PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic — The Corales Punta Cana Championship continues to elevate the Dominican Republic’s profile in international golf, with organizers highlighting the tournament’s growing global visibility and significant contribution to the country’s tourism economy.
Manuel Sajour, Executive Director of Marketing at Punta Cana Resort & Club, and Hiram Silfa, Director of Golf, emphasized the event’s role in positioning the Dominican Republic among the leading golf destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America.
According to Sajour, the ninth edition of the PGA Tour event will feature a record field of 144 professional golfers, the largest participation in the tournament’s history. The increase follows a scheduling adjustment approved by the PGA Tour and the inclusion of players from the European DP World Tour, enhancing the championship’s international appeal.
The tournament is expected to receive extensive global exposure, with broadcasts reaching audiences in 153 countries through more than 30 international sports networks.
“This event places Dominican golf on the global stage and reinforces the Dominican Republic’s reputation as a world-class destination for the sport,” Sajour said.
Organizers also underscored the tournament’s economic impact, noting that golf tourism generates approximately US$500 million annually for the Dominican economy. Golf travelers are considered among the highest-spending visitors, typically spending between three and five times more than traditional leisure tourists.
Sajour highlighted that the Dominican Republic is home to 28 golf courses and remains the Caribbean’s leading golf destination. He added that the Corales Championship has become an important platform for promoting sports tourism and diversifying the country’s tourism offerings beyond its traditional sun-and-beach appeal.
Meanwhile, Silfa pointed to the world-class conditions of the Corales Golf Course, which was designed to meet the rigorous standards required by the PGA Tour. He noted that more than 75 staff members work daily to prepare and maintain the course for competition.
The 2026 edition of the championship will feature a prize purse of US$4 million, the largest ever awarded at a sporting event held in the Dominican Republic, further highlighting the event’s growing stature within professional golf.
Looking ahead, tournament officials revealed they are exploring opportunities to bring additional PGA Tour-sanctioned events to the country. Among the proposals under consideration is a potential tournament in the Dominican Republic’s northern region, a move aimed at expanding the economic and tourism benefits of golf to other parts of the nation.
The ninth edition of the Corales Punta Cana Championship is scheduled to take place from July 13 to 19 at Punta Cana Resort & Club. In addition to professional competition, the week-long event will feature Pro-Am tournaments, fan experiences, and family-friendly activities, further cementing its status as one of the Dominican Republic’s premier sporting events.
