Punta Espada Golf Course at Cap Cana - Hole Number 12
The 12th at Punta Espada is a par 5 that will demand three good shots; depending upon the strength and direction of the wind, however, it can be reached in two shots. Three bunkers protect the left side of the fairway - the temptation is to shorten the distance by going left. The safe play is to aim at the fairway bunker on the right, just make sure you have enough club; if not there's a collection area short right of the landing area making for a difficult second shot. The green is guarded by two bunkers on the right and a large waste bunker on the left - will you go for the green in two, or lay up and place your second shot for a short pitch into the green?
Punte Espada is a brand new Jack Nicklaus signature golf course at the Sanctuary Cap Cana; it opened for play in April 2007 and is the first of three new courses - the second course, Las Iguanas, is well under way and should be open in mid-2009.
The Punta Espada course plays a tough 7,396 yards from the back tees (6,883 from the Gold tees) for a par of 72, a course rating of 77, and a slope of 137. A Caddy is mandatory and the cost included in the green fee - you will need to tip, however.
Green fees at the time of writing are from US$220 to US$320, which includes green fees, cart fees, caddie fees, taxes, range balls, yardage booklet, scorecard, pencil, two bottles of water per player.
Sanctuary Cap Cana is the Dominican Republic’s newest luxury resort. It first opened its doors in January of 2008, and now seems poised to become the Republic’s premier destination. With the first of three Jack Nicklaus signature courses already open for play, and having already hosted the PGA Champions Tour in April 2008, Cap Cana is also destined to become a major golf destination.
Please read my full review of the Sanctuary Cap Cana
