“Happiness is a long walk with a putter.” ~ Greg Norman
As any golfer will tell you, there’s nothing like being outdoors on a beautiful course, club in hand, with greens and fairways stretching out before you and blue skies overhead. Whether you’re playing nine holes close to home or enjoying an award-winning resort course in a fabulous vacation spot, it’s an incredible way to spend the day.
While iconic golf destinations like Augusta and Pebble Beach might be first to mind when you think of world-class play, there are hundreds of premiere courses close to our Equity Estates residences just waiting to be explored.
Our Investor Relations Manager (and former golf pro), Jake, was happy to share some of his favorite Equity Estates golf destinations with us last year, so we’ve asked him to follow up with more great recommendations for 2024.
PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The Dominican Republic, located on the eastern side of the Caribbean Island of Hispaniola, is home to 26 incredible golf courses, with many designed by acclaimed golfers such as Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Greg Norman, and Jack Nicklaus.
From the gorgeous 18-hole seaside course at Playa Grande on the northern coast, to the lush inland course at Guavaberry and the esteemed Teeth of the Dog signature course (ranked #1 in the Caribbean and #27 in the world) at the Casa de Campo Resort, it’s easy to see why the country has grown to become one of the region’s premiere golf destinations. The island’s perfect blend of challenging holes, gorgeous tropical scenery, and cool ocean breezes make it the ideal spot for any golf getaway.
Our luxurious, resort-style Punta Cana home puts you in the heart of the action on the island’s southeastern coast with access to the two renowned courses at the Punta Cana Resort, two golf carts to help you get around, and picturesque views of Arrecife’s sixth hole.
The lovely La Cana course at Punta Cana encompasses 27 holes made up of three nines—Tortuga, Hacienda, and Arrecife—with 14 holes offering spectacular views of the clear, blue sea and soft, white-sand beaches. Designed by P.B. Dye with environmentally-friendly features in mind, the course has been compared to Pebble Beach, with GOLF Magazine naming it the “number one course in the Caribbean.”
Winding past small lakes, inland ponds, and swaying palms, playing the full course will take you from wide, well-maintained fairways through lush natural landscapes, and challenging (but not too challenging) terrain, making for a memorable—and visually appealing—golf experience.
Designed by the legendary Tom Fazio, Corales is a must-play course for any golf enthusiast. Though open only since 2010, this 18-hole course—host of the annual PGA Tour Corales Puntacana Championship—has quickly become a favorite of pro-golfers and amateur players alike, thanks to its dramatic landscapes and unique features. Set along rocky cliffs, ocean coves, and inland lakes on 350 acres, strategically designed to make the most of the natural landscape, Corales is the perfect blend of breathtaking scenery and exhilarating play.
The final three holes, known as the Devil’s Elbow, are especially challenging, with play aimed towards or alongside the water, varying (and unpredictable) winds, and sea spray on the greens creating natural obstacles. The challenge is worth it though as you attempt the course’s final hole—the signature 18th. Set against an unbelievably beautiful backdrop of blue sky, open sea, and crashing waves—and requiring a difficult forced carry over the Bay of Corales—it’s a thrilling way to wrap up an incredible day of golf on this one-of-a-kind course.
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
Nestled within the desert landscape of California’s Coachella Valley and bordered by three mountain ranges, the sunny town of Palm Springs is an upscale oasis of luxury resorts, stylish mid-century modern architecture, and lovely palm-lined neighborhoods—all of which come together to form a stunning backdrop for some of the finest golf courses in the world.
In fact, the greater Palm Springs area is home to more than 100 courses—ranging from public city courses to award-winning resort courses and exclusive high-end, members-only clubs. And legendary players and designers such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, and Greg Norman have left their marks there with world-class designs aimed at inspiring and challenging players of all skill levels.
Our elegant Palm Springs home takes advantage of the region’s natural beauty, great weather, and love of golf by providing indoor/outdoor living space, magnificent mountain views, and proximity to some of the best courses in the valley—all tailor-made for a perfect golf-focused getaway.
