bandon Dunes, you might not be familiar with factoring wind gusts into green reading. You’ll do plenty of that here.
The course has eight holes along the water and a few more with water views. It’s also surprisingly hilly. Be sure to trek up to the back tees on No. 2, even if you have no intention of playing from up there. The scenery is spectacular. The course also hosted the Cap Cana Championship, a Champions Tour event, from 2008-’10.
What we think ?
While there course is heavily bunkered, Nicklaus has built grand fairways so most players will seldom be hunting for balls, and the putting surfaces have no exaggerated contours. In other words, the test is playable and resort-friendly. That doesn’t mean that it is easily, especially when the breezes pick up
