Legendary golfer and golf course designer Jack Nicklaus returns to the Destination City of Cap Cana to review the continued development of Las Iguanas Golf Course, the destination’s newest course under the signature and design of Jack Nicklaus Signature Design. The first nine holes are currently in operation, with the course’s official full opening scheduled for spring 2027.
The visit is part of Nicklaus and his team’s ongoing involvement in the project and continues a relationship that has helped shape Cap Cana’s golf offering for two decades. That legacy began with Punta Espada Golf Club, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and is recognized as one of the leading golf courses in the Caribbean and Latin America.
During his visit, Nicklaus will review construction progress at Las Iguanas, including key aspects of the course’s design and development. Conceived to integrate seamlessly with Cap Cana’s natural surroundings, the course represents the next chapter in the Destination City’s evolving golf experience.
Speaking about the projects and his longstanding relationship with Cap Cana, Nicklaus said:
“Las Iguanas is partially done, now we’re finishing up. Punta Espada has always been a good golf course and was received very well, and we’re very proud of that. I love working with the Hazoury family, and they’ve been very, very supportive of what we’ve done, and we try to be as supportive as we possibly can. We’re back here in full force.”
For Fernando Hazoury, Chairman of the Board of Cap Cana, the presence of Jack Nicklaus and his team reflects both the journey of the Destination City and the long-term vision that has guided its development.
“It is a privilege for Cap Cana to once again welcome Jack Nicklaus and the entire Jack Nicklaus Signature Design team. Their presence and continued involvement in the development of our golf courses represent 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.
Hazoury emphasized that Cap Cana’s relationship with Nicklaus is part of a broader vision that extends beyond golf, with sports becoming one of the pillars of the destination’s tourism offering.
“Golf has been a fundamental part of Cap Cana’s identity, but our commitment to sports tourism extends far beyond the game. We have demonstrated our ability to host international events such as the ATP Challenger 175 and IRONMAN 70.3, and we continue creating the conditions for athletes across a variety of disciplines to find in Cap Cana an ideal destination to compete, train, enjoy, and return to,” he added.
Las Iguanas Golf Course further expands an offering designed to continue elevating the standard of golf within the destination. All 18 holes are expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with nine already in operation. Throughout its development, the course reflects the vision of Jack Nicklaus and his design team, with an emphasis on integrating the course with the landscape and preserving the natural character of the land.
Nicklaus’ visit comes at a time of continued expansion for Cap Cana, as the Destination City advances new infrastructure alongside residential, hospitality, sports, and entertainment developments. This growth is guided by an integrated Master Plan designed to further establish Cap Cana as a place to live, invest, visit, and enjoy year-round.
The presence of a figure of Jack Nicklaus’ international stature further strengthens Cap Cana’s position on the global golf stage and supports the Dominican Republic’s strategy of establishing itself as a destination capable of hosting world-class sporting experiences.
With Punta Espada firmly established as one of its signature golf experiences, Las Iguanas progressing toward completion, and the possibility of a third course on the horizon, Cap Cana continues to invest in golf as part of a much broader vision: to develop the Destination City of Cap Cana as a place where sport, tourism, nature, and quality of life converge within an internationally recognized destination.
