The Dominican Republic is a major destination for golf tourism and golf property investment. And thanks to international coverage of the Puntacana PGA tournament, demand is set to rise further.
But don’t just take our word for it. We spoke to Andrew Gilchrist, Director of Gold Business Development at Cocotal Golf and Country Club, Punta Cana, to find out his thoughts of golf tourism and golf property investment.
Cocotal Golf Club is popular with Punta Cana golfers and provides a stunning setting for luxury golf villas and apartments from leading developer, Noval Properties. Among our popular golf property investment communities are Reserva Real and Lake Village.
Here is our interview with Andrew Gilchrist.
Question: When and where was it that your background in golf began?
Answer: I’m originally from St. Andrews in Scotland and I was taught to play by my grandmother at Scotscraig, the 13th oldest golf course in the world. I have been in the hospitality industry all my life with a focus on golf for over 20 years. I worked operations for the Champions Tour, the LPGA, Canadian Tour and a World Golf Championship. Other than the last year and a half in the Dominican Republic, I have worked at most of the beach destinations in Mexico for various resort chains. I have directed resort golf courses from high-end boutiques like Auberge to all-Inclusive multi-facilities like Melia.
Question: With the Punta Cana PGA Open coming up, how strong is the focus on the Dominican Republic as a destination for golf tourism and golf property investment?
Answer: The investment to bring the PGA Tour to Punta Cana is precisely to put the Dominican Republic on the map as a major golf destination. The tour event will be aired worldwide and will get a lot of attention on behalf of golfers. Interest is growing for people who want to buy a winter condo or home in the Dominican. Where there is golf, as golfers are still the most affluent travelers.
Question: What benefits are there to investing in a Noval Properties home at Cocotal Golf Club?
Answer: It means you can play golf whenever you want at the Cocotal Golf and Country Club, live beside the course, and enjoy its unique lifestyle and extensive amenities every day. Golf properties are popular with investors as research shows they typically outperform other types of home, generating potential premiums in value of around 20%.
Question: How strong is international golf tourism demand in the DR and at Cocotal Golf Club?
Answer: I think that interest and demand for golf tourism are remarkably high. Half a dozen new courses have been built or remodeled over the last few years and more projects are in the pipeline. Cocotal is surrounded by two thousand residences and a lot of tourists either buy or rent because of the convenience of having a 27-hole golf course right outside their door.
Question: Which countries do most golf tourists come from and what proportion of your players are golf tourists?
Answer: USA and Canada are the major markets, followed by western Europe. Nine out of ten (90%) of our players are golf tourists, either from the hotels or longer stay renters.
Question: What sets Cocotal Golf Club apart from other clubs in the region?
Answer: Cocotal was the first golf course in Punta Cana. It opened in 2000. A lot of the locals learned how to play golf here. Our course has 27 holes, and we have Bermuda grass, allowing us to have good and fast greens all year. Our motto is: “Cocotal is the most fun and friendliest golf experience in Punta Cana”.
Question: What facilities does Cocotal Golf Club offer to both golfers and non-golfers?
Answer: Apart from the golf course, we will soon offer a golf academy for golfers of all skills to improve their game. Cocotal also offers activities such as swimming, paddle tennis, soccer, fitness, yoga and CrossFit. We have recently introduced a whole new gastronomic concept at the club house with a menu that varies from Mexican, Asian, Italian, and Spanish food. We also have a Sports Bar with happy hours and snacks and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Noval Properties offers some of the finest properties in Punta Cana for avid golfers and golf property investment. As well as the considerable amenities at Cocotal Golf Club, they give owners access to the private Playa Bavaro beach, a spa and gym and the Hotel Meliá Caribe Beach facilities, plus Agua Marina Beach Club.
Reserva Real has properties with beautiful Italian styling right in the heart of the Cocotal Golf and Country Club. Being close to the beach, restaurants, shopping and access to all of Cocotal’s finest amenities, these condos are incredibly special – and affordable. Two bedroom fully furnished condos start at just US$199,000
Lake Village is ideally placed near the main entrance of Melia Cocotal Golf Club. Buy a three-bedroom penthouse overlooking the lake for US$380,000, providing you with the ultimate luxury and comfort. Enjoy the marvelous surroundings and experience beauty like no other at this incredible gated golf community, which is within walking distance from the beach and tennis club.
