By Joan Feliz Valois
Special for El Inmobiliario
The Dominican Republic, famous for its tropical climate, idyllic beaches, and vibrant culture, has also become a favorite destination for golf lovers. But this sport not only attracts players, it also drives an economic ecosystem that connects tourism, real estate development, and housing projects.
Golf: An attraction that transcends the sport
Golf has evolved from a simple recreational activity into a central element of luxury tourism in the country. With more than 30 courses designed by renowned architects such as Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Fazio, the Dominican Republic has positioned itself as a regional leader in this sport. According to the Ministry of Tourism, nearly 100,000 international tourists visit the country annually, drawn by its golf offerings, and many of them extend their stay or return with the intention of investing in property.
Iconic pitches: Punta Espada and Teeth of the Dog
Among the most outstanding courses is Punta Espada, designed by Jack Nicklaus, in Cap Cana. This course not only offers spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, but it has also been recognized as one of the best in the world. Its challenging design and natural surroundings attract elite golfers and visitors seeking an unparalleled level of exclusivity.
Another giant of Dominican golf is Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo. Designed by Pete Dye, this course is considered a masterpiece and has consistently been ranked the best golf course in the Caribbean. Casa de Campo reports that at least 40% of its international buyers have become familiar with the resort through its golf offerings.
Renowned tournaments: Catalysts for real estate tourism
International events such as the Corales Puntacana Championship, part of the PGA Tour, and the tournaments held at Casa de Campo are global showcases for the Dominican Republic.
The Corales Puntacana Championship, held at the Corales Golf Club designed by Tom Fazio, attracts more than 20,000 attendees annually, generating a direct economic impact of over $10 million USD in the Punta Cana region. Furthermore, a study by the Caribbean Golf Association reveals that this tournament has increased real estate investor interest in the area by 25%, particularly in Cap Cana and Punta Cana Village.
For its part, Casa de Campo, with its diverse offering of tournaments and courses, has been key to the development of residential projects in La Romana. Its annual tournaments, such as the Casa de Campo Open, not only attract golfers from 20 countries, but also generate a constant flow of visitors interested in residences within the resort, which has recorded annual property sales of over $150 million USD.
The Impact on Real Estate Tourism
Golf has a direct impact on property values and the development of exclusive communities. According to real estate industry studies, properties near golf courses in the Dominican Republic increase in value between 15% and 30%. Furthermore, these areas tend to attract international buyers interested not only in a home, but also in a lifestyle that includes sports, nature, and exclusivity.
Data from the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic indicates that the tourism-related real estate sector generated more than $3 billion USD in investments during 2023, with a significant portion coming from international buyers motivated by the golf offerings in destinations such as Punta Cana, Cap Cana, and La Romana.
A promising future
Golf in the Dominican Republic is much more than a sport; it's an economic engine and a key factor in attracting high-spending tourists. Through iconic courses like Punta Espada and Teeth of the Dog, and renowned international tournaments, the country has successfully merged tourism with real estate development in a way that benefits the entire economy.
With more than 100 tournaments held annually in the country and a projected sustained growth of 10% in golf tourism for the next five years, this sector will continue to be an essential pillar of economic growth and housing development in the Dominican Republic.
Author: Joan Feliz Valoys, MBA, Digital Marketing Specialist, Operations Manager at Constructora Incaribe, with more than 10 years of experience in the construction and tourism sectors.
