15/07/2025
Between the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and the lush greenery of the Dominican coast, PGA Oceans 4 stands as a symbol of innovation, excellence, and vision. Recently awarded the title of Best Golf Course 2025 – Americas by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), this destination is not only raising the standard for golf in the region, it is redefining it.
In an exclusive interview with Carlos De Linares, General Director of PGA Oceans 4, Golf Americas explored what makes this course so special, the work behind its global recognition, and what lies ahead for golf tourism in the Dominican Republic.
“This award is the result of a shared passion, of a team that strives for excellence every single day,” says De Linares. The IAGTO award, based on evaluations by 733 tour operators across 93 countries, took into account the design, maintenance, guest experience, and overall innovation of more than 850 golf courses across the Americas and the Caribbean. PGA Oceans 4 emerged at the top of the list.
Developed by the Real Estate & Golf division of Grupo Piñero and affiliated with PGA of America, PGA Oceans 4 is the first PGA-branded course in the Dominican Republic and only the third outside the United States. “This affiliation is not just a label,” De Linares explains. “It’s a commitment to the highest international standards in every aspect of what we do.”
Opened in 2017 and designed by Jack Lund of Maverick Golf, the course is divided into 27 holes across two layouts: an 18-hole championship course (par 72) and a 9-hole executive course (par 27).
But this is not just about numbers, PGA Oceans 4 offers a narrative experience, leading players through four different environments: parkland, Caribbean, links, and desert. “We wanted every hole to feel like its own chapter,” says De Linares. “From waterfalls and lakes to windswept coastal greens and rocky landscapes, it’s a journey through the best of golf design.”
Among the course’s signature moments is hole 8, a par-5 that borders the Caribbean Sea and challenges players with a risk-reward second shot. “It’s visually stunning, but also technically strategic,” he adds.
Located within the Playa Nueva Romana resort community, PGA Oceans 4 offers more than just a round of golf, it delivers a complete, immersive lifestyle experience. Visitors are welcomed into a setting where luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, wellness services, and direct beach access come together to create a destination that caters to both the serious golfer and the leisure traveler. “It’s more than just golf, it’s a lifestyle,” notes Carlos De Linares, General Director of PGA Oceans 4. “And we’ve built the infrastructure to support that.”
Part of that infrastructure includes the resort’s executive course, a 9-hole, par-3 layout designed to offer a faster, more accessible alternative for beginners, families, or golfers with limited time. Compact yet challenging, the executive course allows players to complete a full round in under an hour, all while enjoying the same professional conditions as the championship course. What makes it even more unique is that it’s fully illuminated, the only course of its kind in the Dominican Republic, making night golf a memorable and approachable experience for guests of all levels. Whether it’s a casual evening round or a family outing under the stars, the executive course plays a key role in PGA Oceans 4’s mission to make golf more inclusive, flexible, and fun.
PGA Oceans 4 is home to the first PGA Academy in the Dominican Republic, offering top-tier instruction using TrackMan technology, swing analysis tools, and a progressive teaching methodology.
“Our goal is to make golf more accessible, fun, and intuitive for everyone,” says De Linares. The academy caters to all levels, from beginners to high-performance athletes, creating a strong pipeline of new talent in the region.
Beyond the world-class playing experience, PGA Oceans 4 has also positioned itself as a leader in environmental sustainability. The course has adopted a series of innovative, eco-conscious practices designed to protect and enhance the natural landscape that surrounds it.
Among these efforts is the recycling of plant-based waste to improve the condition of fairways and roughs, as well as the use of organic fertilizer. The team has also prioritized biodiversity, actively replanting native palm species and encouraging natural regeneration throughout the property.
To manage pests, light-based traps and plant-derived solutions have replaced traditional chemicals, creating a healthier ecosystem for both flora and fauna. In collaboration with the Santo Domingo Botanical Garden, the team is currently cataloging more than 50 native plant species, reinforcing PGA Oceans 4’s long-term vision of coexistence between golf and the environment
“These efforts aren’t just about compliance,” says De Linares. “They reflect our belief that golf must coexist with nature.”
PGA Oceans 4’s recent presence at the 2025 PGA Show in Orlando, where it captivated industry leaders and tour operators, reinforced its growing reputation as one of the most complete and innovative golf destinations in the Caribbean.
“We’re not here just to impress,” De Linares says. “We’re here to inspire, to grow the game, and to place the Dominican Republic at the center of golf tourism in the Americas.”
Looking ahead, the course will continue to host events, expand its academy programs, and explore strategic partnerships that reinforce its position in the region.
To plan your visit, book a tee time, or explore stay-and-play packages, visitwww.pgaoceans4.com.
PGA Oceans 4 isn’t just the Best Golf Course of 2025, it’s a blueprint for the future of golf in Latin America.
