Golf in Scotland usually means battling the wind and rain across firm, fast links turf. Golf in Punta Cana at 95% humidity and 36 degrees? That’s a whole different game. On my trip I played La Cana Golf Club, tackling the Tortuga and Hacienda nines from the yellow tees — and it was an experience I won’t forget.
First Impressions
The practice range was immaculate, and warming up there was a treat. But standing on Hacienda’s first tee, the nerves hit hard. I felt the way Rory must’ve done on the Masters playoff tee this year — jittery, tense, and desperate just to get the ball away.
Sadly, my version ended in a triple-bogey 7. Not the dream start, but with 17 holes left, I settled into the round.
From the off, though, you can tell this is a special place. Tortuga runs dramatically down the coastline with views straight out of a postcard, while Hacienda winds inland with wide fairways and smart Dye bunkering.
Playing Experience
This was my first time with a caddie, and at first it added an extra layer of pressure. Having someone watching your every swing takes some getting used to. But as the round went on, I appreciated the knowledge, guidance, and even a bit of encouragement along the way.
The pace of play was spot on. In fact, it felt like I had the course to myself at times, which made the whole experience more relaxed despite the heat.
Performance Highlights
I didn’t play my best golf. The combination of heat, humidity, and the unfamiliar paspalum turf made it a real adjustment compared to Scottish links. But there were still a few highlights:
- A handful of tidy pars once I found some rhythm.
- A birdie on the par-5 4th at Hacienda — my standout moment of the round.
- Tortuga’s coastal stretch: holes that hug the Caribbean and make you stop mid-round just to soak it all in.
Of course, there was also that blow-up start: a 7 on Hacienda’s opening hole. That’s golf.
Course Highlights
- Tortuga Nine — iconic PB Dye design, with stunning holes right on the ocean.
- Hacienda Nine — inland, more forgiving off the tee, but with bunkering and slopes that demand a bit of strategy.
- Conditioning — paspalum grass across tees, fairways, and greens; lush and spongy underfoot, and a completely different feel from UK turf.
Value
I booked via a GolfNow Hot Deal for $123, which felt like great value. Add in $75 for a rental set of Titleist T100s, $40 plus tip for my caddie, and a smart La Cana polo from the pro shop, and it turned into a proper golf day out.
For a PB Dye design with oceanfront holes in the Dominican Republic, I’d say the value stacks up really well.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Tortuga’s stunning oceanfront holes are bucket-list golf
- Hacienda offers a more forgiving inland challenge
- Excellent course conditioning with paspalum grass
- Relaxed pace of play and helpful caddies
- Good value with GolfNow deals
Cons (and I’m being very picky here!)
- Heat and humidity are punishing if you’re not used to it
- Caddie adds pressure if you’ve never had one before (though worth it)
- Hacienda is less dramatic than Tortuga’s coastal stretch
Final Thoughts
La Cana Golf Club is a world-class Caribbean golf experience. It might not have the name recognition of nearby Corales, but with its mix of scenic ocean holes, clever inland design, and premium conditioning, it’s absolutely worth a spot on your itinerary.
There is a lovely clubhouse with patio to enjoy a pint and some food after your round to mull over your score card a little more. If you have the time this is well worth the visit. There is also a very well stocked pro shop with plenty of La Cana branded gear to have a look at!
If you’re in Punta Cana and fancy combining golf with views you’ll never forget, I’d say Tortuga plus Hacienda is a must-play. Just pack plenty of water… and maybe a couple of lagers.
Rating: 5/5
My Story
I’m a 13-handicap golfer from Scotland, aiming to get down into single figures by this time next year. I had a 15-year break from golf and only started playing again about two years ago, so it’s been a bit of a journey.
I’ve also just started blogging while recovering from a medium-term injury that’s ended my season early. Writing about my experiences keeps me connected to the game and, hopefully, gives other golfers some useful insight along the way.
💬 Over to you: Have you played golf in the Dominican Republic? Would you pick La Cana, or head straight for Corales?
The Rough Stuff 
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