El Camaleon
Fairmont Mayakoba, Mexico
The National Audubon Society has recognized El Camaleon for its environmental commitment. But golfers will appreciate it as a tropical gem played across ever-changing topography, hence the name. This Greg Norman design presents menacing sand dunes and unforgiving mangroves. Tranquil lagoons and a foursome of subterranean caves — known as cenotes — are just a few of the unique hazards. From the tips, this track will challenge top players, as it stretches to more than 7,000 yards, with water coming into play on all but three holes. But four sets of tees make this course fun for any level.
Teeth of the Dog
Casa De Campo, Dominicana Republic
No golf trip to the Caribbean is complete without a stop at what many consider the region’s top course, Teeth of the Dog. Chiseled by hand out of the rugged Dominican coral rock, this Pete Dye design earned its name from the construction crew, who referred to the unforgiving piece of land as Dientes del Perro . It can be argued that there are 18 “signature” holes, but especially memorable is number five, a par-3 in a secluded rock peninsula on the ocean’s edge shaped like the snapping jaws of a dog. While there, play two other Dye gems, Dye Fore and the Links.
Black Pearl
Pristine Bay Resort, Honduras
Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy the Black Pearl, a Pete and Perry Dye original at the new Pristine Bay Resort. Located on Roatan, the par-72 7,179-yard layout is Honduras’ first 18-hole championship design. Featuring 14 holes with unfettered views of the ocean and the Mesoamerican barrier reef, it starts at the ocean’s doorstep before rising into rolling foothills. A Dye-signature island-green par-3 is one of many highlights. Pristine Bay’s 120-room fi ve-star hotel and spa opened in January and incorporates many other amenities, including a beach club and marina.
Cinnamon Hill Golf Course
Hilton Rose Hall Resort, Jamaica
Nestled within Montego Bay’s historic Rose Hall Plantation, this par-72 6,828-yard course occupies Jamaica’s northernmost point. Depending on the tide, its open and wind-swept front nine is frequently just steps from the sea, while the back nine gently climbs into the verdant hills. Caddies will bring the site’s vibrant history to life as they point out landmarks like the family burial plot of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, the longtime home of Johnny and June Cash, and centuries-old aqueducts and grave sites. Adjacent to Cinnamon Hill, the all-inclusive 489-room Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa caters to golfers’ every whim.
Punta Espada
Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
When all is said and done, Cap Cana will boast a trifecta of Golden Bear gems, but the first has already garnered rave reviews. Jack Nicklaus’ Punta Espada stretches to more than 7,000 yards, and eight of its holes kiss the crystal-blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Winding through bluffs, beach, lagoons and brilliant foliage, signature holes include the monster par-3 13th, played over crashing waves, and the three-shot par-5 second, which skirts an ocean inlet. An infinity bunker extending to the beach is the calling card of the par-4 eighth.
