Dominican Republic Reigns as #1 Golf Destination in Latin America and the Caribbean

Tour operator members of the Global Golf Tourism Organization, IAGTO have voted Dominican Republic the “2019 Golf Destination of the Year for Latin America and the Caribbean”. This is the fourth time the country has been recognized as the go-to destination for golf travel by IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators), making it the most celebrated destination in the region.

“We have worked diligently to establish Dominican Republic as the go-to destination for golf and are thrilled our hard work and breathtaking infrastructure is treasured by IAGTO as Latin America and the Caribbean’s Best Golf Destination 2019,” said Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. “Golf is an integral part of our tourism, and we are elated that our golf offerings continue to be recognized in international markets.”

The IAGTO Awards serves to celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism, world class courses and golf destinations. Votes were made by professionals working within the golf travel and tourism industry – senior executives, tour operators, agents and media professionals. Votes were also cast by the public (golf tourism consumers). The voting worked on a first-past-the-post system to ensure impartiality and independence.

Votes were submitted online via the IAGTO website. The winners of each national award went head-to-head with the winners of the other countries for the “Best in the World” title announced during the IAGTO Awards Gala Dinner on the evening of Thursday, October 18 at the International Golf Travel Market in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

“We could not be happier to be recognized as a leading golf destination by such a prestigious award,” said Evelyn Paiewonsky, e-Marketing Director, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. “It was an honor to accept this accolade on behalf of Francisco Javier García, Dominican Republic Minister of Tourism, in addition to the entire country’s talented golf community.”

With 86 sea-facing and 39 ocean-side holes, the country’s 26 challenging and stunning courses have helped Dominican Republic maintain the status of Golf Capital of the Caribbean. The country’s flagship courses include the Pete Dye-designed trifecta at Casa de Campo resort in La Romana, which features Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore and The Links. From the British-inspired hills, lagoons and lakes at The Links to the challenging sea-facing holes at the world-famous Teeth of the Dog, Dye’s courses embody an elusive combination of variety, difficulty and natural beauty.

Other courses at the top of every golfer’s bucket list include Cana Bay, located adjacent to the luxurious Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana. On the north coast, Playa Dorada is a must, designed by the legendary architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr., featuring five holes with sea views and one directly adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. For an inland challenge, golfers flock to Guavaberry Golf & Country Club near the capital city of Santo Domingo. The course features a 15-foot waterfall and coral rock formations that add dramatic visual interest at holes 9 and 18.

This announcement comes on the heels of the country’s second annual Dominican Republic PGA Tour, March 2019. Puntacana Resort & Club and the Dominican Republic are preparing to host the second edition of the Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship March 25 to 31, on the resort’s 18-hole course — a Tom Fazio creation that boasts six oceanfront holes set on rocky cliffs next to the Caribbean Sea.

Whether inland or along the coast, you’ll find yourself at home on the greens of the most magnificent golf courses in the Caribbean. Learn more about Dominican Republic’s world-renowned golf offerings and begin planning your trip at www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

For more details on the IAGTO Awards, visit www.iagto.com/awards.