I’ve often wondered why people without children to care for take vacations in the summer to tropical areas when it is so warm locally. I personally prefer to head for the sun during the long cold winters of Western Pennsylvania. For the past 15 years I’ve had the honor of hosting groups to the Dominican Republic for an incredible golf experience like no other. When we first traveled to the Dominican Republic we choose the Hard Rock Punta Cana as our hotel of choice. We switched hotels a few years back and due to popular demand, we are headed back to the Hard Rock.
The most common complaint we received over the years was that there wasn’t a lot to do at our hosting hotel for our non-golfers. Well, we solved that problem. Many have asked if we could return to the Hard Rock. Now we are. With almost 1,800 rooms on 121-acres you’ll not be bored at the Hard Rock. This all-inclusive resort is action packed from the time you arrive. Offering nine restaurants including Italian, Toro Steakhouse, Sushi and Hibachi, just to name a few, they offer something for everyone. They have a Mediterranean themed restaurant, Deli and Ice Cream Parlor near the main entrance. An incredible breakfast buffet is offered in numerous restaurants at the resort. Casual food is offered everywhere. With 13 pools, 23 bars and lounges, and live entertainment everywhere, the Hard Rock Punta Cana doesn’t disappoint. If you think things couldn’t get better, try the world class spa with amenities as good as you’ll find anywhere in the world. With their all-inclusive there are no limitations on what you can eat or drink.
If you’ve noticed, I haven’t mentioned the golf. Golf is the only reason I’ve traveled to the Dominican Republic over 30 times. The beaches are incredible, the food is as good as you’ll find anywhere, the people are some of the kindest in the world, but the golf is what brings me back year after year. This truly is one of the greatest golf trips in the world with some of the most incredible ocean holes anywhere.”
If you haven’t experienced Punta Espada and Corales in the Dominican, you haven’t really experienced the ultimate golf get-a-way! This golf trip to the Dominican is all-inclusive. The all-inclusive part of this trip makes this event even more enticing. Once you arrive you don’t have to worry about a budget and it’s nice not having to worry about every expenditure.
We’re assuming we’ve piqued your interest in the Dominican Republic and the amazing golf courses it has to offer. So, if you’re dying to get out and play a little golf and escape the seasonal deprivation that Western Pennsylvania specializes in, let’s talk about the weather. The Dominican Republic features abundant sunshine with highs in the mid 80’s and lows in the low to mid 70’s just about every day of the year. Why roll the dice with potential cold and rainy weather in Florida in January and February, when you can double down on sun and fun in the Dominican. “I was so tired of receiving pictures from Tom Poljak every January and February for the past ten years from golf courses in the Dominican while stuck in Pittsburgh in the winter,” joked TriState Section member Steve Kusenko. “I’m so glad I finally went on this trip and I’ll return every year for sure.”
Punta Espada – Opened in 2006: With eight holes that border or cross the ocean, Punta Espada is #1 in the Caribbean and Mexico according to Golfweek and Golf Digest ranks it #63 in the world. The legendary Jack Nicklaus who designed and developed the course says, “Nowhere else in the world will the golf experience be like this.” The biggest challenge will be to keep your head down and decide which is actually their signature hole.
Corales – This gem opened in 2010: The Tom Fazio design is defined by its natural cliffs, bays and the ocean cove. The ocean is featured prominently on six holes and it feels like the inland lakes grab your attention on the other 12. Save your best for last. The “Devil’s Elbow” as the 16th, 17th and 18th are more commonly known as will require every shot in your bag. Pay very close attention to your forecaddie before deciding how much you want to bite off of the Bay of Corales off the tee on the 18th hole. If you have any appetite left after that intimidating tee shot, order what they aptly call “The Mother of All Sandwiches.” It could easily feed a family of four.
La Cana – This incredible 27-hole layout was designed by P.B. Dye, and has 14 spectacular holes with ocean views. This is one of the most popular courses in the Dominican Republic. La Cana utilizes paspalum, a grass seed that can be watered using sea water. They were the first to uses this strain of grass in the Caribbean. The staff and caddies at both La Cana and Corales are some of the finest and friendliest you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Hard Rock Golf Club at Cana Bay – This course was designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. It sits inland but offers some incredible water holes. Nicklaus carefully preserved the natural surroundings making this course really fun to play. The fairways weave through native flora and fauna in this incredible tropical setting. The conditions are always perfect and plush. If you enjoy cocktails on the course, the most important thing to remember is that the all-inclusive is included on this Hard Rock golf course. Good thing this is our practice round prior to our three day event.
Our January Dominican Golf Classic includes 4 rounds of golf and a 5-Night all-inclusive stay at The Hard Rock Punta Cana. The per person rate is only $3,250 with double occupancy (two golfer’s same room). There are options for bringing a guest who is not a golfer and single rooms are available as well. “We wanted to provide many options so everyone can participate if interested,” added hosting pro Tom Beeler. “If your spouse won’t let you go to paradise to golf in the middle of the winter alone, bring them along. If they do not golf they can hang out at the beach, pool or spa with the other spouses until you return from your round. If your spouse plays, add them to your team. I simply cannot put into words how incredible both the golf and people of the Dominican are. It truly is a golfer’s paradise like no other.”
Event Details (5 Days with 4 Rounds of Golf). The $3,250 per person event rate includes Accommodations, One Round Hard Rock Golf Club at Cana Bay, One Round Corales, One Round La Cana and One Round Punta Espada. VIP Round Trip Transportation is offered for an additional fee, All-Inclusive Food and Beverage and an incredible experience like nowhere else in the world.
For more information you can contact Golfer’s Lifestyle Magazine publisher Tom Poljak – tpoljak@golferslifestyle.com (412) 819-5154
