Golf Capital of the Caribbean
The Dominican Republic has emerged as a premier destination for golf tourism, with sustained investments in world-class facilities and international tournaments fueling both economic growth and global recognition. Sports investments, particularly in golf, are indeed proving lucrative for the Dominican Republic, attracting major tournaments and boosting tourism. The country’s efforts to position itself as a leading golf destination, especially for Europeans, are paying off with events like the Dream Golf Cup. These tournaments not only showcase the Dominican Republic’s world-class golf courses but also fuel the local economy and attract investment in golf communities.
Golf tourism plays a significant role in the Dominican Republic’s economy, generating an economic impact that exceeds US$400 million annually. Each year, between 250,000 and 300,000 golfers visit the country, attracted by its combination of luxury resorts, natural beauty, and challenging courses. The Ministry of Tourism and private sector partners have prioritized golf as a key pillar of the broader tourism industry, leveraging the sport to attract high-spending visitors and extend the country’s appeal beyond traditional beach vacations.
The Dominican Republic hosts several high-profile golf tournaments that have elevated its status on the global stage:
Corales Puntacana Championship (PGA TOUR Event): This is the country’s first and only PGA TOUR event, with a purse of US$4 million and 300 FedExCup points—the highest in Dominican sports history. The tournament draws 132 players from 20 countries and reaches a global audience through extensive digital and broadcast coverage. The PGA TOUR recently extended its partnership with Grupo Puntacana through 2027, underscoring the event’s importance for local development and international branding.
Casa de Campo Open & Dream Golf Cup: The Casa de Campo resort, home to the renowned Teeth of the Dog course, regularly hosts major tournaments such as the Casa de Campo Open and the Dream Golf Cup. The latter aims to attract European players and further position the Dominican Republic as a leading golf destination for international markets.
Other Notable Events: The country also hosts specialized tournaments, including the Casa de Campo Ladies Golf Cup and industry-focused competitions like the ACOPROVI Annual Golf Tournament, which foster business networking and social impact.
The Dominican Republic boasts over two dozen top-tier golf courses, many designed by legendary architects such as Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, and Gary Player. Courses like Teeth of the Dog (La Romana), Punta Espada Golf Club (Cap Cana), and Corales Golf Course (Punta Cana) are consistently ranked among the Caribbean’s best, blending challenging play with breathtaking scenery. Strategic partnerships, such as those between local resorts and the PGA of America, have further strengthened the country’s golf infrastructure and teaching standards. Bahia Principe Golf’s PGA Ocean’s 4 complex exemplifies this commitment to quality and international collaboration.
The Dominican Republic’s investments in sports tourism extend beyond golf, with the country hosting events like the Ironman 70.3, Oceanman, and the ATP Dominican Republic Open Copa Cap Cana. These efforts are part of a deliberate strategy to diversify tourism offerings and solidify the nation’s reputation as the epicenter of sports tourism in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Golf tournaments held in resort destinations like Cap Cana, Casa de Campo, and Puntacana Resort & Club have significantly boosted property values in surrounding areas. These tournaments enhance the prestige of these resorts and increase global visibility, making them highly attractive to wealthy international buyers and second-home seekers. In Cap Cana, beachfront and golf-front villas have appreciated by 30%–50% between 2013 and 2023. Properties with proximity to championship golf courses command a premium, often 10%–20% higher than comparable inland properties. Golf-front real estate inventory (villas, condos, private lots) tends to sell faster during or just after major tournaments. Coastal beachfront villas have seen 15% annual property value increases, particularly near championship golf courses. Properties near the “Teeth of the Dog” course are especially coveted, both by buyers and vacation renters.
Punta Cana leads with the highest property value growth (8–10%), driven by international tournaments like the Corales Puntacana Championship and major luxury real estate investments. La Romana follows closely (7-9%) anchored by the renowned Casa de Campo resort and its signature golf events. Santo Domingo sees moderate growth (5-7%), benefitting from increased tourism and urban golf resort development. Sosua/Cabarete shows strong growth (6-8%) due to golf courses and resort expansions, including projects exceeding $100mn in investment.
Over this five-year period, cumulative appreciation in prime coastal and golf-driven areas has ranged from 25–35%. The government’s strategic partnership with the private sector, including multi-year agreements with the PGA TOUR, ensures the continued growth and stability of the golf tourism industry. Proceeds from major tournaments, such as the Corales Puntacana Championship, are channeled into local development projects, improving healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability for thousands of residents. The influx of affluent tourists has also led to the creation of high-quality jobs and the development of supporting industries, from hospitality to transportation.
The Dominican Republic has been repeatedly recognized as the “Best Caribbean Golf Destination” and is projected to remain a hub for sports tourism through 2025 and beyond, with the sector expected to grow annually by 17.5% globally. The country’s unique blend of luxury, natural beauty, and world-class sporting events positions it as the leading golf destination in the Caribbean, with a proven track record of sports investments delivering substantial economic and social returns.
Tournaments act as high-end marketing events for luxury real estate, drawing in investors from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Latin America. Resort developers often time new launches and property expos around tournament dates. Investment motivations include lifestyle and prestige, rental income potential during peak golf tourism season, and capital gains from land and property appreciation.
The Dominican Republic’s strategic investment in golf tournaments has delivered clear and measurable returns, transforming the country into a premier destination for sports tourism in the Caribbean. Beyond the prestige of hosting international events like the Corales Puntacana Championship and PGA Latin America Tour, the nation has successfully harnessed these tournaments as catalysts for economic growth, infrastructure development, and foreign investment. The ripple effects of golf tourism are substantial — from direct revenues through ticket sales and sponsorships to indirect gains in hospitality, real estate, transportation, and employment. With annual golf-related tourism revenues estimated to exceed $200 million, the sector has proven its value as a stable and upscale contributor to the national economy. Notably, golf resort communities such as Cap Cana, Casa de Campo, and Puntacana Resort & Club have seen robust appreciation in real estate values, driven in part by the visibility and foot traffic brought in during tournament seasons. These developments also attract high-net-worth individuals who contribute to long-term economic activity through property purchases, luxury spending, and repeat visits. As global sports tourism continues to grow, the Dominican Republic is well-positioned to scale its golf offerings, attract more prestigious events, and deepen public-private partnerships. Continued strategic support and investment in this sector will be key to maintaining momentum — and could cement the country’s reputation as the “Golf Capital of the Caribbean.”
