GolfKings visit: Dominican Republic

Casa de Campo is the giant of Dominican resorts and deservedly so. It has everything. The entry-level Casita rooms are simple but perfectly functional, while the Premier rooms are a huge step up, complete with their own lobby and included snacks.

One of my favourite touches: every guest gets a personal buggy at check-in to explore the enormous resort. The golf offering is legendary, Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore, and The Links and the dining is consistently excellent. The all-inclusive concept is superb and the only way to do it at Casa de Campo.

We got a fantastic day for a round at Dye Fore and blew me away and was contention for my favourite golf course of the trip. The Chavón Valley backdrop is spectacular, on what was our back nine  on the day, playing along dramatic cliff edges. Altos de Chavón village sits high above the course, giving you amazing views from both the top and bottom.

Two on-course all-inclusive bars add to the fun, and the caddies were fantastic and make your life a lot easier, allowing you to take in the amazing views of Casa de Campo Resort. 

With Teeth of the Dog coming back on the scene, you would be lucky to find stronger golfing combination.

JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar immediately sets the tone on your arrival. It’s an adults-only resort, which gives it a much calmer and more refined feel. With six à la carte restaurants and two buffets, you will never feel short of choice. The rooms are spacious, modern, and each one comes with a balcony perfect for that first coffee of the morning.

Being just 25 minutes from PUJ airport is a massive bonus, especially after a long flight. What really impressed me, was the access to the facilities across all four Iberostar hotels. Most of them are right on the beach, and the resort shuttle makes it all very easy to get around. Golfers will love the free shuttle to the Iberostar Golf Course, only five minutes away. The entertainment was lively in the evenings, and if you’re after something later, there’s even a nightclub next door.

I had a really enjoyable round at the Iberostar Golf Course, an incredibly strong course layout for me. The back nine is where it truly comes alive, with water coming into play on several holes and adding proper holiday-golf drama. One par 3 in particular has an elevated viewing platform behind the tee box, and the views are outstanding.

PB Dye’s design fingerprints are everywhere: raised tee boxes, elevated greens, and a few desert-style touches that contrast nicely with the tropical setting. And yes, the all-inclusive buggy bar is every bit as good as the offerings in the hotel!

Onsite at Melia is Cocotal Golf Course, a 27-hole layout set among some stunning tropical scenery. Each of the nines offers something slightly different. A very enjoyable golf course and the perfect place to keep your game nice and sharp. It would be the ideal golf course to play as an opener for your golf trip, or to insert in the middle of a strong golfing itinerary, to help your mind get into the shots in front of you, without too many distractions!

The Westin Puntacana is beautiful, relaxed, beachfront and very stylish, all without trying too hard. There are only 200 rooms, four restaurants around a large central pool, and a calm, breezy atmosphere throughout.

One quirky highlight: this is the only Westin in the world with a cigar room, added specifically to reflect Dominican culture. The Pan-Asian restaurant was fantastic, and the beach bar quickly became my go-to spot.

The real selling point? Westin guests get private airport pick-up, bypassing the normal PUJ queues. You can genuinely be on a golf course within 45 minutes of landing. With Corales and La Cana both nearby, it’s an unbeatable setup for golfers.

Corales was an absolute showstopper, worth the trip alone. The ocean holes are breathtaking, with cliff-edge tee shots and dramatic views that rival some of the most iconic golf courses in the world. The conditioning is flawless, and the final three holes are simply unforgettable.

The bright white bunkers against the turquoise Caribbean sea… it’s the definition of golf-holiday bliss.

Lopesan Costa Bávaro is one of the most impressive and modern resorts I visited. The interiors are sleek and contemporary, and it sits right on Bávaro Beach. The standout feature is “The Boulevard,” a huge section of the resort filled with shops, bars, a sports bar, and even a casino, perfect for evening entertainment.

With 11 restaurants, seven pools, a water park, over 1,000 rooms, an adults-only area, and a massive gym and spa, the resort feels like a polished, modern playground. Ideal for people who want a big resort feel with loads to do.

Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville is a golfer’s paradise located on the picturesque southern coast of the Dominican Republic, the Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville is an exquisite destination for those searching for something a little different from their golf holiday. Guests will love being right on the beach and world-class onsite golfing experience at PGA Ocean’s 4 Golf Course. Set within lush tropical gardens and offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, this adults only resort provides an idyllic setting for a perfect golf holiday.

PGA Ocean’s 4 was the surprise package of the week a brilliant golf course that exceeded all expectations. The first few holes are pleasant, but when you reach 7 and 8, everything changes. The views across the water are superb, and the final stretch of holes seals it as one of the most entertaining coastal golf courses I’ve played.

Being handed a cold towel and ice lolly on the 18th green was a lovely touch. If you're staying at Casa de Campo, this course is absolutely worth the 30-minute trip.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is a colossus, with 1,882 rooms, it’s like a city! It is lively, and very Hard Rock. The rooms are nice, with a raised bedroom area that looks down into the living space.

If you like a buzz, this place has everything: 14 pools, a proper Vegas-style casino, loads of bars, and a big event space that has hosted some huge names, like Justin Bieber, played there. The atmosphere is definitely geared towards the kind of golfer who loves their music, nightlife, and a bit of action around every corner.

The golf course at Hard Rock is exactly what you’d expect; playful, themed, and great for holiday golf. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, every hole is named after a rock song, embracing the full Hard Rock personality.

The all-inclusive buggy bar is a great touch. It’s a very fun and friendly golf course, ideal for groups who just want to enjoy a relaxed round.

A huge thank you to all of our generous suppliers for their help setting up this visit for me and your incredible hospitality throughout my stay - Conor Pettit.