Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
Rankings:
The Takeaway: Punta Blanca is a solid course with solid architecture and great service, but the property lacks the interest necessary to make it one of the more compelling courses in the DR. Grade C
Quick Facts
Designer: Nick Price in 2007
Cost: $125 - $150
Phone Number: 809-468-4734
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Punta Blanca Golf & Beach Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - Carretera Arena Gorda-Macao Bávaro, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Photos: See additional photos of Punta Blanca Golf & Beach Club
What to Expect: Punta Blanca can be classified as “the people’s course.” A course with good architectural merits but lacking the compelling terrain and high end resort amenities found at better known courses in the DR, Punta Cana feels more like a well regarded municipal than it does a resort course. The fairly flat terrain and sensible routing makes it a fairly simple walk though you will most often find players scooting around in carts. A couple of water hazards and plenty of bunkers are in play throughout the course, but the bunkers aren’t too deep and thus easier to escape than at some more penalizing courses. At times the course plays in more of a jungle-like setting with plenty of trees and foliage to contend with and at other times you are reminded of the developed area surrounding the course as cars race by on the high traffic roads. The virtual island green par threes on the back nine will stand out to players most but there are some solid holes on the front as well. Service is commendable and green fees include all you can eat sandwiches and drinks, so grab a ham and cheese paired with a Coke at the turn and enjoy what Punta Blanca has to offer.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 72 | 7174 | 74.1 | 123 |
| Blue | 72 | 6706 | 72.1 | 123 |
| White | 72 | 6186 | 69.4 | 118 |
| Red | 72 | 5583 | 66.9 | 120 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 13th Hole – 152 Yard Par 3 – The 13th and 15th feature similar designs as virtual island green par threes. Surrounded by sand and overgrown foliage, each green must be hit in regulation for any hope of success. The thick trees and palm leaves that create the background are a constant reminder of the tropical location you are enjoying.
Best Par 3: 6th Hole – 162 Yards – A relatively short par three with a large bunker fronting the putting surface from the tips but off to the left of the green from the forward tee angle. Missing left or right will give you a legitimate chance to still save par, but going long into the tree line almost assuredly will result in a bogey or worse.
Best Par 4: 7th Hole – 412 Yards – A trio of bunkers are found on the right side of the driving zone which will encourage players to keep their tee ball up the left side. However, the further left you go, the more that water comes into play that flanks that side of the green. You can bail out right, but a bunker awaits your arrival.
Best Par 5: 14th Hole – 584 Yards – In between the two virtual island green par threes is this lengthy par five. The hole plays pretty much straight away and concludes at a green protected by bunkers at the front two corners. The wide fairway will allow you to be aggressive in how you approach this hole.
Birdie Time: 8th Hole – 351 Yard Par 4 – The fairway bunkers shouldn't be of concern on this short par four where you'll want to cut loose on your driver and hit it as close to the green as you can. The waste area right of the putting surface needs to be avoided, so a cut shot up the left side will leave you the best approach into the raised green where you can be aggressive.
Bogey Beware: 5th Hole – 479 Yard Par 4 – The long 5th is an absolute bear to contend with. The tee shot plays over Blanca Lake and needs to avoid the series of bunkers up the left side. Playing up the right side may seem safe off the tee, but the approach shot becomes more challenging with the water that hugs the right side of the green. Bailing out to the left brings a waste area into play and almost assuredly a bogey with it.
Recommended Accommodations
The Sanctuary at Los Corales - Located within the gated Los Corales Beach Village development in Punta Cana, The Sanctuary features a high-end condo experience you aren't soon to forget. With six condos to pick from ranging from the convenient ground floor units to the luxurious penthouse offering on the top floor, patrons are spoiled with kitchens that feature stainless steel appliances, elegant flooring, granite countertops, and contemporary cabinetry. From the balcony of the penthouse suites you can soak in the views of the surrounding palm trees that pair with the lovely weather to create a wonderful setting to relax and enjoy. Inside your condo, ceiling fans pair with the high efficiency air conditioning system to keep you at perfect comfort while flat screen TVs with an array of channels deliver endless entertainment options. Speaking of entertainment, The Sanctuary is located within walking distance of white sand beaches, shopping, and a wide variety of restaurants. Most importantly, The Sanctuary is centrally located for accessing Punta Cana's world class golf courses. A quick drive to the south takes you to the famed Corales Golf Course at Puntacana Resort where the PGA Tour visits every March and pairs with its sister course, La Cana, with coastal holes and an island green. 20 minutes to the north will get you to Iberostar Bavaro, Hard Rock at Cana Bay, and Punta Blanca Golf Courses where your all-inclusive experience delivers all the golf, sandwiches, and drinks your heart desires.Contact: +1 972-839-3877 or info@thesanctuarypuntacana.com
