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Antonio Ramis, General Manager of Punta Blanca Golf and Beach Club. (Photo: Monika Harel)
Santo Domingo.- Located in the heart of Bávaro, Dominican Republic, Punta Blanca Golf and Beach Club offers a unique golf experience. Known for its interior design and challenging layout, the course presents golfers with a unique test of skill. The constant Caribbean breeze adds an additional layer of complexity, demanding precision and power in every shot.
Antonio Ramis, the general manager, has been instrumental in turning Punta Blanca into the renowned golf destination it is today. Originally from Mallorca, Spain, and with over three decades of experience in the Dominican Republic, Ramis’ deep connection to the country is evident in his passion for the course and its development.
His family grew up in the countryside and he embraced his new home to the point of considering himself more Dominican than Spanish. This personal journey reflects his commitment not only to his family but also to the growth and success of his family. Punta Blanca Golf and Beach Club.
The vision behind Punta Blanca
Punta Blanca Golf and Club is the brainchild of Teodoro García Trabadelo, who acquired the land at a time when such an investment was considered audacious. The initial plan was to develop residential plots for sale to hotels, given the boom in the hotel sector in the early 1990s.
In the late 1990s, as tourism, particularly from the United States, boomed, the idea of building a golf course gained momentum. Recognizing the importance of golf to the American market, Garcia Trabadelo opted to build a course to cater to the clientele of the surrounding hotels.
Ramis highlighted that golf is the undisputed centrepiece of Punta Blanca, with residential development carefully planned to complement the course rather than overshadow it. The deliberate spacing of homes ensures that the golf experience remains the primary focus, free from the distractions often associated with densely populated golf communities.
“This approach distinguishes Punta Blanca as an independent golf course within the region,” Ramis stressed, “capable of serving guests from multiple hotels without being tied to a specific hotel chain.”
A golf course designed for challenge and fun.
The brainchild of renowned designer Nick Price, Punta Blanca Golf Course is an inland course renowned for its challenging yet fun play. The course’s distinctive character is defined by its long holes and persistent Caribbean wind, which add complexity to every shot. Despite the challenges, the wide fairways ensure that golfers of all levels can enjoy the experience without the frustration of frequent drives out of bounds.
“The golf course is an inland course, with no holes bordering the sea. One of its main challenges is the constant wind, which can significantly affect the game. In addition, several holes are quite long, which requires powerful shots to reach the green in ideal conditions,” Ramis adds.
“The wide fairways allow golfers of all levels to enjoy the course, but don’t be fooled. The layout is quite strategic,” Ramis notes. “Even veteran players like Miguel Ángel Jiménez have commented on the need to use every club in their bag to navigate our course.”
A standout feature of the course is its immaculate greens, grown with Paspalum grass. This hardy grass thrives in the tropical climate and withstands salt air, providing an exceptional putting surface.
To cater to golfers of varying skill levels, the course offers multiple tee boxes, ensuring a memorable round for all.
“The golfers who visit us have chosen Punta Blanca from among countless destinations and we believe it is essential to recognize and value their decision. The Dominican spirit of hospitality is deeply rooted in our culture and we strive to offer a warm and welcoming environment that makes our guests feel at home.
“We are incredibly proud of the level of service we provide. When you can deliver a truly exceptional experience, you set yourself apart from the competition,” Ramis added.
Building a golf community and legacy
Punta Blanca Golf and Beach Club has a rich tradition of honoring golf legends. The annual invitational tournament recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to both golf and society. Past honorees include distinguished figures such as Homero Saviñón, Ernesto Izquierdo, Kalil Haché, Miguel Flaquer, Dr. Abel González and José Zapata, among others.
At the Punta Blanca Golf and Beach Club Pro Shop, golfers receive top-notch service from a highly trained staff. (Photo: Adrian R. Morales)
“The tournament is a platform to celebrate those who have supported the growth of golf in the Dominican Republic,” explained Punta Blanca General Manager Antonio Ramis.
As a sign of its commitment to the future of the sport, Punta Blanca actively supports youth golf programs. By providing young players with opportunities to develop their skills without financial constraints, the club is fostering the next generation of Dominican golf talent.
Embracing the potential of the Dominican Republic
Ramis expressed his belief that the Dominican Republic has potential as a premier golf destination. With world-class golf courses designed by top architects such as Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Price, the country offers a unique combination of excellent golf and stunning natural beauty.
“The presence of a PGA tournament in Punta Cana further consolidates the Dominican Republic’s position on the world golf map,” Ramis said.
At Punta Blanca, the goal remains to provide exceptional service and maintain the highest standards in course maintenance. The club's dedication to quality and service is evident in the satisfaction of its guests, who often return to enjoy the personalized experience and welcoming atmosphere.
Antonio Ramis’ vision for Punta Blanca Golf and Beach Club is rooted in a commitment to excellence and a deep appreciation for the Dominican Republic’s unique offerings. By prioritizing golf and fostering a welcoming environment for all guests, the club continues to thrive as a destination for golf enthusiasts around the world.
With a strong focus on service, community and sustainability, Punta Blanca Golf and Beach Club is poised to remain a leader in the Dominican Republic’s golf landscape for years to come.
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By Adrian R. Morales G.
Senior Editor
Dominican today