The legendary golfer and designer, Jack Nicklaus visited Punta Espada and Las Iguanas, two golf courses that represent different stages of a relationship with Destination City spanning more than 20 years.
His visit connected two important moments for golf at the destination. Punta Espada Golf Club is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, while Las Iguanas Golf Course moves closer to completing its 18 holes under the Jack Nicklaus Signature Design name.
The experience taking shape at Las Iguanas
Campo de Golf Las Iguanas represents the newest chapter in this story.
Its first nine holes are currently in operation. All 18 holes are expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with the course’s official full opening planned for spring 2027.
Nicklaus explained that the new course will have a different personality from Punta Espada. The intention is for the two experiences to complement each other, giving golfers something different to enjoy on each course.
“People will have a great experience playing one one day and one the other. Or if they’re really ambitious, they can play both in the same day”, Nicklaus explained.
The designer has also remained closely involved in the project’s development. For him, being present throughout the process helps ensure that the final result reflects the vision conceived for the property.
“We’re back, with our whole team, and completely committed to this new stage”, he added.
What makes Cap Cana different from the rest of the world?
For Nicklaus, every place has its own characteristics that cannot be exactly replicated elsewhere. In Cap Cana, he highlighted its location on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic and the natural diversity of the area.
“You have beautiful ocean, you have great fishing out here, you have beautiful beaches, you have great terrain”, Nicklaus noted.
He also spoke about how the landscape changes from the coast toward higher ground and the variety of natural features found in this part of the country.
That natural richness also influences his approach to design. “When you get to a piece of property like Cap Cana, you find the golf course”, he explained.
His philosophy begins with making the most of the characteristics the land already provides. The ocean inlets, rock formations and natural changes in terrain help define the course.
For Nicklaus, working in a setting with so much natural beauty also means preserving what makes it special.
Punta Espada looks toward a new stage
Punta Espada represents the starting point of the relationship between Nicklaus and Cap Cana. This year, the course celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Two decades later, the visit also provided an opportunity to evaluate its evolution.
“Any golf course that’s 20-some years old will need some refreshing”, Nicklaus explained during an event held at Vivace, attended by golf enthusiasts, special guests and members of the media.
For the designer, that process is a natural part of a golf course’s life. Punta Espada also continues to hold a special place in his relationship with the destination.
“Punta Espada has always been an excellent golf course. It had an extraordinary reception from the beginning, and we’re very proud of it”, he said.
Technology, but still hands-on
The way golf courses are designed has changed significantly since Nicklaus began working in the field in the 1970s and 1980s.
Today, technology makes much of the process easier. Even Artificial Intelligence could use the knowledge and design principles accumulated throughout his career to attempt to reproduce aspects of his approach.
However, Nicklaus still prefers direct involvement with each project.
“Frankly, I prefer the old way. I like hands-on”, Nicklaus acknowledge.
For him, being present also means getting to know each place better and maintaining a close relationship with the people behind the project.
More than 20 years of shared history
For Fernando Hazoury, Chairman of the Board of Cap Cana, Nicklaus’ return represents the continuation of a relationship spanning more than two decades.
“His presence and ongoing involvement in the development of our golf courses represents much more than a professional partnership; it is an endorsement of the vision we have built over the years to position Cap Cana as a world-class destination”, Hazoury said.
Nicklaus also highlighted the relationship he has built with the Hazoury family and the support received throughout the years.
Speaking about what it means to continue having his name associated with the destination, he said: “If we can add to the beauty and the mystique and the charm of Cap Cana, and if my name adds to that and makes it better, we’re delighted to be able to do that”.
His return also comes as Cap Cana continues to strengthen its commitment to sports tourism. Destination City has hosted international competitions such as the ATP Challenger 175 and Ironman 70.3, while continuing to expand its sports-related offerings.
With Las Iguanas taking shape and Punta Espada celebrating two decades, Jack Nicklaus’ visit connects the beginning of a story with its next chapter. More than 20 years later, the relationship continues to look toward what comes next.
