Piñero Group is a benchmark in the tourism sector, with a very strong presence in premier Caribbean destinations. Its Bahía Príncipe hotel division has been in the market for more than 20 years and is fully established in the Caribbean and Spain – leading the way, for example, in the number of hotel beds on offer in the Dominican Republic. Golf plays an essential role at the Caribbean resorts owned by this prominent business group, and – among its magnificent courses – Ocean’s 4 is a clear example of the finest Dominican golf experience.
Ocean’s 4 is located in the east of the country, and Jack Lund was the architect of this extraordinary design that brings together, in its 18 holes, a successful mix of styles: parkland, links and Arizona-type desert.
At the Playa Nueva Romana resort guests can enjoy this course and another nine-hole layout of equally exceptional quality, as well as two five-star hotels. One of them features the “Luxury” seal and is only for adults, on a private beach with white sand surrounded by coconut trees for two kilometres, a beach club, sports courts and soon a marina for enjoying sailing and the area’s excellent fishing.
"Ocean´s 4 was inaugurated in February 2017, and is therefore still a young course", says director Carlos de Linares. "The vegetation that was planted is still in the process of growth, but at the landscape level we have made major investments, so the course is taking on a very interesting, attractive and singular identity."
Several Courses in One
"The layout of the course is very diverse, with four very different areas and types of holes. We have four holes that border the sea: that is why the course is called Ocean's 4. They are 7, 8, 16 and 17, located on the cliffs of the Caribbean, with spectacular views and native vegetation composed mainly of beach grape, sea almond and other autochthonous species. The light breeze that always blows and the turquoise shades of the water, which contrasts with the intense green of the fairways, transports you to another dimension of golfing paradise when you are here.”
There are also links-style holes, such as 9 and 18, that lead to the clubhouse, influenced by the wind and highlighted by stunning and well-kept low vegetation, “pajón” (“stubble”) type, with an aesthetic that reminds you of Scotland.
Then there are the parkland holes, essentially from 2 to 5, with lots of lakes and water that comes into play. In this section, the third hole especially stands out, a par-3 with its green on an island.
The desert area of the course has totally different characteristics, such as holes 6 and 11, and from 13 to 15. The vegetation is low, with several waste bunkers. They give the sensation of playing in Arizona.
Ocean4 is, in short, “several courses of diverse styles concentrated in one, facing the Caribbean”.
Which holes on the course would you highlight?
For me, the most distinctive hole on the course is the 7th, a par-3 with the prevailing winds blowing against it. It’s the first hole of the front nine that is by the sea. When you stand there, beauty overwhelms you.
The 8th is also an impressive hole bordered by cliffs, not very high, with the waves of the deep-blue Caribbean crashing below. It is a par-5, again with prevailing headwinds, which has a special feature: a double fairway. This allows for two playing options: safer on the left side, although the second shot would be blind; or trying to reach the green in two by the fairway that runs along the sea, on the right. This, of course, is for big hitters, because the second shot must fly over a sea inlet, which almost always breaks with some force there.
Ocean´s 4 is just a little more than three years old, but do you think it is already at the level of the Dominican Republic’s finest courses?
I honestly think so. The resort’s owners, Piñero Group, are investing a lot of money to position the course among the best in the country. Recently, Bahía Príncipe Golf, with Riviera Maya golf course at the forefront, signed an agreement with the PGA of America, who have made a firm commitment to us because they see that the product we offer is of a high quality.
We fundamentally differentiate ourselves from other Dominican courses such as Corals, Teeth of the Dog and Punta Espada because of the time we have been open. These courses have been around for decades, in some cases, and have forged a great image and PR status. We still have to walk that path. But in terms of service and facilities we can consider ourselves among the best. We have a spectacular design, fantastic and very fast greens, and extremely meticulous maintenance.
Where do players who opt for Ocean's 4 mostly come from?
Essentially they are Americans and Canadians, although we have more and more people from Europe, where the golf course is becoming well known. As part of the major resort of Nueva Romana, clients who stay at Bahía Príncipe hotels have excellent playing facilities and great discounts on the usual green fee.
Spectacular Setting
Located along the stunning Playa Nueva Romana bay, halfway between the Dominican Republic capital and Punta Cana, the course is set in a memorable landscape.
Tournament Headquarters
Despite its relative youth, Ocean´s 4 has become one of the Dominican Republic's preferred venues for tournaments and social events. It is ready to host any competition at the highest level.
Par-Three Course
The nine-hole, par-three course at the complex is arguably the most complete, technical and best-maintained on the island. Quite a challenge... with holes from 100 to 200 metres that are sure to leave a lasting impression for all.
The Designer
In defining Ocean’s 4, Jack Lund says the design goal was to make a course where all holes were memorable, and all were accessible for players of all skill levels. "I would like to think that we have succeeded," he says.