Considered the “Jewel of Palm Springs” since 1961, the Indian Canyons Resort was originally a private club favored by US Presidents and Hollywood celebrities. Today, it’s a popular full-service resort club that’s open to the public.
The two classically designed courses at Indian Canyons offer a combined 36 holes and are excellent examples of the quintessential Palm Springs golf experience—utilizing the valley’s diverse natural features while winding past rows of mid-century homes just a few minutes away from downtown.
The 18-hole, par-72 North Course is the longer of the two and boasts incredible views, pristine greens, and six challenging water hazards (as well as the famous Walt Disney Fountain); while the 18-hole South Course features four scenic ponds, wide fairways guarded by bunkers, and over 850 palm trees.
PGA WEST (partnered with La Quinta Resort & Club)
For the ultimate Palm Springs golf vacation, consider playing through any (or all) of the PGA WEST courses offered in nearby La Quinta. Billing itself as the “Western Home of Golf in America,” the resorts offer five legendary public courses (and four private courses) designed by some of the top names in golf.
The PGA WEST grounds are home to the demanding 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course; the Audubon-certified Greg Norman Course (featuring nine lakes, panoramic views, and pockets of wildflowers); and the acclaimed Pete Dye Stadium Course (ranked as one of the best courses in the world), as well as the four members-only courses.
At La Quinta Resort, guests can tee off and test their skills on the remaining two championship courses: the ultra-challenging 18-hole Mountain Course (with elevated tee boxes and pot bunkers), located at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains and the thrilling 72-par, rolling-links-style Dunes Course—both designed by Pete Dye.
COASTAL CAROLINA – sEABROOK ISLAND AND ISLE OF PALMS
On the coast of South Carolina, outside of Charleston, you’ll find the laid-back, barrier-island communities of Seabrook Island and Isle of Palms. Known for miles of quiet beaches, acres of marshland, and loads of family-friendly activities, both destinations also offer access to two of the Southeast’s best golf resorts—Kiawah Island and Wild Dunes.
Our custom-built, six-bedroom Isle of Palms home (north of Charleston) is just five minutes from Wild Dunes and a scenic, one-hour drive to Kiawah Island, while the spacious, four-bedroom, south-of-Charleston Seabrook Island home is an hour from Wild Dunes, and a quick 15-minutes from Kiawah’s resort.
Whether you stick to the award-winning courses closest to your Equity Estates vacation home or make the short drive to tee off on the other courses a little farther away, it’s easy to create an unforgettable golf getaway from either residence.
The luxurious Kiawah Island Golf Resort is home to five championship courses designed by the likes of Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus. It has also hosted numerous pro players and top-level tournaments over the years, including the Ryder Cup, PGA Championship, and World Cup of Golf.
From the iconic (and challenging) Ocean Course on the east end of the island (offering unobstructed ocean views from every hole) to the links-style Turtle Point course (designed to “make the player use his mind ahead of his muscles”) and the meandering Osprey Point (with 18 unique and memorable holes that run alongside ponds, live oaks, and marshland), players here have the opportunity to test themselves on the greens while enjoying the fresh sea air and gorgeous coastal Carolina landscape.
Named one of the “Best Golf Resorts” in the state by Golf Digest, Wild Dunes is home to 36 holes across two signature courses designed by Tom Fazio. The 18-hole, par-72 Links Course (one of Fazio’s favorites) boasts rolling fairways lined by swaying palm trees, challenging bunkers, and pristine greens set among native coastal grasses, lagoons, and coastline.
The 18-hole, par-70 Harbor Course is the more challenging of the two, but still a good fit for golfers of all levels. Its tight fairways and numerous water hazards keep it interesting, while the unique course design and spectacular Lowcountry salt marsh and Intracoastal Waterway scenery make for an unforgettable round of golf.
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Whether you’re dreaming of a golf-focused getaway that keeps you on the greens and fairways every day or just want to play a few rounds during your vacation, our Destination Managers and local hosts are always happy to arrange tee times, carts, rental clubs, lessons, or anything else you might need during your trip.
